Deciding on an engineering major with so many possibilities?

Hello there! I'm eager to study engineering, but man, there's like 200 kinds. How do you decide on a particular type of engineering to pursue? Does anyone have advice on this exploration process?

Hello, yes, understanding the depth and breadth of engineering can be really overwhelming due to its various disciplines. However, trying to decide on a specific type of engineering to pursue involves knowing what you enjoy studying and learning about. Each type of engineering revolves around a specific subset of scientific and mathematical principles, so understanding your academic proclivities can be an important first step.

For instance, if you're really interested in chemistry and prefer dealing with smaller systems and structures, you might consider chemical engineering or materials engineering. If the natural world and environmental conservation appeal to you, then environmental engineering might be the way to go. Mechanical engineering is a broad field that involves the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems, so if you enjoy physics and tinkering with machines, this can be a good fit. Electrical engineering involves designing, constructing, and maintaining electrical systems and though it branches into subfields like computer engineering, it demands a deep interest in electrical systems.

Another crucial factor when deciding on an engineering discipline is considering your career desires. For instance, if you want to work for a pharmaceutical company or within the energy sector, then pursuing a degree in chemical engineering might be a good choice. Make a list of the industries you're interested in - this could be aerospace, pharmaceuticals, automotive, robotics, energy, environmental conservation etc., and research the industries' expectations and courses to match your major choice.

Take advantage of introductory engineering courses if your college offers them. These courses provide a general overview of various engineering disciplines and can better inform your decision. Simple online searches and platforms can provide insights into what the day-to-day looks like for each engineering type, and the kind of projects or job opportunities in the field.

Lastly, you can also try to speak with professionals in the field or students majoring in the type of engineering you're considering. They can give firsthand accounts of their experiences, the opportunities and challenges they encounter, and their own reasons for choosing that specific field of engineering.

Remember, your choice of engineering major doesn't dictate your career path for life - engineering skills are highly transferable, and many engineers find themselves working in interdisciplinary teams or in fields that may slightly deviate from their original specialism. It's okay to start with a broader field and then specialize later in graduate school if a particular area of study catches your interest. Best of luck in your exploration and decision-making process!