Engineering vs. Engineering Technology

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Posted by nuts4first.

Engineer on team #340, GRR - Greater Rochester Robotics, from Churchville-Chili and Nortel Networks.

Posted on 10/18/2000 9:23 AM MST


In Reply to: Engineering vs. Engineering Technology posted by Matt Leese on 10/16/2000 5:24 AM MST:



Matt,

I hope you made it down the quarter mile in time for class after posting this one!

I myself have been in your shoes. First, let me say this, Engineering Technology is not just a 2 year
program! I came from the Telecommunications Engineering Technology program at RIT (which took 5 years, with co-ops). With 'Engineering' you receive a' Bachelar of Engineering', with 'Engineering Technology' you receive a 'Bachelar of Science.' This is pretty clear at RIT, since the Engineering Technology classes fall under CAST, not the College of Engineering.

Engineering classes are more math and science based, they crunch numbers alot, more theory. ET is more about how to apply what you have leaned to be resourseful and find the answers. As your time at RIT grows, you will see the clear difference, especially after the first year - this is when many people change majors. Sad to say this but I have seen many people start out in Computer Engineering, get too tired of the theory (or not know what they are getting into), try Computer Science, get tired of the programming, then try Information or Engineering Technology. I feel that you need a great deal of patience and time to study engineering, be prepared to give up weeeknd nights.

From my persective for the long term, it's not which program you are in, it's what you do with your skills and education. One of the toughest challenges I have seen is the narrowed minded attitude some job recruiters have by over looking a ET with a long list of skills and choosing a Engineer instead, just becuase of what is on a degree. It's really being able to show off your skills in the work place that matters, years down the road the type of degree won't matter to most employers, they will look at your skills and acheivments. I don't regret my choice to that the ET path.

Good Luck,
Nuts4FIRST