[Omnis]

Most people that I know that apply for engineering (bar myself ) have a very narrow spectrum of knowledge. Sometimes I worry that I'm not going to be fulfilled with engineering since it's going to be quite dry and boring. The last two years of maths and physics a-levels have been just that.

The reason why I'm taking it is because it seems like the option that suits my A-levels the most and apparently there is going to be a national shortage of engineers soon

I have so many other interests like philosophy, history and various sciences that I'm going to have to say goodbye to

[will274]

Unless you can't pornography, then no.

[Lu-x]

You could say the same about a lot of degrees. But it doesn't mean that you'll have to wave goodbye to your other interests. Look into the different societies at your university of choice maybe?

[shuvle]

people have hobbies. They might not be "well-read" but they'll have other interests.

[chessaholic]

I too am planning to start a civil engineering degree this September. I think I understand what you mean about science and maths being boring at A-level though tbh I think that it due to them being 'pointless'- you are only learning them for the sake of the exam. For the civil engineering degree you will have to use that knowledge for more interesting applications as well as learn about all sorts of other things- geology, managing finances, teamwork, even the politics involved in large projects.

History and philosophy, amongst other things can be expended though clubs and societies. I plat to join the chess club, debating society, atheist and agnostic society and possibly others the moment I arrive.

[MsAnnThropic]

My boyfriend's in his third year of Civil Engineering, and he's the most fascinating and well-rounded guy I've ever met. He reads all sorts, ranging from books about history and science to fantasy (I'm currently pressing Terry Pratchett books on him by the armload), and even though he has to work ridiculously hard (9am-6pm in the library basically everyday, and even more in the evenings) he still has time to write music and play guitar as well as showing up to interesting societies stuff and seeing me. I'm not sure where eating and sleeping fits into the equation, but if you've got a good work ethic there's no reason your interests need to suffer.

In addition to all that, he enjoys a lot of what he's doing even though the workload's a nightmare and when we're walking through town he's always eyeing up the surrounding architecture with an analytical eye. Plus, he's become almost magnetically attracted to construction sites, I literally have to pull him away! (And no, it's not a congenital quirk of his - he wasn't into buildings before he started the course, he wanted to design aeroplanes. ) So yes, apparently engineering can bestow upon you the ability to derive interest from things which don't even occur to the uninitiated. And, as you quite rightly said, there's a shedload of money on offer at the end of it all, which can be spent on as many philosophical works and trips to historic landmarks as you like .

[Omnis]

yay

[alexyfoot]

lol, no.. engineering is the degree that gives you the widest range of skills that you can get. it is so much different from what you do in high school cause you see its application and you feel quite good when you learn something and understand how to apply to some design. and hell yeah I thin engineers are the smartest people in the world (after surgeons probably) with knowledge about all aspects of our daily lives. hope that sound encouraging cause it is a great thing to do and you shouldnt feel pessimistic about it

[tb12345]

I read all the time, play various instruments, love reading up on history, and I study enginering. Just because you won't be doing it as a part of your degree, does not mean you have to neglect it completely. Plus if you have a wide range of interests outisde your degree it will only help you become more succesful and more attractive to employers.

[Crispin]

In my experience - that is, as an arts student living in a flat chiefly occupied by engineering students - it often seems to attract people who are not at all well rounded. I know a certain aeronautical engineer who wasn't aware of the Israel Palestine conflict back in September 2008, and a civil engineer with no interest in history, politics or art whatsoever. I'm sure the same could be said of many disciplines though - being an interesting person is evidently not a prerequisite to higher education.

[Richiboi]

Well, im doing Civil Engineering next year, and.....

I play the trombone, have a strong love of both jazz and classical music, as well as metal.
History, particularly medieval history, is fascinating. Not to mention i love comedy.

Just because one isnt doing an arts degree, doesnt mean they are less rounded than people who have 5 hours of lectures a week!

[IntoTheVoid]

(Original post by MsAnnThropic)
My boyfriend's in his third year of Civil Engineering, and he's the most fascinating and well-rounded guy I've ever met. He reads all sorts, ranging from books about history and science to fantasy (I'm currently pressing Terry Pratchett books on him by the armload), and even though he has to work ridiculously hard (9am-6pm in the library basically everyday, and even more in the evenings) he still has time to write music and play guitar as well as showing up to interesting societies stuff and seeing me. I'm not sure where eating and sleeping fits into the equation, but if you've got a good work ethic there's no reason your interests need to suffer.

In addition to all that, he enjoys a lot of what he's doing even though the workload's a nightmare and when we're walking through town he's always eyeing up the surrounding architecture with an analytical eye. Plus, he's become almost magnetically attracted to construction sites, I literally have to pull him away! (And no, it's not a congenital quirk of his - he wasn't into buildings before he started the course, he wanted to design aeroplanes. ) So yes, apparently engineering can bestow upon you the ability to derive interest from things which don't even occur to the uninitiated. And, as you quite rightly said, there's a shedload of money on offer at the end of it all, which can be spent on as many philosophical works and trips to historic landmarks as you like .

lol your boyfriend sounds like my soul-twin!

To the OP - I don't think engineers are narrow minded or one dimentional at all but I don't think you should do it if it doesn't interest you especially if you don't enjoy maths/physics. I know it's gonna be hard work but I'm looking forward to doing it!

[Porscha!]

I'm doing Motorsport in September and I'd say I have a fairly broad spectrum of knowledge apart from cars / motorsport, I play Clarinet, Flute, Oboe and Piano to a varying standard from LRSM - Grade 5. I teach Clarinet and Flute, have an interest in the Theory of Music and History of Music.

Also I find the History of Science and Technology very interestingand of course Maths and Physics.

People seem to have a perception of Engineers, especially perhaps people at the grass routes level of engineering, mainly which isn't true!!

[Richiboi]

besides, its only architects who obsess completely over their course. :P