Should I do engineering or medicine?
When it comes to choosing the right career choice, a lot of people find themselves struggling. Since we live in a country where every parent has the same dream for their child, i.e., good education and a well-paying job, we need to be aware that there is more than one way to reach there. Many students have come up with the question, "Should I do engineering or medicine?"
When opting for higher education, every student would want to choose the stream that suits their area of interest while maintaining an efficient academic record. In most cases, students are confused about making a choice between engineering and medicine, often ending up choosing a major that doesn't correctly match their academic performance.
These days, there is nothing complicated to find out what you like and choose accordingly. Several types of research and surveys have already taken place that determines who should do what. However, any path you choose is in your control, whether it is an engineering or medicine based career. Although these studies may vary from one to another, it is also inevitable that they will not always be 100% accurate. Each person will also react differently when exposed to different situations.
Engineering is an excellent field but is it the right career for you?
Engineering is one of those fields that allow people to pursue a variety of different careers. If you enjoy learning about new technology and solving problems, then there's no question that engineering is one of the best fields in the world.
Engineers have an incredible aptitude for problem-solving. They are also among the most discerning & early adopters of new technologies. Their talents and interests can lead them to pursue careers in areas traditionally reserved for people with less perseverance and more safety-conscious attitudes. However, not everyone with an Engineering degree becomes an engineer - there are many paths to follow after graduation. Some go for entry-level jobs and start their career, while some may go for higher studies.
Engineering provides an extraordinary range of job opportunities, rewarding both advanced degrees and certifications.
Here are some of the career options for engineers
Materials engineer
Petroleum engineer
Chemical (process) engineer
Biomedical engineer
Technical sales engineer
And some of the critical areas of employment for engineering and technology graduates are as follows:
Energy and utilities
Construction, civil engineering and surveying
Engineering, design and manufacturing
Logistics, transport and supply chain
Scientific research and development
Information and communication
Education
Wholesale and retail trade
Choosing medicine as a career:
Choosing to do anything in life should be informed by an objective analysis of its pros and cons. Some advantages justify the time and energy required in engineering and medicine, but some drawbacks need to be recognized and understood. This is especially true in today's extremely competitive economy, where the value of experience can be questionable. In other terms, if you desire to maximize your earning capacity or at least reduce the tempo and energy, it takes to figure out which career path might be best for you. It's worth remembering that engineering and medicine both have unique advantages and disadvantages.
The medical field requires around 5.5 years minimum for MBBS and if you want to pursue a postgraduate degree, then add another minimum of 2 years. So, you will have to spend a minimum of 7.5 years to complete UG+PG.
During your college time, you will have to study according to the requirements. If you don't like a burden and mental bond, this field is not for you. Few colleges have decent infrastructure, but the rest will be disappointing. You will have to work hard during your internship, and pay is considerably lesser than expected, but your mental satisfaction will be high. You may develop a false ego. You will get to see dead bodies from the first or second year onwards, so be ready for that. In short, you will have to study hard among your age group, and maybe you will be paid less during intern, but you will be satisfied.
If you enjoy studying the natural world and taking care of others, medicine might be for you. And even if you are not bothered with making money from your career, medicine can provide an enriching experience and reveals many new ways to look at the world.
Conclusion: Choosing which career to follow is more about accepting the fact that there are no clear-cut answers. Each career has trade-offs and rewarding experiences. Engineering gives you the freedom to work on challenges that matter most, while medicine generally asks more from you than other careers. There is much to be discovered from each career, but you should decide what you're most interested in doing based on your values, skills, interests, and overall ability to get things done.