6 answers
Rakib
Student
1
Question
6 answers
Susan Streisand
Cybersecurity Analyst
5
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Rakib,
Your family wants you to become an engineer, my family wanted me to become a doctor but I decided to be an engineer instead and I don't regret it.
It is important for you to enjoy what you do as a career, or at least get enough positive feelings from it to keep you happy and motivated.
Both engineering and medicine are big fields and you can actually be both - biomedical engineering/MD. But neither field is "better" per se. At least in the US it is a lot more expensive and time-intensive to become a medical doctor. It may pay better, but also you can be on call. Many doctors work for corporations these days, as do most engineers. But engineering can be grueling too, especially if you're working under a deadline.
As others have said, talk to actual practitioners and decide what you more like to do.
Good luck!
Your family wants you to become an engineer, my family wanted me to become a doctor but I decided to be an engineer instead and I don't regret it.
It is important for you to enjoy what you do as a career, or at least get enough positive feelings from it to keep you happy and motivated.
Both engineering and medicine are big fields and you can actually be both - biomedical engineering/MD. But neither field is "better" per se. At least in the US it is a lot more expensive and time-intensive to become a medical doctor. It may pay better, but also you can be on call. Many doctors work for corporations these days, as do most engineers. But engineering can be grueling too, especially if you're working under a deadline.
As others have said, talk to actual practitioners and decide what you more like to do.
Good luck!
Martin Schoen
APRN
279
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
The answer to your question isn't a simple one because it's deeply intertwined with your personal interests. Remember, it's entirely possible to merge both elements into a single career path. When you enter college, consider it the dawn of your new life. It's crucial to concentrate on what ignites your passion, not what others expect of you.
Consider this - there are individuals who have amassed great wealth, yet they're constantly on the go, working round the clock. Sure, a successful career and financial stability are important, but if you don't carve out a life beyond your work, you'll never find the time to indulge in what truly brings you joy as an individual.
Take me for instance, I detest being on call! The thought of being roused from sleep in the wee hours, either to attend to a patient or answer queries, is far from appealing. It's challenging to get sufficient sleep under such circumstances. However, certain medical fields demand this level of commitment, and with time, you'll discover which ones align best with your lifestyle. I'm willing to make this sacrifice on a planned basis, but given a choice, I'd be the first to dodge it.
Each profession comes with its own unique sub-specialties and requirements. Listen to your heart, find what intrigues and challenges you, and then bravely tread that path.
Consider this - there are individuals who have amassed great wealth, yet they're constantly on the go, working round the clock. Sure, a successful career and financial stability are important, but if you don't carve out a life beyond your work, you'll never find the time to indulge in what truly brings you joy as an individual.
Take me for instance, I detest being on call! The thought of being roused from sleep in the wee hours, either to attend to a patient or answer queries, is far from appealing. It's challenging to get sufficient sleep under such circumstances. However, certain medical fields demand this level of commitment, and with time, you'll discover which ones align best with your lifestyle. I'm willing to make this sacrifice on a planned basis, but given a choice, I'd be the first to dodge it.
Each profession comes with its own unique sub-specialties and requirements. Listen to your heart, find what intrigues and challenges you, and then bravely tread that path.
Brion Swanson
Sr. Principal Software Engineer at PTC
2
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Brion’s Answer
The definition of "better" can vary greatly depending on your perspective.
If you're looking at potential earnings, a career as a medical doctor generally surpasses most engineering fields. However, it's essential to factor in your personal interests and life goals when deciding what's "better" for you. If you enjoy tackling complex problems, whether mechanical or software-related, then pursuing engineering might be the right path for you. On the other hand, if you find fulfillment in aiding others and addressing human issues - be it physical, mental, or emotional - then a career in medicine could be your ideal choice.
But who's to say it has to be either? Be wary of narrowing down your options too soon, especially if these limitations are imposed by others, such as friends, family, or a partner. Having others set boundaries for you can often lead to a lack of personal fulfillment in your chosen career.
