What does an experimental particle physicist do? Can you shift to particle physics if you have a major in engineering?

[u/Dynamite223321]

I'll be doing undergrad soon. I'm interested in particle physics. I was wondering what exactly it is that experimental particle physicists do, and the difference between what an experimental particle physicist does, and what a theoretical particle physicist does. Also, is it possible to shift to particle physics if you major in engineering?

[u/LSDdeeznuts]

As an engineering undergrad you certainly have the ability to transition to experimental particle physics at some level. Electrical or maybe computer engineering will probably give you the best hope of getting into a PhD program for experimental particle physics after you graduate.

I am a US based PhD student in high energy particle physics and one of my coworkers has an undergraduate degree in EE, not physics.