5 answers
Caroline
Student
Green Bay, Wisconsin
2
Questions
Updated
567 views
What are the best ways to explore what type of engineering I should major in?
Right now I'm thinking of either mechanical or industrial engineering.
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5 answers
John Pecore
President
1
Answer
Lawtey, Florida
Updated
John’s Answer
When I was younger, I worked as a recruiter for engineers. I have a soft spot for Industrial Engineering because it offers great job opportunities, much like nursing. Industrial Engineering can lead to roles in Manufacturing and Plant Engineering. Mechanical Engineering might pay more initially, but it often has limited growth. On the other hand, Industrial Engineering usually starts with a lower salary, but it offers excellent growth and development opportunities. I recommend exploring the electronics industry, especially with the growing demand for PC boards and SMT technology. It's beneficial to have a basic understanding of Electronics and Electrical Engineering. Women tend to excel in Industrial Engineering, even though engineering has traditionally been male-dominated. It's important to stand strong and not let anyone's ego hold you back.
Thank you!
Caroline
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
654
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
To choose between mechanical and industrial engineering, start by thinking about what you love, what you're good at, and what you want in the future. Learn about both fields by checking out beginner courses or materials. Mechanical engineering is about machines and energy, so if you like physics and design, it might be for you. Industrial engineering focuses on making processes and systems better, so if you like working with data and improving workflows, this could be your path.
To get a better feel, try different things like shadowing an engineer, joining engineering clubs, or talking to professors and professionals. These experiences will help you see what the work is really like and build your connections. If you're still unsure, try making small projects in each area. This hands-on experience, along with shadowing and volunteering, will help you discover what you truly enjoy and make a confident choice.
To get a better feel, try different things like shadowing an engineer, joining engineering clubs, or talking to professors and professionals. These experiences will help you see what the work is really like and build your connections. If you're still unsure, try making small projects in each area. This hands-on experience, along with shadowing and volunteering, will help you discover what you truly enjoy and make a confident choice.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
233
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Caroline,
Thanks for your query. I guess you're at crossroads. It's normal to go through this experience.
Career choices are influenced by many considerations. Potential (talent/special gifts) is the basic foundation. What we are exceptional at is something we can pursue for a life time.
Usually, it's important that you love and enjoy what you do. This way, you can pursue it with passion, diligence and commitment.
Figuring out your purpose in life is another important factor. Destiny brings each one of us into this world for a reason. Engineering has always endeavored to fulfill some of the pressing needs of humanity. Joining the profession affords you an opportunity to contribute to this noble cause.
People often focus on a profession they think will earn them lots of money. In practice, excelling in what you do can easily guarantee you financial freedom as long as it fulfills an important human need.
I hope you make your choices wisely. Wish you the very best of luck in your preferred choice of career.
Thanks for your query. I guess you're at crossroads. It's normal to go through this experience.
Career choices are influenced by many considerations. Potential (talent/special gifts) is the basic foundation. What we are exceptional at is something we can pursue for a life time.
Usually, it's important that you love and enjoy what you do. This way, you can pursue it with passion, diligence and commitment.
Figuring out your purpose in life is another important factor. Destiny brings each one of us into this world for a reason. Engineering has always endeavored to fulfill some of the pressing needs of humanity. Joining the profession affords you an opportunity to contribute to this noble cause.
People often focus on a profession they think will earn them lots of money. In practice, excelling in what you do can easily guarantee you financial freedom as long as it fulfills an important human need.
I hope you make your choices wisely. Wish you the very best of luck in your preferred choice of career.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Caroline
cassandra Harris
Social / Emotional learning Teacher
42
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
cassandra’s Answer
It’s great that you’re already considering mechanical and industrial engineering; both are strong, versatile fields. The best way to decide is to try things out and compare what you enjoy most.
1. Understand the difference
Mechanical Engineering:
Focuses on designing and building physical systems (machines, engines, robotics, products).
👉 Best for people who like how things work and are built.
Industrial Engineering:
Focuses on improving systems, efficiency, and processes (factories, workflows, logistics).
👉 Best for people who like optimizing systems and solving big-picture problems.
2. Try small, real experiences
Join a robotics or engineering club
Work on hands-on projects (building, CAD, tinkering → more mechanical)
Try process/problem-solving challenges (efficiency, organization, systems → more industrial)
Look for internships, job shadowing, or summer programs
3. Take intro classes (if possible)
Engineering, physics, or CAD → helpful for mechanical
Business, data, or systems-based classes → helpful for industrial
Even one class can give you clarity.
4. Talk to people in each field
Ask what their day-to-day work is like
What they enjoy and what’s challenging
How much they work with people vs. machines
5. Pay attention to what you enjoy
Ask yourself:
Do I enjoy building and designing physical things? → Mechanical
Do I enjoy organizing, improving, and optimizing systems? → Industrial
Final advice:
You don’t have to be 100% sure right away. Many students start in general engineering and decide after taking a few classes. Both paths can lead to great careers—you’re really choosing what kind of problems you want to solve.
1. Understand the difference
Mechanical Engineering:
Focuses on designing and building physical systems (machines, engines, robotics, products).
👉 Best for people who like how things work and are built.
Industrial Engineering:
Focuses on improving systems, efficiency, and processes (factories, workflows, logistics).
👉 Best for people who like optimizing systems and solving big-picture problems.
2. Try small, real experiences
Join a robotics or engineering club
Work on hands-on projects (building, CAD, tinkering → more mechanical)
Try process/problem-solving challenges (efficiency, organization, systems → more industrial)
Look for internships, job shadowing, or summer programs
3. Take intro classes (if possible)
Engineering, physics, or CAD → helpful for mechanical
Business, data, or systems-based classes → helpful for industrial
Even one class can give you clarity.
4. Talk to people in each field
Ask what their day-to-day work is like
What they enjoy and what’s challenging
How much they work with people vs. machines
5. Pay attention to what you enjoy
Ask yourself:
Do I enjoy building and designing physical things? → Mechanical
Do I enjoy organizing, improving, and optimizing systems? → Industrial
Final advice:
You don’t have to be 100% sure right away. Many students start in general engineering and decide after taking a few classes. Both paths can lead to great careers—you’re really choosing what kind of problems you want to solve.
Thank you, cassandra!
Caroline
Tom McCaffrey
Management
20
Answers
Madison, Mississippi
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Starting with a strong undergraduate degree in mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering is a wise choice. These fields are central to almost every major industry. Companies in energy, manufacturing, construction, aerospace, automotive, tech, and infrastructure are always looking for talent in these areas because the skills are directly applicable to real-world projects. With a degree in any of these engineering fields, graduates have a solid technical foundation and access to a wide variety of job opportunities. These degrees offer flexibility and are highly sought after, making them excellent starting points in the engineering world.
Thank you for the advice.
Caroline