6 answers
Camden
Student
Noblesville, Indiana
1
Question
Updated
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Would Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering be the best fit for me?
I am interested in engineering and I want to stay close to the trades. (to be clear what I mean by the trades are the skilled construction trades like carpentry, electrical, and plumbing). I enjoy working with moving parts like with power tools, I like doing electrical wiring work, and I am interested in overseeing construction projects. According to my research I would enjoy doing something in each of the engineering categories above. Which one would allow me to be involved in the construction trades in a useful way?
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6 answers
Fahad Elahi Khan
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate
44
Answers
Chittagong, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Fahad Elahi’s Answer
If you love working with trades like carpentry, electrical, and plumbing, and enjoy using power tools and managing projects, civil engineering could be a great choice. This field involves designing and overseeing the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. You'll work closely with tradespeople on site, making sure everything is built safely and efficiently. It keeps you involved in hands-on construction while also managing the overall project. Mechanical engineering might also be a good fit, especially if you're interested in building systems like HVAC or machinery installation, which connects to plumbing and moving parts. If wiring is your passion, electrical engineering focuses on power systems and lighting in construction. However, if you want to be deeply involved across various trades and manage projects, civil engineering offers broad opportunities. Consider talking to professionals in each field through informational interviews or job shadows to see what suits you best.
Brian Swain
Mechanical Engineer
62
Answers
Modesto, California
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi Camden,
I strongly encourage you to look into Electrical Engineering. While there are areas in Mechanical Engineering that are used in the trades ( HVAC) my experience is mostly in manufacturing and product engineering.
I strongly encourage you to look into Electrical Engineering. While there are areas in Mechanical Engineering that are used in the trades ( HVAC) my experience is mostly in manufacturing and product engineering.
Armando de Jesús Herrera
Sr. Project Engineer
33
Answers
Roswell, Georgia
Updated
Armando de Jesús’s Answer
Hi Camden,
I hope you are doing fine. From my point of view It’s great that you already know what you enjoy, like working with tools, doing electrical wiring, and being involved in construction projects. Those interests point toward engineering disciplines that stay close to the trades while offering opportunities for leadership and technical problem-solving. Let’s break down how Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering connect to the construction environment and which might fit your goals best.
1. Civil Engineering
* Why It Fits: Civil engineers are deeply involved in construction projects—roads, bridges, buildings, and infrastructure. They often work as field engineers, site supervisors, or project managers, coordinating skilled trades like carpenters, masons, and plumbers.
*Best For: If you enjoy overseeing large-scale construction and working closely with multiple trades, civil engineering is a strong choice.
2. Electrical Engineering
*Why It Fits: Electrical engineers design and oversee electrical systems for buildings, industrial facilities, and power distribution. They often collaborate with electricians and may supervise wiring installations.
*Best For: If you love electrical work and want to move beyond hands-on wiring into designing systems and managing electrical projects, this is ideal.
3. Mechanical Engineering
*Why It Fits: Mechanical engineers focus on systems with moving parts like HVAC, machinery, and equipment used in construction. They often work on building systems and industrial projects.
*Best For: If you enjoy working with tools and mechanical systems, and want to design or oversee installation of equipment, mechanical engineering is a good fit.
Which One Keeps You Closest to the Trades?
*Civil Engineering keeps you closest to overall construction and multiple trades.
*Electrical Engineering keeps you closest to electrical work and wiring.
*Mechanical Engineering connects you to systems and equipment but slightly less to traditional trades like carpentry or plumbing.
If your goal is to stay deeply involved in construction and work alongside skilled trades, Civil Engineering is the most versatile choice. If electrical work excites you most, Electrical Engineering is a strong option.
It's important to highlight that all three can lead to roles like field engineer, project supervisor, or construction manager, so think about which type of work you like the most.
I hope you are doing fine. From my point of view It’s great that you already know what you enjoy, like working with tools, doing electrical wiring, and being involved in construction projects. Those interests point toward engineering disciplines that stay close to the trades while offering opportunities for leadership and technical problem-solving. Let’s break down how Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering connect to the construction environment and which might fit your goals best.
1. Civil Engineering
* Why It Fits: Civil engineers are deeply involved in construction projects—roads, bridges, buildings, and infrastructure. They often work as field engineers, site supervisors, or project managers, coordinating skilled trades like carpenters, masons, and plumbers.
*Best For: If you enjoy overseeing large-scale construction and working closely with multiple trades, civil engineering is a strong choice.
2. Electrical Engineering
*Why It Fits: Electrical engineers design and oversee electrical systems for buildings, industrial facilities, and power distribution. They often collaborate with electricians and may supervise wiring installations.
*Best For: If you love electrical work and want to move beyond hands-on wiring into designing systems and managing electrical projects, this is ideal.
3. Mechanical Engineering
*Why It Fits: Mechanical engineers focus on systems with moving parts like HVAC, machinery, and equipment used in construction. They often work on building systems and industrial projects.
*Best For: If you enjoy working with tools and mechanical systems, and want to design or oversee installation of equipment, mechanical engineering is a good fit.
Which One Keeps You Closest to the Trades?
*Civil Engineering keeps you closest to overall construction and multiple trades.
*Electrical Engineering keeps you closest to electrical work and wiring.
*Mechanical Engineering connects you to systems and equipment but slightly less to traditional trades like carpentry or plumbing.
