Calling all ENGINEERS - Help!

[Ames]

I don't think that CPRE is all that much harder than CS.

They are pretty similar, but I think it's the additional math, physics, chem, and EE classes. I know a lot of guys that did that slide and we used to joke about it all the time.

Had I known that once you graduate and get some experience under you belt none of it matters I would have done the MIS. Definitely some business classes as electives.

 

[Alswelk]

A little advice: Disregard the advice above haha. I hated physics 221 and 222 with a PASSION! Hardest classes I've ever taken...

You clearly never took Chem 331 and 332. Physics is a dream compared to the awful that is O-chem.

I will admit though, 221 is awful. But then I had it with Atwood the semester before the infamous "dance" semester. I thought 222 was significantly easier, but that may have just been me.

 

[Warder60]

With several ME's chiming in to switch to ME to get away from a cube farm... I'll have to counter that.
I'm an EE. My first 1.5 yrs I was admittedly "based" out of a cube farm, but I worked on a lab management team, and spent almost my entire time in the labs on my hands and knees half the time too. Routing cables, setting up circuit boards...
I moved on to where I'm at now. I support a missile production team. Don't even have a cube. Have a desk, with a pc, in a room with other engineers that have a desk and a pc. As an EE I get the specialized role of supporting testing (as a result electrical troubleshooting), but it only takes up about a day per week. The rest of the time I'm out on the bay picking up the slack from the MEs :wink:.

 

[Trainer]

I am not a engineer, and I am not saying that you did this, but the hardest thing I had to deal with while in college was my parents asking me if I will make any money with my current major. The best advice I was ever given was that I am the only person that I have to satisfy at the end of the day.

 

[Bader]

I like to make jokes about it too, but in reality, they're just all different. If you like pure coding, go Com Sci, if you like processor and circuit design along with some coding, go CprE. If you don't like to code and want to make the Asian guy in your group do most of the coding for group projects, but you sorta like computers and database, go MIS.

Pure coding? Mer?

At a high level, a Computer Science major wants to be a scientist, focused on doing abstract research in software development. In short a mathematician that wants to focus themselves in a particular area (Algorithm and regression analysis). A Computer Engineer wants to use programming to solve real world applicable problems. It's just a historical artifact of the industry that CprE's learn more about hardware, they actually used the stuff so they had to know how it worked under the hood.

Oh, and an MIS looked at an iMac, liked the pretty colors and decided a technology degree was the way to go :wink:

 

[Cymaster]

I started out IE and switched to Industrial Technology after my first semester and later decided to minor in Entrepreneurial Studies. It's definitely more hands on. Now I'm a manufacturing engineer in the aerospace industry, which most engineers would agree is neater than ****.

 

[cdekovic]

Construction Engineering offers the management side of engineering. Son graduated in 2009 and is living in CA (Bay area) and loves it.

 

[cyko42]

<div class="pre-quote">
Quote de <strong>azn4cy</strong> </div> <div class="post-quote"> <div style="font-style:italic">I like to make jokes about it too, but in reality, they're just all different. If you like pure coding, go Com Sci, if you like processor and circuit design along with some coding, go CprE. If you don't like to code and want to make the Asian guy in your group do most of the coding for group projects, but you sorta like computers and database, go MIS.Pure coding? Mer?<br> <br>
At a high level, a Computer Science major wants to be a scientist, focused on doing abstract research in software development. In short a mathematician that wants to focus themselves in a particular area (Algorithm and regression analysis). A Computer Engineer wants to use programming to solve real world applicable problems. It's just a historical artifact of the industry that CprE's learn more about hardware, they actually used the stuff so they had to know how it worked under the hood. <br> <br>
Oh, and an MIS looked at an iMac, liked the pretty colors and decided a technology degree was the way to go <img src="http://www.cyclonefanatic.com/forum/images/smilies/wacky/wink.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Wink" class="inlineimg"></div> <table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" align="right"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" align="center"><a href="http://www.cyclonefanatic.com/forum/" name="vB::QuickEdit::1674165"><img src="http://www.cyclonefanatic.com/forum/images/buttons/edit.gif" alt="Edit/Delete Message" border="0"></a></td> <td valign="top" align="center"><a href="http://www.cyclonefanatic.com/forum/off-topic/88483-calling-all-engineers-help-3.html#" onclick="vbform.message.value = '

' + document.getElementById('post_message_1674165').innerHTML + '

\n\n';vbform.message.focus();return false;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://www.cyclonefanatic.com/forum/images/buttons/quote.gif"></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <br> </div>

I disagree I'm a comp sci and I 'solve real world applicable problems' everyday (doing web development and what I learned does apply often to what I do). I really think that everyone that goes into IT (EE Comp E comp sci mis) gets a degree that gets them close then massages it do what they really want to do. Also something to consider is the new software engineering degree that is a joint degree between the comp sci and comp e (possibly EE) that is more focus on what a lot of comp scis really want to get into

 

[tec71]

A little background...I started at ISU in engineering and stuck with it for 2 years (4 semesters) before changing majors to business.

