Is it a good idea to major in engineering and get a minor in business?

Sounds like a perfect combination. Engineering can take you in so many directions. And you have the advantage of having a business head which will take you through to management level, if that is where you want to go. Having both will open up your options much wider.
I am an engineer in civil engineering and chose to stay at this level because I love the problem solving, creating technical solutions. It is so easy to go higher up the ladder because you are being encouraged by your peers and managers and realise later that you are now in a job that you do not enjoy any more. Know what it is that you want to do.

In many ways, having the engineering/business combination makes a lot of sense. Employment wise as it gives you flexibility to work in different aspects of either field.

Many engineers have great ideas and functional knowledge but have little experience on how to evaluate their worth, market or sell their ideas from a business perspective.

People on the business side (purchasing, sales, marketing) usually have low level engineering knowledge and thus may not fully recognize potential or actual functionality of products and/or services from an engineering perspective.

In my personal experience, engineers with business credentials and experience are a valuable asset to an organization, exceeding the value of either by themselves.

It sounds like you're on that track now, Good luck

In my opinion, it is.

It may help if you would like to work for a smaller company, where you may not be doing strictly technical work all the time. It would also be a benefit if you wish to pursue an MBA at a later time, which takes longer if you have never taken any business classes.

I definitely believe this would be a great combination. Engineers are required to write, plan, and present their work. I believe if you obtain a minor it puts you in line for management opportunities. That minor will provide you a broader view of an organization and it's operations.

Keira,

It's an excellent idea to get a degree with a major in engineering and a minor in business. Not only will you learn about engineering but you will learn how to navigate the corporate world and even how to run your own business.

Good Luck!

From what I read, you are already a leader between your peers. Minoring in business would prepare you for a career in management.

I hope you the best of luck.

Keira - Having a minor in business will serve you well as that should provide you with some understanding of the "business side" of an engineering company. Also take as much technical writing as you can and become familiar/proficient in AutoCADD.

Godspeed.

As someone who started with an engineering degree but has since spent 20 years in b2b marketing I would def recommend mixing these two subjects. Whatever company you work in they need always need to make or save money, so any business modules or topics you can study that will enable you to have a conversation (in interviews or at work) about how the engineering actions or plans can help your company or their customers make or save money will be a great benefit and help to differentiate you.