If your goal is to stay deeply involved in construction and work alongside skilled trades, Civil Engineering is the most versatile choice. If electrical work excites you most, Electrical Engineering is a strong option.
It's important to highlight that all three can lead to roles like field engineer, project supervisor, or construction manager, so think about which type of work you like the most.
Jody Muniz, P.E.
Project Manager / Forensic Engineer
29
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Jody’s Answer
I highly recommend you work in corporate student internships during your education. The working internship will give you much needed exposure to the engineering profession and give you valuable perspective. Working in the professional field will give you income and experiece.
When I graduated as a Civil Engneer with general studies and not a focused degree like structural, environmental, or water resources, I was hired by DuPont Construction for my first salaried engioneering job and they trained me to do Mechanical work for Civil Engineering pay. Not ideal , but gave me valuable experience and I used that experience to become a Licensed Mechanical Engineer later after I became a licensed professional Civil Engineer. I passed the Civil Engineering PE exam using the hydraulics section for my test questions.
Engineering is a broad and vast field. Civil engineering tends to pay the least from my past expereinces. That may change.
In my personal and biased opinion, engineers for water resources and land development are going to become high demand skills for a population expansion and due to global weather changes and a not so smart population run by greed and profit. You can't go wrong no matter which direction you pick as far as I am concerned. I worked multiple projects that were over my head and required me to really work extra hard and work thru my initial failures, criticism, threats of termination, etc., I was once told I had a whole week ( 7 days to be specific) to clean up my act, or else. Good thing it was a Friday. I worked all weekend and I started my " self-induced-improvement" plan on the next Monday. In other words, I went to my boss's boss and told him what he said to me and my 7 day deadline. I asked his advice on how can I achieve the pending undesired results in 7 days. The boss's boss then went and had a private meeting with my boss and miracoulsy the 7 day deadline evaporated. So I kept working really , really hard and I stayed positive till the end of construciton and the start-up. So my advice for " right-now, right-now ", as George Lopez says, Stay as positive as possible every day of your life Camden, and you will be succesful. I already know this. You can't go wrong no matter which way you go Bro. Cheers!
Research student internships and how to get hired by good companies as a student intern and are the requirements for internship employment
Research entry level engineering positions posted by good companies and create a personal library of the requirements they are seeking to establish a forward path for future decisions on possible study paths.
Network with working professionals and ask their advice on what they like and dislike about their engineering assignments , projects, etc. Ask them whaty they would have done differently.
Make a plan, and change your plan as much as you want.
Stay positive every day and not just on pay day.
When I graduated as a Civil Engneer with general studies and not a focused degree like structural, environmental, or water resources, I was hired by DuPont Construction for my first salaried engioneering job and they trained me to do Mechanical work for Civil Engineering pay. Not ideal , but gave me valuable experience and I used that experience to become a Licensed Mechanical Engineer later after I became a licensed professional Civil Engineer. I passed the Civil Engineering PE exam using the hydraulics section for my test questions.
Engineering is a broad and vast field. Civil engineering tends to pay the least from my past expereinces. That may change.
In my personal and biased opinion, engineers for water resources and land development are going to become high demand skills for a population expansion and due to global weather changes and a not so smart population run by greed and profit. You can't go wrong no matter which direction you pick as far as I am concerned. I worked multiple projects that were over my head and required me to really work extra hard and work thru my initial failures, criticism, threats of termination, etc., I was once told I had a whole week ( 7 days to be specific) to clean up my act, or else. Good thing it was a Friday. I worked all weekend and I started my " self-induced-improvement" plan on the next Monday. In other words, I went to my boss's boss and told him what he said to me and my 7 day deadline. I asked his advice on how can I achieve the pending undesired results in 7 days. The boss's boss then went and had a private meeting with my boss and miracoulsy the 7 day deadline evaporated. So I kept working really , really hard and I stayed positive till the end of construciton and the start-up. So my advice for " right-now, right-now ", as George Lopez says, Stay as positive as possible every day of your life Camden, and you will be succesful. I already know this. You can't go wrong no matter which way you go Bro. Cheers!
Jody recommends the following next steps:
Kira Walkosak
1
Answer
Updated
Kira’s Answer
I am currently a Junior Mechanical Engineer who was in this same situation. I choose to switch to mechanical right before college started and I am so grateful I did. Mechanical is a broad education, covering every topic of engineering. It gives you a greater understanding of ALL areas of engineering. My friends and I have found companies like to hire mechanical engineers, regardless if it it for biomedical, electrical, civil etc. I right now have had two internships in Civil as a mechanical engineer and companies love the education you receive on all areas of engineering. Hope this helps!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Based on your passion for wiring and working with tools, electrical engineering is an excellent fit. Electrical engineers spend a lot of time on construction sites alongside electricians, ensuring systems are installed correctly and function as intended. Adding project management skills makes this path even stronger, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in the technical side of construction while also giving you the authority to oversee projects and coordinate different trades. To strengthen this path, you could develop skills in construction management, scheduling, budgeting, and safety regulations, and gain training in top industry software such as AutoCAD and Revit for design and modeling, ETAP for electrical system analysis, and Microsoft Project or Procore for project management and coordination. With these skills and expertise, you would be well-equipped to lead projects and collaborate effectively with electricians, inspectors, and contractors to solve real-world challenges on the job site.