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Help me choose a degree!

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drewmandan

Bluelighter
Joined
Feb 18, 2010
Messages
572
I don't think this thread breaks any rules...


Anyway, I have (or am about to have) a BSc in math, but math is too boring and abstract for me. I was thinking about going to a local college and getting either Mechanical Engineering Technology or Software Development (title might not be correct but you get the idea). From my limited experience, I can tell that I like both fields about equally.

So...

What's the better option, aside from what I like better? Mechanical Eng or Software? What has better prospects, money, difficulty, or anything else I'm not thinking of?

Thanks if anyone can offer some insight.
 
I would stick with the math since you're nearly done. At least at my university, it's possible to do a graduate diploma after a degree, which is only another year. Quite frankly I think you're better off with a science degree in math (with some computer science) than some wanky software engineering degree. These days, it is becoming harder and harder to find programmers who have a background in math.

The sad fact of the matter is, most of the people I know who have taken the IT style/software engineering approach to computer science could not program their way out of a paper bag... Of course I'm biased, since I took a B.Sc (Math & Comp Sc) myself :)
 
To put it simply: Mech eng. There are more jobs and the pay is better. You also have more widespread job options because lots of firms will want your skills.
 
zagzig said:
I would stick with the math since you're nearly done. At least at my university, it's possible to do a graduate diploma after a degree, which is only another year. Quite frankly I think you're better off with a science degree in math (with some computer science) than some wanky software engineering degree. These days, it is becoming harder and harder to find programmers who have a background in math.

The sad fact of the matter is, most of the people I know who have taken the IT style/software engineering approach to computer science could not program their way out of a paper bag... Of course I'm biased, since I took a B.Sc (Math & Comp Sc) myself :)
Click to expand...

Sorry if I worded it funny. I will have my BSc in math, and I want to know what to take in addition to that.


satricion said:
To put it simply: Mech eng. There are more jobs and the pay is better. You also have more widespread job options because lots of firms will want your skills.
Click to expand...

Ok, that's good to know.
 
Depends onyour location and how plentiful certain kinds of jobs are! Personally, engineering degrees around here are golden, if you can find the right job....big bucks!!! :0)

Good luck whatever you decide!
 
happygoluckygal said:
Depends onyour location and how plentiful certain kinds of jobs are! Personally, engineering degrees around here are golden, if you can find the right job....big bucks!!! :0)

Good luck whatever you decide!
Click to expand...

Thanks!

I'm not exactly sure about the job situation. I actually find the job searching process incredibly overwhelming.
 
technical translating.

you may not make the big bucks, but you wont be behind a desk. you could buy a damn boat and sail up and down the americas and mexico cost line, and save bundles.

idk, something to consider if you can write, and sail ;) it could be a very relaxed career, or, you could juggle several projects a month $$$.

if you could build a niche for yourself, or further develop computer software/science with eco-science, you would be in a very rewarding field, especially at this time; the dawn of it all...
 
panic in paradise said:
technical translating.

you may not make the big bucks, but you wont be behind a desk. you could buy a damn boat and sail up and down the americas and mexico cost line, and save bundles.

idk, something to consider if you can write, and sail ;) it could be a very relaxed career, or, you could juggle several projects a month $$$.
Click to expand...

I don't get it. What does translating technical stuff have to do with sailing?

panic in paradise said:
if you could build a niche for yourself, or further develop computer software/science with eco-science, you would be in a very rewarding field, especially at this time; the dawn of it all...
Click to expand...

So...software?
 
i only meant you can work from home, or any where, contracting yourself out, taking on what you want or need to.

its fairly low ball, but independently, its a career that is what you make of it; $ 2 k - $ 10 k a month.

hospitals equipment is always being updated, and the staff needs to learn how to operate it, in plain english. you could sign an unexclusive contract with abbot hard ware, a company that makes solar equipment for private homes, and sanyo for some of their many cameras and other tech equipment that is consistently released.


but yeah, weather, solar, eco software development would be money money, but you better have big ideas, made simple.
 
Ultimately the most important thing is that you enjoy your job. There is work, and decent money, in both fields. Pick the one you're not going to hate getting up every day for.
 
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