12 answers
Sanskar
Student
Deaulgaon Raja, Maharashtra, India
1
Question
12 answers
Stephen Scaringella
Technology Executive
20
Answers
Holliston, Massachusetts
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
Hi Sanskar,
Engineering has a few different fields of study, so I would start thinking about what made you think engineering might be a field of study? Are you passionate about a certain aspect of engineering? For me personally I was interested in electronics, computers, and how things worked and that led me to majoring in Electrical Engineering. Today, everything is controlled and managed by software, so Software Engineering or Computer Science are excellent degrees to pursue if this is something you are passionate about.
Best of luck!
Engineering has a few different fields of study, so I would start thinking about what made you think engineering might be a field of study? Are you passionate about a certain aspect of engineering? For me personally I was interested in electronics, computers, and how things worked and that led me to majoring in Electrical Engineering. Today, everything is controlled and managed by software, so Software Engineering or Computer Science are excellent degrees to pursue if this is something you are passionate about.
Best of luck!
Muhammad Shao
Pipeline Integrity Engineer - Onshore Water Crossings
19
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Muhammad’s Answer
It maybe helpful to understand other people's thought process and why they chose their respective engineering fields. You will never know everything about a field before you dive in, but try to dip your toes by gaining exposure through courses, volunteering, shadowing or even talking to people in your immediate community. Lastly, knowing yourself is critical when making any important life decision, what are your likes/dislikes & what do you enjoy?
In my case I considered the following things before choosing mechanical engineering:
- I always have had an inclination towards making things & a natural curiosity towards how things work. I have always tinkered with things around the house and built things throughout my life.
- I took a chemistry course which I disliked, since we were talking about atoms/molecules which I cannot see, hold or tinker with. In conjunction electrical engineering would be in a similar realm of electrons/subatomic particles.
- I wanted to choose one of the core engineering fields i.e. mechanical, electrical, civil & chemical. The reason being that I wanted to gain a overarching understanding of the field, which would then inform my decision to further specialize and in what direction. Also the core engineering fields can generally fill the role of a specialized field right after bachelors. Disclaimer - this becomes less true as you pursue a masters or PHD. e.g. a mechanical engineer can compete with a biomedical engineer for a medical devices engineering role. Since, the skillset is very similar. But, a mechanical engineer will be able to fill a wider variety of roles vs. biomedical.
- Even after doing engineering, there's a lot of different industries/roles each with their own unique skillset & work-environment. So, I did a lot of internships which helped me decide that I liked the oil industry.
I would end with the fact that completing an engineering degree shows you are quick learner, problem solver & hard-worker. Also, you are able to learn and apply difficult concepts. All these qualities are highly sought after in any work/industry. Also, you are able to drive your career through work experience, volunteering, internships, shadowing etc. So, I wouldn't put all the pressure on making this one decision. As long as you make a thoughtful decision and then focus on everything else that will shape your future......I think you'll do okay! Good luck :)
In my case I considered the following things before choosing mechanical engineering:
- I always have had an inclination towards making things & a natural curiosity towards how things work. I have always tinkered with things around the house and built things throughout my life.
- I took a chemistry course which I disliked, since we were talking about atoms/molecules which I cannot see, hold or tinker with. In conjunction electrical engineering would be in a similar realm of electrons/subatomic particles.
- I wanted to choose one of the core engineering fields i.e. mechanical, electrical, civil & chemical. The reason being that I wanted to gain a overarching understanding of the field, which would then inform my decision to further specialize and in what direction. Also the core engineering fields can generally fill the role of a specialized field right after bachelors. Disclaimer - this becomes less true as you pursue a masters or PHD. e.g. a mechanical engineer can compete with a biomedical engineer for a medical devices engineering role. Since, the skillset is very similar. But, a mechanical engineer will be able to fill a wider variety of roles vs. biomedical.
- Even after doing engineering, there's a lot of different industries/roles each with their own unique skillset & work-environment. So, I did a lot of internships which helped me decide that I liked the oil industry.
I would end with the fact that completing an engineering degree shows you are quick learner, problem solver & hard-worker. Also, you are able to learn and apply difficult concepts. All these qualities are highly sought after in any work/industry. Also, you are able to drive your career through work experience, volunteering, internships, shadowing etc. So, I wouldn't put all the pressure on making this one decision. As long as you make a thoughtful decision and then focus on everything else that will shape your future......I think you'll do okay! Good luck :)
Brayden Reiland
119
Answers
Corvallis, Oregon
Updated
Brayden’s Answer
Hello!
Engineering is a very broad field with a ton of disciplines and jobs so if feel that you have an interest in something it is very likely there is a field of engineering for it. One of the things that I suggest to people when they ask this question to start searching on google the topics that interest you and that will immediately narrow your search. If you enjoy electrical circuit and electronics then maybe electrical or computer science engineering is right for you. If you enjoy mechanical machinery and object that move then maybe mechanical engineering. The list of engineering is quite large and there are a ton of industries that use engineers because typically they are great problem solvers and are able to take a topic or idea that is quite complex and boil it down to a few simple items and slowly work towards solving them.
