What are the wrong reasons for majoring in engineering?

[thepd7]

Originally posted by: Oiprocs

Originally posted by: chusteczka

Originally posted by: Jumpem

Originally posted by: chusteczka
There are other majors where a skill can be learned that will be easier to continue through a master's degree with the result of a higher salary for someone that may otherwise get burned out after receiving an engineering B.S..

Statistics, accounting, economics, finance. Each of these fields is easier to complete a master's degree in than it is to complete a bachelor's degree in engineering. The resulting pay is more for the master's degree than for an engineering bachelor's degree.

Wrong. My fiancee is in the accounting profession, and they make considerably less than engineers do.

I was attempting to compare salaries and career possibilities between a sharp student that may get burned out after achieving modest grades for an engineering B.S. vs. the same sharp student excelling through a master's degree in another discipline.

An engineering student concerned with "the wrong reasons for majoring in engineering" may be achieving average grades in the engineering program while that same student would likely excel in a less difficult program such as those I mentioned.

A mediocre engineering student can expect to see the following:

• starting salary = $45k
• after first year = $50k
• after second year = $55k
• after third year = $60.

An accounting major with a Master's degree in tax, studying for the CPA, and employed with one of the Big 4 accounting firms can expect the following:

• starting salary = $54
• after first year = $60
• after second year (with CPA) = $75.

A statistics major with a master's degree can expect to achieve $75k after three years work experience.

My example comparison was not intended to compare the average accounting student against the below average engineering student. From my experience, below average engineering students that drop engineering for another program typically excel in that other program. Furthermore, from my experience, those engineering students that did drop engineering for another skilled program did better after a few years out of school than the average engineer with a B.S. and no certifications.

For this comparison, my statement is very true.

Is this really true? Do you know what the figures would be if the engineering student were not mediocre, but above average?

This is horrible misinformation.

I just graduated with my BS in EE in may. I didn't have an internship, my GPA was 3.6 (that's above average, but not magna cum laude).

I just got an offer on thursday, a little over $60k. My friend that was an average student (internship, ~3.0 GPA) got $59.2 from the same company.

Other friends - another average student for $56.2 with a $3k signing bonus, one exceptional student got a $63k offer from Cisco and turned it down because it wasn't enough (like I said, he is exceptional).


I also have a buddy that is a ME, he got an offer from Exxon-Mobil for $74k, however he is exceptional as well.

So to sum up, chusteczka is clueless.

Oh and all my friends and I graduated from UT Dallas, a good engineering school but not as good as UIC, if there are any engineers that were average students at UIC and are making less than $50k they are idiots not to come down to Dallas.

 

[Deeko]

Originally posted by: Oiprocs
I've read a lot of posts by members in the forum that wonder why people pay a good amount of money to go to college, only to major in something that will not land them a well paying job.

Wouldn't that result in students choosing engineering as a major, if only so that they don't have to worry about the hardship of paying back loans? What are some other bad reasons for choosing engineering?

Dude...that is the WORST reason to pick a major.

Money should be among the last reasons for choosing your career. If you have a starting salary of 55k but you hate your job...did you really make the right decision? You ask 'what are the wrong reasons for majoring in engineering'...well, you nailed it, money is the worst reason to major in engineering.

Engineering is a difficult major, and can be a pretty strenuous career, which is why it pays well. If you don't enjoy it, you shouldn't do it.

 

[chusteczka]

Originally posted by: thepd7

Originally posted by: Oiprocs

Originally posted by: chusteczka

Originally posted by: Jumpem

Originally posted by: chusteczka
There are other majors where a skill can be learned that will be easier to continue through a master's degree with the result of a higher salary for someone that may otherwise get burned out after receiving an engineering B.S..

Statistics, accounting, economics, finance. Each of these fields is easier to complete a master's degree in than it is to complete a bachelor's degree in engineering. The resulting pay is more for the master's degree than for an engineering bachelor's degree.

Wrong. My fiancee is in the accounting profession, and they make considerably less than engineers do.

