Electrical or Mechanical engineers(others welcome)...

[CZAR357]

Kind of a long post so if you dont have a lot of time there are questions at the bottom. If you do have the time to read, please read it first.

Here is my situation. I just finished my first year of college. I am taking electrical engineering at the moment. I took 4 classes in the fall and 5 in the spring. I passed all 4 in the fall but failed one in the spring.:spank: It is the first time I have failed and even the first time I have gotten a grade below a B- in my life!
It was my programming using java course(ABSOLUTELY HATED IT!).

This leaves me with a few options. I can... 1) Retake the course and pass(hopefully) and continue on as planned and will just have to make up a 1 course in a summer before I graduate, 2) Switch my major to mechanical engineering because the only course I would have to make up is whichever course they have in place for the java course(matlab i think). This would put me in a different direction but maybe something I might enjoy more. or 3) Look at different majors outside of engineering.

I have been thinking about this a lot and just wanted to get some opinions that werent from my family members. My father kind of lead me into engineering with the talk of lots of :iconbeer:. :justkidding: It was the money. Engineers make lots of money yada yada yada. Well, I liked money and didnt really know what I wanted to do when I graduated high school so I went with it. I know money isnt everything which is why I am looking at a switch out of electrical engineering but I dont really know what to do. Driving cars and motorcycles make me happy but I am not going to be a racecare driver or a gp racer and dont want to be the one fixing other peoples' vehicles either. I guess I have been doing a lot of ranting:rant:. Thanks for reading it all if you did.

The main questions I would like answered if possible are...

[electrical] Was all of the work to become an engineer worth it? Are you happy where you are? (life stories are welcome) How did you choose your career? Did you ever think about doing something else? If so, what? If you had to do it all over again, would you? If you wouldn't, what would you change? What exactly do you do for your job?

[mechanical] Same as above

[anyone who wants to answer the questions] If you are not an engineer, why arent you? What did you choose instead? Why? Are you happy with your decisions? Do you wish you made more money and/or would you trade some money for more happiness?

Thanks

 

[Rocky529]

I just graduated NU with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and got my first full time job and started it 2 weeks ago.

I'm happy so far and it was worth my time.. I want to work with cars or motorcycles eventually and don't really want to stay in Massachusetts.. we'll see where the future takes me.

 

[Botch]

I was always good at math and science, and loved figuring out how things work, so engineering was my calling. I started out in Aerospace Engineering but flunked out my junior year; turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I transferred to ME, graduated, and became an engineer in the Air Force, got my Master's in Industrial Engineering, stayed in the engineering field too long and didn't make Major (no career engineers in the Officer Corps...).
While it kills me not finishing my AF career, I've still worked for the military, and NASA, as an engineer and have only been unemployed for 25 days out of 26 years (and that was only because Thiokol's HR department lost my paperwork). Things really moved up six months ago when I was promoted to the Chief Engineer for the 309th Missile Maintenance Group here in Utah; I'm really really happy now.

While money is nice, I think its more important to do something you love; to back that up I've actually quit two jobs for lower-paying ones just because the work was more interesting, and the money always seemed to catch up. Other career fields can make more $$ (bankers, managers, environmental specialists, real estate), but like I said I've never had trouble finding work.

Don't let one difficult class scare you off; I hated Thermodynamics but really have never had to use it in my career; there's going to be a bugger class or two in any field you go into. Don't know what else to tell you, good luck! :thumbup:

 

[blchandl2]

I am an Electronics Engineer by degree but most of my work is mechanical. I got into engineering from the advice of my dad who was a factory worker.

Like you, my programming class was the one that gave me the most trouble. My work has not always been that rewarding. Some companies do not put much emphasis on devlopment and innovation. Some look at engineers as glorified secretaries.

I have had some fun and interesting assignments but many boring, mindless, busywork assignments. Currently, I am working on a friction stir welding project which is very interesting but not related to my education. As others have said it can be rewarding, but the rewards are not always monetary.

