How To Choose Your Engineering Program

With so many types of engineering to choose from, it can be a tedious task to narrow down which one is for you, given this extensive field of study.  An organised approach will help you choose what suits best for you. To begin with, write down what you’re passionate about, what do you spend your free time on? All types of engineering include some form of problem-solving (and generally focus on making life easier), but what engineering-related solution gives you the most buzz? If you choose a subject you’re naturally interested in, you’ll find it easier to stay motivated during your course, and stay involved with the subject whilst pursuing an engineering career.

Here’s a rundown of the various branches of engineering, to help you decide which one could be for you.

Chemical engineering

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

Electronic engineering

Civil engineering

Other more specialist engineering degrees include:

Aerospace engineering (making machines that fly – covers aircraft and spacecraft)

Automotive engineering (deals with ground-based vehicles)

Bioengineering (engineering in a medical context to develop better medical technologies)

Communications/telecoms/network engineering (covers communication networks for voice and data)

Mechatronics engineering (developing and improving manufacturing processes)

Marine technology/naval architecture/ship science (engineering for water vessels and offshore structures)

Computer systems engineering (covers computer hardware and software and communication networks – related to computer science and to electronics)

How your engineering degree discipline influences your career

Taking a degree in a particular engineering discipline will typically influence what jobs you can apply for after university and the specialism you have in your career. However, some engineering employers require all-rounders, whose skills and knowledge cross engineering disciplines. These employers may take on graduates from lots of different engineering disciplines and train them up together to be able to work interchangeably on any aspect of a project. For example, if you're designing a highly complex defence system or helping to troubleshoot engineering problems on a manufacturing production line you are likely to need to understand different areas of engineering and use your knowledge to solve problems and to design solutions.

What's the best type of engineering degree to keep your options open?

If you're not sure what type of engineering you want to specialise in, General engineering degrees are a good bet as you get to learn about a number of different disciplines. However, on some courses you do need to make a decision and specialise eventually.

Alternatively, some engineering disciplines leave more doors open than others. Mechanical engineering, for example, can lead you into a very wide range of roles and industries. Electrical, electronic and civil engineering also leave many doors open.  Some degrees will lead you down a more defined path like more specialist degrees such as aerospace, automotive or bioengineering. Once you've decided which engineering discipline you want to study, choosing the right university is the next step. Choose the university that bridges the gap from classroom to the actual professional world.

We at Chandigarh University provide you a wide range of engineering education in an environment that pursues excellence and discovery. University Institute of Engineering (UIE), Chandigarh University was ranked 16th among the Top Engineering Institutes of India by The Outlook Magazine. Join Chandigarh University and emerge career ready by learning form the best minds and develop a learning experience and a career of immense quality.