(Engineering) Career advise from the Gurus

[rsocor01]

Well, if I could go back in time instead of going for my EE degree I would have probably considered to be a medical doctor or even a surgeon. Many times the work of an engineer is not well appreciated, long hours of work, you don't get paid as well as in other careers, and you can get fired by Khoog (just kidding).

This is probably not what you wanted to hear, but it is my most sincere advice.

Robert

[Tina10]

Thanks Robert, Jumper for your replies. I am very much into electronics, even before I start my course, I have self-taught myself a good deal of basic electronics, PICs, programming etc. It started as a hobby few years back and has become a passion since then. I can't think of my future in anything else than to be in this field, so I have decided to formally get qualified in it. But since this field has has so many branches, I do not want to make a mistake. I don't know the ins and outs of specific branches so I have shortlisted two and hope to get more insight into them here. I don't like computers or programming computer softwares, but I do love programming micros, making hardware and building things. I also like building circuits and get very interested in different systems communicating with each other so I was not sure upto now which one to choose but now I am more inclined to go for EEE than Telecom Eng as it seem to have better prospects

[mackrackit]

You need to find an industry that needs something built. Then learn that field.

I too hire and fire engineers. Part of the hiring interview...
How are you in chemistry?
How are you in process flows?
What about thermo dynamics?
Long silence....
Well, when we have something completely designed and need someone who can solder we will call you.

Point is, just because you spent four years getting a piece of paper stating that you know OHM's law really does not mean much, if that is all you have.

One of the funnest clients I have builds automated punch presses. If I did not have some knowledge of hydraulics I would not be of much use when it comes to designing the control systems for the machines.

[pedja089]

So I just finish mechatronics..
I know little bit of every thing that you said, and little more
And I'm PIC BASIC user for eight years...

[boroko]

Hi Tina10,

If you are still listening, I have to agree with what you have been hearing. I have a love for electronics that started as a kid. I worked in industrial robotics and now have a biz that does industrial controls. Even though I wish I had a better programming background, I have spent many hours with those that do and I coundn't stand just cranking out code all day. If I don't get my hands into something, I don't quite feel that I've accomplished all that I could.

On the other hand, being someones bi-ch engineer is a bit of a pain too. Unatainable deadlines, miniscule budgets, and sales people that sell stuff before you figure out if it can be made.

Both are viable carreers, but for me, the real world experience and exposure to differing disciplines had allowed me a better chance to succeed in my own business where I can truely play with all of the ideas just screaming to be tried. My experience is that I can find dozens of IT types. Finding someone that can design and repair something seems almost impossible some days. Good luck either way.

PS... if you do the EE route, please be good at it. We don't need more short sighted designers.
Bo