Should I Major in Electrical Engineering if I Don't Like Labs?

Selecting a major in Electrical Engineering (EE) can be a significant decision, especially if you don't enjoy laboratory work. This article aims to provide insights on factors to consider when making this decision, including core curriculum, career opportunities, specializations, alternative majors, and personal interest. Additionally, the article will discuss the importance of laboratory work in EE and offer personal experiences from a second-year EE student.

Core Curriculum

Electrical Engineering typically involves a mix of theoretical courses and hands-on lab work. If you dislike labs, you might find the lab components challenging or unappealing. However, it's important to note that laboratory work is a crucial part of EE education, as it allows students to apply theoretical concepts in practical settings. Systems in the real engineering world often behave differently than what is suggested by mathematical models. Labs are where you learn about potential practical issues and develop problem-solving skills.

Career Opportunities

Many EE careers involve practical applications that may require lab work or hands-on experience. If you prefer theoretical work, consider fields that allow for more theoretical and computational aspects, such as signal processing, communications, or embedded systems. These specializations may offer less emphasis on lab work and more on theoretical and design work. It's essential to weigh these factors against your career goals and preferences.

Specializations

EE has various specializations, some of which may involve less lab work than others. Specializations like signal processing, communications, and embedded systems allow for more focus on theoretical and computational work. In these areas, you can explore topics such as digital signal processing, communication protocols, and microcontroller design. By choosing a specialization with less lab work, you can mitigate some of the challenges you might face with traditional EE labs.

Alternative Majors

If labs are a significant concern, you might explore related fields with less emphasis on lab work. For instance, Computer Science provides a rich theoretical and computational foundation with minimal lab work, while Engineering Management focuses on the managerial and organizational aspects of engineering projects. By choosing an alternative major, you can align your academic pursuits with your interests and career goals more closely.

Personal Interest

Ultimately, your passion and interest in the subject matter are crucial. If you find the theoretical aspects of EE compelling and can envision a career that aligns with that, it may still be worth considering. Before making a final decision, it's helpful to speak with academic advisors or professionals in the field to gain deeper insights into the major and its requirements. They can provide valuable guidance and help you understand the practical implications of the courses you'll be taking.

Personal Experience

I have just finished my second year in Electrical Engineering. There have definitely been times where I found labs challenging, but that should not be a reason to stop you from pursuing this field. I remember talking to one of the lab technicians, who mentioned that despite the lab work, many students, from different faculties, enjoy workshops like soldering and find them engaging. In my first year, I wasn't a fan of coding and came very close to not choosing EE because of a coding class, but I decided to give it a try, and it turned out that coding wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. Remember that your professors and teaching assistants (TAs) have extensive experience with equipment like oscilloscopes and breadboards, and it takes a lot of practice to get the hang of it. Don't put yourself down because you only use these tools once a week or every other week. Instead, try to see the bigger picture and the valuable skills you're developing through these experiences.

A personal challenge I've faced is that some concepts, like linear algebra, might have seemed difficult in the past, but as you progress in your studies, they become more manageable. When you encounter something difficult in EE labs, take a moment to reflect on how much you've grown and how much you've learned. This perspective can help you navigate challenges and stay motivated throughout your EE journey.