Other Becoming an Engineer: Considerations and Personal Experiences

[Decisions]

Hey everybody, wondering if I could get some advice. I'm an apprentice electrician nearly in my third year and have been thinking for the past year that this isn't the job for me. Its more practical rather than theory and its the theory I've always enjoyed more. My original idea was to go to uni to do electrical engineering but I was lucky enough (at the time) to get a letter for an apprenticeship and I got it. Now nearly 2 years down the line I wish I stayed in school! Basically I prefer to do maths formulas and love physics. But I didn't really think about this till after I was out the environment of school and occasionally went back into maths/physics for my apprentice course. Is what I'm looking for actually to be an electrical engineer or is this just like what I'm doing now? Because I've never seen myself to be a really practical person. I wouldn't say I'm an expert in either maths or physics but formulas etc stick in my mind and I pick it up easy. I happily sit in a maths class where other people hate it and I can't understand why?

If anyone can share there thoughts of my situation it would be great and to roughly say what an electrical engineer does day to day would also be greatly appreciated! Also I might sense that some of you might say complete the apprentinceship then do uni but my job is really getting me down so its not what I want to do. Thanks in advance!

p.s this was typed on a phone so it might be abit rough lol

 

[MrROFLKNIFE]

Hello everybody, I'm looking for some advice! I'm currently a junior in high school, and I've been thinking about a career in physics for some time now, but the problem is that I know nothing about the field in terms of colleges, degrees, careers, etc. While I'm not particularly skilled in the creative/design aspects of engineering, the more theoretical bits like the math, science, calculations, all come very naturally to me, and I really enjoy learning new concepts and solving problems.

I do enjoy building and creating, it's just that I'm not as good at it. I was wondering if that is the sort of thing I would pick up as I studied, or if I would want to pursue a degree in science as opposed to engineering? I'm certainly ready to learn either. As far as what interests me, I really enjoyed collisions, projectiles, basic motion, pretty much everything in my physics class this year, and for as long as I can remember I've had a fascination with space and the universe.

Sorry if this is terribly long or boring, or posted improperly as this is my first post! Hope you all can be of some help

 

[11thHeaven]

Could anyone reccomend any engineering publications that would be useful to read to get a sense of whether to study engineering is the right academic decision or not?

 

[AECenter]

-Should I become an engineer?
-What engineering discipline should I study?
-Is engineering difficult?

I am not an engineer, but I have been in the HVAC field for 7 years as a system designer, on the dark side as a sales engineer, and now I am putting together a company that is geared for HVAC engineers. I have worked with a lot of engineers and have noticed some things that most engineers either take for granted or overlook. That is a brief description of my perspective.

1st. Question: Should I become an engineer?
-If you love solving problems on how to get something physically accomplished, and are more interested in that than anything else, then engineering is for you. Engineers are puzzle masters and they will pursue any topic in order to add it to their list of tools for solving problems. I have seen idiots be great problem solvers, and I've seen super smart guys think themselves into the ground. Loving the challenge helps engineers really excel.

2nd Question: What engineering discipline should I study?
-Reflecting back on the types of physical problems you are excited by is really what is going to answer this question. Someone who is tickled by the idea of remote controlling a robot on Mars is going to just find themselves moving into that direction. Focus on the types of challenges that you think are fun, and move towards those directions. Your path will develop as you do.

3rd Question: Is engineering difficult?
-There has not been one puzzle master who has not had a difficult time solving some puzzles. The difficulties usually come when the other players in the game get involved. When an HVAC engineer sits down with an architect who wants an all glass house with no duct work, that is when the engineer starts griping, because the engineer is now dealing with some unreasonable factors in their puzzle. It is usually the external factors that make engineering fields frustrating, so don't forget to take a look at them as well.


Just some thoughts.
-chris
aec.us.com

 

[qorquet]

Hello, I'm a senior in high school and will be studying civil engineering next year.

I have always been interested in physics and would love to learn more about it in university. However, the engineering workload seems rather daunting and I'm not sure if I can/want to handle the extra work associated with a physics minor.

My question is should I minor in physics, and will the courses I take be helpful for civil engineering? Thank you!

 

[Astronomyboy]

Hey Guys!

Do you any of you know where a degree in engineering physics would lead? I mean would it be better to just get a degree in engineering(specifically A.E or M.E) or would EP give me the extra the edge.

 

[DeathNinja]

Has anyone ever changed engineering fields after graduating?

How much work(or rather time) would be involved to do say, complete BE Civil then do mechanical/aerospace?

