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What influenced you to pursue Engineering? What were the obstacles of becoming an Engineer? Can you tell me about the types of tasks you are responsible for on a day-to-day basis? What do you enjoy most about your career? What are some skills and personality traits necessary to perform your job? What are some misconceptions about your career? Where did you start from?
This is for Engineers, and it's something I've been wondering about these things for some time now, please help!! I want to know if it's something I should pursue.
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5 answers
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hello Kimberly! I'll try to answer your questions in the order you asked.
As may be somewhat common, I was influenced into engineering by my dad, who is also an engineer, who saw my passion for math and science, specifically chemistry. I had other influences, but his suggestion to look into engineering as a degree really pushed me in that direction! I also went to an engineering camp one summer in high school to learn more about different types of engineering and found out I really had an interest!
One of the main obstacles to become an engineering was myself. I had to re-learn study skills for college classes, learn how to manage my time, and learn how to deal with difficult people too! Obtaining an engineering degree isn't easy, but if you really want it, you can do it. It might mean you spend all your time studying to get that barely passing grade in some classes, but you can do it.
I've worked in a couple of different industries for a couple of different companies, but my day to day was frequently similar as I was always in a manufacturing plant. I'd start off by reviewing any parts that needed my attention (be that for questions about the manufacturing process, potential defects, or changes needed to paperwork). Some day that was all I did! But then I would move on to customer emails, addressing what I could and forwarding along what was above me, while also attending meetings on a variety of subjects. Being in manufacturing, you could end up doing a lot of defect analysis and preparing for audits (both internal and external from a customer or ISO or the government). Your day can really vary! But keep in mind that was all for manufacturing - you could end up doing something different!
I really enjoy problem solving. Sometimes it's frustrating, sure, but when you finally fix something...it's magical!
There are a lot of skills you'll pick up along the way in your career, but I think you need to be able to listen to those working on a product, line, project at all points of the process. From the hourly worker making the part to the manager handling customers, all input can be valuable and should be listened to. If you can learn that skill (which also means learning to deal with a variety of personalities!), then you are well on your way to being a successful engineer.
I'm not sure I've experienced a lot of misconceptions about my career. I think a lot of people just don't know how a factory works, and I've spent most of my time in factories. But that's not necessarily related to being an engineer. The idea of being a problem solver is what I do. And the stereotypical personalities that come with that job title can also be true. Not always, but definitely had some interesting coworkers - though I'm sure they thought I was equally "interesting"!
I hope that helps some! Good luck deciding on what you'd like to do with your career!
As may be somewhat common, I was influenced into engineering by my dad, who is also an engineer, who saw my passion for math and science, specifically chemistry. I had other influences, but his suggestion to look into engineering as a degree really pushed me in that direction! I also went to an engineering camp one summer in high school to learn more about different types of engineering and found out I really had an interest!
One of the main obstacles to become an engineering was myself. I had to re-learn study skills for college classes, learn how to manage my time, and learn how to deal with difficult people too! Obtaining an engineering degree isn't easy, but if you really want it, you can do it. It might mean you spend all your time studying to get that barely passing grade in some classes, but you can do it.
I've worked in a couple of different industries for a couple of different companies, but my day to day was frequently similar as I was always in a manufacturing plant. I'd start off by reviewing any parts that needed my attention (be that for questions about the manufacturing process, potential defects, or changes needed to paperwork). Some day that was all I did! But then I would move on to customer emails, addressing what I could and forwarding along what was above me, while also attending meetings on a variety of subjects. Being in manufacturing, you could end up doing a lot of defect analysis and preparing for audits (both internal and external from a customer or ISO or the government). Your day can really vary! But keep in mind that was all for manufacturing - you could end up doing something different!
I really enjoy problem solving. Sometimes it's frustrating, sure, but when you finally fix something...it's magical!
