Other Becoming an Engineer: Considerations and Personal Experiences

[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.

 

[Felchi]

I'm a bit curious myself so here are some of my own questions.

What kind of job security would I be able to expect as an engineer?

As an engineer, what, really would I do? Am I just a glorified mechanic?

Is university or college better for engineering?

 

[pongo38]

Felchi: Your post #961 says quite a lot about you. In brief, no job is secure, but the higher your education and training, the more likely you will be able to work internationally, and thus open more doors. The world of engineering is so vast that there is scope for anyone to find their niche eventually, perhaps not initially when diversity of training is a good idea. Engineers do just about everything. I have met engineers who have acted as nurses, accountants, chemists etc etc in remote sites because of necessity. You just cannot tell in advance what kinds of demands may be made of you. I think that, depending on where you live, you need to get in touch with a local branch of an engineering institution, and go to speak with some real engineers at one of their meetings, and ask them these questions. In most cases, you will be welcomed, and enlightenment will follow. Only then can you judge whether university or college is appropriate.

 

[lazypast]

Hi, I am an engineer in the oil & gas industry - offshore. I am wondering if anyone can offer any advice on learning a 2nd language suited to o&g/offshore engineering (my first is English). I'd imagine Norwegian would open some doors. Thanks

 

[KClose1983]

Any opinions on UCF (University of Central Florida) as a school for engineering?

 

[EBENEZR]

Hi, I am an engineer in the oil & gas industry - offshore. I am wondering if anyone can offer any advice on learning a 2nd language suited to o&g/offshore engineering (my first is English). I'd imagine Norwegian would open some doors. Thanks

Although I am not in the field of engineering, nor have experience with it, I think I can help with this. If you're wanting to open doors to progression, your best bet is search for employment openings for positions above yours on the internet and see what they would require and/or like. The best bet to find out what employers would like is find out what sort of people are being asked for.

 

[Who Am I]

Do I sound like Engineer material? I'm 16, and still play with Legos... I love building! And am always building something. From rock castles when I was 7, to tree forts when I was 11. To computers, lego buildings and designing lego Spaceships now. I'm a very creative person... from art, to legos, to even writing stories... I'm also into Astronomy and space... I also have always been interested in how things work. I’m a big Gamer. I like games like Homeworld & Homeworld2, Halo & Halo2... In school, Biology is my Best subject, but not my favorite... that’s history... Math used to be my favorite, but I slowly fell behind with the smartest of my grade and never picked back up on it. so, do I sound like a future Engineer?

Lol I can't speak as an engineer, but I'm thinking of switching and the posts I'm reading are making me feel a bit more like I really should make the switch and that it will fit me.

I just wanted to say, I'm 20, don't have my Legos anymore, but I still build them in my minds eye. And not the block ones: Technics. lol.

 

[Felchi]

Felchi: Engineers do just about everything. I have met engineers who have acted as nurses, accountants, chemists etc etc in remote sites because of necessity. You just cannot tell in advance what kinds of demands may be made of you.

Then what is an engineer's job description? If engineers do just about everything, how am I supposed to know whether being an engineer is right for me?

 

[pongo38]

Briefly, engineers make things out of stuff.

 

[Felchi]

So something like an inventor?

 

[EBENEZR]

So something like an inventor?

I don't think most engineering is new things so not inventing, though in the case of new products or new designs or refinement, new work will be patented so some inventing will be done. But there would be a lot of problem solving.

 

[Felchi]

Is engineering in danger of becoming a globally outsourced job, with engineers from developing countries willing to work for little pay taking over the field?

 

[CherryTrooper]

Is engineering in danger of becoming a globally outsourced job, with engineers from developing countries willing to work for little pay taking over the field?

Doubt it. Engineering is specialized and requires higher education. It's one field where "Good enough" is not good enough.

 

[Felchi]

I'm not condemning developing countries but with the advent of global outsourcing, manufacturing has all but died where I live and our "temporary worker" program has led to foreign workers taking over many sectors save the ones requiring interactions with the public.

It's just frustrating you know? We all have to eat.

 

[Metta]

Hello there fellows! I've joined today and the purpose of my joining is very relevant to this thread. I want to become an Engineer. Glad I didn't ask the question.