Think about the things you like to do and the things you do well. Are they things that compliment the skills and work required by being in medicine or in engineering?
Find and take some introductory courses in these fields of interest. You might be able to find them for free online at places like The Open University or Stanford Online.
Talk to people you know who are already in a career field you are considering. What did they have to do to get there? What do you like best? What do they dislike? What do they do most of the time in their work?
If you're looking at potential earnings, a career as a medical doctor generally surpasses most engineering fields. However, it's essential to factor in your personal interests and life goals when deciding what's "better" for you. If you enjoy tackling complex problems, whether mechanical or software-related, then pursuing engineering might be the right path for you. On the other hand, if you find fulfillment in aiding others and addressing human issues - be it physical, mental, or emotional - then a career in medicine could be your ideal choice.
But who's to say it has to be either? Be wary of narrowing down your options too soon, especially if these limitations are imposed by others, such as friends, family, or a partner. Having others set boundaries for you can often lead to a lack of personal fulfillment in your chosen career.
Brion recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6075
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Rakib,
The Great Debate: Doctor vs. Engineer
The decision between becoming a doctor or an engineer is a significant one, and it ultimately depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Here are some factors to consider when making this choice:
Education and Training
Both doctors and engineers require a significant amount of education and training. Doctors typically complete a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of medical school, and then several years of residency and fellowship training. In contrast, engineers typically complete a four-year undergraduate degree in their chosen field, which may include specialization in areas such as civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering.
Career Paths and Opportunities
Doctors have a wide range of career options, including specialties such as pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, and radiology. They can work in hospitals, private practices, research institutions, or academia. In contrast, engineers can work in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, energy, and technology. They may work for consulting firms, government agencies, or private companies.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for physicians and surgeons was $208,000 in 2020, while the median annual salary for engineers was $91,010 in the same year. However, these salaries can vary widely depending on the specific field and level of experience. The BLS also projects employment growth for both doctors and engineers to be faster than the average for all occupations from 2020 to 2030.
Personal Interests and Skills
Ultimately, the decision between becoming a doctor or an engineer should be based on your personal interests and skills. If you are passionate about helping people and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, a career as a doctor may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy solving complex problems and working with technology, a career as an engineer may be more suitable.
In conclusion, both doctors and engineers have rewarding careers with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. It is essential to consider your education, training, career paths, salary, job outlook, and personal interests when deciding which path to pursue.
Authoritative Reference Titles:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Engineers
National Center for Education Statistics: Medical Schools Enrollment by Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and Degree Objective
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
The Great Debate: Doctor vs. Engineer
The decision between becoming a doctor or an engineer is a significant one, and it ultimately depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Here are some factors to consider when making this choice:
Education and Training
Both doctors and engineers require a significant amount of education and training. Doctors typically complete a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of medical school, and then several years of residency and fellowship training. In contrast, engineers typically complete a four-year undergraduate degree in their chosen field, which may include specialization in areas such as civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering.
Career Paths and Opportunities
Doctors have a wide range of career options, including specialties such as pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, and radiology. They can work in hospitals, private practices, research institutions, or academia. In contrast, engineers can work in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, energy, and technology. They may work for consulting firms, government agencies, or private companies.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for physicians and surgeons was $208,000 in 2020, while the median annual salary for engineers was $91,010 in the same year. However, these salaries can vary widely depending on the specific field and level of experience. The BLS also projects employment growth for both doctors and engineers to be faster than the average for all occupations from 2020 to 2030.
Personal Interests and Skills
Ultimately, the decision between becoming a doctor or an engineer should be based on your personal interests and skills. If you are passionate about helping people and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, a career as a doctor may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy solving complex problems and working with technology, a career as an engineer may be more suitable.
In conclusion, both doctors and engineers have rewarding careers with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. It is essential to consider your education, training, career paths, salary, job outlook, and personal interests when deciding which path to pursue.
