8 answers
Owen
Student
Ramsey, Minnesota
5
Questions
Asked
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How should I decide on one college major/future career when I have multiple in mind?
I am a sophomore in high school and I want to major in something along the lines of engineering and welding. Some careers I'm interested in include auto body welder, powertrain engineer, and aeronautical engineer. How should I decide on which one would be the most supportive for me financially and supportive of my overall future?
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8 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Owen, choosing one path when you’re passionate about multiple cool fields can feel like picking your favorite ice cream flavor—tough, but totally doable! Start by exploring each option a bit more. Look into what an auto body welder, a powertrain engineer, and an aeronautical engineer actually do day-to-day. Try to find internships, job shadowing, or even chat with professionals in each field to get the inside scoop.
Also, 🥰 think about what excites you most and what aligns with your lifestyle goals. Is it the hands-on, creative satisfaction of welding? Or the innovative, problem-solving vibe of engineering? Don’t forget to check out the financial and career growth aspects too—research salary trends and job stability for each option.
Remember, it’s okay to be curious about different paths now. I still am and I even work through with them too! 🤪🤫
Your choice in high school isn’t set in stone, and many careers can evolve over time or even merge your interests. Focus on what really makes you tick, and let that passion guide you. You’ve got plenty of time to figure it out, and every experience will bring you closer to the right fit for you!
Also, 🥰 think about what excites you most and what aligns with your lifestyle goals. Is it the hands-on, creative satisfaction of welding? Or the innovative, problem-solving vibe of engineering? Don’t forget to check out the financial and career growth aspects too—research salary trends and job stability for each option.
Remember, it’s okay to be curious about different paths now. I still am and I even work through with them too! 🤪🤫
Your choice in high school isn’t set in stone, and many careers can evolve over time or even merge your interests. Focus on what really makes you tick, and let that passion guide you. You’ve got plenty of time to figure it out, and every experience will bring you closer to the right fit for you!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2429
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. If you have multiple careers aspiration, you can consider to take one as your major and one minor. Alternatively, you can consider to take double major degree.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects ,etc. and identify related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, musical artist, singer, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working on these career. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue and decide your major/minor or take a double major.
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this help! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects ,etc. and identify related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, musical artist, singer, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working on these career. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue and decide your major/minor or take a double major.
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this help! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you!! This was super helpful and I will definitely be using your advice.
God bless you too!
Owen
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1205
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Owen,
Good question! You already have a solid direction, with engineering and welding, both are great fields with strong job prospects. The fact that you’re thinking ahead about financial stability and long-term opportunities puts you in a really good position. The key now is figuring out which path aligns best with your interests, skills, and future goals.
Since you’re considering careers like auto body welding, powertrain engineering, and aeronautical engineering, start by researching the job outlook, salary potential, and required education for each. Welding and auto body work typically require trade school or certifications, allowing you to enter the workforce quickly with lower education costs. Powertrain and aeronautical engineering, on the other hand, require at least a bachelor's degree, but they tend to offer higher long-term earning potential.
A good way to explore these careers further is through hands-on experience. Try to shadow professionals in these fields or look for summer programs and internships related to welding, mechanical engineering, or aerospace. Many trade schools and community colleges offer dual-enrolment or certificate programs in welding, which could give you a head start. If your school has shop classes, engineering clubs, or robotics teams, getting involved could help you see which aspects of engineering or welding excite you most.
Another thing to consider is work-life balance and job stability. Welding can be a physically demanding job, but often allows for freelance or contract work, giving you flexibility. Engineering roles, especially in aerospace and powertrain development, usually involve more structured career paths with room for advancement.
If you’re still torn between these paths, one option is to start with a more general engineering major, like mechanical engineering, which keeps the door open for specialization later. You could also consider a double major or a minor, some universities offer engineering degrees with a focus on manufacturing, welding, or automotive applications.
For me, the best career choice will be one that balances financial security with work you genuinely enjoy. If you’re passionate about hands-on fabrication, welding could be a great fit. If problem-solving and designing complex systems excite you, engineering might be the better route. The good news? No matter which path you choose, both fields are in demand, and your skills will always be valuable.
Keep exploring, get as much experience as you can, and trust that with time, the right choice will become clearer.
