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What career should I choose if I am undecided between 2?
I am a freshmen in high-school who is inclined into an engineering career but I don't know which to choose between aerospace or civil engineering?
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7 answers
Updated
Rufaida’s Answer
Hello, Aaron!
Before you make decision, sit and visualize. How does it feel to build great architectures, homes, buildings? And on the other side how does it feel to be involved in space related projects?
Which one is more exciting? Where do you want to see your idol or someone you look upto doing? Always trust your gut. Do not take immediate quick decisions.
Before you make decision, sit and visualize. How does it feel to build great architectures, homes, buildings? And on the other side how does it feel to be involved in space related projects?
Which one is more exciting? Where do you want to see your idol or someone you look upto doing? Always trust your gut. Do not take immediate quick decisions.
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Hey there Aaron,
It's actually pretty awesome that you're facing this dilemma - believe it or not, many folks struggle to figure out what they want to do (I was one of them, haha!). So, it's fantastic that you've got a couple of passions to choose from at such an early stage.
I reckon it would be super beneficial for you to dip your toes into both areas of interest. You're at a stage in your life where you can afford to spend some time exploring each one, and see if it's something that truly ignites your passion and feels fulfilling, both on a professional and personal level.
Moreover, it would be a good idea to get in touch with people who are already working in these fields. Have a chat with them about their journey, their day-to-day tasks, and try to picture yourself walking in their shoes in the future.
Remember, there's no rush. You've got plenty of time to make up your mind, so don't stress. Instead, feel proud that you're already a step ahead in figuring out your path. Keep going!
It's actually pretty awesome that you're facing this dilemma - believe it or not, many folks struggle to figure out what they want to do (I was one of them, haha!). So, it's fantastic that you've got a couple of passions to choose from at such an early stage.
I reckon it would be super beneficial for you to dip your toes into both areas of interest. You're at a stage in your life where you can afford to spend some time exploring each one, and see if it's something that truly ignites your passion and feels fulfilling, both on a professional and personal level.
Moreover, it would be a good idea to get in touch with people who are already working in these fields. Have a chat with them about their journey, their day-to-day tasks, and try to picture yourself walking in their shoes in the future.
Remember, there's no rush. You've got plenty of time to make up your mind, so don't stress. Instead, feel proud that you're already a step ahead in figuring out your path. Keep going!
Updated
Tanner’s Answer
Take advantage of any chance you get to shadow or intern in different professions. This hands-on experience can help you figure out which job suits you best, based on the daily tasks involved.
Updated
Alejandra’s Answer
Choosing a career is like plotting the route for your life's grand adventure. It's one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make, so it's vital to spend time ensuring it aligns with your individual goals and dreams. Remember, your career will likely accompany you for life, so it's essential it resonates with your future vision.
The initial step is to grasp your likes, dislikes, strengths, and areas for development. This self-understanding will help you gauge how effectively you can tackle the challenges of your chosen career and how motivated you are to overcome them. Let me share a simple, 8-step guide to career decision-making, inspired by my own journey:
1. Identify what you aim to achieve from a career or profession. This could vary from professional growth, financial stability, making a difference in people's lives, a sense of accomplishment, peer recognition, or even fame.
2. Research the industry or potential sectors of the professions you're considering. This will give you a clearer picture of what lies ahead.
3. Match the skills each profession requires with your own. This will help you determine whether your existing skills and experiences can contribute to your success in this field.
4. Make a list of potential universities offering courses in these professions and evaluate your chances of getting accepted.
5. Imagine and jot down potential job roles you could take on after earning your degree.
6. Find a successful person or role model in your chosen profession. Ask about the advantages and disadvantages of their job, and if possible, request them to share some real-world experiences.
7. Make a list of the pros and cons of pursuing a career in any of these professions.
8. Visualize yourself in each of these professions. Determine which option ignites the most passion in you.
Keep in mind, the goal is to find a career that not only suits you but also ignites your motivation and inspires you to give your best every day. So, be patient, follow these steps, and embark on a career journey that aligns with your personal vision and aspirations.
