Engineering Advice: Questions & Concerns

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the experiences and concerns of first-year engineering students, particularly those aspiring to become pilots. Topics include motivations for choosing engineering, challenges faced in the program, and the balance between academic demands and personal life.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a desire to become pilots, noting that an engineering degree is relevant and beneficial for understanding the physics involved in aviation.
  • Concerns about whether the challenges of engineering are worth it are raised, with some suggesting that enjoyment of the subject can make the effort worthwhile.
  • There are differing opinions on whether one should persist in engineering despite discouragement from peers, with some advocating for perseverance.
  • Participants discuss the necessity of strong math skills, with some stating that while being 'gifted' in math is not essential, hard work is crucial for success.
  • The workload of engineering is described as heavy, with some participants indicating that it can be difficult to maintain a social life while managing academic responsibilities.
  • Some participants mention thoughts of quitting the program, citing burnout and a growing interest in other fields, such as physics.
  • There is a discussion about the financial aspects of an engineering career, with some participants suggesting that while engineers may not be wealthy, they can achieve a comfortable upper-middle-class lifestyle.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the concept of "free tuition," with one participant explaining their tuition waiver due to a parent's employment at the university.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the value of pursuing engineering, the necessity of math skills, and the feasibility of maintaining a balanced life while studying. The discussion remains unresolved on several points, particularly concerning the long-term benefits versus the immediate challenges faced by students.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the workload can vary, and while many find it overwhelming, others suggest that there are periods of lighter demands. The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and perspectives, highlighting the subjective nature of the engineering education journey.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective engineering students, current students facing similar challenges, and individuals considering a career in aviation may find this discussion relevant.

DeltaGlider
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Hey everyone,

I'm heading into first year engineering. I have a few concerns, maybe some of the experienced members could help?

reasons for choosing engineering:
- I'd like to become a pilot. Having a degree is a requirement. Engineering is relevant to the field.
- I love the sciences. I find them rewarding; I can study them without a lot of willpower.
- Engineering naturally draws me.
- Free tuition (almost)

concerns:
- Is the pain worth it?
- Should I push through if people discourage it?
- There are easier options. I have people skills, should I bother with the tough academics?
- Do you have to be gifted at math to make it through? I'm not especially talented, I have to work for my marks.
- Can you enjoy life under the workload?


Have you thought about quitting? Any advice would help a lot.
 
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DeltaGlider said:
Hey everyone,

I'm heading into first year engineering. I have a few concerns, maybe some of the experienced members could help?

reasons for choosing engineering:
- I'd like to become a pilot. Having a degree is a requirement. Engineering is relevant to the field.

I'm a pilot, but not professionally. Being an engineer was a major advantage in understanding what's going on. It's not like learning to drive a car. You have to understand the physics of what's going on to get your licence.

- I love the sciences. I find them rewarding; I can study them without a lot of willpower.
- Engineering naturally draws me.
- Free tuition (almost)

Yeah, that's a good reason - seriously.

concerns:
- Is the pain worth it?

If you like it, yes.

- Should I push through if people discourage it?

I don't know what you mean by 'people'.

- There are easier options. I have people skills, should I bother with the tough academics?

"I work with the software engineers so they don't have to deal with the customers. I have people skills. I'm good with people. What the hell's wrong with you people!?"

Sorry...had an office space moment there for a second...

- Do you have to be gifted at math to make it through? I'm not especially talented, I have to work for my marks.

No, but you have to work hard to understand it or you are doomed.

- Can you enjoy life under the workload?

Straight answer, if you want to be good at it...no. It's a serious undertaking that requires almost absolute devotion to get really good at it. If you just want to get by and move on to something else, then yes. If you really want to master it, it's going to take hours upon hours of continual dedication.

Have you thought about quitting? Any advice would help a lot.

Hell yes. Most people get majorly burned out around the end of junior/senior. Basically, its homework/project/test/presentation non-stop. Lots of longggggggg nights. I'm not going to lie, almost everyone hates their last year.

But you also have a starting salary of 50-55k with only a BS. Most people graduating with only an undergrad don't get nearly as much.

Keep in mind, a lot of pilots in the military are engineers. A few of my friends in school are going to flight school once they finish up.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
concerns:
- Is the pain worth it?
- Should I push through if people discourage it?
- There are easier options. I have people skills, should I bother with the tough academics?
- Do you have to be gifted at math to make it through? I'm not especially talented, I have to work for my marks.
- Can you enjoy life under the workload?

-For me yes, for you I don't know.
-Yes, you should.
-If you want to be a good pilot, you need a solid knowledge of vector mechanics and fluid dynamics. So yes you should bother.
-No you dont, but it definitely helps. About 90% of engineering students at my school needed to take calc II and III, diff eq, and linear algebra at least twice. About 20% had to take calc II three times.
-Like said above, if you want to be good or work while in school then no you can't. If you just want to get by then yes you can.

And yes I thought about quitting many times. Everyone does. By the time your done with your junior year, flipping burgers at Mcdonalds looks like a very attractive career move.
 
DeltaGlider said:
concerns:
- Is the pain worth it?
- Should I push through if people discourage it?
- There are easier options. I have people skills, should I bother with the tough academics?
- Do you have to be gifted at math to make it through? I'm not especially talented, I have to work for my marks.
- Can you enjoy life under the workload?

1) For me, it definitely was. Though there were a lot of sleepless nights, I could not have been happier with my choice and will follow it through to the PhD level.

2) People skills are actually rather common among engineers - more common than movies like Office Space will have you believe. Perhaps many years ago only the basement dwellers were engineers, but nowadays, I've noticed most people at my job have either strong people skills or are actually well spoken.

3) 'Gifted' - I don't even know what that means. You just need to have the dedication and desire to learn. Just like Cyrus said.

4) Yes, you sure can. The workload can get very heavy, but it does lighten up at times. Make sure you capitalize on those lulls and go out with some friends.
 
DeltaGlider said:
Have you thought about quitting?

Yes, I have been studied engineering at least 1 year, and now I start to think about of switching this course.
It wasn't that I incapable to overcome the burden of homeworks, but I just find that Physics course is more and more fascinating me... :smile:

However, for salary sake, I came to think over about it...:rolleyes:
 
What do you mean "Free tuition"...?

From what I understand there is no such thing as a rich engineer...unless you invent something.You will just be upper middle class
 
A guarantee at upper middle class doesn't sound half bad, my friend, especially if you're doing what you love to do. That sounds like the best of both worlds.
 
Thanks for all the replies.

@ cyrus, by 'people' I meant peers, friends
@ whiteknights, I have a tuition waiver because a parent works at the university.
 
You have free college education?! Lucky guy.
 

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