7 answers
Lore
Student
Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
1
Question
Updated
1395 views
What career should I pursue? Engineering or IT?
Hello! I'm a student in the Philippines currently undecided about my future career. I know my wants and interests, and I have researched about the careers I had in my mind, but somehow I can't feel any closure.
The two fields I take interest in are: Engineering (Aeronautical or Mechanical) and IT
Growing up I was told I was creative and a "techy" person. I have knowledge of Javascript and HTML, and I have the perseverance to learn more. I'm not that good at math but I want to be where the future will be and (hopefully) I wont be replaced by AI. But now college life is nearing and I need to make a choice. Any advice?
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7 answers
Todd Thompson
Engineer
8
Answers
Cañon City, Colorado
Updated
Todd’s Answer
That's a great question! I earned my degree in Aerospace Engineering and now work for an IT company. It's a good problem to have because both Engineering and IT are closely related. You can pick the one that interests you more and always switch later if you want to learn new skills. Engineering focuses on understanding how things work and how to design or program them. IT deals with data delivery, protection, storage, and sometimes programming. Both fields are excellent, and as long as you keep up with AI developments, you'll be valuable. Learn to use AI effectively, and your skills will be in high demand by top tech companies.
Charles Beltran
Technology Leader
1
Answer
Branchburg, New Jersey
Updated
Charles’s Answer
Hi Lore,
This is an exciting time in your life, congratulations!
My personal career path started with a major in electrical engineering, and with electives in software development. Many jobs I've held since entering the workforce leaned towards software development, creating automation to solve engineering problems.
The best advice I could provide you is that you learn a bit of both disciplines, whether major in software with minor in engineering, or vise-versa. A very rewarding section of software engineering is creating software to help engineers solve complex problems. In my current role, that looks like creating software to help power, space and cooling engineers plan for electrical demands of data centers. There are many such examples that blend both disciplines.
Best of luck in your career!
Sincerely,
Charles Beltran
I suggest you look at free courses online so you get a taste of what engineering classes and IT classes are like. Take a look at MIT opencourseware (https://ocw.mit.edu/) where you can view lectures for free (no college credit of course, but it is a great resources for learning on your own).
This is an exciting time in your life, congratulations!
My personal career path started with a major in electrical engineering, and with electives in software development. Many jobs I've held since entering the workforce leaned towards software development, creating automation to solve engineering problems.
The best advice I could provide you is that you learn a bit of both disciplines, whether major in software with minor in engineering, or vise-versa. A very rewarding section of software engineering is creating software to help engineers solve complex problems. In my current role, that looks like creating software to help power, space and cooling engineers plan for electrical demands of data centers. There are many such examples that blend both disciplines.
Best of luck in your career!
Sincerely,
Charles Beltran
Charles recommends the following next steps:
Lynton Parker
Global Director, Talent Attraction
1
Answer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Lynton’s Answer
Hi Lore,
When making decisions like these, try to imagine what your daily life could be like. It's normal to feel unsure. Even students in advanced years of engineering often don't know exactly what it's like to work as a consulting designer and engineer. I recommend reaching out to a nearby consulting firm to see if you can visit, ask questions, and get a sense of the work environment. Remember, engineering relies heavily on math, which might influence your choice. It's important to feel interested and passionate about what we do since it plays a big role in our lives. Take your time with your decision, and remember, it's never too late to change paths if your interests shift.
When making decisions like these, try to imagine what your daily life could be like. It's normal to feel unsure. Even students in advanced years of engineering often don't know exactly what it's like to work as a consulting designer and engineer. I recommend reaching out to a nearby consulting firm to see if you can visit, ask questions, and get a sense of the work environment. Remember, engineering relies heavily on math, which might influence your choice. It's important to feel interested and passionate about what we do since it plays a big role in our lives. Take your time with your decision, and remember, it's never too late to change paths if your interests shift.
Nyasha Made
Aeronautical Engineer
1
Answer
Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
Updated
Nyasha’s Answer
It's great that you have done your research concerning your fields of interest. I advise that you also research about the opportunities in your country. If there are a lot of Aviation opportunities in your country you can study Aeronautical Engineering and later on specialize with Avionics. By studying avionics you will experience both the world of IT and Engineering.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Your interests and skills suggest that IT could be a great fit for you. With your experience in web technologies, you'll find IT is an exciting and fast-changing field where you can quickly develop practical skills and see real results. Areas like AI, automation, software development, and cybersecurity are growing and offer many chances for you to shine with your persistence and creativity.
