I can pick up programming languages in no time, and I feel like I could be a complete badass at the theoretical level with my analysis background. Thank you. When your job is something you enjoy doing, life is so much better. But, this feels so different. You have everything you need to go out and learn these things on your own: you have an engineer's mindset, you have initiative and you're enjoy that sort of thing. I studied Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at university. Following this. The industry is quite small and doesn't make it easy for a graduate engineer to get their foot in the door. Then I hit a major crossroads when it was time to graduate. In all fairness, plenty of good and good paying job opportunities exist in both fields, but, IMO ME offers a broader road and more secure future. I liked every single project. There are a lot of things you will learn from having a focused education on any subject - Computer Science is not just "making games or websites or apps," there is an entire theoretical level you can get into that I find to be the really interesting part of the subject. I feel a bit naive though since I don't know the deeper underlying principles (computer science). I realized I haven't complained about what I'm doing at all and I feel so "in" whenever I am coding/programming because it allows me to think a lot and solve problems. To add to that, not all engineers are remotely prepared for / interested in these techniques. This is especially true for engineering. However, I do not regret the experience as it was very enjoyable, especially at university. Then here comes computer science. I feel like I want to do it but I feel like it would be a bad decision/choice because I never really back down from my goals. It may cost you a year or two, but you have decades ahead to look forward to. Mech. If you want to program and "intermediate"ly hard language such as Objective-C for iPhone, or Ruby on Rails for web frameworks, a lot of employers like to see a degree, not that you wont be able to find a job eventually, but you will most likely take a pay hit. I'm a smart guy. Would you prefer to be doing engineering for 30 years, or develop software? Honestly, I don't think that anyone can answer this but you. I'm told things from opposite spectrum all the time. If you prefer Computer Science, go there. I've got a couple years of very solid product design experience that can't be beat (well, mechanically at least), and a degree in ME. I will copy + paste though. It will make you feel like an idiot at times, and sometimes (just like with normal programming) you might reach a point where you want to rip your hair out but every year in retrospect makes me stronger in a way I just cant measure up against working a 9-5 programming job. Didn't read your post tho, sry, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the cscareerquestions community. What a degree in CS will give you is a good tour through the field, which will doubtlessly introduce you to topics you've never even thought about. I'm a first generation student. Chances are you will still be trying to figure out what you want to do with your life and that's ok. Get experience somewhere and if you don't like it, move on after a couple years. The Difference Between Mechanical Engineers & Computer Programmers. The real demand is in the construction industry. Advice, suggestions, previous experiences, pep talk, anything would be nice. You should probably go for whatever you find more fun and stimulating. This subreddit is a perfect example. My head is such a mix right now! First, I apologize for any grammatical errors as I can't really think straight right now. [–]jyf 2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago (0 children), i think CS is engineering on the abstract level, [–]tonic 2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago (1 child). I hope you make the right decision for yourself because at this stage it can be hard, but all you have to remember with programming is that as long as you stick with it, and you're recreationally interested in it, your formal training is only a shade of what will make you who you are as a Computer Scientist, or whatever you decide to be. Now working as a web programmer. I am currently at university studying part-time while still working part-time doing engineering consultancy. They also don't have regrets not being CS or CE either because they admit that things they learned being ME and AE help them. Talk it over with your family and I'm sure if you are as passionate as you seem, they will understand. Computer science is a very varied field, full of interesting little niches - many of which are still in their infancy. I also made the switch to Computer Science (from Chemistry) and I loved it. You can always hire on at an aerospace company too some day as a software engineer. use the following search parameters to narrow your results: If you see any post or comment that violates these rules, please report it so the moderators can respond in a timely manner. Don't worry about your job getting outsourced when you're not even in the workplace yet. I'm interested in Big Data and Machine Learning, and based on projects that I've been developing at college, found out that programming satisfies me more than mechanical design. Mechanical engineering requires a minimum of 192 credits, comprised of DU common curriculum, required degree courses and technical electives. I also code in my free time with C,C++,Perl,Node.js, etc. So, I am