I was attempting to compare salaries and career possibilities between a sharp student that may get burned out after achieving modest grades for an engineering B.S. vs. the same sharp student excelling through a master's degree in another discipline.

An engineering student concerned with "the wrong reasons for majoring in engineering" may be achieving average grades in the engineering program while that same student would likely excel in a less difficult program such as those I mentioned.

A mediocre engineering student can expect to see the following:

• starting salary = $45k
• after first year = $50k
• after second year = $55k
• after third year = $60.

An accounting major with a Master's degree in tax, studying for the CPA, and employed with one of the Big 4 accounting firms can expect the following:

• starting salary = $54
• after first year = $60
• after second year (with CPA) = $75.

A statistics major with a master's degree can expect to achieve $75k after three years work experience.

My example comparison was not intended to compare the average accounting student against the below average engineering student. From my experience, below average engineering students that drop engineering for another program typically excel in that other program. Furthermore, from my experience, those engineering students that did drop engineering for another skilled program did better after a few years out of school than the average engineer with a B.S. and no certifications.

For this comparison, my statement is very true.

Is this really true? Do you know what the figures would be if the engineering student were not mediocre, but above average?

This is horrible misinformation. ...
my GPA was 3.6 ...
My friend that was an average student (internship, ~3.0 GPA) ...
another average student ...
one exceptional student ...
I also have a buddy that is a ME, ... however he is exceptional as well.
So to sum up, chusteczka is clueless. ...

I was covering a different situation with a different set of examples than you were. We all know about the upper end but there is often not enough information for the lower end since few people are willing to discuss it. You have struck an unwarranted, personal blow to someone who has provided much personal information for sake of discussion. I could reply with something concerning your reading comprehension but will stop here. Congratulations to you for your scholastic success and opened mind.

EDIT:
Actually, you are a good example that further proves my original point that a student struggling in a top-tier program will often find better success by switching programs or transferring to a second-tier school. Thank you for proving my point in a few different ways.

 

[Adn4n]

I chose engineering because it is challenging and I feel like I'm accomplishing something. Whenever I hear a business major talking I know I made the right choice.

 

[Nymphaea]

Originally posted by: chusteczka

Originally posted by: Oiprocs

Originally posted by: chusteczka

Originally posted by: Jumpem

Originally posted by: chusteczka
There are other majors where a skill can be learned that will be easier to continue through a master's degree with the result of a higher salary for someone that may otherwise get burned out after receiving an engineering B.S..

Statistics, accounting, economics, finance. Each of these fields is easier to complete a master's degree in than it is to complete a bachelor's degree in engineering. The resulting pay is more for the master's degree than for an engineering bachelor's degree.

Wrong. My fiancee is in the accounting profession, and they make considerably less than engineers do.

I was attempting to compare salaries and career possibilities between a sharp student that may get burned out after achieving modest grades for an engineering B.S. vs. the same sharp student excelling through a master's degree in another discipline.

An engineering student concerned with "the wrong reasons for majoring in engineering" may be achieving average grades in the engineering program while that same student would likely excel in a less difficult program such as those I mentioned.

A mediocre engineering student can expect to see the following:

• starting salary = $45k
• after first year = $50k
• after second year = $55k
• after third year = $60.

An accounting major with a Master's degree in tax, studying for the CPA, and employed with one of the Big 4 accounting firms can expect the following:

• starting salary = $54
• after first year = $60
• after second year (with CPA) = $75.

A statistics major with a master's degree can expect to achieve $75k after three years work experience.

My example comparison was not intended to compare the average accounting student against the below average engineering student. From my experience, below average engineering students that drop engineering for another program typically excel in that other program. Furthermore, from my experience, those engineering students that did drop engineering for another skilled program did better after a few years out of school than the average engineer with a B.S. and no certifications.

For this comparison, my statement is very true.

Is this really true? Do you know what the figures would be if the engineering student were not mediocre, but above average?

Yes, this is true from what I have seen in the Chicago area for students from the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign.

For an above average engineering student with a B.S. that is below top-achieving, stellar performance, I expect the pay rates stated above to be advanced by one year.

