Engineering vs Medicine

[yings]

Hi!

I've just started my first semester in NUS Bioengineering, but have also gotten accepted into an MBBS course in Australia. So now I have to decide where I wanna go.

Thing is, I thought I'd hate engineering, having not taken A level Physics, but I'm finding Physics relatively manageable and am actually quite enjoying the engineering course, which makes me more bent on continuing my studies in Bioengineering.

That being said, and being practical, I would like to know what are the job prospects for Bioengineers, and if possible, their average starting pay. I have looked through the engineering threads and found that most of them only indicate the salaries of traditional engineering eg. mech, civil etc, and no bioengineering.

Oh and it also appears that engineering degrees are rather undervalued in Singapore, but I'm unsure as to whether that refers to all engineering degrees or only the "traditional" engineering type degrees.

Well, basically I would like more info on Bioengineering (for both fresh grads with basic degree as well as grads with Masters/PhD).

Thanks so much! (and I'm sorry if I've posted this in the wrong thread, this is my first post!)

Go for medicine in oz and stay there.

Engineers here may start with high pay, but they lose out in the long run, with the exception of IT (sometimes called "software engineering").

Bioengineering will be worse. Life science and bio-anything is already bad enough, so bio & engineering combined together will bring out the worst in each (cos you're neither here nor there). Jokes aside, just ask your lecturer what kind of jobs you'll be doing when you graduate. How about seniors who have already graduated? Or, if it's an entirely new course, then you have to be doubly wary. Just look at the life sciences graduates and diploma holders. Where are they now? Take a look at this comment at http://www.salary.sg/2009/what-happe.../#comment-5287

Michelle Says:
July 12th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
It had been 4 years after my graduation from local uni.

I am doing biomedical sales now and still remain in the LS industry.But many my friend leave the industry total and become Financial Advisor, Real Estate Agent, teachers and etc.

Only small % with strong interest proceed further for PHD. But it is not easy, and have to study many years to have that title.

Those remain in LS without strong interest feel struggle without direction remain inside the industry. It is a hard time when your friend who are in finance and engineer become manager.

It is a very clear choice. Take the MBBS

I was offered an mbchb too, and went with biomedical science. Kinda regretting it now. Don't fall into the same mistake i did.

If $$$ and certainty is important to you, then MBBS is a no brainer if you can afford to study in Australia. Will pay for itself in no time.

Even if you have a rock solid degree you will be subject to fluctuations of the market. The medical profession is relatively insulated compared to other professions.

clear choice:
do MBBS and stay in Oz.
remember not to come back to Sg though.
Dr in Oz >>> Dr in Sg.

can i post?

[pstarz]

Definetely the MBBS. Unequivocally the MBBS. Theres no doubt about it.