7 answers
1
Question
Updated
720 views
Which major has a better job outlook, mechanical or construction engineering?
In California, in the next 5 or 6 years
Login to comment
7 answers
Jerry Van Norman
Professional Engineer with over 50 years of experience
12
Answers
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Diego,
Choosing between engineering and construction is like picking between two exciting paths that work closely together. Engineers create designs, while construction engineers bring those designs to life. Sometimes, you might find yourself designing something and then overseeing its construction, which is a rewarding experience.
In the field, construction engineers wear safety gear like steel-toed boots, vests, and hard hats, often using a small computer to assist their work. Office engineers, on the other hand, work at computers with multiple screens. Both roles are essential to completing a project.
Having experience in both areas, I suggest challenging yourself with the toughest math and engineering courses you can manage. The requirements for construction engineering are similar and might suit your interests. You can always switch paths if needed.
Also, don't limit your opportunities to just California. The world needs skilled engineers like you to design and build amazing things. Keep pushing forward!
Choosing between engineering and construction is like picking between two exciting paths that work closely together. Engineers create designs, while construction engineers bring those designs to life. Sometimes, you might find yourself designing something and then overseeing its construction, which is a rewarding experience.
In the field, construction engineers wear safety gear like steel-toed boots, vests, and hard hats, often using a small computer to assist their work. Office engineers, on the other hand, work at computers with multiple screens. Both roles are essential to completing a project.
Having experience in both areas, I suggest challenging yourself with the toughest math and engineering courses you can manage. The requirements for construction engineering are similar and might suit your interests. You can always switch paths if needed.
Also, don't limit your opportunities to just California. The world needs skilled engineers like you to design and build amazing things. Keep pushing forward!
Updated
Ulrich F.’s Answer
i'd say mechanical. why? because anything related to machines or the use of machinery. It involves the design, construction, and operation of machines and tools. This can also describe something that works automatically, without much human thought or effort. and this is where the world is driving towards as years go by.
Updated
Sreedhar’s Answer
Hi Diego,
Since a career is a long-term activity, I recommend that you ask yourself this question.
1. What do I like to do with my time?
2. Do I like to work outdoors or indoors?
3. Do I like talking to different people from different social, economic, and educational backgrounds?
Once you answer these questions, you will be able to use any career guide to pick a field.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
Since a career is a long-term activity, I recommend that you ask yourself this question.
1. What do I like to do with my time?
2. Do I like to work outdoors or indoors?
3. Do I like talking to different people from different social, economic, and educational backgrounds?
Once you answer these questions, you will be able to use any career guide to pick a field.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Hi Diego,
Thanks for your question — and you’ve already gotten some very thoughtful responses.
When it was time for me to choose my engineering path back in 1984, I initially went with Electrical/Computer Engineering. I picked it because the growth prospects looked excellent — and the field really did take off — but I quickly discovered I didn’t actually enjoy the work. I eventually switched to Mechanical Engineering, even though, at the time, the job market for it didn’t look nearly as strong.
I really agree with William’s point: when you follow what genuinely interests you, it brings out your best work. In my experience, choosing a path mainly for its job outlook can lead to frustration over time. If you choose an engineering field that truly interests you and fits your strengths, you’re much more likely to excel, because that intrinsic motivation makes a huge difference.
There are also some online tools that can help point you toward fields that match your interests. One example is the Engineering Career Test below — it’s a short multiple-choice quiz that compares your answers with different engineering areas and suggests ones you might enjoy.
https://www.yourfreecareertest.com/career-tests/engineering-career-test/
Hope this helps, and best of luck as you figure out the path that feels right for you!
Best,
Tom
Thanks for your question — and you’ve already gotten some very thoughtful responses.
When it was time for me to choose my engineering path back in 1984, I initially went with Electrical/Computer Engineering. I picked it because the growth prospects looked excellent — and the field really did take off — but I quickly discovered I didn’t actually enjoy the work. I eventually switched to Mechanical Engineering, even though, at the time, the job market for it didn’t look nearly as strong.
I really agree with William’s point: when you follow what genuinely interests you, it brings out your best work. In my experience, choosing a path mainly for its job outlook can lead to frustration over time. If you choose an engineering field that truly interests you and fits your strengths, you’re much more likely to excel, because that intrinsic motivation makes a huge difference.
There are also some online tools that can help point you toward fields that match your interests. One example is the Engineering Career Test below — it’s a short multiple-choice quiz that compares your answers with different engineering areas and suggests ones you might enjoy.
https://www.yourfreecareertest.com/career-tests/engineering-career-test/
Hope this helps, and best of luck as you figure out the path that feels right for you!
Best,
Tom
Updated
Harry’s Answer
They both have a good outlook. More education and especially math involved with mechanical engineering. If you are more of a hands on person I would consider construction management but if you like theory and design I would consider mechanical engineering.
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
200
Answers
Updated
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
One must look at the market nationally because either industry needs professionals that travel. Clients are global so your skills will depend on clients P&L. Cali today is loosing companies and almost in default which trickles into private sector.
Five years is a your dream prediction. In business that crystal ball is foggy indeed! If you can predict that become an investment banker.
Five years is a your dream prediction. In business that crystal ball is foggy indeed! If you can predict that become an investment banker.
Updated
Lorenzo’s Answer
Diego,
That's a great question. There are a few things to think about when choosing between these fields. Only you can decide what's best for you. Your choice depends on the job market and what you want to do in your career. Both fields can lead to jobs as an employee or as an entrepreneur, so it depends on your interests. In a growing economy, construction jobs are needed for building things like data centers and highways. Mechanical engineering is also broad, with opportunities in areas like robotics and aeronautics. I suggest you focus on where you want to use your skills and start there.
That's a great question. There are a few things to think about when choosing between these fields. Only you can decide what's best for you. Your choice depends on the job market and what you want to do in your career. Both fields can lead to jobs as an employee or as an entrepreneur, so it depends on your interests. In a growing economy, construction jobs are needed for building things like data centers and highways. Mechanical engineering is also broad, with opportunities in areas like robotics and aeronautics. I suggest you focus on where you want to use your skills and start there.