There are a lot of skills you'll pick up along the way in your career, but I think you need to be able to listen to those working on a product, line, project at all points of the process. From the hourly worker making the part to the manager handling customers, all input can be valuable and should be listened to. If you can learn that skill (which also means learning to deal with a variety of personalities!), then you are well on your way to being a successful engineer.
I'm not sure I've experienced a lot of misconceptions about my career. I think a lot of people just don't know how a factory works, and I've spent most of my time in factories. But that's not necessarily related to being an engineer. The idea of being a problem solver is what I do. And the stereotypical personalities that come with that job title can also be true. Not always, but definitely had some interesting coworkers - though I'm sure they thought I was equally "interesting"!
I hope that helps some! Good luck deciding on what you'd like to do with your career!
Thank you so much for the help!
Kimberly
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Kimberly!
So, you're thinking about diving into engineering? Put on your belt, because it's a wild mix of brainpower, problem-solving, and occasionally questioning your life choices at 2 AM over a stubborn equation.
Now wont be going too much in depth but if you need further questioning do let me know.
Firstly Why do people become engineers? So, to say,
Some love building things, others enjoy breaking things to build them better, and some just saw Iron Man and thought, "Yeah, I could do that."
The obstacles? Obviously you will want to know. Who wouldn't right?
Math. Lots of it. Sleepless nights. Coffee addiction. The occasional existential crisis when something doesn’t work for no reason at all. But hey, solving problems makes you feel like an absolute genius, so it’s worth it.
The day-to-day tasks? Yep I know this. Because it Depends on the type of engineer! 😜
Some design, some test, some yell at computers, and some stare at spreadsheets until enlightenment strikes. But at the core, it’s about solving real-world problems and making things work better, faster, and cooler.
I can tell you what is the best part because every career has it and so doesn't engineering.
That “Eureka!” moment when something finally works after days (or weeks) of struggle. Also, knowing you’re making a difference—whether it’s designing a bridge, improving tech, or just making WiFi stronger so people can scroll memes faster.
There are skills and traits which can help you am hope it does so read on Kimberly!
Problem-solving ( lets say making things work even when they refuse to)
Creativity (because sometimes the manual doesn’t have the answer)
Patience (for when things go wrong… because they will) in every career this is there!
Teamwork (engineers don’t work alone, unless you’re building a secret robot army—then I won’t ask)
Adaptability (because technology and challenges change constantly)
Misconceptions? Yep totally, there is always Misconceptions!
It’s not just about math. (Yes, math is involved, but so is creativity and practical thinking.)
Engineers aren’t all socially awkward (some are, but some are basically stand-up comedians in lab coats).
You don’t have to be a genius—just persistent.
Okay so if you are planning to start and wondering, Where do you start?
Then i can say if you like problem-solving, tech, and making things work, explore it! Take a few online courses, try some projects, and see if it excites you.
Engineering isn’t just a career—it’s a mindset. If you love figuring things out, improving stuff, and occasionally feeling like a wizard, go for it! And if you ever feel lost, just remember: Every great engineer once had no idea what they were doing… until they figured it out.
You got this, future engineer! 🚀 Go rocket those dreams and ambitions!
So, you're thinking about diving into engineering? Put on your belt, because it's a wild mix of brainpower, problem-solving, and occasionally questioning your life choices at 2 AM over a stubborn equation.
Now wont be going too much in depth but if you need further questioning do let me know.
Firstly Why do people become engineers? So, to say,
Some love building things, others enjoy breaking things to build them better, and some just saw Iron Man and thought, "Yeah, I could do that."
The obstacles? Obviously you will want to know. Who wouldn't right?
Math. Lots of it. Sleepless nights. Coffee addiction. The occasional existential crisis when something doesn’t work for no reason at all. But hey, solving problems makes you feel like an absolute genius, so it’s worth it.
The day-to-day tasks? Yep I know this. Because it Depends on the type of engineer! 😜
Some design, some test, some yell at computers, and some stare at spreadsheets until enlightenment strikes. But at the core, it’s about solving real-world problems and making things work better, faster, and cooler.