I originally chose civil because I like buildings and awesome structures, also designing airports, marine structures etc seems pretty cool, but I was thinking if I join the defence force, a mechanical engineering degree would have me designing some exciting things.

 

[tgsbeast]

Hey guys, i want a bit of help.
I recently found a great interest in engineering. I have a friend who did engineering at college for 2 years but then decided to drop out so I've been speaking to him a bit.
I don't have any qualifications apart from the basic maths and science that i left school with.
I'm thinking of doing mechanical engineering because that seems more practical from what i can tell and opens up the most opportunities.

Q1. Would i have to go to college full time or part time? (I have a child and i would also like to have a part time job as well so I am not sure how i could fit in a full time course)

Q2. If i go to college, how many hours per week will i have to do and for how many years?

Q3. Will i have to go to university too?

Q4. Will i have to study some sort of science and maths?

Q5. Could i do an open university course and just learn from home in my spare time?

I'm living in the UK and was planning on moving to london for work. My girlfriend is about to move to london for work too but she will be earning a very high wage I am just not sure i want to ask her to support me for 4 years while i study! It's also a 4 hour drive to collect my daughter every week so if i somehow manage to fit in an engineering course and maybe a maths/science course then I am going to lead a very hectic lifestyle for many years. Not sure if this is a good idea :/

All advice appreciated!

Thanks,
John

 

[AECenter]

There are probably tons of engineers in here who have gone the hard road on this one who can tell you what that is like.

Here is my story. I just got out of the US Marine Corps and met my wife, we got married and all of a sudden I had two kids. I had no college degree, but I needed to get a job with a future. I applied to a HVAC mechanical engineering company as a drafter and started there.

I proved myself and started to learn the technical side of HVAC (equipment selection, theory, simple system design, etc.) and soon became a system designer. I did that for a couple years, while getting a business degree at an online college at night.

After I got my degree I took my resume around to some manufacturers rep companies and got a job as a sales engineer. My job at that point was to help engineers lay out equipment that I represented. Basically, a sales rep becomes a design specialist in a few different equipment applications and gets paid when the equipment sells.

Along the way I learned (2) things that might help you out with your questions:

1. You need a BSME to become a fully recognized HVAC Mechanical Engineer, but you can still make good money in HVAC and maintain an engineering type of profession without the BSME degree.

2. Graduates who enter into an HVAC engineering office don't know much at all about HVAC and are starting off at square one, just like anyone who shows up. They may understand the concepts of thermal and fluid dynamics, but they may not know how much a 1-ton FCU weighs. (about 40 pounds)


Advice: HVAC is huge with a very broad scope of professions and stakeholders. If you take to it and push yourself forward with enthusiasm you will be able to get ahead with or without a BSME degree.


There are some tutorials on this website for Novices to the HVAC industry. I recommend everyone just showing up to the trade to read some of these and learn a bit more about the basics.

www.aec.us.com


Thanks,
chris

 

[jjng]

I have been contemplating engineering for a while now, mostly bc I don't like the field I am currently in (biochemistry). I would have to go back to school to obtain another degree, but I'm not so sure if another 4 yrs would be worth it, or maybe try to get work experience. I am good at/ don't mind doing math at all, but physics was never really that enjoyable to me; all the forces, and theoretical knowledge I needed to make a hypothesis was more annoying to me than anything else. I was initially interested in Mechanical, but I started to realize that it might be all physics.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what a job as a mechanical engineer would be like( duties, actual work), particularly in the product design realm (I realize this field is broad, and I welcome answers for other specialties as well)? Thanks a lot!

 

[AECenter]

Like you said, "mechanical engineering" is pretty broad. The only thing I am familiar with is "mechanical engineering" as in HVAC. It has a lot of concepts that you would need to master, but pretty much anything you would be doing has been done a million times and there are rules of thumb and people who can mentor you. HVAC is cool because while you might find PhD's in the big offices at design firms, you will also have GED's in the field putting the stuff together. Basically HVAC has room for everyone, no matter what your degree.

You could look into it and if you want to go back for a BSME at college then you would have the good opportunity to make it as a licensed PE, but like I was saying, there are way more jobs in HVAC then being a PE.

I have a business degree and I've been in HVAC / Mechanical Engineering for 7 years.


Just some thoughts, good luck.

Check this website out for some more information on the HVAC industry:
www.aec.us.com

-chris

 

[dimasalang]

i love physics, it is an interesting subject, by my math abstraction is just average, though i want to be very good at math,, so I am practising solving math problems everyday hoping to level up my math aptitude.


im an electrical engineering





i know i can passed all this formidable obstacles ahead in my choosen career

 

[BradHodge]

Engineering is litle difficult but if you try to understand and like what you do then I think nothing is impossible. You should love what your actually doing then only you'll succeed in life.