Best wishes!
Good question! You already have a solid direction, with engineering and welding, both are great fields with strong job prospects. The fact that you’re thinking ahead about financial stability and long-term opportunities puts you in a really good position. The key now is figuring out which path aligns best with your interests, skills, and future goals.
Since you’re considering careers like auto body welding, powertrain engineering, and aeronautical engineering, start by researching the job outlook, salary potential, and required education for each. Welding and auto body work typically require trade school or certifications, allowing you to enter the workforce quickly with lower education costs. Powertrain and aeronautical engineering, on the other hand, require at least a bachelor's degree, but they tend to offer higher long-term earning potential.
A good way to explore these careers further is through hands-on experience. Try to shadow professionals in these fields or look for summer programs and internships related to welding, mechanical engineering, or aerospace. Many trade schools and community colleges offer dual-enrolment or certificate programs in welding, which could give you a head start. If your school has shop classes, engineering clubs, or robotics teams, getting involved could help you see which aspects of engineering or welding excite you most.
Another thing to consider is work-life balance and job stability. Welding can be a physically demanding job, but often allows for freelance or contract work, giving you flexibility. Engineering roles, especially in aerospace and powertrain development, usually involve more structured career paths with room for advancement.
If you’re still torn between these paths, one option is to start with a more general engineering major, like mechanical engineering, which keeps the door open for specialization later. You could also consider a double major or a minor, some universities offer engineering degrees with a focus on manufacturing, welding, or automotive applications.
For me, the best career choice will be one that balances financial security with work you genuinely enjoy. If you’re passionate about hands-on fabrication, welding could be a great fit. If problem-solving and designing complex systems excite you, engineering might be the better route. The good news? No matter which path you choose, both fields are in demand, and your skills will always be valuable.
Keep exploring, get as much experience as you can, and trust that with time, the right choice will become clearer.
Best wishes!
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
221
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Owen, it sounds like you have some time to keep exploring and defining exactly what route to take. For engineering I imagine you will need a graduate degree as well and this will be more specialized. Undergraduate work is typically very general; if you attend a liberal arts university, you will spend your first year or two taking a variety of courses. You enter with an idea of a Major and sometimes Minor course of study; this can be changed within your first two years. Hopefully as you continue your studies, you will likely have a chance to do more research and get hands-on experience. This will help inform you. I am not familiar with how welding intersects with engineering, but you might also take a sculpture class if you are drawn to working with your hands and building/forming materials. I learned to weld in my sculpture 101 course. Welding can get quite sophisticated; in my coastal city there is a school that teaches underwater welding. Some programs are more technical and do not require an undergraduate or graduate degree. It all depends on the application of materials. Another idea you may consider is architecture; it is highly skilled and requires a strong aptitude for math. Urban planning is a field at the edges of these subjects but may appeal to those who enjoy organization, efficiency, and spatial design. While you are in high school, continue to join clubs that may offer a glimpse into your future career path, pursue internships or similar opportunities, and look at a variety of schools paying attention to the academic offerings and degree outcome. See what most appeals to you and give yourself time. For many, school is just the beginning of a lifetime of learning that continues on- and may shift along the way, sometimes multiple times. Not knowing is an opportunity to be curious; there is nothing better than curiosity!
Kristina Du
Enterprise Technology Solutions Associate at PwC
50
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
You're already thinking ahead, which is great! Since you're interested in engineering and welding, the best way to decide is to explore each option more deeply and compare factors like salary, job stability, required education, and personal interest. Welding (such as auto body welding) can lead to hands-on, high-paying skilled trade jobs with a shorter education path (certifications or trade school). Powertrain and aeronautical engineering, on the other hand, require a four-year engineering degree but can lead to higher long-term earning potential and job growth. To help you decide, consider shadowing professionals, taking vocational or engineering-related courses, and researching salary trends. You might even find a path that blends both fields, like welding engineering! The key is to choose a career that fits your financial goals, job satisfaction, and interests—and remember, you can always adjust your path as you gain more experience!
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1091
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Owen,
You have a couple of interesting options, and they are not as far apart as you might think. Plus, you can change direction while you are on the way.
All of your career interests are broadly in engineering and technology.
