Architecture, Industrial Design, or Mechanical Engineering?

Question

Which field has the best prospects in terms of job openings, security, salary, job satisfaction, working conditions, etc.?

Answer 1

Mechanical Engineering without a doubt.  

I've seen SO many job ads for these positions lately, in several parts of the country,  the starting pay is phenomenal, and job security is definitely there - because mech eng folks need to be good with math, and science.  

As far as job satisfaction and working conditions, that depends largely on what you yourself are looking for, what is important to you etc.  No one can really tell you about job satisfaction / conditions, because we all have different ideas about what would make us happy, and the conditions that we work in - - sorry.  

Industrial Design I would say is next, followed by Architecture.  Although with the 'green' movement, depending on the geographical location you're in, architecture could be a good 'move.'  

However, I think the 'range' of jobs you'd qualify for with a Mech Eng degree would allow you more freedom and variety.

Good luck!  

Answer 2

Engineers have the highest demand right now as well as more variations in the types of positions available.

Answer 3

Hi Julie/ George?

This is a response to your answer post for my question about interdisciplinary majors and Architecture...(I don't know how to respond to you directly form there)

Arts & Ideas is not an ICP that I created and had to get approved. Rather, it is a concentration created by the Residential College Program at U of M. Basically, it is a major that has a core in art history/ philosophy/ theory. Then you pick two specializations in either two humanities subjects or one humanities and one art practice specialization (art, music, film, theater or dance). I chose this major because if I am able to build good relations with art professors in the RC, I could go on to do an extensive series of art courses in the art school that I otherwise may not be able to do as an LS&A student.

There are no pre-requisites for this major, however, you must be a student of the RC. Therefore, you have to live in East Quad for at least 2 years, complete the 1.5 year intensive language requirement/ course series, take an RC writing seminar, and complete a certain number of required RC credits...this might be the hard part if you are not already in the RC.

I have no experience getting an ICP approved, but I imagine that an ICP with art courses may be a little more difficult to approve because it is outside the LS&A school. (even with the Arts & Ideas major, it will be hard for me to get into upper level art courses). You should contact your advisor for specific information or visit the UM advising site. (it has a section entirely about ICPs)

I'm kind of in the same position as you, deciding whether I want to commit to arch now. But I think I am going to go for a double major in Arts & Ideas and Environmental economics/ urban planning as I want to go into sustainable architecture...or at least those majors combine all my interests.  Plus, I see the undergraduate years as a chance to learn new ways of thinking and understanding the world. Specific skills training can wait for graduate school (The vast majority of quality jobs these days require a graduate degree anyway)

I say any of the choices you have listed above are good options. It is simply (perhaps easier said than done. I know from experience) choosing what you love the most. If you are passionate about something, you will do well. Also, think about what your talents are. Think about a building...would you want to focus more on the structural aesthetic? then go for arch. Are you more interested in the technical aspects of the structure that keep the building standing and functioning? then go for civil engineering. Or are you more interested in the look and function of the smaller appliances within the building? then go for Industrial design.

In terms of job openings, security, salary, conditions...etc, economically speaking, there are always trade-offs. We live in a world of scarcity and imperfection.  But if you truly enjoy what you do, you WILL excel at it and you will never work another day in your life.

Also, I recommend that you try to get in contact with some senior architecture students. They can be VERY helpful in terms of getting an “inside scoop”

GOOD LUCK :)