software programme analysis, or chemical engineering?

Question

i'm having a bit of an argument with my parents over my university major. my parents heard from some neighbour that their son is taking up software programme analysis in the future and that computers are a vital part of any job. now they're trying to change my choice of a university major. i want to take up chemical engineering and am really interested in it. either that or material engineering.
they seem to think that this particular neighbour of ours knows everything (omg) and they're getting relatives to advise me against chemical engineering as well. they seem to think that there is more money in software programme analysis. i'm not denying that fact, there must be more money in that area of work.
but the whole thing is that i'm not interested in working in computers, especially up to the 'analysis' level. i'm good at microsoft powerpoint, word and excel and have other basic skills that will probably be required anywhere.
can anyone tell me the benefits of chemical engineering

Answer 1

I'm a chemical engineer with an oilsands developer (Opti Canada).

In terms of career prospects, chemical engineering is one of the best majors that you can take. Average salaries in the province of Alberta, Canada where I live are in the $60,000 range for a grad with 0~4 years experience. You would be in the $100,000 range by the time you're thirty.

Some other potential benefits:
- you get significant responsibilities right away
-you could work anywhere from a comfortable office downtown to a remote drilling site
-you get to travel to other sites and training courses
-you meet people from all over the world
-becoming less male-dominated (1/3 of new grads are women)
- many engineers become managers

That said, the work can be difficult and stressful particularly if you are working in industry and the process breaks down or in design/consulting and you have a major deadline to meet. It's not for everybody.

I recommend you take a look at the websites below, or if you want more info, you can send an email

Answer 2

I'm a Chemical Engineer from South Africa, and the previous answers are spot on... you can diversify into just about anything.

The best engineers I've come across have gotten their hands dirty early on, and here i'm talking about production and operations (be prepared for late nights), and then a few years later have moved into design or project management and also software development.

I've gone from food manufacturing to agriculture to polymers to mining and back to foods... never a dull moment

Answer 3

Chemical engineering is far more versatile degree -- you can even intergrate s/w programming within your degree as in some specialty areas chemical processes are computer controlled.

A chemical engineering degree can take you to law school, med school, even grad work in computer science. With emerging technologies, such as biomedical engineering, nanomaterials, electronics manufacturing composites manufacturing and development, chemical engineers have a place in all of these areas.

Answer 4

Well. You need to be pretty good at programming for electronics engineering. There is only so much you can do without using microchips in electronics. I would think that would be a given for somebody going into electronics engineering.

Answer 5

Stick to your guns.

Software programming analysis has got to be one boring job, particularly if you are not interested in it.

Chemical Engineering is much more interesting, has more varied employment possibilities, and can be much more exciting.

It is also a very good field for female engineers.