Since ages, every Science stream student with PCM is focusing on being an engineer. It is this traditional, old, and sustainable career path that students prefer to pursue even today as it is the safest option available. However, as the dynamics are changing today, the Science stream with PCM is no longer only about engineering anymore. As new career paths have made their way in this technology integrated world, today, in this blog, we bring to you a comparison between whether you should go for the reliable engineering career path or should you go for something innovative that is more suitable to the new age.
One such interesting, new age career option is designing. A career path that helps you channelise your creativity in the best manner and work on your own terms. Though, do you know what’s most surprising about becoming a designer, it is that you will be working in close connections with an engineer. Whether you wish to be a UX/UI designer or interior designer, you will be working closely with a backend developer or civil engineer respectively.
As these career paths intersect somewhere and somehow, let’s have a quick comparison between the two fields.
Core Difference Between Engineering and Design
Both Engineering and Design create new worlds that no one could have thought of. A software engineer develops a website, portal, or application based on their imagination and creativity. On the other hand, a graphic designer has the potential of doing storytelling just by creating visuals, interpreting a new world for the people. As both fields are highly creative and required in today’s AI-driven world, let’s see what are the core differences between the two fields.
1. Key Skills Required
The first comparison in this list is for what skills are required for both fields. While both domains typically require creativity, Engineering typically thrives on logic and precision while Design excels at imagination, empathy, and user experience. Here are the major skills required for engineering and design.
| Field | Key Skills |
|---|---|
| Engineering Design |
|
2. Educational Pathways
Having relevant educational background makes your journey easier. Here’s a quick glimpse of what education pathways you must pursue for both the domains.
Engineering:
Students who wish to pursue Engineering must take Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in high school, followed by an undergraduate degree such as B.Tech., B.E., or B.Sc. in Engineering. Some popular branches in Engineering include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering
- Electrical/Electronics Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
For better earning potential students also prefer to pursue a master’s degree for specialisation in their chosen field. There are micro-certificate courses as well that students can pursue in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, or Data Science.
Design:
Students who are aspiring to become designers can come from any background- Science, Commerce, or Art because having a creative mindset is essential. For an undergraduate degree, students can pursue a Bachelor of Design (B.Des), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or specialised diplomas. After graduation, many students prefer to pursue M.Des or international certificates in design thinking, use experience, or creative strategies.
3. Earning Potential and Career Opportunities
When you decide to pursue any domain, it is crucial for you to know what are your career opportunities and earning potential. So, here is a clear differentiation for that.
Engineering:
In India, fresh engineering graduate earns between ₹4-8 LPA, with specialised domains like AI, Machine Learning, or Software Development offering ₹10-20 LPA and above. Globally, engineers command salaries ranging from $70,000 to $150,000 annually. Some common job roles for Engineers include:
- Software Developer/ Data Engineer
- Civil or Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical or Electronic Engineer
- AI/ML Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- Systems Analyst
With an engineering degree, your potential employers can be Google, Infosys, Tesla, Tata Motors, etc.
Design:
Entry-level designers earn ₹3-6 LPA, while experienced UX/UI and product designers earn make ₹10-25 LPA in top firms. In international markets, salaries range between $60,000 and $120,000 per year. Some popular careers with a design degree include:
- Graphic Designer/Visual Designer
- UX/UI Designer
- Product Designer
- Fashion Designer
- Industrial Designer
- Game or Animation Designer
- Interior Architect
With a design degree, you can explore career options at Adobe, Apple, Meta, Nike, and other global design companies.
Engineering VS Design- Decide Which Suits you Better with MetaApply Career Counselling
Now that the blog comes to an end, we believe you have got a hint on whether engineering or design suit you the best. If you ask us, we suggest you take MetaApply Psychometric Test to understand which on these suits you best. While engineering gives you the chance to create a new world through coding, with designing you can create it with colours, sketches, or illustrations. To know which one suits you best, you can take MetaApply Psychometric Test. The scientifically curated assessment will tell you what your personality, strengths, and skills are. Based on the results, our MetaApply IE counsellors guide you to pick the right career path.
In short, you will get the desired clarity about your career when you connect with our counsellors. So, pick the right career path with the help of our counsellors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are good, but it depends on your skills and interests. Engineering focuses on technical problem-solving, while design emphasises creativity and user experience. Both fields offer rewarding careers, innovation opportunities, and growth potential in today’s technology-driven world.
Engineering applies science and mathematics to build functional systems or products, focusing on how things work. Design, on the other hand, focuses on aesthetics, usability, and user experience, emphasising how things look and feel for people interacting with them.
Generally, engineers earn higher starting salaries, especially in fields like software or AI. However, experienced designers in UI/UX, product design, or creative strategy can earn equally well or more, depending on skills, portfolio strength, and industry demand.