My son is a freshman and to this point has gotten all A's in his classes with the exception of Chemistry. He has put himself on the track to become an electrical engineer.

At any rate, he has informed us that he now wants to switch to business because he "doesn't really like his classes that much" and that he is concerned that his classes are going to be "too hard" going forward. He also cannot visualize what kind of career he might be engaged in as an EE and is concerned that he might get "stuck in a cubicle in the office all the time".

We know he can do the work. We have encouraged him to get a more 'technical' undergraduate degree like engineering and then go on to get an MBA after that. We think that would really give him a lot of opportunities.

At any rate, I would greatly appreciate it if any of you that are engineering graduates (especially EEs) could give me some idea of the kinds of careers you have had or currently have and the kinds of work you are doing.

Thanks in advance for your help!

I'm a EE from ISU. I went to law school after college. Ended up in house legal for a utility company. One day woke up in charge of Human Resources. I do more "business" now than anything. I've had to learn it on the fly over the years but that's the great thing engineering taught me to do is figure stuff out. You can do anything you want with an engineering degree, not just technical stuff. I have an HP 48SX that I use to balance my check book.

As part of my job I regular speak to high school and college kids about careers. he needs to seriously understand what the job possibilities are for each degree. Every degree has benefits and burdens. Understand what those are before you choose a major.

 

[pulse]

They are pretty similar, but I think it's the additional math, physics, chem, and EE classes. I know a lot of guys that did that slide and we used to joke about it all the time.

Had I known that once you graduate and get some experience under you belt none of it matters I would have done the MIS. Definitely some business classes as electives.

The order of difficulty is definitely significant as you go down the line from CprE, to CS, to MIS, and its real. CprEs get to take , Chem 167, Phys 221, 222, the four calcs and can take the path of the wonderful EE 330, along with assorted other EE and Com S classes. CprE also gets easier as you get along. They don't call the first few years' courses weed out courses for nothing. I respect Com S, because there are some rough Com S courses. MIS is just a joke, for all the CprE & Com S rejects! :wink:

 

[denmyster]

Pretty easy...

The 10 Hardest Jobs To Fill In America - Forbes.com

Does he want job security for the long term? :yes:

 

[isugcs]

I graduated from IE and work in a foundry producing parts for aerospace. I do everything from modeling, experimentation, management, planning, welding, coremaking, or whatever else is required to get the job done. I work at my desk 50% of the time, the other is out of the floor planning new experiments and designing processes. I have no rules or job description for that matter. I believe IE gave me the ability to adapt to any situation. IE's a great career path.

BTW, IE's take more calc than AgE, Civil E or ConE and a part of the core curriculum is mathematical programming and simulation, engineering economics, material science, ergonomics (basically statics of the human body) and other courses which are math intensive. It's no walk in the park (ME's) it's just more interesting!! :biggrin:

 

[MNclone]

I will have to agree with many on here that he will likely be better off if he can stick with the Engineering degree, but to keep it broad.
There are an awful lot of engineering graduates that have made the switch over to the buisness management side of things.

 

[yler4cy]

I graduated from Industrial Technology, by far an easier degree in that you do not have to take all the sciences and math, but is very hands on.

Also, on average Ind. Tech. grads came out making as much as engineers. I have not had one job that has made me sit in an office or cubicle.

Just a suggestion.

 

[Royalclone]

Civil Engr here... and I found that the first 2 years were weed out classes and that once you get into the degree program, the classes were actually pretty interesting and easier.

I'm a CE too, and felt the same way. The first two years were for weeding out those who couldn't master the fundamentals (math and science) and those who really didn't want to put in the effort. After that it seemed to get easier and a lot more interesting. Now I am CEO of a firm of 25.

My son is a senior in EE at Rolla, and according to him EE still had some tough classes after the first two years. A late friend of mine graduated as an EE from MU, and got accepted to law school. After he got his law degree he went to DC and worked in the US patent office. After about 20 years there he "retired" from the government, came back to the Midwest and became a very successful patent attorney helping clients get their inventions patented.

 

[CyPlainsDrifter]

We have many EEs working at my Nuke plant. Some in the engineering branch which yes includes some cubicle time but so much more. Others have gone into the Operations department as Senior Reactor Operators or Shift Technical Advisors. Both high demand and high paying jobs. Upper plant managment is always an option as well as Maintenance Dept supervision and management. If you want more info -- PM me. We're always looking for engineer Co-ops too for summer employment.

