Thread: Early Mid-Life Crisis

Ok everyone.  As you know, I have recently been offered admission to Texas A&M for Civil Engineering.  However, I have been thinking lately (usually a bad thing when I do it too much).  I have been looking into what I like to do and what I don't like to do.  I have been looking at careers and the different things that can be done with different degrees.  And I have been looking at different programs offered by Texas A&M.  Basically, a week ago, I knew that I wanted to do some type of engineering or architecture.  I knew that I was going to become an engineer.  But...I've been thinking.  Like I said, usually a bad thing because I tend to over-think the issue. 

And I think I want to do something with finance or economics. 

Holy crap.  What do I do now?

Should I try to change my major to finance at the Mays School of Business at Texas A&M now?  When I still have an almost guaranteed chance of getting in?

Or should I wait?

Should I wait until I receive decisions from all my other college applications?  The more I hear about Texas A&M, the more I think it would be my ideal college experience. As I said before, I am guaranteed admission to TAMU, but I'm not sure if I will get the major I want and need to grow professionally. Should I try engineering out and then change my major (which will be very difficult) if I don't like it? 

And how much should I consider potential future pay in all of this?  From the research I have done, competition is greater in finance and business than in engineering as far as jobs go, but it pays better in general.  Finance and business seem to carry more risk and stress, but offer greater rewards.  And I really do like to design buildings and bridges and ships, things that I most certainly won't be doing with a degree in finance.  But recently I have been finding math and science to be a bore.  My English skills are excellent (or so the tests tell me), but I don't enjoy anything language related. 

I want you guys to give me a no-BS assessment here.  Many of you have found great success in your careers and I value your opinions and experiences.  And I know that many of you will be tempted to say "Do what you like best."  Unfortunately, I have no clue what I like best and do well at most things I really work at.  My so-called "well-roundedness" is becoming a curse.

Consider both.

I don't know how strict TA&M is about crossing colleges, but if you get in for Engy and take some finance/management classes you may get yourself the best of both worlds.

Pure engineers are getting treated like shit these days- Why pay an American "full price" when you can pay an Indian half-price? The highest-demand technical folks are the ones who can combine the technical knowledge & skill set with planning, integration, and management. If you were to combine and Engy and Management dual degree, it sounds like you might your range of interests while positioning yourself well for the job market.

Do you prefer math and science (engy) or do you prefer economics and accounting (business)?


The work you do for both will really be very different. You could try to do both.

It sounds like you prefer engineering from your posts.

Civil Engi. BS with an MBA in international management and the world is yours...

Ok, been looking it over and if I switch I will have the opportunity to join their professional program my junior year which after five years total will leave me with a BBA in Accounting and an MS in Finance, Accounting, Management Information Systems, or Marketing/E-Commerce. It also has 95% job placement.

Stick with Engy- Better weapons. The pilum, motion mine bait, SAAW, and vehicle sensor all rock. Have you seen what the Finance path has for firepower? Totally noob-tastic crap.