Engineering careers?

[NotBambi]

I have a few questions.  I'm interested in a career in mechanical engineering.  I'm in a first year engineering transfer program right now and I will be applying for ROTP come this summer.  I just don't know which career specifically I'd like to apply for.

From what I gather, Electrical and Mechanical, Marine Systems and Aeronautical Engineering are closest to my desired field.  I was also looking at Construction and Naval Combat Systems Engineering, since they are listed as "in demand", although Construction seems to be more on the civil side, in spite of its degree requirements.  I've read the pages for these on the recruiting website many times, but I still feel like the info is a bit vague. 

1) Can anyone give me a better idea of what sorts of projects and day-to-day activities some of these positions do? 
2) If the website does not specify that applications are open for a certain job, is there any point to putting it on my application, or does it matter, since I won't be commissioned for four years anyway?

 

[scriptox]

If you don't me asking,

For what year are you looking to gain entrance into the ROTP? Because if you are looking to enter for the Fall 2012 year, applying in the summer is way too late. If you'd like to gain entrance into the Fall 2012 year, apply now, since the deadline is sometime in January 2012 I believe. If you apply this summer, you would essentially be waiting a whole year to know if you got into the ROTP or not.

Just a little heads up.

 

[NotBambi]

If you don't me asking,

For what year are you looking to gain entrance into the ROTP? Because if you are looking to enter for the Fall 2012 year, applying in the summer is way too late. If you'd like to gain entrance into the Fall 2012 year, apply now, since the deadline is sometime in January 2012 I believe. If you apply this summer, you would essentially be waiting a whole year to know if you got into the ROTP or not.

Just a little heads up.

Sorry, I'll be applying for Fall 2013. 

 

[cupper]

Construction seems to be more on the civil side, in spite of its degree requirements.

I spent 3 work terms with Base Construction Engineering in Cornwallis shortly before they closed the base. Although it is civil engineering as you point out, a lot of the work carried out by the officers is more project management oriented than design / analysis. In most cases, they have civilian staff to do it, or the work is done under contract, and typically through Public Works, or whatever they call that department these days.

A mechanical degree will not be a problem, remember that there are aspects of mechanical engineering systems that are used in building services and municipal infrastructure. And one of teh most prolific structural design engineers in Halifax during the 60's through the 80's graduated as a mechanical engineer.

After you complete your degree at university, all you will have are the basic tools to perform engineering analysis is whatever field of study to select (in this case mechanical). You will learn on the job what you really need to know, and how to do it. You will be sent on courses covering how to take your basic knowledge and apply it. Ironically teh same holds true in the civilian world as well.

Oh, and the only difference between a Civil Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer is that Civils prefer things not to move. ;D