interested in it anyway! Think about what you want to do for the rest of your life (or at least for a very long time). Programming is the most accessible trade. I completed my bachelor degree. I also made the switch to Computer Science (from Chemistry) and I loved it. My mom's health was on a noticeable decline and I wanted to stay close by. Switch from Mechanical Engineering to Computer Science/Programming? I don't often respond on reddit but this is so similar to my situation I thought I would share my experience. If you are thinking about it so seriously, it's because you really want to do it. Don't be afraid to make the switch. Can I please hear what you have to say? Switching from Mechanical Engineering to Computer Science: Advice please! It would be fantastic if I could do this all day every day. [–]Rankine 2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago (0 children). For instance, if you are looking to work in cybersecurity or as a systems administrator, computer science may be a good fit for you. The demand for Data Science professionals is at a record-breaking height at present. A two good friends of mine, one MechE and one AeroE just graduated from college and unlike most of their peers they started their own company making computer/phone apps. You obviously don't need the CS degree to learn how to program. At least that's been the case in my experience. [–]SchinaniganMSME, thermofluids/ heat transfer 2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago (0 children). There are tens of thousands of software companies though. If you’re still registered in school, try to add a couple of CompSci classes to your schedule, even if they’re not within your field of study. It's not simply designing cars and working with steel, and yes you can focus on more of a programming aspect while having a solid grounding in the real world. Instead, I’ve dedicated my career to “data science” — I help people solve business problems using data. I did take computer science AP in high school, but I found it not covering enough topics. Remember, the only thing that really matters is that you end up doing something that makes you happy and you will enjoy when you get a full-time job. Very usefull as a programmer. Robotics and FEA come to mind as fairly intensive for programming and math. That was my first real departure from the mechanical path. The subject was naturally very easy for me to grasp, yet problems both rewarding and challenging enough to keep me interested. [–]sshan 1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (0 children). Before long everyone will think of you as the computer science guy instead of the mechanical engineering guy and your memory of the stress of switching will be long gone. You can read about why this policy exists here. All workplace topics and questions asking for career advice must go into the Weekly Career Discussion Thread. And lots of engineers do lots of programming. I love the work I am doing there and thoroughly enjoying my studies. Best of luck, and try not to stress too much. (Based on my experience and relevant to Australia). I am currently enrolled in a graduate diploma program at a highly reputable university for Information Technology with a Software Architecture major (the subjects for this major are very appropriate for professional software engineering and are filling my gap in knowledge perfectly). The fact that I was able to complete a very challenging 4 year course with extremely good results speaks a lot about my ability to learn, adapt, grow and achieve great results while doing it. I feel like I should just drop out of school completely and just program and work my way up. TL;DR - There's a whole world beyond app development, CS can help with space travel, do what you love. So is data science. No posts about the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I realised that I was spending most of my free time programming and I enjoyed it like nothing else. Just yesterday I was trying to get a better understanding of pointers in C, C++ and my data structures experience with Java came in very handy, I was able to implement almost the same types of structures in C as I did in java, replacing some variables with pointers, and I could not ever have done it without my Data Structures class. Thank you. Just make sure you know the fields you might be entering given a major and if they sound interesting or exciting then go for it. Computer science can still make very valuable contributions to space travel. [–]Daroou 3 points4 points5 points 8 years ago (0 children). I had to take a computer science class for EE at the community college since the class was full at the university. So, I don't think I should do that. I enjoy reading and doing anything with programming. First, thank you for taking the time to reply to me! I'm a first generation student. I'm taking a summer job doing mobile application development (I am the lead). So, I am interested in it anyway! Finally, if you want to get into Software Engineering or any type of engineering related programming you are going to NEED a degree. If I switch into Computer Science, I'd have all the math and physics requirements complete since I am already in my second year of school. degree... [–]revmetals 2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago (0 children). If you want to work as a web coder, go right ahead and drop out, no experience necessary, you can start at $25/hr no problem without a degree. Everything else is secondary. If your mind and long term