I've just browsed the boards briefly and I must say this place is very resourceful. Thanks to the creators.

 

[aspergers]

Hi all (interesting variation on a chat room) My aim is to become a Hardware Engineer for Microsoft.

 

[Chronos]

Engineers learn to solve problems on their feet with minimal resources or support - which explains why we get sent out on field assignments with alarming regularity. A good engineer is part scientist, part inventor and part technician. Job prospects for engineers are still very good, despite the current economic climate.

 

[aspergers]

I thought so, Hardware Engineer's for Microsoft earn something like a six figure salary don't they ?

 

[Felchi]

I hear Google is an amazing workplace for Engineers dealing with computer science

 

[H2Bro]

Hi, I am an engineer in the oil & gas industry - offshore. I am wondering if anyone can offer any advice on learning a 2nd language suited to o&g/offshore engineering (my first is English). I'd imagine Norwegian would open some doors. Thanks

I spent the last year living in Norway studying physics. I met a lot of folks there who had ties to the oil and gas industry, let me just tell you -

Learning Norwegian is a great asset to break into that job market. And its worth it to break in - salaries usually start around 200k USD (or about 1 million kroner) and only get higher.

Something to keep in mind is that the oil and gas industry in Norway is very very international compared to the rest of their society. Additionally, they have a severe shortage of qualified engineers for just about every position available. This means they are more than willing to take on engineers with some experience even if they don't speak norwegian, not a big problem as a lot of your coworkers (not to mention every norwegian citizen) speaks fluent english, often better than a lot of north americans I meet.

If you spent even a few months learning basic norwegian and used that in your communication with major oil and gas firms (statoil, aker solutions, etc) they will hire you in a heart beat. Honestly. Take a look at some of the major job boards for norway (www.nav.no, www.finn.no) and you'll see its shooting fish in a barrel for oil and gas engineers to find employment.

One word of warning though - they will rarely hire people who are abroad. Its likely you'll have to actually be in norway to get interviewed and hired, which means getting a 1 year skilled worker visa which allows you to look for jobs and transfer to a worker visa once hired. The reason for this process is that it is extremely difficult (i.e. next to impossible) for employees to be fired once hired in Norway, so they are very selective about it.

good luck, but you won't need it :)

 

[Dowland]

From reading the first pages of this thread I kinda got the impression that engineering studies is mostly for those who have some sort of passion in knowing how things works technically. Is that the case? I'm probably majoring in engineering, starting next semester, and in my entire life I've almost never taken an interest in how things in my environment "works". I applied for engineering because I love mathematics and really enjoy physics and problem solving, and I want to use that to study something fun and get a fun (and hopefully well paid) job. Do any of you guys have any experience with people like me?

I appreciate all comments and apologize in beforehand for any language errors (I'm a european).

 

[Malgrif]

From reading the first pages of this thread I kinda got the impression that engineering studies is mostly for those who have some sort of passion in knowing how things works technically. Is that the case? I'm probably majoring in engineering, starting next semester, and in my entire life I've almost never taken an interest in how things in my environment "works". I applied for engineering because I love mathematics and really enjoy physics and problem solving, and I want to use that to study something fun and get a fun (and hopefully well paid) job. Do any of you guys have any experience with people like me?

I appreciate all comments and apologize in beforehand for any language errors (I'm a european).

Engineering is great fun. However, it's not like physics or mathematics where most times problems are extremely abstract and idealized and there's always a "right" answer. Engineering is an approximate science, meaning that there is no right answer. Engineering requires mathematics and physics as basic tools in the analysis of systems. Let me tell you, systems are extremely complex. This leads to the situation where a lot of software dependence is required to analyze systems and understand how they are working. If you don't enjoy slow meticulous thinking, where most times a solution won't just come in a moment of clarity (like mathematics and physics), and back of envelope calculations, you may find engineering studies to be tedious and boring.

The first few semester of your engineering degree may involve a lot of physics and math and seem like a great fit for you. However your upper years will involve less mathematics and more system analysis. To enjoy engineering you must have or develop an interest in how the world around you works.

I enjoy engineering because it gives me the ability to see how other people are solving real life issues through the use of technology, and hopefully through analysis of their methods, come up with a method myself to improve society as a whole.

