Thread Tools

**PoisonMushroom** · December 18th, 09:05 PM

Hey guys, I have a somewhat complex situation. I'm going off to college next year, and I plan to become an engineer of some kind. Mechanical engineering seems to put me into the other "dime a dozen" engineers out there. It's a broad field, but it allows for many different types of jobs. Chemical engineering is cool (fire=fun), but jobs seem to be scarce (or so I think). Electrical engineering is just boring and takes waaay too much studying. Nuclear engineering is kinda dull, as is aerodynamics.

Thing is, I love cars (that's why I'm here) and would like to incorporate cars into my future career. A job at GM (or any other company) would be kickass and would allow me to truly enjoy my work.

However, money is a huge concern also. I want to make enough money to live comfortably. I want to be able to have a small house (2 car garage), a nice DD, and a "power" car for the weekends, such as a Corvette. All while not worrying about if I can afford it or not. I'm thinking somewhere around $40,000-$50,000 a year would be good, and it would allow me to do what I want.

BTW, I live in lower eastern Tennessee. Right now, I'm considering the University of Tennessee in Knoxville (UTK) and Georgia Tech (out of state and big $$$).

How can I combine these things? An engineering job at a car company that pays well. Is it even possible? What schools should I consider? Do I need to go out of state? Anybody got any suggestions?

***Strikr*** · December 18th, 09:17 PM

I believe its UTI. The best thing you can do is learn how to fix it and work from there. 40k a year will not be easy to get.

***DarkTamer*** · December 18th, 09:24 PM

Engineers are always in demand, every kind.

Car companies use electrical, mechanical, and plastics engineers. Not so much chemical. Plastics isn't really offered anywhere though...

**mspainter** · December 18th, 09:35 PM

Nuclear energy will bring in the money. The industry is just starting back up. Trust me, if you want the money, thats where its at. Also, you can be an electrical engineer in the nuclear field. Someone has to build the plants..

My teacher is ex-nuclear. There is a **** load of money to be made, according to him.

**bobide** · December 18th, 10:12 PM

^^the only people who will hire you if you're a nuke is the navy. Other then that the private sector is mostly power plants. And nuclear plants aren't very popular right now.

I don't see what you're worried about. Expect to make $50,000 or more coming right out of school. Chem Es are in huge demand and make tons of cash. I've heard of some guys getting 6 figures right out of school.

If cars are your thing give mech, metallurgical, EE, and industrial engineering all good looks.

As for schools, there are tons. Keep your eyes open.

**PoisonMushroom** · December 18th, 10:17 PM

Yeah, chemistry has always been interesting to me. I not only love blowing stuff up, but like to know why it blows up (and how to make it bigger). I'm gonna talk to my Chemistry teacher when school starts back up. He was a nuclear "something" for Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant and he now teaches chemistry and physics. He's a great guy and I'm sure he could shed some light onto my situation.

**Number One Andrew** · December 18th, 10:20 PM

http://stats.bls.gov/search/ooh.asp?ct=OOH

**Tomba** · December 18th, 10:24 PM

Engineering is a great study. I would also like to go into it and it seems there is always engineers in demand. Are you good with math b.c usually there is a lot of math in engineering.

**PoisonMushroom** · December 18th, 10:24 PM

Yeah, I was just looking at that (literally). Almost every form of engineering has a starting pay of at least $40,000 a year. Chemical engineers are up there in pay. Mechanical is pretty good, but there are an unbelievable amount of mechanical engineers now. I have a feeling that even though mechanical engineers are a diverse field, it may be too diverse in that there is an "oversupply" of engineers. Chemical might just be what I'm looking for. First things first, I have to apply to more colleges. I only have one right now, even though there is NO doubt that I'm going to be accepted.

**Ja289** · December 18th, 10:25 PM

why dont you actually talk to your guidance counselor or research the majors from the schools you're looking at?

plus 40-50k a year is pretty menial..

we had to do a project in ap eco where we lived on 45,000$ a year tax deductible and ill tell you, you can barely sustain living on 45k

**PoisonMushroom** · December 18th, 10:25 PM

I'm good at math. I'm not quick by any means, but I can usually figure out a problem. I'm taking Calculus next semester (I need to freshen up).

**Tomba** · December 18th, 10:29 PM

My sis's boyfriend is getting ready to graduate w/ a major in Mech. Engineering and hes going to be pretty well off. Hes already be hired as an intern type person and lovesit and gets paid, idk like 20-25(really cant remember) right out of the gate. He likes it a lot and he loves doing CAD and thats what hes been doing a lot latley.

**PoisonMushroom** · December 18th, 10:29 PM

Yes, you can live on $45,000 a year. That's my point. Start there and work up. 45k works out to be around $1500 per paycheck every two weeks. That's low, but you can live off of it.

**bobide** · December 18th, 10:30 PM

mech enginers are on the low end of the payroll b/c there are so many. Chem E is definitly up there, if you're not great at math then chem E is for you as the math is not as complex.

If you like blowing stuff up so much consider an explosives engineering degree. We actually have one at our campus.

**PoisonMushroom** · December 18th, 10:30 PM

Dammit! quit posting faster than me!!! I can't keep up!

is that 20k-25k a year or $20-$25/hour?

**PoisonMushroom** · December 18th, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobide

mech enginers are on the low end of the payroll b/c there are so many. Chem E is definitly up there, if you're not great at math then chem E is for you as the math is not as complex.

If you like blowing stuff up so much consider an explosives engineering degree. We actually have one at our campus.

HELL YEAH!!! I love chem. math. It's all about the MOL!!

**Ja289** · December 18th, 10:33 PM

you also realize you're not even in college and your contemplating your lifelong career?

supposedly the average college student switches their major about 3 times in their college career..

**Tomba** · December 18th, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoisonMushroom

Dammit! quit posting faster than me!!! I can't keep up!

is that 20k-25k a year or $20-$25/hour?

thats just an hour. I mean its not live able but he makes his own hours. Got like christmas bonus after working there for only like 3 months. Like there really cool with him. Then once he has his actaul degree he may be put on salary, and working full time. BUt like 25 an hour for no degree is pretty good.

**PoisonMushroom** · December 18th, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ja289

you also realize you're not even in college and your contemplating your lifelong career?

supposedly the average college student switches their major about 3 times in their college career..

I'm thinking like this because I need to choose a college that suits me. I want a quality college without completely breaking the bank. UTK is a good engineering school, but it is a public college where most of the students only care about the freaking football team. Georgia Tech is a "known" college, but is out of state and costs an crapload. It is also in the middle of downtown Atlanta (not a good place). I need to find other good colleges, but I'd really like to find a college that will get me to GM (I love cars). However, I can overlook GM for a high-paying job that is relative to my interests. Damn, now that I think about it, college is gonna be a pain the ass...