Expert: Paul Soderman - 1/29/2010

Question
I just wanted to be a engineer but really confused between which to choose. aeronautics or mechanics.could you give me some advice.

Answer
That is a tough question because it is such a personal decision.  Briefly, aeronautical engineers work in the aerospace or automotive industries on vehicle design and development.  Mechanical engineers work on all nature of mechanical design and development in all sorts of industries including robotics, machine design, product safety, energy, etc.  Although the fields are very similar, a mechanical engineer would have a greater variety of job opportunities.  On the other hand, an aero engineer could be in a high tech environment that could possibly pay more.  But jobs are fewer.  The decision really hinges on what you want to do with your life.  Internship experience would be of great value in making that decision.  Note that many people have migrated from one field to the other during their career.