 

[featherheart]

well i created a topic for my prob but no reply came so i m askng my question here...
i am doing bach. tech (2nd sem) in electronics and communication engineering from Indian Institute of information technology, allahabad.

but i am very much interested in physics, especially in quantum mechanics.
so i would just like to know what are my chances of pursuing higher studies in physics like MS from India only?
and what its future

 

[pongo38]

From reading the first pages of this thread I kinda got the impression that engineering studies is mostly for those who have some sort of passion in knowing how things works technically. Is that the case? I'm probably majoring in engineering, starting next semester, and in my entire life I've almost never taken an interest in how things in my environment "works". I applied for engineering because I love mathematics and really enjoy physics and problem solving, and I want to use that to study something fun and get a fun (and hopefully well paid) job. Do any of you guys have any experience with people like me?

I appreciate all comments and apologize in beforehand for any language errors (I'm a european).

Malgrif has already given you a very good answer, but I would add that the profession of engineering is very broad and most people can find a niche that suits them, eventually. To get there you probably have to involve yourself in the study and professional practice of things that initially may not interest you, but the pursuit of which could and should engage your interest and development. I would say that if you are curious, you will make progress. Try speaking to a variety of older engineers about how their career developed and I think you will be surprised how diverse and unexpected the opportunities arose. If you don't know anyone, you can approach the local branch of an engineering institution that interests you. Best wishes for your success.

 

[Orcinus]

WA mechatronic?

I'll look over the rest of the thread when I have a bit more time than I currently do, but in the meantime:
I'm currently enrolled in my first year of a bachelor of engineering at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia and currently have told most people I'm thinking of doing a major in mechanical engineering. However, mechatronics looks awesome. But when I think mechatronic, I think robots, and I'm not so sure that there's so many robotics jobs in Western Australia. Any thoughts? Am I right to be concerned or is there plenty of work in whatever field?

I chose engineering because it suited by enjoyment of maths, physics and computing. Mechatronics fills that third element, while mechanical is less so.

 

[AlbanianBlood]

I'm a recent high school graduate who wants to study Mechanical Engineering. I'm a from a high-income family and from a country with low-industry. So in the future I'm planning to open a factory or doing any business related to Mechanical Eng, like to work on my own or something like that. The problem is about the degree, which of Mechanical Engineering degree i should take?

 

[Dundeephysics]

I'm a recent high school graduate who wants to study Mechanical Engineering. I'm a from a high-income family and from a country with low-industry. So in the future I'm planning to open a factory or doing any business related to Mechanical Eng, like to work on my own or something like that. The problem is about the degree, which of Mechanical Engineering degree i should take?

Some universities where I study in the UK offer Mechanical Engineering and Management as part of the degree, where students take some management modules. The modules normally teach students about the business framework, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME). I think if you check whether a university offers something similar, that could be a good degree for your case.

 

[cuzin]

Should I go back to be an engineer

Hi All

I have a question as I am quite confused. I have completed by undergraduate and honours in Construction Management. I then went on to complete my MSc by research in Green Building and renewable energy. These areas are my passion I know I want to be in it for the rest of my life. I also love business and would really like to run my own business in the field of green building/renewable energy. With my masters I am an expert in the fields and could certainly be a consultant etc. However I cannot go and fully design. I am very interested whether I would love designing in these fields :). What are your thoughts on going back to become an engineer for these fields vs what I have already??

 

[pongo38]

My thoughts are that you should gain some valuable commercial experience in the field, either by getting employment in a suitable firm, or by going into partnership with an engineering designer, or outsourcing this aspect so that you can see how the professionals do it. I wouldn't employ you unless you had a minimum of five years practical experience in the field. (It's the same in the construction field - contractors need people with minimum five years site experience to put tenders together). Beware of dabbling in fields you are not fully trained for. In ten years time, you may be able to cope better on your own. In any case, make sure you practice with professional indemnity cover.

 

[MinnesotaState]

I used to think computer programming was fascinating, but it bothered me too much because I didn't understand the hardware. I went from CS to EET pretty fast. Now that I have all the hardware figured out, I'm more interested in theory, so EE it is.

I just completed my generals. We'll see if EE holds through my sophomore year.

I definitely don't want to code behind a desk for the rest of my life, & I'll probably get bored of designing antenna's or IC's.

