What do you think of a career in engineering?
January 3rd, 2009
A little bit of my history:
*I've always wanted to be a doctor (specifically in reconstructive plastic surgery, neurosurgery, or anesthesiology), but due to health problems, I can't do the long hours, years of schooling, and I can't really be exposed to people that are sick due to a recent compromise in my immune system.
*I've been told that I should be a lawyer because I'm good at arguing, making my points known, and in general, convincing people to agree with me/do things my way. However, I don't really think that's a rewarding job, or at least not for what I want to do with my life.
*I have always had a passion for math and science, moreso than writing, but I'm very strong in all 3 areas (not to sound conceited).
*I'm looking to make $90,000/yr+ once I'm established with a few years of experience.
Then it dawned on me — what about engineering? My questions are:
1. Does that kind of career seem to meet my needs (as stated above)? If so, what specific field? Nuclear, biomedical, etc.?
2. When you think of an engineer, does that strike you as a respectable job title to carry (i.e. the person would have to be educated and successful)?
3. How difficult is it to get employed once you have your degree (I would get my PhD)?
Thank you very much for your time and any help in this matter!
Thanks for your reply!
I just read back my question, and the arguing thing came off wrong. I'm VERY respectful of my peers and superiors — and by arguing, I meant more of a "strong convincing." hehe
Anyway, I'm thinking that I have a good shot at MIT given my schooling history and academic background. That would help me reach the $90K/year, right?
Engineering, in general, can be a good field for you. Given your interest in medicine, biomedical engineering wouldn't be a bad field. However, this field will require more schooling than you may wish. And it's filled with people who studied BOTH engineering and medicine.
You need to be very good at math and science and enjoy these fields.
You're "arguing" lean may be good, because it suggests you're analytical. However, the engineering field is filled with people that will not like to work with you if you're the arguing type.
No PhD is needed. A BS can get you a good job. A MS, so much the better. Unless you want to do something specific, like biomed, start with the BS or MS and then, in a few years, go back if you're looking to do more.
I think it's a reputable field and you can make $90,000 if you're good, working in a hot area, and working in a major city. If you're doing civil engineering for the city of Smallville, you're not going to make $90,000. Get a job designing missile systems for Raytheon near Washington, DC and you can make this salary with 7-10 years of experience. Unless you're really lucky and a hotshot, you won't make $90,000 with only 3 years of experience.
Posted in sound engineering schools
Engineering, in general, can be a good field for you. Given your interest in medicine, biomedical engineering wouldn't be a bad field. However, this field will require more schooling than you may wish. And it's filled with people who studied BOTH engineering and medicine.
You need to be very good at math and science and enjoy these fields.
You're "arguing" lean may be good, because it suggests you're analytical. However, the engineering field is filled with people that will not like to work with you if you're the arguing type.
No PhD is needed. A BS can get you a good job. A MS, so much the better. Unless you want to do something specific, like biomed, start with the BS or MS and then, in a few years, go back if you're looking to do more.
I think it's a reputable field and you can make $90,000 if you're good, working in a hot area, and working in a major city. If you're doing civil engineering for the city of Smallville, you're not going to make $90,000. Get a job designing missile systems for Raytheon near Washington, DC and you can make this salary with 7-10 years of experience. Unless you're really lucky and a hotshot, you won't make $90,000 with only 3 years of experience.
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