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I agree that you should have the ability to solve problems which goes with a certain level of proficiency in math. In addition, you must possess a natural curiosity and a desire to solve the problem. You should be able to think both sequentially and spatially depending on the subject matter. Without that sense of logic and ability to discern steps to get there, engineering would be difficult.
Even if you like or are good at some subjects, it won't be necessarily an indicator of how well you will do. I like Chemistry and Algebra, did very well in both, hated Physics, did poorly at that, neither love nor hate Calculus, struggled with that, good in art, just survived drafting, hated electrical engineering, aced Power, nearly flunked Electronics,etc. etc.
I think a person's brain gets compartmentalized somehow and there's no predictable way to measure success in a course. I think it has to be a desire to find the solution. Some skills in organization (of your study materials) helps and an idea of what engineering field you want to major in will help you filter your efforts as you go through your courses.
Engineering is a path of discipline and logical thinking. Even if you don't become a practicing engineer, what you learn and how you learn will benefit you regardless of what career you choose.
I took a career aptitude test recently, and my results were an INTJ thinker, and one of the ideal jobs for that was engineering!
My only worry is that although I'm in high school, I don't really invent anything, and don't really think about inventing or programming, or many of the things that engineers do.
This may be a stupid question, but are engineers considered "makers"? (makezine.com: Downloads and Extras in the Current Issue of MAKE Magazine | DIY Projects on makezine.com)
I look at those kids, even younger than me, and they are already inventing things.
Is it wise to go into the field if you haven't already been inventing your whole life?
It seems like something I would like to do. I like to analyze and I am a logical thinker. Math is one of my strong suits and I love doing it.
I wasn't much of an inventor and I don't think that would be an issue. Problem solving, both in academic and people scenarios are far more important for many types of engineering.
Engineering is a very broad field. I know people who went into law and medicine and even sales after doing engineering undergrad. I think most engineers need to take physics and chemistry for a year in college and calculus for 2 years.
No engineering is not correct for you. There is a big difference between those that have stayed employed in this field vs those that just have the degree.
No engineering is not correct for you. There is a big difference between those that have stayed employed in this field vs those that just have the degree.
If I had it to do over again, I'd get a BS in physics instead of engineering.
Don't listen to this poster, OP. I have a BSc in physics and mathematics, an MSc in physics and I have been unemployed ever since I've left school. Based on my experience, 90% of tech employers in industry (those who usually employ engineers) are only looking for people with engineering degrees, even if you can demonstrate you can do the job with only a physics background. You won't even have the chance to demonstrate that, as some computer algorithm programmed by an HR drone will trash your resume if key phrases such as"BSc in _____ engineering" does not appear on it.
If I could do it all over again, I'd definitely would have chose an engineering degree.
For engineering:
It will not be easy and graduating will mean nothing. The contacts you make with industry, friends, and professors should be your main goal.
CERTIFICATION
1. If you want to work as a mechanical, industrial, or civil engineer. You will most likely have to go to graduate school because professional engineering certification will require it by 2015.
EXPERIENCE
2. Having experience with making things is beneficial. A degree will not get you a job. Whatever you do, go into it 100%. This means looking for any opportunity to work with a company or others.
Working with others is beneficial because:
a. You will get references and experience
b. It will expose you to concepts other students will need to learn from scratch, this will be a great advantage for you
PREPARATION
3. Take Calculus (integration, differentiation with trig functions) before you go to college.
4. Be computer literate. Toy around with AutoCAD or Photoshop.
CAVEATS
5. I would stay away from Electrical Engineering. Electrical is one of the hardest engineering fields. It is also seeing a decline. Stay Away.
IN COLLEGE
6. You won't have much of a life in college. Make sure you have at least a 3.2 GPA, if you start to slip have an exit plan (e.g. Finance as a second major)
7. Find friends quickly so you can have a study group. Loners get killed in engineering.
8. Be super vigilant about researching the classes you take and knowing what grade you will make (As and Bs only!)
9. If you want to go to a grad school, get to know professors at your school and try to apply for internships at the university you want to study at.
10. Take hard classes at a community or technical college if you enroll at a university
AFTER COLLEGE
11. Look into finance. If you are able to maintain a high GPA, engineering will give you an advantage in being accepted into grad school or an MBA program.
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Engineering