I'd rather find a niche market, grab some off the shelf components, write some firmware, & sell a product like hot cakes. Then retire to the spark fun alike website I made in college, lol

I think interfacing is the ticket to getting me off on my own.

Any self employed engineers in here?

Ty

 

[musk]

I am interested in materials engineering. The problem I have, however, with the course being offered at a local university is that the whole 2 years of graduate program has like 5 courses related to materials. They are metallic materials, non metallic materials, selection of materials, mechanics of materials and protection of materials. Every other subject is either something that has to do with management or structural engineering. What is your opinion?

 

[pongo38]

musk: what you have described as "a problem" can also be regarded as an opportunity. Maybe the course is being realistic about what graduates from its course will actually end up doing. Perhaps you need more information on the positions obtained by recent graduates from that same department. Does this university have an alumni scheme where previous graduates can give you a longer perspective?

 

[san203]

Hello
I am currently in High school and am currently studying/preparing for engineering entrance exams which I'll have to write in less than 6 months. I want to be an engineer no doubt, but i am also equally inclined towards Physics.

i.) So if i succeed in completing my B tech in Mech engg then will i be capable of learning some advance physics(QM,Relativity,etc) on my own
ii.) Are their dual degree masters course in Engg and Physics because i am sure i have to do my Bachelors in Engg.

I don't have specific interest in Research(not yet at least) and the primary reason to go for physics degree will be to learn advance physics. So what i want to know is if it is possible to become an engineer and learn advance physics without a degree in physics.

 

[sus4]

I am interested in materials engineering. The problem I have, however, with the course being offered at a local university is that the whole 2 years of graduate program has like 5 courses related to materials. They are metallic materials, non metallic materials, selection of materials, mechanics of materials and protection of materials. Every other subject is either something that has to do with management or structural engineering. What is your opinion?

It sounds like they could have more application based courses to provide more engineering skills. However, structural engineering is extremely important in the design of many materials. Also If you actually get an engineering job, you will probably find that it consists of more economics and management than you thought.

 

[pongo38]

to sus4: In practical everyday practice, you never know what may strike you next. I realized that in my Structural Engineering practice, I could not have predicted during my degree course which additional skills I would need. I was very surprised to be involved in electrical engineering, materials properties research, chemistry, medicine, and lots of human based stuff as well, like psychology and management. My advice is to do what interests you and concentrate on doing it well. You are only as good as your last job. The degree you get has a half life of 3 weeks. You won't use 95% of what you learn in classes. You will need to keep learning throughout life. That is why it is interesting.

 

[Illuvitar]

Hello, I am a currently enrolled in a community college and am thinking about majoring in engineering. This is quite a long story (feel free to skip to the last paragraph as the story is somewhat redundant and long-winded) but I just want to provide some context to my situation. Prior to this I wanted to major in cognitive psychology but I really wanted to study physics and mathematics, I just didn't think I was smart enough until recently.

I didn't do well in high school, I skipped class and well, did my fair share of partying. After high school I went hitchhiking around American and some of Canada for about three and a half years before coming back to my home town to go to school. Although traveling was a great experience, I realized I thrived in academic settings after auditing some uni classes while staying in Portland. Needless to say all of the math I learned in high school slipped away over the years although I independently studied some probability theory (Bayesian) as well as cognitive science and behavioral economics.

When I registered I had to take an aptitude test for math and I failed dismally. I was placed in developmental math classes to my embarrassment. Basically the class I am in is the equivalent of high school Alg II (functions, polynomials, exponents, inequalities, etc) and I'm doing very well, I really do enjoy math quite a bit but my eagerness is disproportionately greater than my skill. I've forced myself to adopt good study habits (I practice math about 4 hours a day and am getting an A in all my classes so far) and am intensely focused on achieving my goals.