Basically, an engineering student from a good university that barely passes the program is placed with average students from lesser schools. Such a student must decide between continuing or dropping. It can sometimes be better for such a student to excel at a lesser school or excel in a different program. However, if the interest is really there, that student may still be able to excel after much hard work in the business world.

Basically, engineering is not the only field to receive attractive pay. Those fields I have stated are the ones I am aware of that pay high performers very well and often better than engineers receive.

There is a saying that it is hard to soar like an eagle when you are working with turkeys but that eagle stands out more when working with those turkeys rather than soaring like an average eagle in a group of high flying eagles. This is also true for average engineering students who go on to get their master's degree in a field other than engineering.

People, don't only look at the money you'd earn.. there're many factors you should consider. 1) Knowledge, usually higher pay is correlated with the amount of knowledge you possess. Choose a major/field you desire to study AND the job industry demand. For example, if you choose a technical major, chances are that you're gonna get paid more, since most people don't have the skills you do, whether it's programming, database, comp. engineering... Hence, you are in demand. Many jobs require you to advance and continue your educations. For some jobs, you need to spend a huge quantity of time to study for exams or other advancement aside to work full time. Are you willing to do so? 2) Pay attention to the time and energy your job requires you to do, how stressful it is? Do you enjoy your job environment, location and the tasks you perform? Folks who are investment bankers in the wallstreet make tons of money, but they tend to work long and hectic hours. People in management consulting have irregular work schedule within a very competitive and cut-throat environment. Personally, I would rather earn less $$, but be in a more comfortable, low stress work place. 3) Growth opportunity... are you in a dead-end job? How can you grow within your career? Hope you are not just getting a job, but moving on with a great career. 4)Whatever you choose to do, make sure you enjoy your work and your job fits you.

 

[Special K]

Originally posted by: Adn4n
I chose engineering because it is challenging and I feel like I'm accomplishing something. Whenever I hear a business major talking I know I made the right choice.

I anticipate a lot of angry responses from business majors on here about how they will get their eleventy-million dollar bonus this year, while an engineer never will.

 

[echow87]

Originally posted by: Special K

Originally posted by: Adn4n
I chose engineering because it is challenging and I feel like I'm accomplishing something. Whenever I hear a business major talking I know I made the right choice.

I anticipate a lot of angry responses from business majors on here about how they will get their eleventy-million dollar bonus this year, while an engineer never will.

Yes that is what I am hoping for

I'll be happy if I even start out with $50k.

 

[thepd7]

Originally posted by: chusteczka

I was covering a different situation with a different set of examples than you were. We all know about the upper end but there is often not enough information for the lower end since few people are willing to discuss it. You have struck an unwarranted, personal blow to someone who has provided much personal information for sake of discussion. I could reply with something concerning your reading comprehension but will stop here. Congratulations to you for your scholastic success and opened mind.

EDIT:
Actually, you are a good example that further proves my original point that a student struggling in a top-tier program will often find better success by switching programs or transferring to a second-tier school. Thank you for proving my point in a few different ways.

Are you an EE that just graduated? If so, I apologize you must actually know people that graduated with their EE and make $45k. If not, everything I said stands.

I have not met anyone in EE making $45k in a major city. Please, if you know someone get them on here and I will personally apologize to you.

My point was I am not the upper end, I am slightly above average. You said mediocre = $45k. Well is mediocre = average and above average makes $60k, how can mediocre make $45k?

My reading comprehension is just fine, your information is the problem here.

And in MY experience, engineers that graduate with less than a 3.0 don't get jobs, so those with less than a 3.0 normally drop out of engineering (business was the popular one at UTD) or do something else that doesn't use their degree. And yes they are more successful because they choose an easier program 9 times out of 10. I have never met a sub-par engineering student that actually become an engineer.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: chusteczka

Originally posted by: Jumpem

Originally posted by: chusteczka
There are other majors where a skill can be learned that will be easier to continue through a master's degree with the result of a higher salary for someone that may otherwise get burned out after receiving an engineering B.S..

Statistics, accounting, economics, finance. Each of these fields is easier to complete a master's degree in than it is to complete a bachelor's degree in engineering. The resulting pay is more for the master's degree than for an engineering bachelor's degree.