interest is in Mechanical, go there. I cannot speak as much about programming, but it's not as far removed from the kind of things you might learn at university. But a good engineer (software engineer included) will be kept around and moved to another program when that happens. The professor I had was very difficult and overqualified. We actively recruit students with engineering degrees who want to write software. A little bit of background about me: I love Civil Engineering but am just more in love with Computer Science. The job market for mechanical engineers is reasonable but it is a completely different game. I'm told things from opposite spectrum all the time. Thoughts on switching from Mechanical Engineering to Computer Science & Engineering - Bodybuilding.com Forums Shop Where am I going to go if I want to design autopilots? He is now working at a weapons manufacturer (I think they do UAVs etc.) As far as the whole ME/CS debate goes, I know exactly what that feels like. Be brave. Grad School. It's such a mix. Look us up your final year of school. I'm tempted to make the switch, like 85% chance I will be doing this. Changing your career path is difficult. NOTE: Asking for help on homework will result in an instant ban. Switch from Mechanical Engineering to Computer Science/Programming. Engineers should help each other to make the world a safer and better place. It sounds like you have more experience programming than most junior-year computer science majors. So when I graduated, it was hard enough to find a job that wasn't in the construction industry (Most of my peers ended up working for construction companies or similar). That said, I believe engineering is a meatier and more valuable degree for your interests. Hopefully with experience you can narrow down what you like and don't like. Overly insulting or crass comments will be removed. [–]TheCodingHermit 1 point2 points3 points 8 years ago (0 children). Engineering teaches a mindset; how you apply it after that is just a matter of interest, hardwork and creativity. I don't know how I feel about engineering. And vice versa. What would I want to apply it to? standard software development stuff) can be outsourced, but there's plenty of other stuff that can't or won't be because of security or quality concerns. Switching from chemical engineering to computer science? Computer science and mechanical engineering can be pursued as majors at public, private non-profit and private for-profit schools, which may affect program costs. Completed projects, destructive test results, and unique machinery and hardware are all acceptable and encouraged. Not everything in ME is cars and robots and not everything in CSci is working on Windows or game design. I have been so much happier after returning to university. My father has always encouraged me to do engineering and get my education done ASAP and finish it as soon as possible. I suggest that you follow your heart and interests you the most. Everyone tells me that engineering has lots of job security and that computer science/software/web development is being outsourced. Most of the core mechanical/aerospace classes are taken in your junior year in the U.S., anyway. I started spending a lot of this time programming, and reading articles about programming. Keep in mind that everything I said about CS can also be applied to ME, and vice versa. Coding got old for me, and I am constantly amazed by my mech E friends' ability to create things. No questions on "how something works" — try r/AskEngineers. What a coincidence, at the end of my placement year (I worked for a high-profile motorsport team for a year) I toyed with the idea of switching from my CS degree to an engineering degree, although I decided I loved programming too much and stuck with CS (and graduated 2 weeks ago). This is true for all majors so it bears to keep that in mind. As an ME who has toyed with the idea of switching careers into software development, may I ask how you did it? Questions about current engineering projects you are working on, how to interpret codes and standards, and industry practices are all encouraged. I'm in my 2nd year of Mechanical Engineering at Waterloo, and I'm beginning to think this program isnt for me. If you are good at what you do, you will always be able to find a good job. Can I please hear what you have to say? The thing is that, I want to learn more about computer science but that will take longer if I stay with Aerospace. But, this feels so different. [help] What can be the cause of these specks on this shaft? The experience I got working on diesel cogeneration units helps me programming. So, I was wondering, now that the first term is almost over, how difficult it is to switch into Software Engineering from Mechanical Engineering, and some advices will be very appreciated. Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life. Programming anything really. While I am interested in learning more about how to program, the only thing concerning me is the one bad experience I had with it. Help identifying famous or apocryphal stories about terrible design and engineering choices which led to disasters. So you're not going to be designing a control system before you've taken a controls course, you're not going to be designing a cooling system before you've taken heat transfer, and you're not going to be designing an airfoil before you've taken fluid dynamics. The advise I always give: Study what you like, not what employers ask for now. Limit the use of engineering jokes. Fold your interests together into something even cooler later, once you get more experience. So, he's always trying to encourage me to finish my schoolwork. Mechanical engineering is the most popular major. In fact, I definitely want to do this all day, every day instead of what I am currently spending my time on (engineering). I'm taking a summer job doing mobile application development (I am the lead). You're better off studying what you like. I vote for you sticking with your degree program, and keep working on software on the way. Another important factor to consider is the amount of education you’ll need to be eligible for these roles. It's personal opinion that if you want to become a competent coder, you can drop out and get work, if you want to become an efficient or expert programmer, you are going to need a degree, or at least the kind of free time/space that school allows you to develop. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Mechanical engineering is the third most popular major after computer science and electrical engineering. Get an ad-free experience with special benefits, and directly support Reddit. Don't feel bad about not having experience in something aerospace related. If you are so worried about engineering not being in your life, don't switch to CompSci, switch to Software Engineering. Maybe that will help clear up some things? Repeat. The objective of the Bachelor of Science degree program in Mechanical Engineering is to produce Mechanical Engineering graduates who will be capable of undertaking challenging projects that require knowledge of the fundamentals and design of mechanical and … My office provides services in vibration, acoustics and air quality. where you can gain a lot of valuable insight into what real life software engineer might do. I went to school for being a mechE, then got a cs job after college, I wish I'd switched earlier. I like being able to solve problems logically, understand algorithms, help peers/family with computer related problems, watching and reading anything about computers/cyber security. One could also argue that there isn't much job security in aerospace engineering companies, which is where I work, unless a Republican is president and we are fighting one of our never-ending wars. I just finished my second year. Besides, there are probably many many topics that I've never thought of or considered. Doesn't matter that it is in Mechanical and Aerospace engineering. My 2cents, based on the same stuff I have been struggling with for the past year, basically boils down to this: if you like solving problems and you are an intelligent, hard working person, you will find problems to solve, regardless of the medium. [–]MaddyInc 2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago (0 children). I've never really done anything related to engineering outside of academics. When you get out in the world you are likely to be doing lots of site work, or perhaps you will be dealing with clients a lot, or perhaps you will be doing technical work but even this is so far removed from the kind of work you did at uni. However, if you want to advance very fast, you need to add at least a master’s degree. I understand that Mechanical Engineering and Software Engineering have some different courses. I just finished my second year. I'm entertaining thoughts of switching my degree from ME to Computer Science. Maybe that will help clear up some things? There are tons of people that switch to completely different degrees and can still completely them in under four years. The point I am saying is if you are confident in your abilities then follow them. I had a blast in Mechanical Engineering, both on my co-op terms and in my classes. If you understand the fundamentals about how to approach computer based problems, that is much more important that knowing the intricate details of C or Java. I also just finished my Sophomore year. It has been the best decision I have ever made. Crowdfunding: Must be relevant to engineering and submitted as a self-post (not a link). I regret wasting time by going down the mechanical and aerospace engineering path. Advice, suggestions, previous experiences, pep talk, anything would be nice. Images and videos related to engineering are acceptable, provided they are relevant to engineering. 2 years out of school I'm working in software / controls. I program/code/make websites as a hobby all the time because I like doing that kind of stuff. You don't need to buy parts/materials, you don't require access to a machine shop, etc. Rendered by PID 7720 on r2-app-07854421846b8f898 at 2020-12-02 13:48:31.397172+00:00 running 31b5616 country code: US. That is taught throughout all disciplines. At university you learn a lot of theory and apply it in lots of sample problems. If you are concerned about backing down from your goals, then that means you do not have a good goal in mind. and earns much less than a typical graduate engineer's starting salary. I've a degree in Mechanical Engineering. No self-promotion or blogspam. Don't let a degree hold you back, someone will recognize true talent. There are a lot of things you will learn from having a focused education on any subject - Computer Science is not just "making games or websites or apps," there is an entire theoretical level you can get into that I find to be the really interesting part of the subject. I get through it all, even got through a 21 credit semester once... but I sort of didn't like it because I wasn't doing anything with it. I'd also like to point