College to entry level job

 

[cybhunter]

My background:


Throughout my primary and secondary schooling, technology was something I liked. On various occasions, my knowledge would help or detract from a situation, or fall somewhere in middle and due to the annals of time become a funny story worth mentioning. In first grade I mentioned to another student you could copy a favorite tape by borrowing another VCR player, a blank tape, cables, and by connecting the two VCRs together and pressing record, you have a copy. Because of my obsession with computers in sixth grade, and a failed attempt at using a floppy disk, detention was served. A couple years later when a school computer wasn't connecting for months, it was me wanting to solve to the problem that lend me to disconnected LAN cable.

The High school I attended offer Computer/Electronics as a two year Vocational Course, that I continued to pursue at the local community college. Over four years (part time), I ended up taking course that went above the requirements for the 'Electronics Technology' degree (A.A.S). This resulted in a number of credits applying towards a BS in Electrical Engineering. Last fall, I was able to transfer into the EE program at URI in sophomore standing.

Engineering is about trying to find practical solutions to problems using the various sciences (ie Physics, Mathematics, etc). To those wanting to get into it, there are times when self doubt and frustration will overwhelm. The key is stay the course, ask questions and find a personal nmenomic or two that helps in the understanding.

 

[RazorNapster]

Hi guys,next year i will have to choose my profession and i am highly considering engineer(i am particularly interested in aerospace field) however my gusetion is how hard is it to get into one of top universities like CalTeh,MIT etc. I am not quite familliar with all details.Also is there anyone from UK,do you have any thoughts on great engineering schools there.And for engineering do you recommend USA or UK?Thanks.

 

[Astronuc]

Hi guys,next year i will have to choose my profession and i am highly considering engineer(i am particularly interested in aerospace field) however my gusetion is how hard is it to get into one of top universities like CalTeh,MIT etc. I am not quite familliar with all details.Also is there anyone from UK,do you have any thoughts on great engineering schools there.And for engineering do you recommend USA or UK?Thanks.

Cambridge and Oxford have engineering programs. One could also look at Imperial College and City University in London. University of Manchester, University of Nottingham, . . . have programs.

For example - http://www.mace.manchester.ac.uk/

The Guardian has a list of universities.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/table/2012/may/22/university-guide-engineering-mechanical-

or see
http://theknowledgeworld.com/world-of-aerospace/UnitedKingdom-Aerospace-Universities.htm

or google "University, Aerospace Engineering, UK"

It can be rather challenging to gain entry Caltech and MIT.

 

[Astronuc]

Hey guys! I'm almost certain that I want to become an engineer, but the problem is I don't know what kind I should be. I originally wanted to be an electrical engineer - the idea of organizing circuits and using switches really excited me. I just finished the electricity unit in my Physics honors class, and although I got practically a 100% in everything, I didn't really like it that much. The first day we started the unit I was really excited, but as days passed by I was becoming less and less fascinated by electricity; maybe it was the way my teacher taught it, but I didn't get nearly the kick out of it that I was expecting to.

We just had an egg drop project recently and it was soooo much fun designing and testing the container that had to protect my egg. I really felt accomplished when I finished working on it, knowing that I had made it as efficient as possible. The day we dropped it, I did the best out of anyone in my class.

I'm about to finish my junior year, so I have to start deciding what I want to study in college. I definitely want to study engineering, but I don't know which branch I would like the most.

• I like and do well in Math - especially geometry. Any time I see a problem involving shapes, lengths, and angles I get really excited.
• My favorite subject, out of anything I've done in high school, is Physics.
• I didn't really like Biology or Chemistry, but I probably would've like Chemistry more if my teacher wasn't so bad.
• I haven't really thought about it before, but I've always been making stuff around my room - things that organize or make actions more convenient for me. Like... under my desk I used a small metal cylinder and duct tape (<3 duct tape) to make a toilet paper holder (lol for cleaning up messes, not... nvm). When I had a bunk bed, I made a kind of ramp (made out of wire hangers) that led to my light switch. Whenever I wanted to turn the light off without climbing down, I would put a ball on it and it would roll down the side of my wall to the other side, and land in this thing that would rotate the light switch. I've made other things, mostly to organize things that I use. Lol idk, it takes a lot of time to make it and it helps only a little, but I mainly do it because it's so much fun...
• I LOVED legos as a kid (I wish I still had them)
• My dad brought me some popsicle sticks (lol I've never had these) and I get soooo excited just looking at them. All the possibilities! Lol, I picture in my head how I'm going to make a catapult, trebuchet, crossbow, bridge, pencil holder, lol anything!
• I like organizing things (i think I already said that)... my room might be a mess sometimes, but I get excited when I think about organizing the things on my desktop, for example, or maybe the wires behind my computer. I like to position stuff so I can use it as efficiently as possible, i guess

If you read this, can you give me a branch of engineering that you think I would like? THANKS

Probably mechanical engineering, or structural engineering.

