So what's the real deal behind engineering?

[Sukhoi]

Originally posted by: mwmorph

Originally posted by: Sukhoi
lol your dad is a fvcking idiot. I graduated with an ME degree and I definitely have an ME related job.

And how would ME possibly be a dying field? Think about that for a minute. EVERYTHING is mechanical. Even CPU designs heavily consider heat dissipation and other mechanical things.

Your dad is one of those really booksmart people that can't figure out to put a quarter in a newspaper box right?

ME is WAY different than ECE. Do not attempt ECE if you do not like it.

Well thats what I was saying, Every product you use has an ME guy working on it but he sees it as pegged solely with the "dying" US automotive industry and maybe some aircraft companies.

Yep. And as you seemed to indicate with the quotes you understand even the auto industry isn't dying. It's just changing from the traditional powers.

 

[LordMorpheus]

If you want to make a ton of cash, Mechanical engineering is a good way to go. The oil companies can't get enough. Get a job with Shell, Exxon, BP, or Schlumberger, any of those. Possibly lots of travel, you might wind up overseas, but they'll be throwing bags of money at you the whole time.

Your dad is a moron.

(I'm a MechE student and have had several offers. Not interested in the industry, though, I've got my sights on grad school).

 

[Flyback]

Parents can be a doozy. Often times they just want to look out for your best interest even though they are usually way off base (disowning you for selecting something that will bring you happiness in life).

Here is what you can do:

First semesters (even the first year) for most engineering majors is the same. Ask to be switched to electrical engineering just to make him happy. Get it on paper. Show him. He smiles, pays your bill.

While away at school, switch to mech eng after first year (when you declare specific engineering discipline) and take all the mech eng classes you want. Live a peaceful life and get along with your family. When you are done, you will have enough credits to graduate from mech eng. During this time you will have to give some small lies. Say what you did in class and otherwise. Likely that your parents won't be able to tell the difference unless your father is an electrical engineer and quizzes you every night on the phone.

When you graduate you will be happy and can move on with life, not under their thumb.

This is what I'd do. Might be harder if you live with them during college and he sees your textbooks sitting around

 

[overst33r]

First year ME major here. Have a few conversations with your dad and ask him to come up with legitimate reasons why you should not pursue your degree and of course you can come up with legitimate and better answers to his claims, hopefully that will convince him.