The initial step is to grasp your likes, dislikes, strengths, and areas for development. This self-understanding will help you gauge how effectively you can tackle the challenges of your chosen career and how motivated you are to overcome them. Let me share a simple, 8-step guide to career decision-making, inspired by my own journey:
1. Identify what you aim to achieve from a career or profession. This could vary from professional growth, financial stability, making a difference in people's lives, a sense of accomplishment, peer recognition, or even fame.
2. Research the industry or potential sectors of the professions you're considering. This will give you a clearer picture of what lies ahead.
3. Match the skills each profession requires with your own. This will help you determine whether your existing skills and experiences can contribute to your success in this field.
4. Make a list of potential universities offering courses in these professions and evaluate your chances of getting accepted.
5. Imagine and jot down potential job roles you could take on after earning your degree.
6. Find a successful person or role model in your chosen profession. Ask about the advantages and disadvantages of their job, and if possible, request them to share some real-world experiences.
7. Make a list of the pros and cons of pursuing a career in any of these professions.
8. Visualize yourself in each of these professions. Determine which option ignites the most passion in you.
Keep in mind, the goal is to find a career that not only suits you but also ignites your motivation and inspires you to give your best every day. So, be patient, follow these steps, and embark on a career journey that aligns with your personal vision and aspirations.
Updated
Sreedhar’s Answer
Hi Aaron,
Start a two-column table on a poster board - one for each engineering field. Write reasons why you like each field in its column. Be honest with yourself. It is OK to write something like "My dad was a civil engineer" or "My mom wants me to be an aerospace engineering". But add other reasons also. It will be clear which field you should choose soon enough.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
Start a two-column table on a poster board - one for each engineering field. Write reasons why you like each field in its column. Be honest with yourself. It is OK to write something like "My dad was a civil engineer" or "My mom wants me to be an aerospace engineering". But add other reasons also. It will be clear which field you should choose soon enough.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
Updated
Solomon’s Answer
Hi Aaron, great question. Most students are undecided about what they want to study in college.
Two decide between civil and aerospace engineering, a good start is to know what you like to do as an engineer.
Do you like building homes, high rises, bridges, roads, dams, etc? If yes, you study civil engineering.
Do you like building airplanes, space shuttles, etc? If yes, you study aerospace engineering.
Please take a look at the links I have added for you to read more about both civil and aerospace engineering.
Wish you all the best,
Solomon
Civil engineering - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_engineering
Aerospace engineering - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerospace_engineering
Two decide between civil and aerospace engineering, a good start is to know what you like to do as an engineer.
Do you like building homes, high rises, bridges, roads, dams, etc? If yes, you study civil engineering.
Do you like building airplanes, space shuttles, etc? If yes, you study aerospace engineering.
Please take a look at the links I have added for you to read more about both civil and aerospace engineering.
Wish you all the best,
Solomon
Solomon recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Hi Aaron! Your question is fantastic and it's one I've pondered myself as an engineer. In my experience, civil engineering is more about managing projects. You might find yourself revamping a sprawling park or crafting the layout of a building. This involves tasks like ordering materials and supervising subcontractors. While there's still a chance to design the structures of these massive buildings, it's not the primary focus.
On the other hand, aerospace engineering is heavily rooted in mathematics. It's all about designing parts in the most efficient way possible, such as optimizing materials and reducing friction.
In my opinion, an aerospace engineer has the skills to work as a civil engineer, but the reverse isn't necessarily true. This suggests that choosing aerospace engineering could open up more opportunities. However, the most important thing is to choose a field that you truly enjoy.
On the other hand, aerospace engineering is heavily rooted in mathematics. It's all about designing parts in the most efficient way possible, such as optimizing materials and reducing friction.
In my opinion, an aerospace engineer has the skills to work as a civil engineer, but the reverse isn't necessarily true. This suggests that choosing aerospace engineering could open up more opportunities. However, the most important thing is to choose a field that you truly enjoy.