Reader comments
University of Utah pushes engineering

Using the blanket term "Engineering" to describe different branches of Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil) as all being the same and equal is way too general... The University has invested a lot of money into certain programs and not much into others, as a function of the Engineering Increase initiative.

Furthermore, the idea that some of the benefits of being in Engineering are "working from home, starting a business, and flexible schedules" is fairly misleading. The fact of the matter is, most Engineers won't and probably couldn't start their own business... The only Engineers that I personally know that work at home, do so on their own time playing catch up in the evening or on weekends... And as for flexible schedules, work is work (go figure), and you simply have to keep your schedule flexible enough to get your 50 to 60 hours a week in. Students will, however, continue to join the various Engineering Programs at the U, because the career options do look enjoyable.

Perhaps there should be more emphasis put on getting students into graduate school, and providing more resources and classes for graduate students... Undergraduate degrees in Engineering just don't cut it anymore!!!

The article was good and a good representation of my experience in Engineering (Electrical). I was involved as a Teaching Assistant while at the U and the engineering students came with a wide spectrum of interests and personalities, yet each was able to find their specific interest in a field of engineering. Just look around, almost everything you see required and engineer in the creative process; Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Computer, Civil, Chemical, Material Science, etc. The range of engineering jobs is only limited by the imagination.

As for flexible schedules, almost every company I've worked for allowed for flexibility in getting your job done. I've worked for small start-ups and large corporate behemoths. I've worked from home on contracted projects, and split time between home (Utah) and Ohio for a year and a half on another opportunity. Everything I've worked on has had an underlying element of fun. (Yeah, work can be work, but it can also be fun.)

Remember Theodore VonKarmen -- "The Scientist explores what is. The Engineer creates what has not been." If creation appeals to you, then go into engineering and bring a good attitude.