 

[Jim Karam]

Academically, I'm an ME with a PhD from Purdue, but most folks would think I'm an EE because I ran large software-intensive projects for many years. I also taught Engineering at the graduate level early in my career. I've worked in a variety of industries, both in aerospace and commercial. You need to plan on being a student the rest of your life if you're an engineer, but I considered that a good thing.

I used to tell my students that what we were really doing was teaching them to organize and solve problems. If you find that fun, then become an engineer. If not, the money won't help for long. It doesn't really matter which field you specialize in as the myriad facts that you'll be graded on are just a means to an end. You'll be lucky if you have more than one job that directly relates to what you studied in school. Instead, you'll likely follow wherever the opportunities lead.

I found it extremely satisfying, both intellectually and financially. Your father is correct than engineers are paid rather well compared to most academic specialties. However, you'll likely not be satisfied for long if you're just working for a paycheck. If you don't have fun doing your job, then go find one that is fun. (I also know that's sometimes hard to do, particularly in today's environment, but it's probably the best advice I can give you.)

 

[craig007]

I am a PhD chemical engineering. I became an engineer because I like math, science and liked working with my hands. +1 what Jim said. Find something that you like to do. If you don't like it 2 things will happen. You won't be very good at it (which means you are likely to get fired) and/or your opportunities will be limited.

If I had to do it over again, I would think about being about ME or a physics. I did ChE (fusion of ME and chemistry) because I could get a good job. For me, it was a good choice.

Most majors have courses that you like, and courses that you hate. If you like engineering (in a general sense) then don't let one bad course stand in your way. If you don't like problem solving, math, etc. then you should choose something else.

good luck

 

[lgjhn]

I'm a degreed Mechanical Engineer that is in charge of an Instrumentation and Electrical Engineering group (go figure that one out). As others have posted: do what interests you the most. Usually, that first year of engineering is general engineering. That first year is also used by the school's Engineering Dept. to ferret out the weak ones and those that really don't want to pursue it as a career. You sound like you're pretty determined and want to stick it out.
Mechanical is way different than Electrical. So do your research thoroughly and plan accordingly for your career path. Good luck!!!!

 

[Pyro]

I'm an Electrical Engineer, going on three years in the working world.

I failed statics in my first year and had to take it in the summer. I'd never failed anything before and I had all sorts of self-doubt. I decided to take 5 years to finish my degree instead of four. This was the best decision I made in University as all of a sudden I could actually spend time learning, and in the later years enjoying the material.

I would definitely say it was worth all the hard work. I'm paid well and I think my work is cool. I've thought about other careers but Engineering offered the best mix of my interests/money/education. When I look back at school, I think the most important thing I learned was how to approach an unreasonable problem which you are not qualified to solve, then eventually figure out how to solve it.

Don't get discouraged because you failed 1 class in first year, this is normal. The courses get more interesting (and easier) as you go on. Mechanical has terrible classes too (like Finite Element Analysis) so I wouldn't switch because of just one course.

But if there is some job you've always thought would be cool, then you should do that.

 

[tuningfork]

I'm an EE/CE (Penn State-1995) and really enjoy my work. If you are a creative/inventive/tinker/DIY type, it's the perfect career.

There are lots of specialties within category of "electrical". (digital, analog, PCB design, integrated circuit design, power systems, microprocessors, RF, manufacturing, controls, machine design, etc.)

I would stick with it and as you progress through your courses, you'll find out what you are best at..then focus your junior/senior year classes in this direction. I do mostly CE-type work...embedded systems design, large-scale SOC FPGAs, etc. even though most my coursework was in classical EE stuff. I was always better at programming and digital/logic design....so it's a good fit.

Any field of Engineering is going to require lots of programming skill (yes-even mechanical). Scripting languages are also highly-used for tool automation when performing regression testing, analysis, simulation, etc..

So.....I would re-take the class, you will nail it with the right focus and the skills will help you out. Try to take it over the summer so you can focus on only one subject.

Do you have other programming experience? Maybe start off with a simpler language (like C, it is used everywhere esp. in govt. work) to get a feel for the "flow" of programming. Lots of the local schools offer intro courses if your particular school doesn't, or see if you can get some tutoring.