I guess I just wanted someone to hear my story and perhaps if I'm lucky offer me advice. I'm 22 and basically just starting college and my math skills are the equivalent of a juniors in high school. Is it unrealistic for me to attempt to major in physics or engineering?
I do love math and while I realize that I made a lot of mistakes, I know that math is a course of study I am eager and willing to improve on. I know Ill be behind (I can't take Calculus for about two or so years, as I have one more developmental math class then college algebra, trig, pre-cal then finally calculus I) and probably won't finish my degree in four years considering I also work. I just know that I can do anything I set my mind to, I don't have friends, a girlfriend, kids, or have a facebook or even a cell phone...I just go to school, work and study that's it; I'm willing to completely submerge myself in study as I have been doing this semester and I love it. I am more than willing to put in the effort. I'm just really apprehensive about taking this plunge. Pursuing a career in science and mathematics is the only thing I can ever see myself doing, I'm just so nervous that once I transfer to a university and start taking engineering and calculus classes that I will not have what it takes. I'm just not sure what to do. Anyway thanks for listening.

 

[donpacino]

Hello, I am a currently enrolled in a community college and am thinking about majoring in engineering. This is quite a long story (feel free to skip to the last paragraph as the story is somewhat redundant and long-winded) but I just want to provide some context to my situation. Prior to this I wanted to major in cognitive psychology but I really wanted to study physics and mathematics, I just didn't think I was smart enough until recently.

I didn't do well in high school, I skipped class and well, did my fair share of partying. After high school I went hitchhiking around American and some of Canada for about three and a half years before coming back to my home town to go to school. Although traveling was a great experience, I realized I thrived in academic settings after auditing some uni classes while staying in Portland. Needless to say all of the math I learned in high school slipped away over the years although I independently studied some probability theory (Bayesian) as well as cognitive science and behavioral economics.

When I registered I had to take an aptitude test for math and I failed dismally. I was placed in developmental math classes to my embarrassment. Basically the class I am in is the equivalent of high school Alg II (functions, polynomials, exponents, inequalities, etc) and I'm doing very well, I really do enjoy math quite a bit but my eagerness is disproportionately greater than my skill. I've forced myself to adopt good study habits (I practice math about 4 hours a day and am getting an A in all my classes so far) and am intensely focused on achieving my goals.

I guess I just wanted someone to hear my story and perhaps if I'm lucky offer me advice. I'm 22 and basically just starting college and my math skills are the equivalent of a juniors in high school. Is it unrealistic for me to attempt to major in physics or engineering?
I do love math and while I realize that I made a lot of mistakes, I know that math is a course of study I am eager and willing to improve on. I know Ill be behind (I can't take Calculus for about two or so years, as I have one more developmental math class then college algebra, trig, pre-cal then finally calculus I) and probably won't finish my degree in four years considering I also work. I just know that I can do anything I set my mind to, I don't have friends, a girlfriend, kids, or have a facebook or even a cell phone...I just go to school, work and study that's it; I'm willing to completely submerge myself in study as I have been doing this semester and I love it. I am more than willing to put in the effort. I'm just really apprehensive about taking this plunge. Pursuing a career in science and mathematics is the only thing I can ever see myself doing, I'm just so nervous that once I transfer to a university and start taking engineering and calculus classes that I will not have what it takes. I'm just not sure what to do. Anyway thanks for listening.

Illuvitar, I just graduated last year from undergrad with an electrical engineering major. A 40 man who used to work as a mechanic graduated with me in my program. He had major difficulties with math (the way you describe it, you'll be fine) and he had some initial trouble grasping the concepts. He got hired at a fortune 500 company and now works as a hardware engineer and does a great job.

1.) it is never to late to purse an education
2.) look deep down at yourself and ask, "if challenged with a problem I do know how to solve, will I be able to utilize my resources (internet, proffesors, peers, family, abstract problem solving, textbooks) to allow me to solve the problem" if you answer yes then you can most definatly be an engineer.
3.) as far as the math goes, many engineering use limited math on a day to day basis, granted some use a lot

if you choose to purse engineering (and i think you should) you'll be fine. It will be a struggle, you'll be frustrated. seek help when you are stuck and learn to learn. when in a class seek knowledge, not a grade. if you try to learn, it'll work out!

 

[jasonRF]

Hello, I am a currently enrolled in a community college and am thinking about majoring in engineering. This is quite a long story (feel free to skip to the last paragraph as the story is somewhat redundant and long-winded) but I just want to provide some context to my situation. Prior to this I wanted to major in cognitive psychology but I really wanted to study physics and mathematics, I just didn't think I was smart enough until recently.

