<p>I'm currently a sophomore in MechE, and I'm looking for something that I haven't tried yet that might pique my interest for the field. I've joined Engineering-related clubs and found that I have trouble relating to the people there, whereas this is not a problem at all in my liberal arts classes (pursuing a dual degree in a LA major). I had an internship with a small firm last summer. The work was very specialized, so I understand there might be certain aspects of MechE I haven't touched on that I might find enjoyable. When professors talk about practical applications of the theory we've learned, my interest is sparked for at most 5 minutes, but 95% of the time I just doze off, even though I swear I'm keeping an open mind. Also, every time somebody tells me that they found a class super interesting, I just think to myself "what are you smoking?".</p>
<p>Any suggestions or advice? Does it get better or am I hopeless? I've always hated anything that had to do with designing or building things, so I doubt it'll get any better with hands-on work. I'm thinking about pursuing academic research, but I'm afraid that'll be a commitment I'll end up regretting.</p>
<p>Sorry if this is more of a rant than anything else, but it's been really bothering me lately. I get A's, but I get envious of people who are enjoying their major in college. I just feel like there has to be something out there that might get me to stop treating Engineering classwork as a grueling task with no intrinsic value. I'd love to have a reason for learning this boring crap. Changing my major is not an option: at this point I'm already half-done with my required Engineering coursework and I'd feel terrible about giving that up.</p>
<p>Try not to worry about it too much. Looking at the stats, a really significant percentage of those with eng degrees do not work as engineers. But it’s a great undergrad degree for lots of other careers.</p>
<p>What made you decide to major in engineering in the first place? Whatever it was that peaked your interest back then, use it as inspiration now to keep going.</p>
<p>Haha, as of now I’d rather die than work in an engineering-related career… I just want something to help mitigate the lack of interest. Also, it’s quite literally an accident that I ended up in Engineering lol, long story.</p>
<p>I worked in engineering for 10 years and never really enjoyed it. I remember seeing others who were so excited and challenged by their projects that they would work late and have long discussions (outside of working hours) about their work. I watched the clock every day and couldn’t wait to get out of there at 4:30.</p>
<p>I ended up quitting when my second child was born and somehow worked my way into a more marketing/business type career that I did from home. I could work for hours and always said I could do it 24 hours a day if need be…I loved it that much. </p>
<p>You sound like a smart kid. If you don’t get excited about what you see in engineering, you should find something else and do your best with it (which will be easy when you find what you enjoy doing). You’ll be much happier.</p>
<p>(Just wanted to add…just because someone is good at math and science does not mean they will enjoy engineering - or any technical related field. I’m quite a proponent of career interest surveys. When I took one later in life, engineering was the complete opposite of what I should have been doing. Wish I would have known that 30 years ago.)</p>
<p>Wow, a student who doesn’t like studying and an employee who doesn’t like working! What are the odds? On a more serious note, you should consider the fast-living, hard-partying world of finance if you want a job to put the get up and go into you every morning.</p>
<p>I don’t have one to recommend. The one that I took many years ago was actually through my company at the time. You might have to do some research online, but I am sure you can find something offered at a local college or employment agency.</p>
<p>@wdaveo
Thanks for your input! Yeah, I don’t think I could stand a career in engineering, at least in the corporate world. I could see myself finding a niche in academia, but I’m not sure. What’s funny is that I’ve never considered myself a math/science oriented person. Since high school, I’ve actually considered law school, but I’m keeping an open mind.</p>
<p>@aegrisomnia
Haha, I think finance is even more meaningless IMO, but that’s a different story. Not trying to insult people in finance – it just isn’t for me. They’re making bank and I respect that :P</p>
<p>Hey, I know a patent lawyer with an engneering degree. I hear he keeps very busy. Does the concept of owning an idea or an application get your interest philosophically speaking?</p>
<p>I think patent law is still hot and engineering background is good for that. A family friend has a ElectricalE degree and went right into a sales team for a tech company, being the tech person on the team. That’s not for everyone either, sales has to come kind of natually. But he is wildly successful financially and loves it to boot. Plese do tell your other major.</p>
<p>Do youhave enough credits to do a physics degree? It maybe more interesting to you. Those majors often work in Computer Science if that is appealing.</p>
<p>Eh, I’ve looked into patent law and it didn’t interest me too much. Haven’t done much research though.
I’m really interested in doing JAG after law school, but I figure it’s impossible to know what my exact career interests are 4-6 years from now
I’m not actually too concerned with career stuff at the moment though. Just want to know if there’s anything that might get me interested in MechE just for the time being. </p>
<p>I wouldn’t want to do a Physics degree because I’ve already got a pretty cramped courseload with the dual degree in Philosophy. Also, I’ve always dreaded Physics – even the baby high school physics stuff. Can’t imagine how I’d fare in real Physics courses.</p>
