Windows 7: Computer Science Versus Computer Engineer Versus Mechanical Engineer.

Which major should I choose?
I like computers.
If I choose computer science as my major where do I work?

All too often such a degree earns you a job at Burger King. The computer jobs go to people in India. Sad, but true.

I've been at this for 30 years. If I had to start in computers today, I wouldn't.

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If it were me, Mechanical Engineer would win hands down. Our local department stores are filled with highly-qualified IT specialists on the checkouts because it is the only work they can get.

On the other hand, our 20-year-old grandson who has recently completed a three-year apprenticeship as a race technician has landed a job with Williams F1 (Grand Prix Race Team) that pays more money than I ever earned in my working life.

It's a tough world out there, but good engineers who don't mind getting their hands dirty will always find work in my view.

My son is wrestling with a similar issue.
My advice was to try and strip away the glamour and glitz perceptions and ask questions in the geographic area you want employment.
1) How many jobs will be around in say mechanical engineering over the next 5 years. Ring the companies.
2) In the areas of computer science and computer engineering I think you need to get a bit more specific.
3) Find out what you will actually be doing once you have your bum on the seat. There is a lot of routine to even the most exciting sounding job.

Educate for change. Cores like mathematics & science and yes business studies are good. I started my career many years ago as an electrical engineer and changed over the years. Be prepared to go back and get another qualification at some stage.

But you still need some passion.

Agree with Seavixen - mechanical engineering for the same reasons he mentions.

I would go for a degree in schmoozing. If you have the competence to actually do the work you're too busy doing it to make points with the management. Plus you get the blame when stuff goes wrong.

Unlike a technical discipline, schmoozing is applicable to any field and never becomes obsolete.

degree in schmoozing - that must be one of the new ones.
This is the sort of thing I thought the (young) person was talking about
Mechanical Engineering: What is it?
or one of the top US schools
Mechanical Engineering
But not to exclude

It's older than prostitution, and rather related.

I am a Mechanical Engineer and I do IT and Network Management at my work along with engineering. So I do both.

   Quote: Originally Posted by lhorwinkle

All too often such a degree earns you a job at Burger King. The computer jobs go to people in India. Sad, but true.

So, I should not choose computer science or computer engineer as my major, and I should choose mechanical engineer as my major?