What are the right reasons to study engineering ?

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Studying engineering is best suited for individuals with a strong interest in physics and mathematics, as well as a desire to understand how machines and systems function. A practical, hands-on approach is essential, as engineering requires not only theoretical knowledge but also the ability to solve real-world problems during the building process. While some believe that a demonstrated interest in practical applications is crucial, others argue that academic performance in relevant subjects may suffice. Motivation for pursuing engineering should stem from a genuine interest in the field rather than financial gain or social status. Those who enjoy creating and building are likely to find fulfillment in engineering, while individuals who prefer theoretical pursuits might consider fields like physics instead. Overall, engineering is seen as a rewarding career for those who thrive on practical challenges and enjoy the process of designing and fabricating solutions.
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What are the right reasons to study engineering ?

Does an interest in physics and mathematics cut it ?

How do you picture your life if you weren't an engineer.
 
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If you like building and analyzing machines, you'd like being an engineer. An interest in physics and mathematics is essential.

- Warren
 
I guess that about sums it up
 
I think you certainly need to be strong in math and physics. However, you ultimately have to have a very strong desire to determine how machines, systems, electronic devices, and etc. function.

You should also be somewhat practical and 'hands-on'. As an engineer it isn't quite enough to be able to draw and understand the physics involved you also have to be able to determine how things fit together and help solve practical problems that come along when it is time to actually build something.

If I were not an engineer I would have probably pursued medicine.
 
h2oski1326 said:
I think you certainly need to be strong in math and physics. However, you ultimately have to have a very strong desire to determine how machines, systems, electronic devices, and etc. function.

You should also be somewhat practical and 'hands-on'. As an engineer it isn't quite enough to be able to draw and understand the physics involved you also have to be able to determine how things fit together and help solve practical problems that come along when it is time to actually build something.

If I were not an engineer I would have probably pursued medicine.

Aren't are you happy with engineering? It's an amazing field. Why pursue medicine?
 
RufusDawes said:
What are the right reasons to study engineering ?
Because is fun, and one does useful work.

Does an interest in physics and mathematics cut it ?
Certainly

How do you picture your life if you weren't an engineer.
I'd probably be an applied physicist. Actually, I've been an engineer for so long, I can't imagine being anything else - except possibly being a farmer or a mountain man.
 
thinkies said:
Aren't are you happy with engineering? It's an amazing field. Why pursue medicine?

You misinterpret; I meant that as, if I had to choose something else to study, I would choose medicine. I am very happy as an engineer, I find it suits my interests quite well and is challenging enough that I am hardly ever bored.
 
h2oski1326 said:
I think you certainly need to be strong in math and physics. However, you ultimately have to have a very strong desire to determine how machines, systems, electronic devices, and etc. function.

You should also be somewhat practical and 'hands-on'. As an engineer it isn't quite enough to be able to draw and understand the physics involved you also have to be able to determine how things fit together and help solve practical problems that come along when it is time to actually build something.

If I were not an engineer I would have probably pursued medicine.

So would you say that any would be electrical/electronics engineer would be the type of person who has taken the initiative thoughout their life to develop a good practical hands on understanding of the devices ?

Or is the demonstrated interest in physics and mathematics such as taking the high level classes in school enough ?
 
RufusDawes said:
So would you say that any would be electrical/electronics engineer would be the type of person who has taken the initiative thoughout their life to develop a good practical hands on understanding of the devices ?

Or is the demonstrated interest in physics and mathematics such as taking the high level classes in school enough ?

I would say that either could end up being an electrical engineer. Everyone is different, and everyone has different circumstances in their youth. Just because someone doesn't take a bunch of things apart as a child doesn't mean anything I was merely commenting on things that are seen in engineers.

Any desire to be an engineer is great and I would encourage you to pursue it, if that is what you want.

I would avoid pursuing the career if motivation is money or some kind of status, but other than that I say go for it. Also, do not let any decision be swayed heavily by some person on a message board. Talk with a guidance counselor, a family friend, or someone about the decision.
 
  • #10
h2oski1326 said:
I would say that either could end up being an electrical engineer. Everyone is different, and everyone has different circumstances in their youth. Just because someone doesn't take a bunch of things apart as a child doesn't mean anything I was merely commenting on things that are seen in engineers.

Any desire to be an engineer is great and I would encourage you to pursue it, if that is what you want.

I would avoid pursuing the career if motivation is money or some kind of status, but other than that I say go for it. Also, do not let any decision be swayed heavily by some person on a message board. Talk with a guidance counselor, a family friend, or someone about the decision.

I wish I had studied it when I was younger. I'm interested in electricity and at the end of high school I developed an ignorant fascination with the power of calculus that I did not chose to explore.

That and I got a little exposure to what ECE will involve through friends who have studied it.

Everyone I have spoken to has told me not to study engineering but I don't fully trust their judgement.
 
  • #11
If you like science in a practical rather than theoretical way. If you're a big fan of physics I don't think you'd be too happy as a civil or mechanical engineering. There are a lot of design aspects such as material selection and cost analysis, which may bore some people.
 
  • #12
some ppl could be very jelous of you and steer you away from studying engineering.

if I didn't study engineering probably I would be a math/physics teacher or physician,

my father told me; if you don't study I'll be working in European bakery selling fresh bred and yogurt every morning:-) , although I love those euro buns and tasty east euro yogurt
 
  • #13
Study engineering if you're interested in practical things and/or how things work.

if i didnt go into engineering... hmm... I'm probably one of the very few people here who would've gone into a non-technical/science field. architecture or urban planning would've been my major since I've always had a fascination with buildings, structures, and cities.
 
  • #14
Go to engineering if you find theory too hard.
 
  • #15
To do engineering, you have to like making stuff. It doesn't matter so much what particular kind of stuff it is; but as an engineer, you will spend your professional life designing, testing, and/or fabricating things of one variety or another. I think, to truly enjoy it, you have to be the kind of person who likes "doing" more than "thinking". You have to be a hands-on kind of person, a tinkerer. This is not to say that engineers don't do plenty of thinking; but to truly enjoy it, you have to be the kind of person who is turned on by the actual building and completing of projects.

And if you are that kind of person, and good at it, you will make boatloads of money.

If you prefer the more theoretical side of things, considering doing physics.
 
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