Another great way to find if engineering is right for you is to start looking up companies that interest you and see what their job description says for an engineering position. I used to do this quite often when I was younger to not only find motivation but to also help guide me through my studies and knowing that a specific job uses these tools so while it might be boring now, long term they will be quite useful.
Hopefully this helps in your search. Good luck!
Engineering is a very broad field with a ton of disciplines and jobs so if feel that you have an interest in something it is very likely there is a field of engineering for it. One of the things that I suggest to people when they ask this question to start searching on google the topics that interest you and that will immediately narrow your search. If you enjoy electrical circuit and electronics then maybe electrical or computer science engineering is right for you. If you enjoy mechanical machinery and object that move then maybe mechanical engineering. The list of engineering is quite large and there are a ton of industries that use engineers because typically they are great problem solvers and are able to take a topic or idea that is quite complex and boil it down to a few simple items and slowly work towards solving them.
Another great way to find if engineering is right for you is to start looking up companies that interest you and see what their job description says for an engineering position. I used to do this quite often when I was younger to not only find motivation but to also help guide me through my studies and knowing that a specific job uses these tools so while it might be boring now, long term they will be quite useful.
Hopefully this helps in your search. Good luck!
Rudy Bauer
Cyber Security, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering
27
Answers
Franklin, Massachusetts
Updated
Rudy’s Answer
I believe that Cyber Security is a critical Engineering function today and in the future.
The world has become increasingly interconnected and we are becoming more dependent on intelligent & internet enabled devices at home, work, and streets. The advent of 5G will democratize access to the internet and make it very easy to connect any device all the time.
Our personal data such as Medical, Financial, Educational and daily habits are all digitally recorded, catalogued and stored.
If you look at the news, there isn't a single day without reports on data breaches, malware and ransomware attacks, politically motivated hacks, etc.
Security is fundamental.
As a cyber security engineer, you will have a wide choice of focus.
From protecting the Data Center (IT) to developing secure SW or HW products.
You can go very deep into technologies such as cryptography or very high level processes like vulnerability response.
You can work for the Government chasing cyber crime or work at the NIST developing next generation standards
The world has become increasingly interconnected and we are becoming more dependent on intelligent & internet enabled devices at home, work, and streets. The advent of 5G will democratize access to the internet and make it very easy to connect any device all the time.
Our personal data such as Medical, Financial, Educational and daily habits are all digitally recorded, catalogued and stored.
If you look at the news, there isn't a single day without reports on data breaches, malware and ransomware attacks, politically motivated hacks, etc.
Security is fundamental.
As a cyber security engineer, you will have a wide choice of focus.
From protecting the Data Center (IT) to developing secure SW or HW products.
You can go very deep into technologies such as cryptography or very high level processes like vulnerability response.
You can work for the Government chasing cyber crime or work at the NIST developing next generation standards
Mathew H
2
Answers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Mathew’s Answer
I'm answering the question assuming that it's in the context of choosing what to study - meaning your options are wide open.
Firstly, it's great that you've decided that you want to be an engineer. Presumably this is driven by an interest in maths, science, technology and / or design. All the advice given here so far is very wise - think about what you're interested in, what makes you tick. If you have a passion for it, you're more likely to be successful, however you measure it.
To give my ten cents' worth on the good things about careers in the different types of engineering that I know a bit about:
- Civil / structural - outputs of your work will be very tangible and visible, often to the public (e.g. buildings!), you'll get out of the office plenty
- Mechanical - gives you options in a hugely wide range of industries - automotive, construction, rail, defence, etc
- Electrical / electronic / software / computer - continues to be an area of growing demand as more and more products and services become based on information systems
Of course there are other types of engineering, e.g. manufacturing, industrial, chemical - others may be able to advise on their experiences in these fields.
There are some generalisations here, specific jobs within these fields will vary widely - but hopefully this gives you some useful points to think about.
If you still struggle to make a decision, it would be well worth considering a general engineering course. This buys you time to explore the different options before you focus.
Firstly, it's great that you've decided that you want to be an engineer. Presumably this is driven by an interest in maths, science, technology and / or design. All the advice given here so far is very wise - think about what you're interested in, what makes you tick. If you have a passion for it, you're more likely to be successful, however you measure it.
To give my ten cents' worth on the good things about careers in the different types of engineering that I know a bit about:
- Civil / structural - outputs of your work will be very tangible and visible, often to the public (e.g. buildings!), you'll get out of the office plenty
- Mechanical - gives you options in a hugely wide range of industries - automotive, construction, rail, defence, etc
- Electrical / electronic / software / computer - continues to be an area of growing demand as more and more products and services become based on information systems
Of course there are other types of engineering, e.g. manufacturing, industrial, chemical - others may be able to advise on their experiences in these fields.
There are some generalisations here, specific jobs within these fields will vary widely - but hopefully this gives you some useful points to think about.
If you still struggle to make a decision, it would be well worth considering a general engineering course. This buys you time to explore the different options before you focus.
