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How to narrow down your field ?

I'm majoring in Bio-engineering but it's such a big field that I'm not entirely sure of what subset I want to go into. I really like genetics and animals are there any possible fields that would involve those ? #bioengineering #engineering #college-major #stem #academic-advising #career-advice

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Spruce’s Answer

In your case Yelizaveta, you’re entering a big field as you noted that is also one of the five fastest growing engineering disciplines so there will be no shortage of opportunities for you to specialize in well-worn rabbit holes as well as new ones during your Junior and Senior years.


With that in mind, there’s no need to be anxious about selecting an area of focus now – the first year or two for most engineering disciplines are full of prerequisites such as math, physics, chemistry, biology, and a few intro classes in your major to help you make that decision. Just keep your advisors and counselors in the loop about what you’re thinking of for a major, and together you should decide late in your Sophomore year.


On your specific comment about genetics and animals I have to claim ignorance, because as a retired mechanical engineer I thought bio-engineers designed interior and exterior human and probably animal prosthetics. Maybe genetics is a part of that I just wasn’t aware of.


Attached is a link to a YouTube video of a young bio-engineer interview where he describes what he and his coworkers do. Thought you might enjoy. Good luck.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzKTXyvwHSA
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Kevin’s Answer

This is a great question and one many students struggle with as they try to find the right major as the progress through there UG studies. Couple of recommendations is to use the summer internship programs to get experience in some of the potential areas you are considering. This way you can get practical experience in that area to see if its a good fit for you. You will also be exposed to other areas you may not have considered so other options may become available. Second, utilize a mentorship program to meet people currently in your areas of interest. This way you can learn more about each area while also growing your personal network. Many college clubs or professional organizations have mentoring programs and this is a great way to learn more about actual post-graduate work.

thanks and best of luck!
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Nelson’s Answer

Hi Yelizaveta, great question!

I did my Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, and then decided to focus on Bioinformatics in graduate school. As you pointed out, a degree in Bioengineering can prepare you for many different career options. If you are interested in genetics, that could lead towards bioinformatics if you enjoy software like me. Or, if you are more interested in Animals and medicine, that could lead towards work in veterinary medicine, or genetic studies of animals which is commonly done in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. I would suggest exploring internship opportunities that resonate to you, and build on your Bioengineering studies and interests. Those first workplace opportunities often shed light on what it's like to work in the medical, biotech, pharmaceutical, and other industries.

Good luck and best wishes!
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