Question #1

Question

Considering a career in either engineering or computer science, Ximena wonders how to break down and prioritize the factors that should go into her decision to choose a college major. She has always been curious, fascinated by how objects are put together, and a talented mathematician. What should be one of the MOST important considerations she might add to her pro and con list in deciding her college major?

Ximena should spend some time familiarizing herself with the histories of the two fields in order to get a better idea of their future potential.

Ximena should carefully weigh the amount of time she wants to spend in labs and on group projects versus direct study.

She should consult trusted friends on which field they think is right for her; they know her study habits, strong points, and personality.

She should evaluate her desire to create: does she want to build the world around her or add her talent to a base of knowledge?

Answer 1

The most important consideration Ximena might add to her pro and con list in deciding her college major is:

She should evaluate her desire to create: does she want to build the world around her or add her talent to a base of knowledge?

This consideration directly addresses her interests and passions—being curious and fascinated by how objects are put together, which aligns more closely with engineering, as it often involves creating and designing tangible products and systems. In contrast, computer science might focus more on developing software and algorithms, contributing to knowledge in a different way. By evaluating her desire to create, Ximena can determine which field resonates more with her personal aspirations and goals, which is crucial for long-term satisfaction and success in her chosen career.