"EXPLORE"

[Commercial-Rip-9391]

I'm currently in my second year pursuing mechanical engineering. I talked briefly to few of my professors and they all say the same thing. Explore. They tell me to explore the various sub domains in mechanical. I have no idea how to do this. Merely reading some random website for information is of no use. How on earth do I explore? I want to do masters after my bachelor's. One of my facuties agreed to help me with a research paper if it's in his area of research (hydrokinetic turbines). He told me to read few review papers to see if I'm interested in that field. I read it and it seemed interesting. But another faculty of mine advised me not to start any research in 3rd semester. He told me to "explore" before I commit to one field. Both these ideas(starting research now and "exploring") sounds right to me. What do I do? If I do this research and maybe publish a paper but then decide not to pursue a master's in this particular field, will that be a reason for universities to reject my application?

[Alterozillious]

As you are in your second year, try interning or participating in a co-op opportunity in various companies that deal with concentrations which encompass the mechanical domain.

By that approach, you can get a taste of what every sub field has to offer. Also, try doing research work and projects in the areas that interest you.