Should I stay in BS Computer Science or try transferring to UPD Industrial Engineering / Electronics Engineering?
Hi everyone.
I’m currently a BS Computer Science student at another UP constituent university and will be an incoming second-year student. Recently, I’ve been feeling quite lost because programming isn’t really my strength, and I’ve realized that I don’t particularly enjoy coding either.
Because of this, I’ve been considering applying to transfer to UP Diliman, possibly to Industrial Engineering (IE) or Electronics Engineering (ECE), around the second semester of my second year if I’m eligible.
What makes this difficult is that I’m not sure whether I’m simply struggling with CS right now or if it’s genuinely the wrong field for me.
My interests seem to be more aligned with:
Finance and business
Working with people
Solving real-world problems
Improving systems and processes
Leadership, management, and decision-making
From what I’ve read, IE seems to fit these interests quite well. However, I’ve also seen a lot of negative comments online about IE, such as people saying it’s too broad, not a “real engineering” program, or that its career opportunities are overrated. Those comments have made me hesitate.
On the other hand, ECE seems to have stronger technical foundations and more traditional engineering opportunities, but I’m not sure if it matches my interests as much.
I would appreciate honest advice from people who have experience with CS, IE, ECE, or transferring within the UP System.
Some questions I have:
UPLB or UPD?
If you were in my position, would you stay in CS or try transferring?
Based on my interests, does IE sound like a better fit than CS or ECE?
How accurate are the common criticisms of IE?
Between IE and ECE, which program is generally harder to get into as a transferee?
For those who graduated from IE, what are your careers like now?
Is it a bad sign if I don’t enjoy programming, or can someone still succeed in CS despite that?
For context:
Current program: BS Computer Science
Year level: Incoming 2nd year
Target school: UP Diliman
Possible target programs: BS Industrial Engineering or BS Electronics Engineering
I’d appreciate any honest thoughts, even if they’re difficult to hear. I want to make the best long-term decision rather than choosing based on temporary frustration.