8 answers
Kalyani
Student
India
3
Questions
Asked
850 views
What field of design should I go into?
#design #engineering #mechanical
Hi! I'm a 3rd year (pre-final year) student of Bachelors of Technology in Mechanical Engineering and I always wanted to go for Technical Design fields like Industrial Design or Machine Design. I have been in the art and creative field as a hobbyist for quite a long time now and am slowly becoming disinterested in the technical field that I am in. I want to pursue Masters of Design, but I'm not sure which type of design I should go for. I make digital illustrations, I am into web design a bit and I also like graphics design stuff. What do I do? Which design field do I take up?
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8 answers
Devon Mayes
Software Developer
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Devon’s Answer
Hey Kalyani,
So this is a very comprehensive question and dependent on a lot of things. Seeing as you are already so far along in your current field of study, it might be best for you to complete it. The reason being, Mechanical Engineering has most likely introduced you to a bit of both coding and design. Yes, maybe you haven't done anything you particularly like, but you are still developing skills that will aid you in the long run. For example, I am sure you have done a bit of C, Matlab, etc. The languages you have likely learned are a great starting point for anyone wanting to further develop these skills.
I understand from your post that graphics design and art are hobbies you hold close to your heart. While it can be seemingly impossible to find employment in the field for those talents, you can use those skills in conjunction with the other skills you have learned through schooling. As a software developer myself, I would like to note that not everyone has those two skills sets. That is one of the reasons front-end developers are always in high demand.
So, you have the skills, what now? Well, because you are already almost done with you bachelors, (as stated before) you should complete it. That is, if you aren't having much trouble in your courses, because that's a whole other answer. I just don't see any reason to spend so much more time and money on another degree plan altogether. As long as you have the skill set and a semi-related degree, you will still be a good candidate for the job you are looking for. I can say this from experience, as I graduated with an Management Information Systems degree and still ended up in a software development role. However, if you are lacking any resume experience, I highly recommend that you either get an internship in a software dev position, or set up a portfolio to showcase your work. This will make you a more competitive candidate since you will lack some of the relevant course work that the CS majors take.
I hope this helped, and wish you the best of luck :)
So this is a very comprehensive question and dependent on a lot of things. Seeing as you are already so far along in your current field of study, it might be best for you to complete it. The reason being, Mechanical Engineering has most likely introduced you to a bit of both coding and design. Yes, maybe you haven't done anything you particularly like, but you are still developing skills that will aid you in the long run. For example, I am sure you have done a bit of C, Matlab, etc. The languages you have likely learned are a great starting point for anyone wanting to further develop these skills.
I understand from your post that graphics design and art are hobbies you hold close to your heart. While it can be seemingly impossible to find employment in the field for those talents, you can use those skills in conjunction with the other skills you have learned through schooling. As a software developer myself, I would like to note that not everyone has those two skills sets. That is one of the reasons front-end developers are always in high demand.
So, you have the skills, what now? Well, because you are already almost done with you bachelors, (as stated before) you should complete it. That is, if you aren't having much trouble in your courses, because that's a whole other answer. I just don't see any reason to spend so much more time and money on another degree plan altogether. As long as you have the skill set and a semi-related degree, you will still be a good candidate for the job you are looking for. I can say this from experience, as I graduated with an Management Information Systems degree and still ended up in a software development role. However, if you are lacking any resume experience, I highly recommend that you either get an internship in a software dev position, or set up a portfolio to showcase your work. This will make you a more competitive candidate since you will lack some of the relevant course work that the CS majors take.
I hope this helped, and wish you the best of luck :)
Hello! Thank you for the response. After posting this question, I continued my research and narrowed down my options to a) UI/UX Design and b) Product (esp. automotive) Design. When I read your response, it only strengthened the options I picked and I've decided I will look for ways to learn things by completing various guided projects and then decide on one. And about completing my current major, I sure am doing that (and actually performing pretty good in it grades-wise) so that won't be an issue for me! Once again, thank you so much for the answer, it has been really helpful for me to clear my mind. Cheers! :)
Kalyani
Taeyoun McKinzy
Software Engineer
14
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Taeyoun’s Answer
You don't have to choose one thing or the other. I suggest you stay in the field you chose and get over the hard and boring phase (which I think you are going through. It is a phase where you can't see much improvements). Also, it is never to late to change when it comes to relative fields (if you decide to change later). I also suggest trying to think creatively to bring some of the aspect you love from the creative art field to the industrial design field and build your own unique portfolio and projects. You can always keep doing creative are as a hobby and change if you want later. Have fun and hope this helps.
Hello! Thank you so much for the response! Reading your answer, I remembered one of my seniors told me how Mechanical is a super versatile degree and I can pursue pretty much anything using the knowledge I have gained in the 4 years. I was considering either UI/UX design or Automotive Design. My parents think I should go for the latter as it is more related to the field I'm currently in but also gives me creative freedom, just as you suggested too. I'm really glad I asked here as the responses I've received have truly cleared my mind a lot. Thank you once again! :)
Kalyani
Brad Caramagno
Quality Engineer
12
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Brad’s Answer
Kalyani the best advice I can give you is think with your heart. A career is a long journey and you should try and do what you love and are passionate about. I have been lucky and have had several jobs working for great companies doing what I loved which was Mechanical Design. Take control of your career and steer it to the things that you love and are interested in. Good luck.