Shawn Noble
Mechanical Engineer
26
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Shawn’s Answer
No one can tell you what the best major is for you or anyone else. Only you can do this. The best thing for you is to look inwardly and ask yourself the following, because your course of study will heavily influence the rest of your life. So, it is better to spend a lifetime doing what you enjoy than just working for a paycheck.
What do I like to do?
What is interesting to me now and down the road?
Will these likes and interests be a long term relationship for me or a passing fancy?
What major will enable me to find a job which matches my long term likes and interests?
What skills do I currently have or need to develop to be successful in this major?
For me in high school, the answers were:
Understand how machines work and can be made better.
Taking machines apart and rebuilding them after studying what made them fail.
Mechanical Engineering aligns well with the above. Mechanical Engineering also aligns well with many other topics like fluids, thermodynamics, and material sciences. Mechanical Engineering is kind of the “Jack of all Trades Engineering “.
I am good in mathematics (really liked it a lot), physics was a blast, and in all of the other courses like history, psychology, English, etc I was proficient but didn’t want my life dedicated to those paths. After 28+ years, I am by choice still a Mechanical Engineer while many of my fellow graduating class members have moved into other fields. Their moves out of Engineering were possible due to the skills Engineering hones being transferable to other professions.
What do I like to do?
What is interesting to me now and down the road?
Will these likes and interests be a long term relationship for me or a passing fancy?
What major will enable me to find a job which matches my long term likes and interests?
What skills do I currently have or need to develop to be successful in this major?
For me in high school, the answers were:
Understand how machines work and can be made better.
Taking machines apart and rebuilding them after studying what made them fail.
Mechanical Engineering aligns well with the above. Mechanical Engineering also aligns well with many other topics like fluids, thermodynamics, and material sciences. Mechanical Engineering is kind of the “Jack of all Trades Engineering “.
I am good in mathematics (really liked it a lot), physics was a blast, and in all of the other courses like history, psychology, English, etc I was proficient but didn’t want my life dedicated to those paths. After 28+ years, I am by choice still a Mechanical Engineer while many of my fellow graduating class members have moved into other fields. Their moves out of Engineering were possible due to the skills Engineering hones being transferable to other professions.
Aaisha AlShamsi
Mechanical engineering
3
Answers
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Aaisha’s Answer
Hello ,
First if you want to study engineering you have to be good in math , physics and technology . The field of engineering must be think about what you like most chemicals you have to be interested in chemistry , civil architecture like the draw drawing and measurement , electrical the electrical physics part and coding . Finally mechanical which I think it include machine design and have part of all others engineering fields.
Good luck :) !!
First if you want to study engineering you have to be good in math , physics and technology . The field of engineering must be think about what you like most chemicals you have to be interested in chemistry , civil architecture like the draw drawing and measurement , electrical the electrical physics part and coding . Finally mechanical which I think it include machine design and have part of all others engineering fields.
Good luck :) !!
Gaby Hecht
Program Manager
6
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Gaby’s Answer
First if you learned engineering, I hope you like science, solving technical issues, creating things, analyzing, thinking. I believe that any engineering field that I would pick will be good for me and I can enjoy and thrive in this field. I am a computer engineer, and this is wonderful. If I need to select today a new field, I will go to area that just starting to develop such as AI or brain engineering. If you are looking to make money and have a secure position go to Software engineering. Any area needs software and will need more and more. Good Luck, Gaby
George Papadopoulos
Vice President
6
Answers
Franklin, Massachusetts
Updated
George’s Answer
It very much depends on what interests you, there are many engineering areas and hundreds of sub-areas in engineering. We would need more information to help you.
Nirlay Kundu
2
Answers
Updated
Nirlay’s Answer
Today the job market is good for IT related areas. Being in the telecom space, you can specialize in telecom; so start from the bottom layer - focus on layer1 - servers and platform - after gaining experience in the VM and container world, learn something related to networking - then move to the telecom protocols like 4G, 5G, 6G. You can do it!
Bryan Kelly
Engineering Leader
7
Answers
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
Bryan’s Answer
Many good answers have been provided to help you choose a field of interest, so I want to address a specific aspect of engineering degrees that may be new to you and others. At some universities degrees in several engineering fields are offered as a B.S. in Engineering and a B.S. in Engineering Technology. For example, a university may offer a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology, and similarly for other engineering fields. Generally, these share a significant amount of common content with the difference being in the focus of the curriculum. The Engineering degree may be more focused on theories and advanced concepts while the Engineering Technology degree may be more focused on hands-on practical application and implementation. Check the curriculum differences for specific universities that you are interested in attending. Your own skill and background in math and science, along with your personal career interests and goals, may be a better fit for one or the other.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1858
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hi, there are a lot of fields in engineering, e.g. Electric Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, tc.
All of these fields cover different aspects. You may need to explore more in different engineering fields online to determine your interest. You can also speak to someone who works in that particular field to acquire more understanding.
After that, you may also explore which college and good at that engineering field and the entry requirement.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
All of these fields cover different aspects. You may need to explore more in different engineering fields online to determine your interest. You can also speak to someone who works in that particular field to acquire more understanding.
After that, you may also explore which college and good at that engineering field and the entry requirement.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!