 

[Whin4Cy]

EEs today tend to be more power focused but can be doing code just as much as CompSci. All depends upon what classes he chooses to focus on and what really interests him.

Possible EE careers: Computer circuit design (for many different things - look around at all the different electrical devices in your house - you would be surprised at all the possibilities), power design, elecromagnetics, nuclear power, embedded systems programming, embedded systems hardware design, and many more.

First 2 years at ISU tend to be tough as they are somewhat weed-out. As he gets into the major, he will find more focused and interesting courses. I started out ChemE and changed to CompE. Focused on digital level and embedded code and have really enjoyed my career.

If he wants to switch majors, best advice would be to stick in Engineering since he has already completed some classes and choose a different focus in Engineering.

Good luck!

 

[azn4cy]

I disagree I'm a comp sci and I 'solve real world applicable problems' everyday (doing web development and what I learned does apply often to what I do). I really think that everyone that goes into IT (EE Comp E comp sci mis) gets a degree that gets them close then massages it do what they really want to do. Also something to consider is the new software engineering degree that is a joint degree between the comp sci and comp e (possibly EE) that is more focus on what a lot of comp scis really want to get into

I know. that whole post was mostly in jest :biggrin: and full of broad statements that oversimplify the whole thing. I get ripped on by my CprE friends about MIS - the google major enough I make jokes about it.

Honestly though, MIS is what you make it. It's easier to coast in MIS and still graduate than in CprE and Com Sci, but if you really want to learn, you can take a lot from it.

 

[acqflisu]

Went in as EE major. Had similar feelings, especially after 2nd semester in EE program and couldn't get a grip on magnetic fields and stuff you can't see and get your hands on. Switched to IE and really liked the diversity of opportunities. Started out as manufacturing engineer and went on to positions all over the map (and globe) .... business analysis, capacity planning, business planning, capital project management, financial planning and analysis, supply management, and production management. Got my MBA after working 10 years or so and glad I waited. Too early into the MBA and I wouldn't have had the experience to make it as meaningful.

 

[marothisu]

A little background...I started at ISU in engineering and stuck with it for 2 years (4 semesters) before changing majors to business.

My son is a freshman and to this point has gotten all A's in his classes with the exception of Chemistry. He has put himself on the track to become an electrical engineer.

At any rate, he has informed us that he now wants to switch to business because he "doesn't really like his classes that much" and that he is concerned that his classes are going to be "too hard" going forward. He also cannot visualize what kind of career he might be engaged in as an EE and is concerned that he might get "stuck in a cubicle in the office all the time".

We know he can do the work. We have encouraged him to get a more 'technical' undergraduate degree like engineering and then go on to get an MBA after that. We think that would really give him a lot of opportunities.

At any rate, I would greatly appreciate it if any of you that are engineering graduates (especially EEs) could give me some idea of the kinds of careers you have had or currently have and the kinds of work you are doing.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Couldn't agree more with this. He can do this too without an MBA too, but technical + MBA can open up tons of doors whether it's through consulting, a chief technical position, or just plain management. There's nothing better on paper than a guy who can communicate both technically as well as with business requirements and help out with business decisions, revenue generation, etc.

Anyway, I don't see why he wants to change. It sounds like he's just afraid. Make him follow his passion and what he wants to do instead of just taking the path of least resistance. If he loves EE or whatever engineering still a lot, get him to be more confident in his abilities and that college isn't going to be easy, but that if he works for it he can do extremely well anyway (as he's doing already it sounds like).


My degree is not engineering, although in most college it would be considered that. I do work as a consultant, and I love the job. I get to sometimes travel around and eat for free while working with other companies on interesting stuff sometimes. Sometimes my day is a ton of meetings figuring out how to help the client make the most money and other times I'm working maybe in a cubicle, or at home. Depends on the project though. Let's say I'm doing some work for Augusta National Golf Course. When I visit them, I'm not going to be in an office all day long. I don't see why so many people care if it's a cubicle or not. I think liking the work is a hell of a lot more important as long as you're working in comfortable conditions. I also work with sales people and some have engineering degrees. They do a lot of interesting work kind of, but also have a lot of fun. I know of sales people who will fly to Vegas if their client is there, client pays for a limo...they go and have a $1000/person dinner for free, go to concerts, go partying with clients, etc. I was just out with one of our sales execs last week and he made me realize his job is about half having fun and going to cool events just to make the company some $$$.

Anyway, I'd ask him where his passion is. Probably most important and it doesn't sound like he wants to go into something that'll put him in the poor house.