I didn't do well in high school, I skipped class and well, did my fair share of partying. After high school I went hitchhiking around American and some of Canada for about three and a half years before coming back to my home town to go to school. Although traveling was a great experience, I realized I thrived in academic settings after auditing some uni classes while staying in Portland. Needless to say all of the math I learned in high school slipped away over the years although I independently studied some probability theory (Bayesian) as well as cognitive science and behavioral economics.

When I registered I had to take an aptitude test for math and I failed dismally. I was placed in developmental math classes to my embarrassment. Basically the class I am in is the equivalent of high school Alg II (functions, polynomials, exponents, inequalities, etc) and I'm doing very well, I really do enjoy math quite a bit but my eagerness is disproportionately greater than my skill. I've forced myself to adopt good study habits (I practice math about 4 hours a day and am getting an A in all my classes so far) and am intensely focused on achieving my goals.

I guess I just wanted someone to hear my story and perhaps if I'm lucky offer me advice. I'm 22 and basically just starting college and my math skills are the equivalent of a juniors in high school. Is it unrealistic for me to attempt to major in physics or engineering?
I do love math and while I realize that I made a lot of mistakes, I know that math is a course of study I am eager and willing to improve on. I know Ill be behind (I can't take Calculus for about two or so years, as I have one more developmental math class then college algebra, trig, pre-cal then finally calculus I) and probably won't finish my degree in four years considering I also work. I just know that I can do anything I set my mind to, I don't have friends, a girlfriend, kids, or have a facebook or even a cell phone...I just go to school, work and study that's it; I'm willing to completely submerge myself in study as I have been doing this semester and I love it. I am more than willing to put in the effort. I'm just really apprehensive about taking this plunge. Pursuing a career in science and mathematics is the only thing I can ever see myself doing, I'm just so nervous that once I transfer to a university and start taking engineering and calculus classes that I will not have what it takes. I'm just not sure what to do. Anyway thanks for listening.

I am an EE, and a friend of mine in college had a similar high school experience you did. He claimed to be a "solid D" student back then. He spent a number of years serving the country, then enrolled in community college and had a LOT of catch up to do, just like you. He eventually transferred to my school for the last two years - he struggled at first but worked VERY hard and ended up with a masters degree in EE from a very good school (always ranked in the top 15) and is a successful engineer.

So what you are working to do has been done before - and if you are willing to work hard and get whatever extra help you need at the beginning I think you should give it a try. Try not to worry about the future classes - just focus on your current classes and make sure you learn the material as well as you can. Use the Professor / TA office hours, and any other help available at your school as much as you need it. If you learn the material in the prerequisite classes, then you will be prepared for calculus.

I wish you all the best!

jason

 

[MattRob]

ME or Physics?

Hey y'all;
So, I'm pretty passionate about engineering, but I also have a very profound love of cosmology and theoretical physics. So I guess my big question is; Physics or engineering?

As a note, I'm currently about to start my second semester of college, so I'm a college freshman at BYU (as I understand it, the ME program here is pretty well respected, but I haven't heard anything about the physics program here being particularly outstanding).

Now, back in high school, I got Martin Schweiger's Orbiter and did my own research of various aspects of orbital mechanics (such as Hohhmann transfers and geometric simplifications of ascent and powered descent trajectories) and learned the mathematics and engineering to design propulsion for vehicles for various missions; and they often worked (specifically Delta-Velocity requirements for various missions). Although Orbiter doesn't extend to it (actually, all it really simulates by default is trajectories and propulsion) ; for fun I'd often design many over-arching aspects of the vehicle, including life support, power source, vehicle layout, flight deck layout, etc, often taking extensive notes from the design of existing vehicles like the Apollo CSM and Space Shuttles (much like a systems engineer). The impressive thing is I did this all on my own in 11th grade. So saying I love aerospace/astronautics might be an understatement (when it was time for Physics class to make water bottle rockets, I was the one with the three-foot tall high-fidelity Mercury-Redstone replica with a motorized parachute deployment system, while everyone else had a few 2-liter bottles stuck together xp).

However, there's a catch: the only people I could really work for are these coming-up private companies (such as SpaceX), and I'm worried working for them takes for granted that I'll be a workaholic with no time for hobbies and family, and I'm not too fond of being in an office all day and having a boss I have to fear. NASA might be more lax, but I'm not sure I'd be so happy dealing with beaurocracy and I find the enterprising commercial progress to be far more attractive.