out that just because you're working in Computer Engineering, that doesn't mean you can't help out with advancing humans in space exploration. And I'm not the one to usually stress over things no matter how complex. To me, school is a bullshit institution sometimes. Mechanical engineering is a traditional discipline with persistent demand in the job market. Lead-in comments are encouraged to provide context to the readers. In my case I was building models at 6 years old. Be brave and just do it (if you really want to ). Here's my point of view. Sounds weird but its true. It sounds like software is your passion. Carnegie Mellon University: CMU is a mid-sized comprehensive university with strengths ranging from the arts to engineering. What are some of your favorite engineering YouTube channels? That's a tough one. I also completely agree with the idea of him dual majoring, if that is feasible based on the rest of his scheduling. I've been in the field for 4 years (2008 grad) and the amount of jobs that are out there for me to pursue is a little overwhelming. Are there any entry level jobs that would hire a mechanical engineer? You do not want to be answering the question "why don't you have a college degree?" So, I don't think I should do that. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Engineering and CS are both meaty degrees. I feel so stressful right now. I am currently interning for a mechanical engineering firm, and the most important/vital part of my work has been writing code. Multiple violations will lead to ban. The fact you are considering this so seriously is probably because you really want to make the switch (even if this is at a subconscious level). And yes, I realize I am still an undergrad, but I don't believe that makes my conclusions any less valid about the subject, since most of them were gleaned from talking to people who are older, wiser and smarter than me. I did an Engineering Physics with a mechanical option degree. I've been making websites (some were pretty successful when I sold them) and randomly programming and learning multiple programming languages on my own without any computer science courses. Your goal should be to complete a bachelor's degree. Whether it is a valve, relay or a poorly written method they are all solving problems. REDDIT and the ALIEN Logo are registered trademarks of reddit inc. π Rendered by PID 7720 on r2-app-07854421846b8f898 at 2020-12-02 13:48:31.397172+00:00 running 31b5616 country code: US. I was accepted to Mechanical Engineering and off I went. Computer science vs. engineering: Education requirements. I always told myself I was going to be an Aerospace Engineer because I wanted to help mankind take a further step into space even though it was a tiny one. I think I like things that involve the computer and its programming languages to solve problems. I ended up making Mechanical Engineering (UW Co-op) my first choice, followed by Computer Science (a math degree at UW). are vital for things like the Mars rovers. If you have a knack for science and math, either mechanical engineering or computer programming could satisfy you on the job. Press J to jump to the feed. After a B.Eng in Mechanical Engr, you can proceed to bag yourself an MSc in Mechanical, Petroleum, Ocean, Maritime engineering or a host of other degrees- but not computer science. [–]dashdanw 2 points3 points4 points 8 years ago (0 children). At my University (UConn) you can take classes such as software engineering which help you to understand some of the nuances of large format OO Programming, and other classes on subjects such as Data Structures, and Algorithms and Complexity which teach some complex theories which although very difficult, are things that can literally be impossible for some people to understand outside of being in a classroom setting, and being able to ask questions of someone who understand the concepts. My favorite part of studying engineering at DU was the small class sizes because it helped me form relationships with my professors. I suspect it would be a lot more interesting to do aerospace stuff. I'ts getting an university degree (any!) Engineering school is about learning how to frame problems. (self.engineering). I agree that you should be doing what you know you like to do. I get the feeling that if your dig into FEA and/or projects in MatLab/Simulink, you will fall in love. If you really want to switch to CS, go for it, with a caveat that I've received from some good friends of mine who just graduated with BSes in CS and one MS: you don't need to have a whole lot of formal education in CS to do CS. Your DoD or NASA program can get its funding cut quite suddenly, and layoffs ensue. [–]whycantiholdthisbass 0 points1 point2 points 8 years ago (1 child). Computer Science vs Mechanical Engineering – Certification. If you swap to computer science, you will achieve your goal with the added advantage of doing what you enjoy and being able to get a job doing what you enjoy. Either way, you're still early enough in school where you won't have to worry too much later on about taking extra courses - especially if you use your electives appropriately. In computer science, your bachelor’s degree is the degree that makes it possible for you to accept certain positions. Lots to do with data structures, databases, and general stuff you won't be using later.

switching from mechanical engineering to computer science

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switching from mechanical engineering to computer science 2020