If one is undecided, one can usually take general engineering courses the first year of university.

First year engineering students usually take introductory mathematics and physics courses, as well as introductory engineering courses. Ideally, one has some proficiency in algebra, geometry (including analytical geometry), trigonometry, possibly linear/matrix algebra, and some familiarity with calculus from high school.

 

[dimasalang]

theres no such thing easy in life, no pain no gain, even natural talent can be beaten by a hard working person. its just takes a desire and passion.

love what you do

 

[bamahabir]

I don't know if I want to be an engineer. I'm 22 and just really starting college but even that is iffy due to financial constraints and very special circumstances I'm in. So trying to figure out a way to get over that hill.

In the meantime I think I've found what I like to do best. Build things. I was 16 when I decided I wanted to build my computer, and while I did a year later I found it too easy. When I started playing guitar on a cheapo $100 strat knock off I decided my next guitar I was going to build myself (never did do it though no $$ =( ) Same thing happened when I was looking at houses and cars. Recently I was helping my sister move and taking apart the furniture and putting it back together, I thought she paid so much money for such poorly made things?? It hit me then that I could make better things for that kind of $$.

Did anyone get that feeling when decided to become an engineer?

 

[EBENEZR]

I know only a few people are ever involved in the work of engineering these, but how would one get involved in working with landers and spacecraft like Curiosity and New Horizons? Would that be engineering? If I did a physics course, would I still be able to get involved in these sorts of things? I will be a mature student, so I know how to put in the time (I've learned the hard way after leaving my last non-science course) and being older I am also more experienced at being efficient with my time. If I did a physics degree, what contributions could I make? My main interest is what is going on with the extraterrestrial bodies and the idea of being on the forefront of learning the geology and environment of a Saturnian or Jovian moon makes me go all sparkly eyed... Honestly I couldn't give a monkey's backside whether or not there is life there. Could I be a real contributor to this doing just physics or would an Engineering degree get me a lot closer to being a part of the machine? I'll say now that the actual robotics: the programming and coding of the robot, I would likely not be very good at. Math and building things, yes. Writing in computer languages, not so much.

 

[mdmartin]

My background: 2007 BSEE in USA. I've worked in the aerospace industry since I graduated with two companies.

My responses:
Is engineering hard?-I choose to look at it as challenging. The curriculum pushes your limits in terms of learning, math, science, time-management, etc. I don't like using the word hard because it creates a mentality in some folks that it is automatically too hard which means beyond a persons skill. I would like to point out that sometimes the math and science are not as challenging as learning time-management for some students. In my industry I rarely use the math and science aspects of my education and, when I do, it is usually as a part of a larger team. The time-management skills, though, are practiced at the individual level.

Which type of engineering?-It depends. Although I would like to recommend "whatever you enjoy/like", etc. the harsh reality that I've seen in these uncertain economic times is that it depends on what type of living you want for yourself and your (possible) future family because, although engineering pays well in general, there are disparities between fields and location.
I have seen hundreds of engineers be laid off. Have they found new jobs? I don't know. Doubtful given the current situation. Is physics or some other pure science in a better position? I don't know but I would imagine that's doubtful as well. Other factors to consider: where would you like to live? is there a particular industry that grabs your attention? If I could go back I would focus on having a larger breadth of skills as opposed to specific skills. In other words, I would choose mechanical, electrical, or chemical over the others.

Should I become an engineer?-To me the answer to this question has so many "it depends" statements that it (obviously) needs to be tailored to the individual. I became an engineer because of the math and physics. But I hardly use that these days so it seems I made a mistake. Except that I do enjoy job from time to time and I get paid relatively well for it. And money is an important factor because I have a family now. If I were asked now what I would like to do I couldn't answer because I haven't tried it yet. I still like learning math and physics but that hasn't translated too well to my job. Then again I know of others who do practice their discipline on a daily basis. Although I don't regret my educational decisions up to now (because I'm in a good position in life) I don't think I would do engineering again. I would want to be more hands-on (such as a mechanic) or try to start my own business.