Wrong. My fiancee is in the accounting profession, and they make considerably less than engineers do.

I was attempting to compare salaries and career possibilities between a sharp student that may get burned out after achieving modest grades for an engineering B.S. vs. the same sharp student excelling through a master's degree in another discipline.

An engineering student concerned with "the wrong reasons for majoring in engineering" may be achieving average grades in the engineering program while that same student would likely excel in a less difficult program such as those I mentioned.

A mediocre engineering student can expect to see the following:

• starting salary = $45k
• after first year = $50k
• after second year = $55k
• after third year = $60.

An accounting major with a Master's degree in tax, studying for the CPA, and employed with one of the Big 4 accounting firms can expect the following:

• starting salary = $54
• after first year = $60
• after second year (with CPA) = $75.

A statistics major with a master's degree can expect to achieve $75k after three years work experience.

My example comparison was not intended to compare the average accounting student against the below average engineering student. From my experience, below average engineering students that drop engineering for another program typically excel in that other program. Furthermore, from my experience, those engineering students that did drop engineering for another skilled program did better after a few years out of school than the average engineer with a B.S. and no certifications.

For this comparison, my statement is very true.

and did you know that you're comparing a master's in accounting to a bachelor's in engineering? i can tell you right now that in the NRC (nuclear regulatory commission) as a materials engineer you can be pulling $96k gross with a bachelor's after 4 years (i interviewd with them. didn't get the co-op, but i'll try again next time)

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: Anubis

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: Anubis
my sister is a lawyer she works much longer house then i do, her husband is a doc doing his residency and works absoutly horrid hours, teachers have some of the longest hours of anyone

I never would have figured, but I make maps and have to work some rough hours. Maps!

Maybe I should go be an EE...

For US Americans? Aww, gotta love charity work.:heart:

I don't think teachers work super long hours.

And engineers don't really get paid *that* much. Depends, of course.

try teaching a class of teenagers from 7-4 and then grading papers, its honestly worse then a 12 hour manual labor day, ive done both, teaching really really sucks, HS anyway. you have to really love it to enjoy it

I didn't say that they don't work long hours...I just said that they weren't "some of the longest hours of anyone". There are piles of jobs that work much longer hours.

 

[BrownTown]

Originally posted by: thepd7
And in MY experience, engineers that graduate with less than a 3.0 don't get jobs, so those with less than a 3.0 normally drop out of engineering (business was the popular one at UTD) or do something else that doesn't use their degree. And yes they are more successful because they choose an easier program 9 times out of 10. I have never met a sub-par engineering student that actually become an engineer.

Where the heck do you go to school that everyone with less than a 3.0 drops out of engineering, must not be all that good of a school, I have a 3.0 and fully expect to make 50,000$+ when I graduate and all the advisors think I should be holding out for more. I mean if every engineering freshman with less than a 3.0 dropped out that would be at least 60% of the class. The average freshman GPA is 2.75 where I go to school, and maybe 3.0 graduating, your a fool if you think that anyone with less that a 3.0 isn't gonna get a job, it just means you start at 50,000$ instead of 60,000$, or don't get as flashy of a job. That being said, engineers do NOT make the most money of any profession by any means. Engineers make high STARTING salaries, but the prospects for growing that salary are much more limited. And if you get a considerable boost it will likely NOT be doing straight engineering, but doing management and business type work.

 

[Special K]

Originally posted by: BrownTown

Originally posted by: thepd7
And in MY experience, engineers that graduate with less than a 3.0 don't get jobs, so those with less than a 3.0 normally drop out of engineering (business was the popular one at UTD) or do something else that doesn't use their degree. And yes they are more successful because they choose an easier program 9 times out of 10. I have never met a sub-par engineering student that actually become an engineer.

Where the heck do you go to school that everyone with less than a 3.0 drops out of engineering, must not be all that good of a school, I have a 3.0 and fully expect to make 50,000$+ when I graduate and all the advisors think I should be holding out for more. I mean if every engineering freshman with less than a 3.0 dropped out that would be at least 60% of the class. The average freshman GPA is 2.75 where I go to school, and maybe 3.0 graduating, your a fool if you think that anyone with less that a 3.0 isn't gonna get a job, it just means you start at 50,000$ instead of 60,000$, or don't get as flashy of a job. That being said, engineers do NOT make the most money of any profession by any means. Engineers make high STARTING salaries, but the prospects for growing that salary are much more limited. And if you get a considerable boost it will likely NOT be doing straight engineering, but doing management and business type work.

I suppose that depends on the company. Where I work, we have 2 ladders - managment and technical. Both have equal pay scales and advancement opportunities up to the VP level. I don't know what the pay tops out at, but one of the mangers who interviewed me said it was over $200k.

How likely is it that any given person will make it that far? I have no idea. Like you said, engineers can and do enter into other fields later in their career. If the compensation one receives is not adequate for their needs, then they can enter another field.

 

[cw42]

... thinking you'll meet/see girls in your classes.

 

[Deeko]

Originally posted by: thepd7
And in MY experience, engineers that graduate with less than a 3.0 don't get jobs, so those with less than a 3.0 normally drop out of engineering (business was the popular one at UTD) or do something else that doesn't use their degree. And yes they are more successful because they choose an easier program 9 times out of 10. I have never met a sub-par engineering student that actually become an engineer.

I hate to disagree sir, but a good friend of mine just graduated from biomed engineering (which is a pretty tough market for entry level BS graduates) and he got a job with one of the larger biomed firms.

I've said it plenty of times before on AT, but it is my belief, and personal experience, that grades != ability in the real world.

 

[thepd7]

Originally posted by: BrownTown

Originally posted by: thepd7
And in MY experience, engineers that graduate with less than a 3.0 don't get jobs, so those with less than a 3.0 normally drop out of engineering (business was the popular one at UTD) or do something else that doesn't use their degree. And yes they are more successful because they choose an easier program 9 times out of 10. I have never met a sub-par engineering student that actually become an engineer.

Where the heck do you go to school that everyone with less than a 3.0 drops out of engineering, must not be all that good of a school, I have a 3.0 and fully expect to make 50,000$+ when I graduate and all the advisors think I should be holding out for more. I mean if every engineering freshman with less than a 3.0 dropped out that would be at least 60% of the class. The average freshman GPA is 2.75 where I go to school, and maybe 3.0 graduating, your a fool if you think that anyone with less that a 3.0 isn't gonna get a job, it just means you start at 50,000$ instead of 60,000$, or don't get as flashy of a job. That being said, engineers do NOT make the most money of any profession by any means. Engineers make high STARTING salaries, but the prospects for growing that salary are much more limited. And if you get a considerable boost it will likely NOT be doing straight engineering, but doing management and business type work.

Didn't say everyone, just that there are only a few that can't make Bs in their classes and if so they normally hate engineering and get out of it. As already stated, I go to UT Dallas.

In my job hunt I did not find a single company that stated it would hire below 3.0. Not saying they won't, but you are going to have a much harder time finding a job since so many companies cut it off there.

If you read my other post you would see that my friend that had ~3.0 (2.9 I think) but had an internship got $59.2.

I didn't mean to blanket statement it, just a majority of cases go that way (of the people I have talked to from classes, friends, etc).

 

[ArmchairAthlete]

Thinking that you'll be able to go around fixing anything mechanical just by slamming it with your wrench.

But you should love technology and working with interesting problems (that often involve math). If you're just in it for the money... you may not be happy.

 

[thepd7]

Originally posted by: Deeko

Originally posted by: thepd7
And in MY experience, engineers that graduate with less than a 3.0 don't get jobs, so those with less than a 3.0 normally drop out of engineering (business was the popular one at UTD) or do something else that doesn't use their degree. And yes they are more successful because they choose an easier program 9 times out of 10. I have never met a sub-par engineering student that actually become an engineer.

I hate to disagree sir, but a good friend of mine just graduated from biomed engineering (which is a pretty tough market for entry level BS graduates) and he got a job with one of the larger biomed firms.

I've said it plenty of times before on AT, but it is my belief, and personal experience, that grades != ability in the real world.

You're just disagreeing with me so I will be rough on you later.

Oh and what was his/her GPA? Did he/she have an internship?

Oh and I COMPLETELY agree grades have almost nothing to do with competency, problem is you can't talk to every candidate, you have to weed them out somehow. At least in my market (Dallas) that means <3.0 and you often won't get a call. Hell I have a 3.6 and I didn't get a call for months.

 

[imported_Imp]

Plain and simple, don't go in if you don't have any interest in the field. Engineering is appealing cause once you finish, you are a "professional" or something. I'm less than one year from finishing my engineering degree and am already having second thoughts about what I want to do. Kinda like some of it, but can't really see myself doing what we do for homework for a living. Turns out a lot of other people are like that too. I'm just taking random social science courses and I'm finding them 100x more interesting even though I suck at them. If your goal is money, you're probably better off looking elsewhere. All the professors always joke about other people making more, and it's true. Oh, and it's not worth the trouble if you aren't really into it; civil is suppose to be one of the "easier" engineering fields, and it is not one bit easy.

 

[Summitdrinker]

it really depends on the type of engineering degree
but for the most part i don't recommend engineering period if it has anything to do with manufacturing or production

 

[imported_stev]

Engineering is not the only way to do some technical work and earn a decent salary. I started out in engineering classes and while I was doing okay, I was bored out of my mind. I eventually fell into atmospheric sciences and found it to be interesting. I know plenty of people, especially with a masters or higher, that have interesting and decent-paying jobs. I'm sure this is the case for other physical science fields as well.

My grad dept. had a research assistantship, much like engineering, so it's not like I had to pay for the extra schooling. If you want something technical, but don't want to do engineering, search elsewhere. Finding something you like, but having to spend a little extra time in school will probably be worth it for the added enjoyment. The downside I am finding is that my degree isn't as marketable as an engineering degree. The general public seems to assume you are smart as hell if you have an engineering degree, but they don't have any opinion of what my degree means ("So, are you gonna be a TV weatherman?"). Still, I think in a few months (just graduated) I will be a forecaster or doing some other science job in the field.

 

[residualsquare]

Quite a bit of misleading information in this thread.

To answer the OP's question, your major should not be determined by anything other than what you find most intellectually rewarding.

There seem to be several recurring false ideas throughout the previous posts:

1. An engineering degree is harder to earn than any other degree.
This is simply absurd. I did my undergrad at Harvard, where we were allowed to cross-enroll in courses at MIT. From personal experience and from quite literally every person I have spoken to classes were essentially equal in terms of difficulty; some students found Harvard classes more challenging, with an equal number feeling the opposite sentiment. However, how a degree's worth can possibly by judged by its difficulty is beyond me. To say that an engineering degree is any more valuable than a liberal arts degree is, frankly, ignorant.

2. An engineering degree has higher earning potential than other degrees.
Again, false. My freshman and sophomore year roommate majored in religion and philosophy (and, incidentally, is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met) and made roughly $350k right out of college at a financial firm. If you compare the career reports for Yale (notoriously liberal arts oriented) and MIT (technical university), you can see that their average salaries are within $1000. Harvard is slightly higher, but that is primarily due to the large number of students entering careers in business.

3. A low GPA is acceptable if the student is an engineer.
I will not entertain this with a response. Suffice it to say that you should excel at whatever field you choose to pursue.

In choosing an engineering program to attend, you should look for one that does not require you to sacrifice the majority of your liberal arts education. Engineering programs such as those at Princeton and Stanford require engineers to fulfill the same general education requirements as other students, which in my opinion is the way most programs should be. Of course, if you are truly passionate about what you do, more specialized programs such as those at MIT and Cornell are well respected as well, though you should understand the other educational sacrifices you will likely have to make.

 

[imported_stev]

Originally posted by: residualsquare
Quite a bit of misleading information in this thread.

To answer the OP's question, your major should not be determined by anything other than what you find most intellectually rewarding.

There seem to be several recurring false ideas throughout the previous posts:

1. An engineering degree is harder to earn than any other degree.
This is simply absurd. I did my undergrad at Harvard, where we were allowed to cross-enroll in courses at MIT. From personal experience and from quite literally every person I have spoken to classes were essentially equal in terms of difficulty; some students found Harvard classes more challenging, with an equal number feeling the opposite sentiment. However, how a degree's worth can possibly by judged by its difficulty is beyond me. To say that an engineering degree is any more valuable than a liberal arts degree is, frankly, ignorant.

2. An engineering degree has higher earning potential than other degrees.
Again, false. My freshman and sophomore year roommate majored in religion and philosophy (and, incidentally, is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met) and made roughly $350k right out of college at a financial firm. If you compare the career reports for Yale (notoriously liberal arts oriented) and MIT (technical university), you can see that their average salaries are within $1000. Harvard is slightly higher, but that is primarily due to the large number of students entering careers in business.

3. A low GPA is acceptable if the student is an engineer.
I will not entertain this with a response. Suffice it to say that you should excel at whatever field you choose to pursue.

In choosing an engineering program to attend, you should look for one that does not require you to sacrifice the majority of your liberal arts education. Engineering programs such as those at Princeton and Stanford require engineers to fulfill the same general education requirements as other students, which in my opinion is the way most programs should be. Of course, if you are truly passionate about what you do, more specialized programs such as those at MIT and Cornell are well respected as well, though you should understand the other educational sacrifices you will likely have to make.

People are speaking from experiences in this thread, it's not like anyone is citing sources (including you) so please do not think you are giving any more of a definitive word on the topic than anyone else.

People keep saying that you should major in what makes you happy, but, certain majors may make it harder to get a job. No, it's not going to be harder for your super-smart friend, those people tend to do okay because they have talents that cannot be taught. For everyone else, a degree that provides a foundation for a career is really the best shot people have at earning a comfortable wage relatively early in life.

BTW, at my school (no, not Ivy-league, in case that alters your opinion of my comments), engineering students have almost the same gen. ed. requirements as everyone else.

Just a side note: My favorite part of your post is in item 3 when you say you wouldn't dignify the low GPA comments with a response and then you give your response. I do agree with you, but sometimes a low GPA is not due to low intellect nor a poor work ethic, but rather the need to work during school.

And now for a question: What was/is your major?

 

[40sTheme]

Originally posted by: timosyy
Don't choose engineering because you like to build computers.

Don't choose engineering because your parents are pushing you toward it.

Don't choose engineering because you're "good" with computers.

I went into computer engineering for the above reasons and got my butt kicked, hardcore. Like my GPA was < 2.0, put on probation, etc. Switched into business, 4 semesters into it my business GPA is a 4.0 and my cumulative is back to a 3.5.

Wow. Why was it so tough for you?

 

[Alistar7]

So you can walk through the accounting department and think to yourself, at least I'm not THAT boring.

 

[Deeko]

Originally posted by: thepd7

Originally posted by: Deeko

Originally posted by: thepd7
And in MY experience, engineers that graduate with less than a 3.0 don't get jobs, so those with less than a 3.0 normally drop out of engineering (business was the popular one at UTD) or do something else that doesn't use their degree. And yes they are more successful because they choose an easier program 9 times out of 10. I have never met a sub-par engineering student that actually become an engineer.

I hate to disagree sir, but a good friend of mine just graduated from biomed engineering (which is a pretty tough market for entry level BS graduates) and he got a job with one of the larger biomed firms.

I've said it plenty of times before on AT, but it is my belief, and personal experience, that grades != ability in the real world.

You're just disagreeing with me so I will be rough on you later.

Oh and what was his/her GPA? Did he/she have an internship?

Oh and I COMPLETELY agree grades have almost nothing to do with competency, problem is you can't talk to every candidate, you have to weed them out somehow. At least in my market (Dallas) that means <3.0 and you often won't get a call. Hell I have a 3.6 and I didn't get a call for months.

He had about a 2.7. Yes, he had internships - that's what my school was all about.