Authoritative Reference Titles:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Engineers
National Center for Education Statistics: Medical Schools Enrollment by Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and Degree Objective
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Kevin Drevik
Director of Industrial Engineering at NFI Industries
9
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
It depends on your interests. Doctors have to spend a lot of time in school and training, working long hours in residency, and often don't really start working till they are 30+ years old. They also end up with a lot of college debt. However, as long as they are good, they are often doing OK after 40 years old. Still, it is a long "slog" before you get started. They also have issues getting started with a family.
Engineers can start work after just a 4-year bachelor's degree, and can continue to work without any further schooling (though getting a master's degree can help out later). Often companies that hire you with the bachelor's degree will help pay for your masters. You can start your life sooner, with less college debt. However, an engineer does different work, often spending a lot of time at a desk in front of a computer, on their own. Some engineers (industrial or systems engineers) do get out more, visit sites, etc.
I always suggest you talk to both types of people and ask them three simple questions:
1. What do you like about your job?
2. What do you not like about your job?
3. Who else do you know that I can talk to about your type of job?
This lets you understand the pluses and minuses of each career choice.
As an industrial engineer, I enjoy working with numbers, solving problems, and dealing with a variety of people in our warehouses and factories. I don't just sit at a desk all day. What I don't enjoy is the travel (Not as much as I get older, but at one time in my career I traveled 75% of the time) and as you get higher, some of the company politics.
I hope this helps
Talk to other engineers and doctors and ask the three questions
Engineers can start work after just a 4-year bachelor's degree, and can continue to work without any further schooling (though getting a master's degree can help out later). Often companies that hire you with the bachelor's degree will help pay for your masters. You can start your life sooner, with less college debt. However, an engineer does different work, often spending a lot of time at a desk in front of a computer, on their own. Some engineers (industrial or systems engineers) do get out more, visit sites, etc.
I always suggest you talk to both types of people and ask them three simple questions:
1. What do you like about your job?
2. What do you not like about your job?
3. Who else do you know that I can talk to about your type of job?
This lets you understand the pluses and minuses of each career choice.
As an industrial engineer, I enjoy working with numbers, solving problems, and dealing with a variety of people in our warehouses and factories. I don't just sit at a desk all day. What I don't enjoy is the travel (Not as much as I get older, but at one time in my career I traveled 75% of the time) and as you get higher, some of the company politics.
I hope this helps
Kevin recommends the following next steps:
Cory Yeager, PE, SE, MsC, PPM
46
Answers
Updated
Cory’s Answer
Lots of great advice up above but for me it’s one or two questions. If you cannot answer these questions then rereading the advice above would be highly recommended.
1.) How long can you afford school ? This money, time and patience. For me on student loans and working two jobs 4 years was my limit going into school. Even an engineering degree was 5 years so i had to take 18-21 hours a semester to get done in 4 years. I did not have the time or patience for more than 4 years this was one reason for pickup by engineering the other one was though I was very capable to do med school doesn’t mean I would get accepted into med school at the place of my choice. No one wants the dude at super cuts cutting your hair. Point no one wants the doctor from a non-accredited school writing scripts.
2.) How much does the school of your choice cost for education? This means money, sacrifice and time. I obviously didn’t have time or money but my issue was 4 years versus 7-8 years as I could to ask my family to keep the lights on for me. They didn’t run a note six.
Hope this makes sense. Best of luck and outcomes.
1.) How long can you afford school ? This money, time and patience. For me on student loans and working two jobs 4 years was my limit going into school. Even an engineering degree was 5 years so i had to take 18-21 hours a semester to get done in 4 years. I did not have the time or patience for more than 4 years this was one reason for pickup by engineering the other one was though I was very capable to do med school doesn’t mean I would get accepted into med school at the place of my choice. No one wants the dude at super cuts cutting your hair. Point no one wants the doctor from a non-accredited school writing scripts.
2.) How much does the school of your choice cost for education? This means money, sacrifice and time. I obviously didn’t have time or money but my issue was 4 years versus 7-8 years as I could to ask my family to keep the lights on for me. They didn’t run a note six.
Hope this makes sense. Best of luck and outcomes.
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