Advice On Choosing A Major

Q: Next fall, I will be transferring to the University of Texas as a junior in engineering. Therefore, it will soon be time for me to choose a specific engineering major. I have narrowed my choice down to two; electrical and mechanical. Does anyone have any advice, recommendations, or other input that might aid me in making a choice to major in electrical or mechanical engineering? I am looking for advice regarding the opportunities, outlook, and flexibility provided by each field. I have taken mid-level classes dealing generally both branches of engineering, and I understand and enjoy the types of problems with both fields. One friend of mine indicated to me that I should go with electrical because the bachelors in electrical engineering is the most flexible in that it is easily transferable to other fields. For example, he stated that one would have no problems using a bachelors in electrical engineering to get a job as a mechanical engineer. I know my request for advice is general and therefore the answer depends on many factors. I am just trying to make the most informed decision that I possibly can, so I am very appreciative of any advice that I can get.

A: -My advice is to choose something you really like. Then become a good engineer. Learn fundamentals. There is much more similarity to various disciplines than meet the eye. There are similarities between heat transfer and skin effect. Mechanical and electrical vibrations are mathematically very similar. Understanding of these

vibrations is very helpful in quantum mechanics. Impedance concepts are everywhere even if they are not called that. Influence coefficients in civil engineering structures come out of circuit theory. -Become a teacher, they get summers off. If you must become an engineer (I had to, it was just something in me). I wouldn't decide on opportunities, outlook, flexibility. It's what you like. Would you rather take apart your washer to see how it works, or your television. That really would be a better question. I walked around figuring out how the transmission and distribution system worked in my neighborhood. Very sick, but you can guess which discipline I chose.