While engineering, especially mechanical and aeronautical, offers broad opportunities, it often demands strong math and physics skills, which you mentioned aren't your favorite. But don't worry about AI taking over jobs completely. In IT and computer science, human creativity and problem-solving are still very important.
If you love coding and technology, don't let fear stop you. Pick the path that excites you and follow your instincts. Focus on learning, building projects, and being flexible, and you'll be ready to succeed in the future job market. Remember, your passion and eagerness to grow are your biggest strengths, no matter which path you choose.
While engineering, especially mechanical and aeronautical, offers broad opportunities, it often demands strong math and physics skills, which you mentioned aren't your favorite. But don't worry about AI taking over jobs completely. In IT and computer science, human creativity and problem-solving are still very important.
If you love coding and technology, don't let fear stop you. Pick the path that excites you and follow your instincts. Focus on learning, building projects, and being flexible, and you'll be ready to succeed in the future job market. Remember, your passion and eagerness to grow are your biggest strengths, no matter which path you choose.
Wayne Archibald
Cybersecurity Associate Director here to share knowledge!
241
Answers
Annapolis Junction, Maryland
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Hi Lore,
Exploring programming and AI can lead to amazing opportunities. Your eagerness to learn and basic knowledge of programming are excellent foundations for success in these fields.
Don't worry too much about math. While some courses might need it, you don't have to be a math expert. With determination and a bit of help, you can handle any math requirements. It's helpful to check what math is needed for the programs you're interested in before you decide.
AI will keep changing how industries work, but people will always be important. Human skills will be needed in many jobs, especially as new technologies emerge. By keeping your skills up-to-date, you'll be ready for exciting career paths.
Exploring programming and AI can lead to amazing opportunities. Your eagerness to learn and basic knowledge of programming are excellent foundations for success in these fields.
Don't worry too much about math. While some courses might need it, you don't have to be a math expert. With determination and a bit of help, you can handle any math requirements. It's helpful to check what math is needed for the programs you're interested in before you decide.
AI will keep changing how industries work, but people will always be important. Human skills will be needed in many jobs, especially as new technologies emerge. By keeping your skills up-to-date, you'll be ready for exciting career paths.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
150
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Lore,
You are at a crossroad and your dilemma is quite common.
There are many considerations when choosing a career. Keen interest in what you would like to pursue, special potential & ability nature has gifted you and the available opportunities are some of the common ones. Loving what you do also evokes passion & commitment from you in pursuing your goals. Being your best in everything you do is a mindset that will serve you well in life.
Mathematics and physics are basic subjects for any engineering course. In modern industry IT solutions are prevalent: ERP systems that integrate entire supply chains, industrial softwares for equipment including robotics. AI provides new opportunities for solutions that permeate all aspects of our lives. The choices you are considering can be very rewarding. Just go for what your heart desires the most, especially if it's something you are good at.
The best way to master a mathematical field of study is to approach it from first principles. This allows you to gain deep understanding of concepts and principles involved. This also makes it easier for you to figure out how to apply what you are learning. Engineering is about proving solutions to some of the many challenges we face as a society. Making our world a better place remains an enduring goal for mankind. Every opportunity to contribute to it is truly noble.
Wish you the very best of luck in the career of your choice
You are at a crossroad and your dilemma is quite common.
There are many considerations when choosing a career. Keen interest in what you would like to pursue, special potential & ability nature has gifted you and the available opportunities are some of the common ones. Loving what you do also evokes passion & commitment from you in pursuing your goals. Being your best in everything you do is a mindset that will serve you well in life.
Mathematics and physics are basic subjects for any engineering course. In modern industry IT solutions are prevalent: ERP systems that integrate entire supply chains, industrial softwares for equipment including robotics. AI provides new opportunities for solutions that permeate all aspects of our lives. The choices you are considering can be very rewarding. Just go for what your heart desires the most, especially if it's something you are good at.
The best way to master a mathematical field of study is to approach it from first principles. This allows you to gain deep understanding of concepts and principles involved. This also makes it easier for you to figure out how to apply what you are learning. Engineering is about proving solutions to some of the many challenges we face as a society. Making our world a better place remains an enduring goal for mankind. Every opportunity to contribute to it is truly noble.
Wish you the very best of luck in the career of your choice