What to do instead of engineering

Question: My son is in college in his second year. He has always wanted to be an aeronautical engineer and is a strong math and science student but not as strong as it seems he should be. He struggles with multivariate calc and others although he has logged many hours in study groups and with tutors. If he should decide that the field is really out of reach, what types of careers are the next tier down. He will already need to have a fifth year due to a transfer. I would like to know how to guide him but my interests and knowledge lay in the areas of human services. Do you have suggestions?
posted by Tina, Michigan on November 1, 2012

Answer by Egirl Team

Dear Tina,

I think we have all struggled with multivariate calc! Personally, I would encourage your son not to give up, even if it means he will have to take some classes over again. This is not uncommon, and it shouldn't be considered a failure.  Some of the college-level courses are very hard, and for some unknown reason some professors just like to make their students think their courses are harder than they need to be. If he should decide to step out of engineering, I don't think I can advise the right major to step into.  That is a conversation I think he will have to have with his faculty advisor.  That person should be able to guide him more carefully based upon his own skills and desires as well as the university degree programs that may be best related to what he has already done.  Good luck to both of you!