Pick a field: engineering or medicine?

If you had to pick one of the two science fields to go into for a career, which would it be? Granted, they are arguably two of the most difficult fields to concentrate in, and deal predominantly with science, so responses from people with science experience or interest is encouraged.

I'm seriously torn between the two--both are greatly valued and impactful in society, and must be highly rewarding in the end.  I guess it comes down to whether you are more interested in technology or human biological systems.

Engineering, as I aspire to be an audio engineer.

Medicine so I can experiment on people with or without their consent.

I'm studying electrical engineering so it's a no brainer for me. A lot of the medical stuff grosses me out, I can barely watch some parts of House and Bones for example.

Both are probably the two best majors if you actually want to find a job in what you majored in. Both are great paying and will never go away. It really just depends on which you prefer.

Medicine. I'd say engineering has less of a focus on natural science than medicine, and that is my preference.

Do engineering ugrad and get really good grades (easier said than done). Do engineering internships and/or coop, and shadow some doctors. If you decide during school or early on in engineering that you are not particularly fond of it/less intereted than in medicine, then go to medical school after.

Medicine. I'd say engineering has less of a focus on natural science than medicine

Suzy_Q_Kazoo

Perhaps in an academic setting.

[QUOTE="Suzy_Q_Kazoo"]

Medicine. I'd say engineering has less of a focus on natural science than medicine

dude_brahmski

Perhaps in an academic setting.

Medicine

[QUOTE="dude_brahmski"]

[QUOTE="Suzy_Q_Kazoo"]

Medicine. I'd say engineering has less of a focus on natural science than medicine

Suzy_Q_Kazoo

Perhaps in an academic setting.

And even then, it's still a maybe.

[QUOTE="Suzy_Q_Kazoo"]

[QUOTE="dude_brahmski"]

Perhaps in an academic setting.

dude_brahmski

And even then, it's still a maybe.

Computer Software Engineering

The real question is, what kind of engineer? There are several fields that identify themselves as such: electrical, mechanical, computer, software, network, etc., etc.

The two aren't mutally exclusive. Look into something like Biomedical Engineering.

Medicine if you have the time and money to do the schooling. You won't have a problem finding job. Engineers are good too but the market is a bit more competitive so you'll have to work a bit.

Computer Software Engineering

biggerdjam

[QUOTE="biggerdjam"]

Computer Software Engineering

VanHelsingBoA64

Actually right now is a fantastic time to go to school for that. 

Medicine

[QUOTE="biggerdjam"]

Computer Software Engineering

VanHelsingBoA64

[QUOTE="VanHelsingBoA64"][QUOTE="biggerdjam"]

Computer Software Engineering

Wasdie

Actually right now is a fantastic time to go to school for that. 

Medicine

If you have drive and think you can make it then I'd pick engineering if you're interested in a specialty that pays well.

If you want to endure ridiculously difficult training, shitty hours and to work with annoying people then go into medicine. 

As an engineer i can safely say DON'T DO IT UNLESS YOU LOVE MATH, so many people go to school to be an engineer and then drop out because they don't want to do high level calculus.

However if math is your thing, go for it.

I love math and therfore aeronautical engineering suits me just fine(also i get to design fighter jets, so that's cool too).

If you want to endure ridiculously difficult training, shitty hours and to work with annoying people then go into medicine. 

junglist101

OMG this is SO true!

I'm a nursing assistant right now and while my training wasn't difficult, the hours can get ridiculous (I have pulled 96 hour checks but that WAS volountary as I like money...) but the real killer for me is people. I have lost any interest to go further into nursing after working in the field. Seriously can't stand all the insane/stupid people we have to take care of. People really have no idea what crazy is untill you work with dementia patients in a nursing home...

Funny enough I am actually in the same perdicament as the TC as well. I am debating going into an engineering degree or playing it safer and going to be a medical technologist. Either way I have decided I want to work in a lab, away from crazy customers.

I am not a people person....

Engineering and it's not even close.chessmaster1989

Engineering. Good pay, but a bit less demanding than medicine.

As an engineer i can safely say DON'T DO IT UNLESS YOU LOVE MATH

frannkzappa

This post is probably the most important one ITT. Too many people think they can get by b/c "omg i like 2 build things."

I'd prefer medicine myself.