Looking to Change Major, Which Course to Do?

Brianxxx on 29/09/2017 - 11:07

Hi guys,

I'm looking for advice for my future study. I'm currently doing 1st year architecture, and find that my passion is in cars rather than architecture. Hence I'm thinking about changing major.

First I've looked into being motor mechanic which requires a qualification and apprenticeship. It seems there's lots of job positions[according to department of employment] for motor mechanics, and I think I like working on cars(at least seeing it, especially performance cars). The avg. wkly salary is around A$1000 before tax, which is not a lot but the way I see it is that if I can work on nice cars from jdm to euro cars, I can live with that. However, I'm an international student and it seems there's no visa for apprenticeship period unless sponsored by employer and get a 457 visa (correct me if I'm wrong plz)). I don't want to risk not being able to stay here during the apprenticeship period(I like this place lol). And also I'm worried that my family may be disappointed [cultural thing, no offence whatsoever- many peeps in my homecountry prefer uni to TAFE]. Another thing which is tricky for this route is that I have to get a new visa for TAFE rather than my current higher education visa.

Then I thought about mechanical engineering and go in the automotive field. This seems to be a whole another level—- Electric cars, NVH, handling, aerodynamics, etc… And yet it sounds interesting and challenging, automotive field seems to be a fairly small part of economy in Australia and the future doesn't seem too good(eg ford shut down its engine plant in Geelong).

What do you guys think? Any suggestions are appreciated!

Education & Work

Comments

  • montorola on 29/09/2017 - 11:57

    Can you do a bit of both?

    Why not study Mechanical Engineering whilst working part time as a mechanic. Don't know if that's possible.

    • Brianxxx on 29/09/2017 - 12:53

      Well I think the chances are slim. They won't let international student do part time course if I remember correctly. Thanks for your input anywaysXD.

  • PJC on 29/09/2017 - 12:28
    +1

    Stick with architecture.

    • Brianxxx on 29/09/2017 - 12:59

      Thing with architecture is that I have discovered through the first year that I'm not flushed with ideas. Even with hard work my marks are pretty average. This worries me that if I would turn out working on some exciting projects or end up being average due to my limits and working on dull stuff again and again. Thanks for your input tho:)

      • PJC on 29/09/2017 - 13:47

        Absolutely every job features something dull. So stick with architecture.

        • Brianxxx on 29/09/2017 - 18:57

          thx for that:)

  • Ryanek on 29/09/2017 - 13:14
    +1

    I would stick with Uni but choose a field like mechanical/electrical engineering. This is the future of automotives.

    • Brianxxx on 29/09/2017 - 19:00

      By 'this', you mean?
      Are you suggesting learning stuff relating to electric/hybrid cars?

  • Word on 29/09/2017 - 18:48

    Change your major to surveying.

    In real honesty, changing from an non engineering degree to a engineering will mean a lot of extra hours in studying.

    This is coming from person who holds a degree in science, and currently studying finance, accounting and engineering.

    I'm enable to put in a lot less hours and get greater results for accounting and finance compared to engineering.

    In short it's a whole different league.

    That said don't let that scare you as engineering is passable and really fun.

    • Brianxxx on 29/09/2017 - 19:04

      Thanks for sharing your experience!

      Extra hours for more interesting courses, I'll take that.

      Mind if I ask what field of engineering are you in?

      • Word on 29/09/2017 - 19:06

        Electrical.

        • Word on 29/09/2017 - 19:12

          Technically it's computer systems, but most people have the notion that computer systems is software development.

        • Word on 29/09/2017 - 19:13

          @Word:

          When in reality it's a bit of programming and a lot of electrical.

        • Brianxxx on 29/09/2017 - 19:41

          @Word: thanks:)

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