My opinions of the matter are, of this point, pretty obvious. But I thought my dad’s (note: my dad is a highly respected engineer in academica. When he was 18, however, he wanted to major in English and play the guitar) email reply was worth posting. A couple years back, I would have vehemently disagreed. Now, after surviving the engineering curriculum, I’m not so sure… 

Its rubbish. The comments are more interesting, but also off the mark. The reason is simple. In Singapore and Slovenia, it is understood that if you dont do science and engineering, your prospects are limited - thats why I did engineering instead of English. In this country, people think they are entitled to a high standard of living, and only lip service is given to the “excitement of science etc.” hoping to interest students. Only when the business, law, medicine allure goes away will kids study engineering and science.

But things will come around. When the standard of living in this country goes down eventually, people will realize that law and and MBA dont lead to a good future and they will do engineering. Conversely, as the standard of living in less developed countries goes up, more people will abandon engineering for law and business.

And the cycle will repeat…

Bottom line - people dont do engineering and science because they love it (they might think this is the reason). They do it when they realize its a good future. And when they get into it and cannot turn back, they will learn to like it.

Ok, I do agree with the last paragraph a bit… what does that say about me now? Oy vey.