Thanks a lot for the answer! I'm getting pretty clear slowly because I was more or less looking at careers I'm good at, instead of what I really liked. I've realised that skills can be learnt but cultivating interest comes naturally and so, following one's heart is very important :)
Kalyani
Pro Professional
207
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Pro’s Answer
Try an Interdisciplinary, Liberal Studies, or General Studies major, that will let you combine multiple interests. Or an Individually Designed major that you can even name yourself.
Don Condie
Engineer
38
Answers
West Jordan, Utah
Updated
Don’s Answer
You are actually in a great place you will have practical engineering background and then your talents in design. You will be in great demand if you finish out your courses and then advertise yourself using both your technical knowledge, paired with your design skills. Most companies are doing video calls and are looking for someone that both understands what they are presenting and can create the presentations that will be impressive to all. Your in a great place, finish up and go enjoy life, it is there for the taking!!!
Hello! Thank you for the encouraging and motivating answer :D
Kalyani
james Mattern
Director Reliability, Electrical And Materials Engineering
1
Answer
Portland, Oregon
Updated
james’s Answer
There is always a cycle, sometimes you love it, sometimes not so much. Your final field of study may not be where your career heads. Indeed, someone we hired to lead technology development in Connect technologies like surface mount, had a PhD in Marine Biology.
Your field of study isn’t the only thing you’re learning but the process of understanding and resolving an issue. That system you learn is what makes you successful, not the academics per se. Indeed, almost nothing in class applies to what is needed in industry. Much of the time you are finding new ways to solve problems in different environments.
So, put your head down and finish your degree and pursue what feels right to you. The rest will take care of itself.
With one exception. If you are one of those students that needs the answers in the back of the book, you will not succeed.
Your field of study isn’t the only thing you’re learning but the process of understanding and resolving an issue. That system you learn is what makes you successful, not the academics per se. Indeed, almost nothing in class applies to what is needed in industry. Much of the time you are finding new ways to solve problems in different environments.
So, put your head down and finish your degree and pursue what feels right to you. The rest will take care of itself.
With one exception. If you are one of those students that needs the answers in the back of the book, you will not succeed.
Hello! Thanks for the answer :)
I definitely agree with you and have received similar advice from my seniors when I presented them with my issue. Thanks a lot for taking time out to answer my confusion :D
Kalyani
Ahmad N. Alhjouj, PMP, ISO
Mechanical systems engineer
4
Answers
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Updated
Ahmad’s Answer
Your unique combination of technical and creative interests presents a wealth of opportunities for you! With your mechanical engineering background and passion for art and design, pursuing a Master's in Industrial Design could be an excellent decision. This field blends technical expertise with creative thinking, allowing you to leverage your engineering background while exploring your artistic side. Additionally, Industrial Design encompasses product design, user experience, and often involves digital and graphic design elements.
You might also consider programs that combine design and technology, such as Interaction Design or Human-Computer Interaction. These fields integrate design principles with user interface/experience design, which could resonate with your interest in web design and digital illustrations.
Ultimately, it's essential to align your passions with your chosen field to ensure that you enjoy a fulfilling career. Researching various programs, exploring course curriculums, and speaking with professionals in the field can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your career aspirations and interests.
You might also consider programs that combine design and technology, such as Interaction Design or Human-Computer Interaction. These fields integrate design principles with user interface/experience design, which could resonate with your interest in web design and digital illustrations.
Ultimately, it's essential to align your passions with your chosen field to ensure that you enjoy a fulfilling career. Researching various programs, exploring course curriculums, and speaking with professionals in the field can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your career aspirations and interests.
Max Marass
UX Designer
1
Answer
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Max’s Answer
Hi,
Although you are doing a technical degree it seems you are also drawn to creative things (because your passion in graphics and illustrations).
In my opinion you should try to merge your technical skills with your passions. What about a master degree in industrial design engineering? You can still be technical and at the same time express your creativity. I personally did mine in the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands (have a look at their Industrial Design Engineering programmes) where I've seen the most creative ideas come to life. I'm sure there are many more faculties that offer that.
A career path that I possibly see is to be a UX/UI designer, maybe designing softwares or interfaces for medical machines or in automotive. So may opportunities lay ahead for you.
Good luck! :)
Although you are doing a technical degree it seems you are also drawn to creative things (because your passion in graphics and illustrations).
In my opinion you should try to merge your technical skills with your passions. What about a master degree in industrial design engineering? You can still be technical and at the same time express your creativity. I personally did mine in the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands (have a look at their Industrial Design Engineering programmes) where I've seen the most creative ideas come to life. I'm sure there are many more faculties that offer that.
A career path that I possibly see is to be a UX/UI designer, maybe designing softwares or interfaces for medical machines or in automotive. So may opportunities lay ahead for you.
Good luck! :)
Hello, Max! Thank you for the answer :) After so many suggestions pointing towards mostly Industrial/Product design and UX/UI design, I am considering either of the two. Right now I'm exploring both fields as I still have time for it and I'm inclining more towards UX/UI. I really appreciate your answer a lot! Thanks again ^_^
Kalyani