Advice for life impacting decision

[SLushhYYY]

Im a 3rd year Electrical Engineering student. The problem is that my schools engineering program sucks ass, Cal Poly. I have 30 classes left to take, and I haven't been able to get into any of the core classes for next quarter, and this seems like it will be an ongoing pattern. I predict having to stay for another 5-6 years to get my degree in engineering. The trouble is that I don't want this to be the case, especially since EE isnt something that captures my full interest.

My hobby for the last 2 years is studying physics and astronomy. Im considering transferring and becoming an astrophysicist instead of the engineering degree. It would ultimately take the same time to get my Masters in Astronomy as it would to get my BS in EE.

Im having much trouble weighing the pros and cons of this situation, it would seem obvious to transfer to physics since it interests me. Anybody care to input?

 

[Architect]

I've worked with many EE's who went to poly, I'm surprised to hear you say that since they were all excellent engineers who loved going to that school. I also don't understand why it would take another 5-6 years to finish a simple EE degree. At any rate shooting for astrophysics is much, much harder. You'll be in school for much longer (15+ years including postdocs) and the job market for them is horrifically low. I'd say to go for that if it has been your life's dream from when you are young. If it sounds interesting then get a book. Stick with the EE, better yet get some serious experience and coursework in SW while you're at it and read the physics on the weekend. You'll likely have a much better life.<br><br>

ps. I was a physics phd student who went to engineering, so I've lived both sides of that street.

 

[LarsMac]

Go take a road trip up north somewhere, get completely pissed on cheap beer, and when you wake up, hung over, then sit on the beach and think about it for a while.
That's when you make a decision of that magnitude.

 

[SLushhYYY]

I've worked with many EE's who went to poly, I'm surprised to hear you say that since they were all excellent engineers who loved going to that school. I also don't understand why it would take another 5-6 years to finish a simple EE degree. At any rate shooting for astrophysics is much, much harder. You'll be in school for much longer (15+ years including postdocs) and the job market for them is horrifically low. I'd say to go for that if it has been your life's dream from when you are young. If it sounds interesting then get a book. Stick with the EE, better yet get some serious experience and coursework in SW while you're at it and read the physics on the weekend. You'll likely have a much better life.<br><br>

ps. I was a physics phd student who went to engineering, so I've lived both sides of that street.

The engineering college is extremely crowded and losing teachers. We have core classes with only one section for 30 students while there are hundreds of students trying to enlist in the class. It's not pretty, but would it ultimately be worth it even after 5 more years of studying?

I read that as a physicist, you usually meet the qualifications to get engineering jobs as well, is this true?

 

[Architect]

The engineering college is extremely crowded and losing teachers. We have core classes with only one section for 30 students while there are hundreds of students trying to enlist in the class. It's not pretty, but would it ultimately be worth it even after 5 more years of studying?

You have to decide that. I'd also consider changing schools if you can't get into the classes you need.

I read that as a physicist, you usually meet the qualifications to get engineering jobs as well, is this true?

Yes, more so. I found engineering easy after physics. However hiring is done by the bad engineers, meaning the ones that were bad enough at engineering that they got promoted to management. When I was looking for a job, 18 years ago, I found hiring managers too dim witted to understand that a physics degree was more of a qualifying attribute than an engineering one. Oddly the math majors were having an easier time.

But times and circumstances change. If you think you'll end up doing engineering I certainly wouldn't get there via physics, if you have a choice.

 

[Vrecknidj]

Make sure the horse is in front of the cart and not the other way around or you won't get anywhere.

 

[pjoa09]

Make sure the horse is in front of the cart and not the other way around or you won't get anywhere.

It can push the cart...

nevermind.

 

[SLushhYYY]

Thanks a lot architect, I think you're most likely the best person to get advice from on this matter.

Make sure the horse is in front of the cart and not the other way around or you won't get anywhere.

This is exactly how I feel.