To all engineers/engineers to-be

[Mercutio47]

I posted this thread in General Engineering, but then thought this would be more appropriate for the topic:

I'm hoping to get into engineering (preferably chemical) next fall for undergrad. Here's my question to all engineering students past and present: if you could go back in time, knowing what you know -- with the exception of the actual concepts, etc. -- what would you have done differently? Better time management? Stronger study habits? Or, perhaps, being less critical of oneself, lessening pressures, pursuing extra curriculars, etc.

Any advice is welcome, and thanks in advance!

 

[Hobold]

This is very particular, but I would definitely say to strengthen study habits (which includes better time management) and engage in more interdisciplinar research, specially if you're going for chemical engineering.

 

[PhanthomJay]

I don't think I'd do too much differently...except to live on campus rather than commute or live off campus. Good study habits, conbined with 'fun' activities. Engineering courses can be very demanding of your time, but you still have to find time for doing other things besides studying. All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy.

The things I remember most about college were the mild 'pranks' we'd do, like the time my twin brother and I, posing as one, ran the mile and nearly broke a record by alternating laps amongst each other.
Incidentally, back when I was in school xx years ago, the highest paid (generally speaking) engineering discipline was chemical/petro engineering, followed by electrical, mechanical, and civil. To this day, that more or less still holds true. But you've got to do what you like...or else its all for naught. Looking back, I sometimes wonder if I should have chosen another field, like teaching, for example, but in the end, I'd probably be an engineer again. Good Luck in your future studies, whatever they might be.

 

[Angry Citizen]

Don't sweat B's and C's. It happens to us all. You're now in school with a bunch of people who, like you, probably never saw a B on their report card. In such a school, C is pretty darn good.

 

[DR13]

Im a current engineering student. I would say that it is important to have fun. I am not in any way saying that you should go out and get crazy drunk but it is necessary to have a balanced life. You should have fun with friends, exercise, go out on the weekends. If you don't then you will eventually burn out.

 

[dsking]

Try to meet people who will take similar classes to you. It helps to discuss things with other people so that you really know what you're doing. Also join organizations related to your field as soon as you can (AIChE for chem.).