Looking for Advice
 

Guys, I know this question has been probably asked before by many others but I have been feeling skeptical about my future choice and I would like to seek advice from any of you out there.

I have a place in NUS chemical engineering and will be studying there next August, after my ORD this year. Now is the period where A level students are applying to local universities and I would like to reconsider my choice.

I have a few questions I need to ask

1) Assuming I am an average performer in business school or chemical engineering school, which degree would have a higher chance of earning me more income in the future?

2) What would be my expected income at age 30? Would I be less well off compared to a lot of my peers in business school if i were to study chemical engineering in a business hub like Singapore?

I appreciate all feedback as I am seriously considering changing my course of study to business management.

1. business school

2. yes. provided if u do something else other than chemical.

3. pls change to business. chemists live shorter.

You are still young. Why not become an entrepreneur? Open a hawker stall that sells high end cusines at hawler prices. You can make a difference by giving excellent service and with a proper uniform. Professionalise the hawker trade. You can win big and buy many bungalows.

If you don't even know the differences between chemical engineers and chemist, I suggest you don't give such rubbish advice.

1. Key word here is average performer. An average performer for Chem eng will earn more due to the fact that that they usually have risk pay and transport allowance if you work in the o&g industry. They also have higher starting pay for fresh grads. For extremely good performers then it's more debatable.

2. Again for average performer, chem eng pay will be comparable if not higher than business students for reason I stated.

Y dont's u try study for the chem degree n take a part-time business mgt course with an external universities? and after 3yrs if u manage your time well, u will graduate with double degrees...a chem degree from NUS n a Business Degree from a gd Aus uni...

Is it possible, Yes y not...bcos I had tried it n managed to graduate with double degrees...by the way, time mgt is key!

Take care n hv fun!

Its not possible for me to do a double degree as I can't afford it, to be frank. I aim to study an MBA in the future if needed after graduation but that will be many many years later. Let's not deviate from the topic, I would appreciate further feedback on the questions initially posted to allow me to make a conscious decision on my career choice. Thanks and please continue to give me more advice.

Do chemical engineering if you excel in quantitative subjects and hate writing essays and business if vice versa. Chem eng will give you the option of getting into oil & gas industry if it suits your taste. Doing business doesn't automatically give you an edge getting into 'business' sectors like banking or stuff like it.

In fact, some parts of the financial sector such as sales & trading like people with engineering backgrounds as they are conversant with quantitative subject matter: Enough to quickly grasp concepts and understand certain things best explained using an equation, but not too hardcore to the point that nobody understands what you are talking about.

Majority of Chem Engineering students in NUS have straight As in A level, hence you can understand the competitive level there. If you're not good at calculations, not good at programme, not good at visualising, not good at physics, you WILL suffer.

Having said that, regardless of both Chem Engine or Biz Ad, only top students will land themselves in better jobs. Competition for those big Oil and Gas company are tough, meaning only 1st class students are able to get it (usually). You probably can find other engineering company if you're not as good, but starting pay will never be as good as the bigger MNCs. Plus with the influx of foreigners, you have more compeition at lower wages.

Likewise for finance related industry. If you are unable to enter better companies, pay won't be that good.

Bottom line, choose a course you're more interested in and know you'll succeed.