Sometimes the goal of these classes is to get you thinking logically and work on problem solving....that will apply to whatever you do. Time management is also a big hurdle in Engineering programs...but you will need it on the job, so the schools try to prepare you for it...almost in excess!

 

[tuningfork]

I decided to take 5 years to finish my degree instead of four. This was the best decision I made in University as all of a sudden I could actually spend time learning, and in the later years enjoying the material.

This is a good plan, esp. if you are working and going to school at the same time.

 

[SirIsaac]

I debated replying, not sure if I can add much to the great replies already posted. But, just in case, here goes.

I am an EE, and it was definitely worth it and I'm happy where I am. (Actually, I often "thank my lucky stars" that somehow I managed to find the only job that I seem to be relatively good at, that I enjoy doing, and someone is willing to pay me reasonably well to do.) When I started in EE, I assumed I would go into electronics or computers. However, somewhere along the line I discovered that there was a whole ‘nother EE discipline - power engineering. If you stick with EE don't overlook that field. If you believe the hype (some true – some just BS) about the “green power” revolution, it should be pretty interesting with lots of opportunities in the coming years.

Naturally I think you should stick with EE But I’m sure Mechanical Engineering could also be an interesting and rewarding career path. I’ve always thought that Civil/Structural Engineering looked interesting too.

As far as failing your Java class, while I don’t know the language, I’m sure you could pass it if you re-take it and just make sure to work at it. Be aware that so far you haven’t taken any real engineering courses, just the basics. If you stick with engineering, you will run into some really tough classes that will take a lot of work to successfully complete. One thing I would highly recommend is to find a good study partner. I was pretty much a loner until my third year (of a 5 year program), and found it much easier after I started studying with a fellow student. The ideal situation is to find someone who is just about as smart as you are. The goal is not to cut your workload in half. You each do all the work, but help each other to get past the things you don’t quite get.

Good luck!

 

[FZ6-ZN]

I'm a Power Systems Engineer, with twenty six years experience in the industry.

Perusing a career in engineering is definitely worth all the hard work. These days’ good engineers are hard to find. Although we are not as highly paid or respected as other professionals, the satisfaction of designing infrastructure that you can see from the moon outweighs.

Don't get disheartened because you failed a subject, this can happened to the best of us. The easy way out isn’t always the best way out.

Diversity is not a bad thing, but I suggest you plan your career path carefully. You don’t want to end up a jack of all trades and a master of none.

FZ6-ZN

 

[cbzdel]

I do structural, degree in civil though.. It was nice for a few months but now kind lame and repetitive (been at it for 4 years now).. I want to get more into design instead of telling people how to build it... Maybe my problem is I am working on houses and I would rather work on huge commercial buildings....

 

[taki]

It is the first time I have failed and even the first time I have gotten a grade below a B- in my life!
It was my programming using java course(ABSOLUTELY HATED IT!).

dont think of it as a failure. think of it as a learning experience (meaning learning what you are good and not good at). i am a structural engineer, and when i was in school, i cared very much for my structural coursework, not so much for anything else. you could tell by looking at my grades. if you truly spent the appropriate time for your java programming course, and it just didnt make sense to you, then fine, all that means is you wont be a java programmer. try it again, get the best passing grade that you can, and move on. theres literally thousands of other careers in the electrical engineering field.

i have a friend who is an EE, and he works in the controls field, powerplants. he eats this stuff for breakfast. the best part of his job is when hes finished designing something, the way his company works, he gets to go out and actually build the control room for the powerplant. way cool. he took me on a tour of a powerplant, theres not many people who can say they do that.

anyway, dont give up, stick with it, and if you fall off, brush yourself off and try again.

 

[mlevins77]

I graduated ME from Georgia Tech in 2005 and have spent the last few years doing everything from being a Test Engineer, Design Engineer, Program Engineer, Program Manager, Project Manager/Engineer and now I'm a full time Project Manager that uses my Engineering to make other Engineers do what I spent three years busting my hump learning about. How much of my education have I used?

