6 answers
James
Student
Lynn, Massachusetts
1
Question
Updated
664 views
What major should i pick in college
I am a junior trying to get advice to see what i should do after i graduate #majors #engineering
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6 answers
Nattakarn Alkire
52
Answers
Updated
Nattakarn’s Answer
Hello, James
I think you can find your passion through the internship program. Review the job descriptions, flexibility of the working hours and responsibilities from the job listing for each engineering field and review the Expected Salary Potential. You can also search for other occupation on this page as well.
I provided the links to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Website which has a great information for each engineering field. You will be able to find the Job Summary, Payscale, Work Environment, etc. from this website to help you determine which engineering field would fit you better. Please check out the link below for more details. You can also search for other career fields as well.
Architecture and Engineering Occupations
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm
Mechanical Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm
Civil Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm
Aerospace Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/aerospace-engineers.htm
Architecture and Engineering Occupations
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm
Industrial Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/industrial-engineers.htm
Environmental Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/and-engineering/environmental-engineers.htm
Agricultural Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/agricultural-engineers.htm
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm
Petroleum Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/petroleum-engineers.htm
Nuclear Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/nuclear-engineers.htm
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm
Computer Hardware Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm
Chemical Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/chemical-engineers.htm
Health and Safety Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/health-and-safety-engineers.htm
Materials Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/materials-engineers.htm
Electrical Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172071.htm
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm
I think you can find your passion through the internship program. Review the job descriptions, flexibility of the working hours and responsibilities from the job listing for each engineering field and review the Expected Salary Potential. You can also search for other occupation on this page as well.
I provided the links to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Website which has a great information for each engineering field. You will be able to find the Job Summary, Payscale, Work Environment, etc. from this website to help you determine which engineering field would fit you better. Please check out the link below for more details. You can also search for other career fields as well.
Architecture and Engineering Occupations
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm
Mechanical Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm
Civil Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm
Aerospace Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/aerospace-engineers.htm
Architecture and Engineering Occupations
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm
Industrial Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/industrial-engineers.htm
Environmental Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/and-engineering/environmental-engineers.htm
Agricultural Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/agricultural-engineers.htm
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm
Petroleum Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/petroleum-engineers.htm
Nuclear Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/nuclear-engineers.htm
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm
Computer Hardware Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm
Chemical Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/chemical-engineers.htm
Health and Safety Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/health-and-safety-engineers.htm
Materials Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/materials-engineers.htm
Electrical Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172071.htm
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm
Nattakarn, Wow, what a great answer and very thorough sharing of resources and links that I'm sure will help James and other students interested in the same topic. Have a nice day!
Melisa Cameron
Thank you so much, Melisa.
Nattakarn Alkire
Really great and thorough answer, thank you!
Irene Hukkelhoven
Josh Taylor
Sr. Mgr Financial Analyst/Planning
2
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Josh’s Answer
Well the easiest option, is something you're truly passionate about, that will make any studies or job feel easy and fun. If you're still trying to find your passion, I would select something geared toward your skill set; I was good at math, and it was suggested I go in finance or accounting, so I chose finance, and I have really enjoyed the challenges and puzzles when trying to find meaningful information in vast amounts of data.
Also, nothing is permanent, if you choose something that you really don't enjoy, pursue something else. There are so many resources now that can teach you a variety of skillsets, there's no harm in learning a skillset even if it doesn't pan out.
Also, nothing is permanent, if you choose something that you really don't enjoy, pursue something else. There are so many resources now that can teach you a variety of skillsets, there's no harm in learning a skillset even if it doesn't pan out.
Paul Angell
Engineer Manager
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi James,
A quick input and recommendation, is to investigate RF Engineering (Radio Frequency). 5G Networks, Internet of Things, and 6G Networks will continue to grow the next 20+ years!
A quick input and recommendation, is to investigate RF Engineering (Radio Frequency). 5G Networks, Internet of Things, and 6G Networks will continue to grow the next 20+ years!
