<p>If I was advising a college student, I’d say talk to some engineers and some actuaries before you decide the path to pursue. What’s the job like day to day? Do you do something different every day, month, year? Or, are you looking at the same widget for years on end as an engineer or the same mortality table every day as an actuary. </p>
<p>Also ask yourself. Do you like building things and taking things apart? Do you like CAD software or working with spreadsheets? Working alone vs. working as part of team? All these things influence job satisfaction, which is ultimately going to contribute to your financial and personal success/satisfaction.</p>
<p>You also want to get a sense of the “culture” of working in these fields. I work with actuaries. They are a unique group. A little on the quirky side, at least in my office, and mostly men.</p>