Test Engineer - I was responsible for testing all of the braking products that my last company designed. This testing ranged from FMEA (Function Model Effects Analysis) where I broke down the entire mechanism and rated how it could fail and how severe that was, to literally hitting the brake with a sledge hammer. I had to do life-time cycle testing on the brake that included environmental, cycle, functional, impact, stress, vibration, etc...anything that this design could possibly see in 20 years of service. From there is was MY duty to tell the company whether or not a brake was a valid design, and if not how I suggested fixing the problem. This was my sole task for the first year I worked with the company.

Design Engineer - I finally got handed my first brake to design, while I was still the gopher test b*tch for the entire brake group. I poured tons of hours into the brake, solved problems that had plagued the brakes for years, got three patents and suddenly they think I'm awesome.

Program Engineer - Became the direct contact for customers on certain Programs that we had with NYC, Boston and Dallas...traveled a lot and still had to keep up with the other stuff...saved company lots of money.

Program Manager - Complete step out of Engineering, because I started getting tired of old pepper heads not listening to my suggestions because they "had decades of experience." I moved to the management side of the business and continued on learning about how business and engineering are sometimes hand in hand...plus having all the technical knowledge allowed me to shortcut a lot of the BS work that would have normally bogged someone without a Tech background.

Project Engineer/Manager - Changed companies when I moved back to Atlanta, new field entirely, they sent me to Germany for 4 months and I got to see what it was like to live in a different country. Also got a 25% pay increase and work for a company that actually listens to what I say.

Money - Not the most important thing. That being said...if you're smart and work the corporate system you can make some good money. I started ok, but rose 39% in pay in just under 4 years.

Interested in what you do - MOST IMPORTANT. I like to break things and fix things. I helped my grandfather build his barn, work on his tractor...am Mr. Fixit for my entire family. It was a no brainer for me to get into Engineering...I love it.

Like it has been said on other responses...there will be hurdles and classes that you will HATE. I failed Copmuter Programming on my first go, and HATED Fluids and Heat Transfer...but no worries...you can get through it. Stick with it if it interests you and you will find a class that makes it click.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

 

[Coopdman]

CZAR I took the time to read your post but not the other 100 replies... I've had my BSME for 5 years now and use 1% of it as a manager in a custom woodworking shop (family run). I'm your typical math/science guru and figured engineering would be perfect for me. I had a hard time balancing education with socialization and took a leisurely 5 years to get my degree. Instead of getting an engineering job, I decided to work for the family to see how a business is run so I could start my own one day. I also figured it would allow more time for flying helicopters (my passion).
Long story short...

It's probably been said a few times already but as the saying goes, find something you love to do and THEN figure out how you can get paid for it. I'm still figuring out how I can get paid as a helicopter pilot... but it helps to have the licenses first and they're EXPENSIVE $70k USD plus, and it's not like tuition, you can't get loans w/o collateral.

That being said, I'd rather spend the next 10 years working toward a way to be paid to fly than working at any highly established engineering company out there (though that would help pay for flight lessons).

As for EE vs. ME, would you rather figure out how to completely re-wire all the electronics on your bike to optimize performance or install NoS and twin turbos? I know both are out there, but you get the point. If you go for engineering, do the one that you're interested in and let the difficult classes be the obstacles you can say you overcame in the end. I'd have to say Java won't be the hardest class you'll see in either discipline.

GOOD LUCK!!:thumbup:

 

[FizzySix]

I started my academic career at Clarkson U. studying Mech E and dropped out after 2 years. Engineering was not for me. The math was what did me in.

I wound up going down the business path academically, graduated and took a career detour as a programmer for a decade or so, and wound up a manager.

With the exception of very specialized degrees such as engineering, most people I know wind up doing something unrelated to their degree.

I would say make sure you're doing what you want because you like it, not just the money. That's why I started in engineering (money) and had to bail. You will be good at things you enjoy, and people will pay you well if you're good, assuming you pick a profession in demand over the long haul and remain committed to continually improving.

