I'm debating between two programs at McMaster, in which one degree has better job prospects but the other has courses I am more interested in. I think I could do well in both (academically sufficient), but what is more important in picking a degree?

Choose a degree I'm more interested in?
Choose a degree with better job prospects?

Job prospects obviously

What are the two programs you're debating between? Because both could be possible pathways to lead you to the same job. But of course, it would be better to take the pathway that you have more interest in.

Originally Posted by ~*Sara*~

What are the two programs you're debating between?

engineering vs. ANYTHING else

jk

Originally Posted by tyrant

engineering vs. ANYTHING else

jk

So not cool . You mean Science vs anything else

Depends how drastic the difference in job prospects are. Interest will make the years go by faster no doubt, and at the end of the day you might do better because of interest. So unless the job prospects are terrible for the program you have interest in, I'd say go for interest.

The two degrees I'm looking between are Engineering and Science.

... this has probably been discussed multiple times before, but I'm struggling to decide and OUAC needs and answer by June 2nd.

The one you're interested in. You could have the highest paying job in the world, but if you don't like what you do, you'll be miserble. Besides, you can always change programs.

Thanks for your replies everyone!
And the one that people have told me (and through some research) has better job prospects = Engineering.
But the one I'm more interested in is Science.

Engineering isn't exactly easy...if you don't enjoy what you're doing, you'll hate your life.
Although, it's easier to switch out of engineering than switch in.

Originally Posted by nerual

Engineering isn't exactly easy...if you don't enjoy what you're doing, you'll hate your life.
Although, it's easier to switch out of engineering than switch in.

Yeah true.

Remember, 4 years of hell in engineering then you can start to roll in money.. but dont expect too much, lol.

go for what u r interested in. u will be surprised at how much u will enjoy learning, and surprised to find the many pathways that will give you a well-paying job (and no its not always med school ((just saying))).

imo, uni education is not abt just looking at the good job prospect, but the program u ultimately choose will define what u do in life...so if u are INTERESTED in science, go for science....otherwise go for the other.

and life is not just abt having a good job. what if u dont like it?? think abt the money u r paying for ur tuition. u want it to go towards something that u find interesting.

My rationale is dont think about the money. Think about what you love the most, what you have a passion for, and what you see yourself doing for the rest of your life. Once you start heading down that road you can start finding ways to make money out of it.

Originally Posted by revolution27

My rationale is dont think about the money. Think about what you love the most, what you have a passion for, and what you see yourself doing for the rest of your life. Once you start heading down that road you can start finding ways to make money out of it.

unless its a dead-end career, in which your in trouble.

theres always a middle ground. find it