Chiquita Singletary
Lead Experience Manager
7
Answers
Paterson, New Jersey
Updated
Chiquita’s Answer
Hi James,
I agree with Jessica. You will definitely have to do some research. Choosing a major is a very big step and can ideally open doors into the workforce of your choice. Ideally the choice would be one that lands you in a field that you enjoy and pays well. My first piece of advice would be to find your passion. Your college major has potential to shape your postgraduate life. I love writing. In college I majored in Communications with a minor in journalism. Focus on a subject matter that you want to explore and on skills that you want to build on. Understanding what areas you have skills in can be a great way to narrow down the list when deciding a major. Consider taking a college major assessment test, which helps you decide how to choose a major by asking a variety of questions.
I have a degree in Communications, and currently work for a communications company. In my current position my degree affords me the opportunity to provide the right information at the right time to the right people within the company.
Remember, the college that you choose is also as important as your major. Once you determine what it is you want to do, make sure the school you choose has a degree program that fits your needs.
I also second Jessica on seeking advice from students, advisors and professionals. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t seem to readily fall in line. It happens. Just keep going.
Wishing you the best!
Chiquita
I agree with Jessica. You will definitely have to do some research. Choosing a major is a very big step and can ideally open doors into the workforce of your choice. Ideally the choice would be one that lands you in a field that you enjoy and pays well. My first piece of advice would be to find your passion. Your college major has potential to shape your postgraduate life. I love writing. In college I majored in Communications with a minor in journalism. Focus on a subject matter that you want to explore and on skills that you want to build on. Understanding what areas you have skills in can be a great way to narrow down the list when deciding a major. Consider taking a college major assessment test, which helps you decide how to choose a major by asking a variety of questions.
I have a degree in Communications, and currently work for a communications company. In my current position my degree affords me the opportunity to provide the right information at the right time to the right people within the company.
Remember, the college that you choose is also as important as your major. Once you determine what it is you want to do, make sure the school you choose has a degree program that fits your needs.
I also second Jessica on seeking advice from students, advisors and professionals. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t seem to readily fall in line. It happens. Just keep going.
Wishing you the best!
Chiquita
Wellington Chu, PE, ENV SP
5
Answers
Updated
Wellington’s Answer
Ultimately pick something that your passionate about. Identify what your good at and then figure out what major best suits your skill set. I started out as a freshmen in the mechanical engineering department. As i learned more about what the differences are with each engineering field i later switched over to structural engineering. Keep in mind various colleges have certain requirements for impacted majors so its better to get into a department first because its harder to do later on.
Jessica Ruggiero
Industrial Engineer
14
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi James,
This is a tough one, and you probably won't know what you want to do until you start looking into different fields. I was always encourage to start out engineering since it's easier to switch out of this major than switch into it. I'd start by looking at your interest as well as what you are good at. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that you can always change directions, but it's important to start moving forward. Some people get so caught up in finding the right major and don't want to start school until they know for sure. My opinion it would be better to start something even if you're not 100% sure rather than not move forward.
If you excel in math, maybe start out as engineering. If part way through you hate it and have enjoyed your technical writing classes, talk to your guidance counselor about getting in touch with some writing majors to see what it would be like to make the switch.
I'm partial to engineering since that's what I studied. Having that degree on your resume can open a lot of doors, even ones not related to engineering. My husband studied engineering but didn't enjoy it by the time he got his degree, and was able to get a technical job in sales that specifically recruited engineering students.
Don't be afraid to try something, it's ok if to make adjustments as needed. Try to talk to students or professionals in paths you are considering and make your best judgement.
Hope this helps!
Jess
This is a tough one, and you probably won't know what you want to do until you start looking into different fields. I was always encourage to start out engineering since it's easier to switch out of this major than switch into it. I'd start by looking at your interest as well as what you are good at. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that you can always change directions, but it's important to start moving forward. Some people get so caught up in finding the right major and don't want to start school until they know for sure. My opinion it would be better to start something even if you're not 100% sure rather than not move forward.
If you excel in math, maybe start out as engineering. If part way through you hate it and have enjoyed your technical writing classes, talk to your guidance counselor about getting in touch with some writing majors to see what it would be like to make the switch.
I'm partial to engineering since that's what I studied. Having that degree on your resume can open a lot of doors, even ones not related to engineering. My husband studied engineering but didn't enjoy it by the time he got his degree, and was able to get a technical job in sales that specifically recruited engineering students.
Don't be afraid to try something, it's ok if to make adjustments as needed. Try to talk to students or professionals in paths you are considering and make your best judgement.
Hope this helps!
Jess