 

[Azriael]

Hi there. I have some questions that are need to be answered. At this moment I'm choosing the university and I'm not sure what should I do. Here is a dilemma: I love physics and robotics, but in my country we don't have great engineering universities, but have very strong physics universities. I want to work in robotics field, so Mechanical/Electrical eng. degree would be great. I will get B.Sc in my country and after that I'm planning to move in Germany or US, pursuing PhD in engineering. So, should I get a bachelor in Physics (which is a great school) or bachelor in engineering (which is not the best in my country)?

As a career option, I'd like to be an engineer-researcher, messing around with advanced technologies, creating absolutely new things.

P.S. Sorry, if you see some mistakes, english is not my native language

 

[mdmartin]

Hello EBENEZR.
The short answer: engineering would be preferable but physics is probable.

The long answer: The interplanetary work that you mention is sort of unique in that it is primarily handled (in the US, at least) at NASA JPL which is in California. JPL is sort of the odd duckling of the NASA centers because it is primarily run by the Caltech. Calthech manages the center via a contract and they far outnumber the civil servants. At the other centers contractors also outnumber civil servants but they are definitely more involved in the work as opposed to just being managers like at JPL. What that means in practice is that scientists appear to have a higher probability to participate in projects as opposed to other centers. Therefore, although engineering is preferable you have a shot with a physics degree.

 

[MathINTJ]

I don't know if I want to be an engineer. I'm 22 and just really starting college but even that is iffy due to financial constraints and very special circumstances I'm in. So trying to figure out a way to get over that hill.

In the meantime I think I've found what I like to do best. Build things. I was 16 when I decided I wanted to build my computer, and while I did a year later I found it too easy. When I started playing guitar on a cheapo $100 strat knock off I decided my next guitar I was going to build myself (never did do it though no $$ =( ) Same thing happened when I was looking at houses and cars. Recently I was helping my sister move and taking apart the furniture and putting it back together, I thought she paid so much money for such poorly made things?? It hit me then that I could make better things for that kind of $$.

Did anyone get that feeling when decided to become an engineer?

You might want to edit your post. And es, I have always wanted to be an inventor of sorts.

 

[zacky_D]

Guys,How can i give myself a proper base for engineering?i really enjoy everything about machines,physics etc..and i love math when it can visualised...But over the last few years ,lets say,i was more or less forced to self study for my own satisfaction...Can you guys please tell me how strong should i be in terms of math,or how i can get an upper hand in that section(books?websites?),coz that's the only place i feel i may lag at college,But i really would like to understand all that!..Totally love physics,,just want to love math too :(

 

[pongo38]

Zacky D Keep practising till the penny drops.

 

[Pronghorn]

I'm a recent high school graduate who wants to study Engineering at undergraduate level in a European country.

Here in Europe you don't get to choose your major or switch majors after you enroll. That's why I find it very difficult to figure out what Engineering discipline I want to pursue. (I also tried shadowing/talking to an engineer in real life but to no avail.)

So, I've got to decide between: Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical. I can't say that I have a particular interest in Chemistry or Physics: they all seem pretty cool.

How should I decide?

Thanks!

 

[pongo38]

Pronghorn, try to get some work experience in any branch you might be interested in. Don't start a course without fire in your belly. You must feel committed right from the start. As a civil engineer, I know that if the foundations are not right, then anything you put on top of them will not endure,

 

[pandasbox]

-Should I become an engineer?

It depends on you. For me a huge turn off was the misogynist attitudes that many engineers inevitably have, which I wasn't really aware of until I started university. The other thing is, if you have to know the theory in order to understand and appreciate them, science or math is probably better.

-What engineering discipline should I study?

Whichever one you think you will enjoy. For example, don't go into computer thinking you just want the degree to make money, you will hate your life and you will be mediocre at best.

-Is engineering difficult?

Not really. The most difficult part is staying on track with the class. Engineering is easy in the sense that there are no difficult concepts and the profs try not to fail you. Because you will be spending so much time in class, the assignments and labs are generally shorter. I took science and arts electives and found those harder. The "difficulty" of engineering is generally due to difficulty in time management.

 

[rbrayana123]

I really love Physics and can spend a lifetime learning it. However, I've also been hooked onto Chemical Engineering and can really see it as a tool for the change I want to see in the world. Both of them, I see as versatile and applicable to most of the fields I'm interested in. I'd like to believe I can do well in these majors if I put in the effort to prepare before taking the course but I doubt my ability to keep up during the actual semester. Seven more semesters and I don't know what's ahead. Scared garbageless.