Considering Engineering? What Students Should Know
by Justin B.
From suspension bridges to prosthetic limbs to aerial drones, engineers are responsible for changing and shaping our world. Not only do engineers enjoy financial stability and flexible job options, they have the power to turn ideas into actions that tangibly improve our world.
Should you become a future engineer? Consider the following questions:
- Are you a builder?
- Are you skilled in math?
- Are you naturally creative?
- Do you like solving problems?
- Do you want to positively impact individuals and society as a whole?
If you answered “Yes” to the questions above, here are some suggestions below to help you further explore a future in engineering:
- Learn about the differences between the various types of engineering: Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, Manufacturing & Mechanical. Here is an excellent infographic from the Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers comparing these types.
- Discover the remarkable engineering feats of the past, such as these: 10 World Engineering Marvels
- Check out notable undergraduate engineering programs (in person and/or virtually), such as CalTech, Harvey Mudd & MIT
- Take upper level math and science courses throughout high school, especially calculus & physics
- Informational interviewing / job shadowing – have any engineers in your family or maybe your parents are friends with one? Observing a professional engineer in action is a great way to better understand their daily tasks and working environment.
- Participate in a summer program, such as UC San Diego’s Bioengineering Scholar High School Internship Project (which is still accepting applications for this summer!)
To explore more – check out tryengineering.org!
Want to read more on engineering? Other relevant posts on your engineering interest could also be read here and here.