Now, as for physics; I can see myself teaching a class, and honestly, I feel a bit sad at the prospect of missing out on higher physics classes in getting my engineering degree. Furthermore, I can't help but wonder if I'd be working easier hours.

And to top it all off, I can work hard, but I'm honestly getting a bit scared by all the; "It's very very hard" comments. I can take hard work, and my university offers the option of taking 6 years with a 4-year degree, but I really doubt I can take something where I'll be only getting 4 hours of sleep for a week and spending every waking moment working. The picture I keep seeing get painted makes me think of my brother going into investment banking, and I absolutely don't want that kind of absolutely insane workload (he works 18+ hours a day). Am I worrying it'll be worse than it is, or is it really that bad? And I keep wondering if physics would be any easier. Would an ME degree be as bad as investment banking?

This being said, though, engineering does come to me naturally. It fits perfectly with how I think, in all kinds of analysis and mathematical formulation, together with practical application in systems, so there is the possibility that ultimately I won't even mind all the workload of getting the degree because it'll essentially be things I enjoy so much I did them for fun in high school (of course, "the next level up" so to speak).

But the possibility of a more lax lifestyle is also something I find very attractive in physics, though a big part of me thinks I'm probably entirely wrong about that; that a physics career would be just as, if not more stressful than engineering, namely because even if the hours and lifestyle are easier (a big if), there's also more stress about getting a decent job. Come to think of it, I may be entirely deluding myself with the thought that academic physics leads to a more relaxed lifestyle than the office environment of engineering, by imagining physics as being like Einstein exploring theories on a chalkboard from his home on Long Island, or his initial work being done in his free time as a patent clerk. Come to think of it, that view is probably entirely errant, isn't it?

 

[Illuvitar]

Illuvitar, I just graduated last year from undergrad with an electrical engineering major. A 40 man who used to work as a mechanic graduated with me in my program. He had major difficulties with math (the way you describe it, you'll be fine) and he had some initial trouble grasping the concepts. He got hired at a fortune 500 company and now works as a hardware engineer and does a great job.

1.) it is never to late to purse an education
2.) look deep down at yourself and ask, "if challenged with a problem I do know how to solve, will I be able to utilize my resources (internet, proffesors, peers, family, abstract problem solving, textbooks) to allow me to solve the problem" if you answer yes then you can most definatly be an engineer.
3.) as far as the math goes, many engineering use limited math on a day to day basis, granted some use a lot

if you choose to purse engineering (and i think you should) you'll be fine. It will be a struggle, you'll be frustrated. seek help when you are stuck and learn to learn. when in a class seek knowledge, not a grade. if you try to learn, it'll work out!

Thank you, I sincerely appreciate the reply and its great to hear from someone who has completed an engineering degree. Thats great about that 40 year old man, I guess its never too late like you said. I am considering pursuing engineering quite a bit I am just worried I can't do it while working full time but I am sure the mechanic did too, I know it will be a struggle but I am up to the task(Im just worried about the difficulty of math mostly) . I needed to hear this. Thanks for the kind words and encouragement.

 

[Illuvitar]

I am an EE, and a friend of mine in college had a similar high school experience you did. He claimed to be a "solid D" student back then. He spent a number of years serving the country, then enrolled in community college and had a LOT of catch up to do, just like you. He eventually transferred to my school for the last two years - he struggled at first but worked VERY hard and ended up with a masters degree in EE from a very good school (always ranked in the top 15) and is a successful engineer.

So what you are working to do has been done before - and if you are willing to work hard and get whatever extra help you need at the beginning I think you should give it a try. Try not to worry about the future classes - just focus on your current classes and make sure you learn the material as well as you can. Use the Professor / TA office hours, and any other help available at your school as much as you need it. If you learn the material in the prerequisite classes, then you will be prepared for calculus.

I wish you all the best!

jason

I'm in the same boat as your friend I have a lot to catching up to do but I am making peace with it. Thats really neat that your friend did so great I'm sure it wasn't easy, I really hope I can do the same.

You are right, I need to focus on mastering algebra before I worry about calculus. Thanks for the advice jason!