<p>I am a mechanical engineering student, just finished my second year.
I am currently having doubts about whether I should keep studying mechanical engineering or perhaps I should switch to chemical engineering.
I initially went to mechanical in the end of first general year because I thought I enjoyed statics and dynamics and a mechanical degree is versatile so I can work in many fields. But now, I feel I am not interested in mechanical anymore, and I feel that designing process is more interesting than designing mechanical equipment.But my problem is, I am not sure if the feeling is real or maybe I'm just having the grass is greener effect, I am concerned that I might feel chemical is not interesting too if I actually make the switch.
I also don't know if I actually hate mechanical now, or maybe Im just having some temporary psychological worry.
This problem is really bugging me because I am worried I'd be unhappy if I should step into a career that I don't really like but switching would make my second year obsolete so I wasted a year.
I am doing good in my course work, my cumulative GPA is 3.8, so I am not questioning myself because I'm failing.
Signs, I'm really confused right now, please give some ideas. Ask me questions if I'm not clear in something.</p>
<p>Congrats on the fine GPA! Are you able to discuss this with your advisor? Or maybe the career center? </p>
<p>I am a retired structural engineer. I always enjoyed working on things I could touch, which made it easier for me to visualize what was going on within the structure. Some people I have known have struggled with chemical engineering as you can’t see the mechanisms in action. You see the results, yes, but not the bonds breaking and reforming or whatever is the process involved. “Look before you leap” might be the appropriate phrase.</p>
<p>To see if you really enjoy mechanical engineering, get involved in some undergraduate research. Classroom work only can get old after a while. Kind of like going to the batting cage but never playing a baseball game. The real fun is playing the game. IMHO, try some research before you make a decision. Can you find a project to work on over the summer at school? You might not get paid, but it would be worth it in order to know how you really feel about mechanical engineering.</p>