I'm currently a mechanical engineering student on a leave of absence, about to begin my second year when I return. I'm feeling pretty lost in many aspects of life and uncertain about my future direction. Academically, I might switch to a different discipline, but it would most likely still be within engineering or technology. I don't have a particular passion right now, but I can't see myself doing anything else.
To make the most of my time, I've decided to learn programming as a side hobby after hearing that it's a useful skill in the tech world. I've always been good at math, so I'm wondering if this is a skill worth pursuing today and in the future, especially with all the talk about AI taking over jobs. I appreciate any advice!
3 Answers
What you’re experiencing isn’t just confusion; it’s what they call optionality anxiety. When you have a lot of skills, it can be tough to choose one direction. Instead of locking into a 'forever' path, consider exploring the signals that show up in roles you’re interested in. Check out resources like Built In for insight on different tech jobs, or sites like O*NET to see how skills map to career paths. It’s all about gathering data to inform your decision!
Learning to code is absolutely worthwhile. AI might be able to write code, but it doesn't know what code is appropriate for specific tasks. As a mechanical engineer, you'll actually utilize coding for simulations, CAD automation, and data analysis rather than just practicing algorithms like many computer science students do. You're already ahead of the game!
Dude, programming is definitely worth it, especially with your mechanical engineering background. The math skills you have will translate well into coding. And even if AI advances in coding, someone still needs to know how to communicate with it and fix any issues that arise. Plus, combining mechanical engineering with programming is a sweet combo for robotics and automation. Having those coding skills will make you stand out in the job market, no doubt!

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