<p>How difficult is it to work to maintain an apartment while majoring in engineering (mechanical)? I currently have one year left at CC, living at my parent's because it's nearby and working about 25 hours a week while maintaining about 12 credits per semester. I'll be transferring to Rutgers for junior and senior year, which isn't too far from here either but I'm not sure how much more I can take of living here. I hear that junior and senior year are hard enough without working on top of it. From here on out, would it just be hard to work fulltime while doing engineering or would it be a really stupid decision that would compromise my grades and sanity?</p>
<p>Figure that I'd add in that if I did I'd be with my girlfriend who doesn't make much money either, but shes not attending school at the present time. Thanks</p>
<p>I have a coworker who went to Rutgers for undergrad. The impression I get from him is that the engineering programs are fairly rigorous at Rutgers. Depending on how rigorous your CC is, you may find it a difficult transition. </p>
<p>Personally, I think it’s a bad idea to try to work full-time while finishing your undergraduate degree. Think about the conseqences. It may take you 3 or 4 (possibly more) years to graduate instead of 2 or 3, in which case, you will end up losing a year or two of income and experience that you would have gained working as an engineer. Furthermore, you may do poorly in your classes, which could make it difficult for you to find a good entry level engineering position once you finally graduate.</p>
<p>I’m currently working as a full time engineer while working towards my master’s part-time so I believe I know how difficult it is to handle both. I’ve been able to manage pretty well, but I think it’s a very different situation for undergrads. I definitely think you should reconsider.</p>
<p>My S was a very strong student. Nonetheless, he never did attempt to work full-time while getting his engineering degree (tho he did research part-time). He did get iBEE in 4 years (could have gotten it in 3.5). Personally, I’d suggest you try not burning bridges & see how you do in the transition between CC & Rutgers before you opt to try working full-time while pursuing an engineering degree. As was posted, if it takes you longer to graduate (more time & money) or compromises your grades (reducing the jobs & internships which might be available to get), is that really what you’re willing to trade?</p>
<p>I know a guy who just finished his junior year as a chemical engineering major with a 3.8 GPA while working 12-20 hours/week. So it’s possible to do well.</p>
<p>I did my last two years with a 3.85 GPA working 20 hours a week. And I had a wife and a kid. Whether or not YOU can do it depends largely on your own work and study habits, and on your priorities - I didn’t spend much time playing beer pong.</p>
<p>Don’t work full-time (until you graduate). Work ten hours a week at the most. Rely on your parents or borrow what you can until graduation day, and do summer internships. Don’t work full-time while taking a full-time course load.</p>