Welding and auto body welding are trades (although there is a fair amount of science behind it). Welders are fairly well paid, especially if you are certified in specialties like under-water welding. You can take courses at a community college or at specialized welding schools and get your certifications. An apprenticeship is another option. The education is relatively short and you can be earning money soon.
For engineering, you would need at least a bachelors degree. A graduate degree (masters, possibly PhD) would be advantageous. Powertrain engineering, automotive engineering and aerospace engineering are essentially specializations of mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering. Most of the first and second year courses would be the same. Your education would be more expensive and take longer, but your future earnings would be higher too.
You could keep your options open and start out in mechanical engineering. If during your studies, you realize a more specialized program is more to your liking you can switch. Or you can complete mech engineering and specialize for your masters. If you do some internships you can get some experience in different industries. There are many paths to an engineering job. If you want to be more hands-on, you can learn welding on the side.
You could also start out in welding, get your certificates to see how it goes. You could save some money for college and get your bachelors. As a welder, you'd be able to find a job that is well paid for the summer or part-time. Industry experience is highly valued for engineering jobs. It also earns you the respect of the workers you might eventually be in charge of.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, but you don't need to decide right now. You also don't need to stay in the same specialty forever if you need a change. Engineering is pretty flexible, and continuous education is expected.
I hope this helps a bit! All the best whatever you decide!
KP
https://www.aws.org/certification-and-education/professional-certification/
https://www.anokatech.edu/programs/welding/
https://www.selectek.com/2021/04/16/what-experience-is-needed-to-become-a-powertrain-systems-engineer/
https://vault.com/professions/automotive-engineers/requirements
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/aerospace-rankings
You have a couple of interesting options, and they are not as far apart as you might think. Plus, you can change direction while you are on the way.
All of your career interests are broadly in engineering and technology.
Welding and auto body welding are trades (although there is a fair amount of science behind it). Welders are fairly well paid, especially if you are certified in specialties like under-water welding. You can take courses at a community college or at specialized welding schools and get your certifications. An apprenticeship is another option. The education is relatively short and you can be earning money soon.
For engineering, you would need at least a bachelors degree. A graduate degree (masters, possibly PhD) would be advantageous. Powertrain engineering, automotive engineering and aerospace engineering are essentially specializations of mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering. Most of the first and second year courses would be the same. Your education would be more expensive and take longer, but your future earnings would be higher too.
You could keep your options open and start out in mechanical engineering. If during your studies, you realize a more specialized program is more to your liking you can switch. Or you can complete mech engineering and specialize for your masters. If you do some internships you can get some experience in different industries. There are many paths to an engineering job. If you want to be more hands-on, you can learn welding on the side.
You could also start out in welding, get your certificates to see how it goes. You could save some money for college and get your bachelors. As a welder, you'd be able to find a job that is well paid for the summer or part-time. Industry experience is highly valued for engineering jobs. It also earns you the respect of the workers you might eventually be in charge of.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, but you don't need to decide right now. You also don't need to stay in the same specialty forever if you need a change. Engineering is pretty flexible, and continuous education is expected.
I hope this helps a bit! All the best whatever you decide!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Scott Vollmoeller
Mechanical Consulting Engineer
4
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Thank you for posing this question. My nephew is going through the same challenge at the moment. Here is my suggestion: go to a 2-year community college (if possible as this is fairly economical) and get your basic classes completed. After that, you can review those classes that you enjoyed the most and then, do some research on those majors that include those passions, i.e. math, sciences, industrial arts, etc., both on line and via interviews with friend, neighbors and this website. You can then, determine the next step - which university or technical school would be most advantageous for your future. In addition, I would do research on possible scholarships. They could be available to you and in the most obscure places - every little bit helps. I wish you well on this endeavor and I am thrilled you are thinking about this next step in your sophomore year!
Alaina Gomez
Sales Associate
5
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Alaina’s Answer
It's great that you're thinking about this early! Many people find it hard to pick a major, but it's normal to change majors or career paths later on. Choose a major that interests you right now and explore how it has evolved over time. What helped me was looking at high school classes related to my field or joining programs that offered hands-on experience. This helped me see if I really liked the field. Trying different things is the best way to find what works for you, both in school and in your career. Remember, you can always switch paths, try something new, or ask for advice from people with experience.