Choosing an Engineering Discipline: Lessons from My Journey

Choosing an engineering discipline is a critical decision that can shape your career. I made the journey of choosing between chemical, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, and later gravitated towards chemical engineering. However, I eventually found my niche in planning and optimization roles. This article shares insights and lessons from my journey.

My Initial Choices and Considerations

When I entered university, I was offered a range of engineering disciplines - chemical, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. Initially, I discarded civil engineering because I didn't want to build bridges and roads. Additionally, my least favorite course was circuits, leading me to rule out electrical engineering. Mechanical engineering also held limited appeal to me. However, my chemistry class in high school sparked an interest in chemical engineering.

I chose chemical engineering with the expectation to work in either refining or chemical manufacturing. Little did I know that most of the engineers I worked with were either chemical or mechanical engineers. These roles often entailed planning and optimization, which I enjoyed.

My Early Aspirations and Realization

When I was young, aerospace engineering captured my imagination. My passion derived from an interest in flying objects, rockets, space exploration, and building things. I imagined myself designing and building aircraft, which is more akin to a research and development (RD) lab role. Even though I was too young to understand the full scope of the career, my passion was clear.

After I found myself in the Aerospace Engineering program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), I quickly realized that engineering was significantly different from tangible design work, being more mathematically and physically driven. This understanding only increased my love for the subject. However, as I explored a variety of subjects, I became more confused about my specific area of interest. My focus shifted towards fluid dynamics, robotics, and eventually computational science with a focus on fluid dynamics and computer science.

While my interests have evolved towards computer science, I still appreciate the experiences and knowledge that I gained in aerospace engineering. My current work on algorithms to make missiles smarter greatly benefits from my understanding of the physical constraints of the weapon. My background in dynamic/kinematics modeling and fluid dynamics has been invaluable in developing more adaptive and efficient algorithms.

Advice for Aspiring Engineers

Based on my experiences, my advice is simple: choose what you think you will love the most. You can always change your trajectory later. My own journey exemplifies this. I have recently started my graduate studies in computer science, showing that your interests can evolve over time.

It's important to embrace the learning process and understand that your interests may change. The key is to stay passionate and committed to continuous learning. No matter the field you choose, your passion and dedication will guide your success.

Best of luck in making this important decision.

Note: Aerospace engineering is a broad field that encompasses several disciplines, including systems engineering, materials science, and software engineering, among others. Understanding these nuances can help aspiring engineers make more informed decisions.

Additional Resources

For further guidance, consider exploring internships, attending workshops, and engaging with professionals in the field. Networking and learning from others can provide valuable insights and support.

Reach out to advisors, professors, and industry experts to get a better understanding of the different engineering disciplines and their career paths. This can help you make a well-informed decision.