A final suggestion: try taking the java course at a community college or other alternate place. A different teacher and approach may make all the difference.

Good luck with your decision! :thumbup:

 

[bd43]

Hmmm, not sure what to say other than the wife thinks it's a turn-on to be married to an electrical engineer. Not saying that you need to be an electrical to garner the same effect but that's just my experience, but I was also told if you want to abstain from, you know what, marry an engineer. Maybe the ladies on here can comment to that. If that's not enough motivation, then you really need to get some because that's the only thing that's going to get you through engineering, be it electrical or mechanical or whatever other discipline you decide. Don't kid yourself, each discipline is difficult in its own way but with the right motivation, attitude, and commitment, you will succeed. Now getting those three things is another thing.

At the end it's all you on how badly you want it. I say to those who come to me for advice about a career change towards engineering or students that pass through my group, to say "you have to do it for you, not for someone else, it's your career and your choice, only you can make it happen, because once you decide and drop everything, that's a path you are heading down, make it count, because there's no redo like in a video game."

I did what you are doing. I took engineering straight out of high school because my dad thought it would be a good career. I soon figured out that that's not what I wanted so I left engineering to pursue a electronics diploma from a tech school. Worked as a technologist in the field for 2 years and came to my own realization that it sucked so I returned to engineering to complete my degree because learning through my experiences and not the advice of my dad I returned knowing that I really wanted this. I'm not saying that's the approach you should take but it took me another diploma and 4 years later to realize what I wanted and if I had to do it over again, I might do it the same way, but again, that's just me and my thought of being a professional student the rest of my life.

Then to answer your final question, the money was nice, really nice. It stopped me from going back and getting my masters , then PhD in electrical, or a second degree in mechanical. Yes, mechanical because I love to tinker but I came to my senses and realized that I could do that as a hobby afterwards. In the right field of engineering, you can do well financially, and possibly enjoy doing it. It should be a crime to make that kind of money and have fun doing it, but that's what it can be.

Finally, make your years studying in engineering fun by getting into those study groups, as mentioned above, balance the school life with the non-school life, set your schedules and commit to them, and before you know it you're finishing your final year with the prospects of a great career ahead of you and the rest of your life to reap the rewards.

Good luck.

 

[CZAR357]

Do you have other programming experience? Maybe start off with a simpler language (like C, it is used everywhere esp. in govt. work) to get a feel for the "flow" of programming. Lots of the local schools offer intro courses if your particular school doesn't, or see if you can get some tutoring.

I have had absolutely no programming experience whatsoever. This java course is the first experience I have had with programming and it wasnt good. I guess tutoring would be the best idea because I had no clue what I was doing. It was just all confusing to me. I could solve the problems we had to do and knew what I wanted the program to do I just didnt know how to write it.

 

[FizzySix]

This java course is the first experience I have had with programming and it wasnt good. I could solve the problems we had to do and knew what I wanted the program to do I just didnt know how to write it.

Stick with it kid, don't let a programming course stop you IF this is what you love. You sound like me talking about math: I know what I want to do but I can't remember the identities.

Like I say, try another school/professor/course, or another new approach.

Once you get down the basics of object-oriented programming, arrays, loops (!) and some other basics, and see how others use them (examples spur inspiration), you're golden.

Another programming hint: I don't know any among us who doesn't make good use of google's news groups, where you put in a question of "how do i do x" and find hundreds of answers on the same. That's real life: you do get cheat sheets, calculators, and google in real life. Gotta get through the tests first though...

It's like calc and other subjects that flummoxxed me: once you have the buliding blocks (think: math identities, and basic examples you build on) you can make anything.

There's only so many kinds of legos in the box, but you can make anything with them.

Trust me: if you can do the logic of engineering and express yourself clearly and concisely in any spoken language, you can program. Many good programmers are linguists by hobby or interest....precise ones, at that. Many a fine and successful engineer, but non-programmer, is less-than-well-spoken. If you have both, you're good my friend.

Go for it! :cheer:

(bonus style points for the programmer who can do it in the fewest lines of code wins - a little programming geekiness for you) :thumbup: