View Single Post
  #18   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 06-03-2008, 13:32
SteveJanesch SteveJanesch is offline
hopes he has enough oomph
FRC #1533 (Triple Strange)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Rookie Year: 2006
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 103
SteveJanesch is a splendid one to beholdSteveJanesch is a splendid one to beholdSteveJanesch is a splendid one to beholdSteveJanesch is a splendid one to beholdSteveJanesch is a splendid one to beholdSteveJanesch is a splendid one to beholdSteveJanesch is a splendid one to behold
Re: Mechanical Or Electrical???

Both fields are so broad, it's hard to limit what an EE does or an ME does - either one can do just about anything. The good news for those folks on the fence is that there is a lot of overlap in the math and theory when dealing with things like energy, power, and system stability, so you can pick a program or make your own mix from EE and ME for the first two years and then decide. The college I attended my freshman year (Cooper Union) had no difference between ME and EE programs in the first year - calc, physics, chem, thermodynamics, english, programming, whatever.

Every college has "suggested" courses to take at suggested times, but they all assume a single major and a four year stay. You don't have to do that - this isn't high school, and there's no time limit. You can try one thing and if it's not a good fit, try something else. You can change concentrations, majors, schools, or advisors at any time. You can try to get a co-op position for a semester to get a better idea of what's available. If it takes a semester or two longer to earn your degree, that's absolutely not a problem.

My advice is, first, second, and third: don't worry. It is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be made all at once, and certainly not all right now. Try one, explore it as much as you can, and don't be afraid to change your mind later. The worst thing that'll happen is that it'll take a little longer than you originally thought (and five years after graduation, you'll only be glad). One advantage is that you'll have a broader background than many of your peers. You should be free enough to tailor your course selection with your out-of-major electives to keep yourself interested. Relax.

Steve

P.S. I'm an EE, doing mostly circuit design since graduating in '85
Reply With Quote