General engineering vs Mechanical engineering

I'm currently choosing between which one to study next year, but unsure which would be better.
The general was advertised as being better for leadership positions, as you would be able to understand the work every other type of engineer is doing, at a high level. Also I would make sure I want to specialize in Mechanical by trying it and comparing it to other types. The course is accredited btw.
On the other hand, it feels as though no matter what I can't be on the same level of knowledge as the people that specialized from the start. As well as having to study areas which I have no interest in.
Any input would be appreciated.

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 1

Student-95

20

If you're not sure what type you want to do then general would be better. You're not going to be remotely competent as a mechanical engineer either way until you've got good experience and most of what you need from a technical point of view will be learnt on the job.

Reply 2

EU-Invader

4

Original post by Mshabana

I'm currently choosing between which one to study next year, but unsure which would be better.
The general was advertised as being better for leadership positions, as you would be able to understand the work every other type of engineer is doing, at a high level. Also I would make sure I want to specialize in Mechanical by trying it and comparing it to other types. The course is accredited btw.
On the other hand, it feels as though no matter what I can't be on the same level of knowledge as the people that specialized from the start. As well as having to study areas which I have no interest in.
Any input would be appreciated.

There are no "Leadership positions" for graduates. You will be a kid that learned Calculus and some Mechanics and that's pretty much it. Go with Mechanical or EE.

Reply 3

Doones

21

Original post by Mshabana

As well as having to study areas which I have no interest in.
Any input would be appreciated.

Then do MechEng.

Most people start on a general track if they aren't reasonably sure about which specialisation most interests them. And many find they change their mind about their originally preferred specialisation during the course.

It's nothing to do with "leadership positions", although to some extent having experience of a wider range of engineering areas can be "a good thing" if you ultimately end up in a multi-discipline team.

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(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 4

Moe_00

OP

15

What I meant was wouldn't it be more beneficial to working as part of a team in a company as you would be able to understand more of what others are doing, which might lead to future promotions etc.
Or would a mechanical engineer still have enough understanding to communicate with other specialities on a project. For example autonomous electric cars

Original post by EU-Invader

There are no "Leadership positions" for graduates. You will be a kid that learned Calculus and some Mechanics and that's pretty much it. Go with Mechanical or EE.

Reply 5

Moe_00

OP

15

Original post by Student-95

If you're not sure what type you want to do then general would be better. You're not going to be remotely competent as a mechanical engineer either way until you've got good experience and most of what you need from a technical point of view will be learnt on the job.

So this means applying for a mechanical position you wouldn't be at any disadvantage? (if all the relevant work experience, etc. is up to scratch)

Reply 6

Student-95

20

Original post by Mshabana

So this means applying for a mechanical position you wouldn't be at any disadvantage? (if all the relevant work experience, etc. is up to scratch)

Very unlikely. I'm in a mechanical position with a Chem Eng degree

Reply 7

Moe_00

OP

15

Original post by Student-95

Very unlikely. I'm in a mechanical position with a Chem Eng degree

Oh wow, how did you make yourself more "appealing" (for lack of a better work) for the position?
Also do you not somewhat struggle with some of the technical work or are trained for that in the company?

Reply 8

Student-95

20

Original post by Mshabana

Oh wow, how did you make yourself more "appealing" (for lack of a better work) for the position?
Also do you not somewhat struggle with some of the technical work or are trained for that in the company?

Just read up on the area before the interview. Transferable skills are far more important than specific technical knowledge.

You'll be trained in the things you need to know, which will be most things regardless of your degree. There are lots of mech grads and they say they very rarely use specific technical knowledge from their degree either.

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 9

Moe_00

OP

15

Original post by Student-95

Just read up on the area before the interview. Transferable skills are far more important than specific technical knowledge.

You'll be trained in the things you need to know, which will be most things regardless of your degree. There are lots of mech grads and they say they very rarely use specific technical knowledge from their degree either.

Thanks, I think I'll try general engineering. If it doesn't impact job prospects then I might as well make sure that it's what I want to work in.

Try checking the course content for your universities choices. Although your end goal is getting a future job, choosing something you will enjoy will make it worthwhile.