6 answers
Triston
Student
Omaha, Nebraska
1
Question
Updated
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Why did you pick your specific engineering field over all of the other engineering fields?
I am interested in how you picked the specific engineering field.
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6 answers
Brian Swain
Mechanical Engineer
62
Answers
Modesto, California
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi Triston,
I choose Mechanical Engineering because I was good at math and liked playing withe legos as a kid. When I was younger I wanted to be a lego set designer, and little did i know but Mechanical Engineering essentially lets me do that on the "adult" professional level
I choose Mechanical Engineering because I was good at math and liked playing withe legos as a kid. When I was younger I wanted to be a lego set designer, and little did i know but Mechanical Engineering essentially lets me do that on the "adult" professional level
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
110
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hello Tristan. I started with Physics as my my major. During the second year, I realized that focusing on atoms and electro-magnetic waves was not my primary interest. A junior ME friend talked to me about the challenges in ME. He high-lighted some of the engineering pioneers in that field - like Fourier, Watt, Rayleighand others whose focus was to solve practical problems. I had some experience with heavy equipment and other machines, so this appealed to me. The ME department was willing to take me as a transfer. I had to make up some of the sophomore ME preprequisites as a Junior, even while taking a couple of the junior-level courses. I over-loaded a few credit hours, and.....got the best grades ever that semester. I also received credit for the 2nd-year Physics classes as electives to meet the degree requirements. Finally, I took summer classes while working as an engineering intern to meet some non-ME requirements so I could focus on ME courses during my senior year. It all worked out for me.
My advice is that you can choose a major and try it on for size. If it doesn't fit, try on another one - but be prepared to do the extra work (called learning) from your choice(s). Think about what really interests you. Is it machinery/electronics/materials/mathematics/computers. Focus your energy there, at least to start. You will soon find out if you made the right choice.
Backing up a bit - I also had doubts about Physics during my 1st semester. At that point, I thought I could switch to Music. I auditioned with the Music department and got a go-ahead to change at the end of 1st semester. But, by then, I felt that the technical path was the better choice. I still play music as an avocation. It's ok to be confused or dubious about your choice. You just have to figure out the right path, even if you go astray once or twice. Don't be afraid to ask your professors and other professionals to help you navigate.
My advice is that you can choose a major and try it on for size. If it doesn't fit, try on another one - but be prepared to do the extra work (called learning) from your choice(s). Think about what really interests you. Is it machinery/electronics/materials/mathematics/computers. Focus your energy there, at least to start. You will soon find out if you made the right choice.
Backing up a bit - I also had doubts about Physics during my 1st semester. At that point, I thought I could switch to Music. I auditioned with the Music department and got a go-ahead to change at the end of 1st semester. But, by then, I felt that the technical path was the better choice. I still play music as an avocation. It's ok to be confused or dubious about your choice. You just have to figure out the right path, even if you go astray once or twice. Don't be afraid to ask your professors and other professionals to help you navigate.
Mike Rekstad
14
Answers
Updated
Mike’s Answer
I always knew I wanted to be an engineer, but it took some time to choose which field to pursue. I started with petroleum engineering just to begin my journey. By the middle of my freshman year, I narrowed it down to mechanical and electrical engineering. It was a tough decision. Mechanical seemed easier because it felt more intuitive, but electrical was full of intriguing mysteries. I chose electrical because those mysteries fascinated me.
Often in my career, I worked in systems engineering, combining my skills and the expertise of others to complete projects or build devices. While my work was mostly considered electrical, I often dealt with thermodynamics, materials, and other mechanical aspects.
If you're unsure about your career path, take a guess and choose the engineering field that interests you the most. Don't be afraid to change directions. You can switch focus during college, graduate school, or even after starting a job. Opportunities to explore different areas may arise within the same company, allowing you to broaden your skills across multiple disciplines.
Keep exploring and good luck!
Often in my career, I worked in systems engineering, combining my skills and the expertise of others to complete projects or build devices. While my work was mostly considered electrical, I often dealt with thermodynamics, materials, and other mechanical aspects.
If you're unsure about your career path, take a guess and choose the engineering field that interests you the most. Don't be afraid to change directions. You can switch focus during college, graduate school, or even after starting a job. Opportunities to explore different areas may arise within the same company, allowing you to broaden your skills across multiple disciplines.
Keep exploring and good luck!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
During my first semester, I studied pre-engineering and explored a wide range of fields, including mechanical, civil, water, food, biomedical, chemical, and electrical engineering. After gathering information and reflecting on each discipline, I realized that I am especially drawn to work involving mathematical modeling, problem-solving, and complex challenges. I also considered my passion for puzzles, my long-term career goals, emerging technology trends, and the strength of future job opportunities.
As I learned more, I noticed that the projects that truly inspired me, such as circuit design, automation, robotics, and digital systems, all connected to electrical and computer engineering. I enjoy working with both hardware and software, and I value how ECE allows me to combine creativity with analytical thinking. The field’s versatility, from artificial intelligence to renewable energy systems, made the path even more compelling. With these motivations and supportive insights in mind, I confidently chose to pursue Electrical and Computer Engineering in my second semester as a freshman.
As I learned more, I noticed that the projects that truly inspired me, such as circuit design, automation, robotics, and digital systems, all connected to electrical and computer engineering. I enjoy working with both hardware and software, and I value how ECE allows me to combine creativity with analytical thinking. The field’s versatility, from artificial intelligence to renewable energy systems, made the path even more compelling. With these motivations and supportive insights in mind, I confidently chose to pursue Electrical and Computer Engineering in my second semester as a freshman.
Raj Khurana
30
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
Raj’s Answer
In high school, I was always fascinated by electronics, communications, computers. This helped me to pursue a college degree in electrical engineering.
So, think what you are passionate about, what engineering excites you or makes you curious to learn.
If you still want to decide based on some hands-on knowledge then you may want to pursue courses in pre-engineering and based on this course work, determine which engineering field makes you more curious or excited.
Bottom line, do what you want to do and not based on what someone told you to do.
Also, do not pursue a field based on job prospects. A college degree in engineering or in any major (even art major) will open up tons of opportunities for you.
Stay focused, positive and make sure to get a college degree. There will be ups and downs in your path to college degree but commit to never, ever to give up.
So, think what you are passionate about, what engineering excites you or makes you curious to learn.
If you still want to decide based on some hands-on knowledge then you may want to pursue courses in pre-engineering and based on this course work, determine which engineering field makes you more curious or excited.
Bottom line, do what you want to do and not based on what someone told you to do.
Also, do not pursue a field based on job prospects. A college degree in engineering or in any major (even art major) will open up tons of opportunities for you.
Stay focused, positive and make sure to get a college degree. There will be ups and downs in your path to college degree but commit to never, ever to give up.
Dean Dennis
Solutions Architecture
1
Answer
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Dean’s Answer
Honestly, it was more luck than planning! As a child, I loved tinkering with things like radios and cars to see how they worked. My interest in electronic and electrical engineering began with my car stereo. Studying it full-time fueled my curiosity, and because it's such a big part of everyone's life, it became my passion.
The skills you learn in this field are the foundation of everything around you, often unnoticed until something stops working. Even with advancements like AI, the basic principles stay the same.
The skills you learn in this field are the foundation of everything around you, often unnoticed until something stops working. Even with advancements like AI, the basic principles stay the same.