Brian
I'm currently a Biology, Wildlife&Conservation Science, and Film major. Should I switch to engineering, computers, or something along those lines?
I'm currently a Biology, Wildlife&Conservation Science, and Film major. I'm mildly regretting not majoring in computer science, engineering, or something along those lines, but I'm already a junior. I'm performing poorly in my classes lately...I'm a smart person, I've just been unmotivated and bored. The Film classes are super fun, but I keep looking back and wished I had done engineering, physics, or something like that. It's something I've been second guessing since I did it, and that can't be a good sign, but I'm at a loss for what to do to figure it out. #computer-science #engineering #science #biology #mechanical-engineering #biotechnology #environmental-science #wildlife-biology
4 answers
Calvin Weyers
Calvin’s Answer
I graduated with a degree in history from the US Coast Guard Academy. I had planned to make the CG a career. I changed my mind and was looking at very few options with that degree. I decided to go back to school and get a degree in mechanical engineering. It was a lot of hard work and I had to relearn old skills on the fly (nine year gap between Calculus II and Calculus III). Changing majors can be accomplished if you are willing to put in the effort.
I am very disappointed in a lot of the colleges and universities that offer help in placement after you have put in four years. I think more effort should be placed in helping students pick majors that have a demand. My daughter's friend graduated with good grades with an art history degree, but ended up working as a waitress and bartender at night. She later found a better job working as an insurance adjuster for Progressive.
I think there will always be a demand for engineers and people with technical abilities.
Sam Seldon, P.E.
Sam’s Answer
Hi Brian,
I'm a believer that your success is a particular field or career is directly tied to your feelings about that field/career. I don't think you should "force" yourself to work in a field you don't like because, in the long term, I don't believe you will have a good career or a satisfied/fulfilled life. Therefore, my advice is that you should change your major.
Sam
I agree with you...I know a lot of pharmacy students who loved the $130,000/year but didn't love chemistry, and they tell me they basically spend work looking out the window. But, do you think there's a balance to be considered? I understand that some people find a job they love so much they don't mind a $20,000/year salary, and I understand that some Lawyers hate their jobs, but isn't it worth it to assure at least have SOME security? For me, I look at salary, job outlook, and my own talents and interests, and I'd like to sort of mold them all into a happy medium.
Brian
Hello Brian,
Of course there is balance to be considered. It's like that with everything. It sounds like you're are taking the things that matter to you (salary, job outlook, your talents/interests) into consideration and weighing them appropriately.
Sam
Sam Seldon, P.E.
Glenn A
Glenn’s Answer
I think you answered your own question. You seem to have lost interest in what you are doing in class. It does not seem to be where your passion is. It is better that you make the change sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be.
There are 2 schools of thought on college, one is where you explore your interests and grow as a person. The other is where you go to college and get an education that can be applied to a career path. I believe that most engineers believe that college is to prepare you for a career.
You have an interesting opportunity. The film industry needs people with technical backgrounds. I interviewed with a company that makes drones that are used for the film industry. They needs ME, EE, and CE. The opportunities are endless.
I hope this helps. I wish you well on your path forward.
Vernon Turner
Vernon’s Answer
O.K. You've had your fun with film making. Now, decide whether or not you're serious about science. At your stage of education, you're either going to have to cram your senior year, or do a 5th year.
Job prospects in your field will be better served in another country...as long as we have the Trump administration dedicated to destroying the EPA, science, research, the arts, etc. Learn another language. Start looking into employment in English-speaking countries first, but keep Germany open for your interest. The Germans are leading the league in renewable energy.
Shake it off, and get to work. You won't be competitive on the job market with slumping grades. You may be smart, but you'd better be able to prove it somehow to prospective employers.
Good luck.
Vern Turner