I can tell you what is the best part because every career has it and so doesn't engineering.
That “Eureka!” moment when something finally works after days (or weeks) of struggle. Also, knowing you’re making a difference—whether it’s designing a bridge, improving tech, or just making WiFi stronger so people can scroll memes faster.
There are skills and traits which can help you am hope it does so read on Kimberly!
Problem-solving ( lets say making things work even when they refuse to)
Creativity (because sometimes the manual doesn’t have the answer)
Patience (for when things go wrong… because they will) in every career this is there!
Teamwork (engineers don’t work alone, unless you’re building a secret robot army—then I won’t ask)
Adaptability (because technology and challenges change constantly)
Misconceptions? Yep totally, there is always Misconceptions!
It’s not just about math. (Yes, math is involved, but so is creativity and practical thinking.)
Engineers aren’t all socially awkward (some are, but some are basically stand-up comedians in lab coats).
You don’t have to be a genius—just persistent.
Okay so if you are planning to start and wondering, Where do you start?
Then i can say if you like problem-solving, tech, and making things work, explore it! Take a few online courses, try some projects, and see if it excites you.
Engineering isn’t just a career—it’s a mindset. If you love figuring things out, improving stuff, and occasionally feeling like a wizard, go for it! And if you ever feel lost, just remember: Every great engineer once had no idea what they were doing… until they figured it out.
You got this, future engineer! 🚀 Go rocket those dreams and ambitions!
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
Hi Kimberly, Great question! I'll answer with the honest truth and provide some perspective in hindsight after 20+ years post college. Definitely listen up for responses from folks that currently hold engineering roles.
I "wanted to become an engineer" because both my parents were engineers. My teachers (and test scores) told me I was smart at math and science, and I wanted to impress my parents by following in their footsteps. Thankfully my teachers were right, and I had enough natural talent to get me through college with an undergrad Engineering degree in Biomedical Engineering. I did a couple of internships during college that taught me what I did NOT want to be (a chemical engineer working in a lab at a big Consumer Goods company; a biomechanics research scientist making minimum wage and dependent on Grant funding). Challenges for me in engineering at school were mainly around my preparation in High School. Many of my peers were better prepared by taking AP classes in High School, were better at studying, better at retaining information and taking tests.
When I went to apply to engineering jobs after graduating, I simply didn't have any success landing an offer for a "real" engineering job. Most engineering roles (eg a mechanical engineer at a medical device company) required a Masters degree, and I was not willing to pay for that extra schooling (time and money) to maybe get a job that I maybe liked. So, I got a job working for a spine doctor coordinating his clinical research studies. That led me to a series of jobs related to clinical research (more responsibilities working on larger studies, then moving over to the medical device company), eventually leading me to a jobs in software and technology, first related to clinical research and now totally unrelated areas of technology.
I am now an experienced Product Manager at a large Tech company. Here's a simplification of my day to day: I work with software engineers who write the code for the software, I work with managers throughout the company who are responsible for running the business (making sure we are profitable), and I work with the people who help our customers set up the software. My role is important as the person between my company and our customer. I need to understand the customer's needs, I need to translate that into what our software needs to do, and I need to work with our leadership to make decisions that makes sure our company still makes money. I love it because I get to be a nerd AND I get to help customers solve their problems.
Here's what having an engineering degree did for me --> I consider this my "professional problem solver" degree. Having that degree on my resume opened more doors for me than I expected, even though the roles are at tech companies for non-engineering roles. The degree represents that I was responsible enough to handle difficult curriculum at a young age, that I can understand complex topics, that I can think critically. Of course, I still have to interview to prove I can effectively communicate, boil down complex topics into simple and executable terms, can work with a large group of people to make decisions, and can make the right decisions. But that degree gets my foot in the door and gets my resume to the top of the pile. In other words, it gives me credibility and respect on paper. I may not have an engineering job but I am definitely set up for success working in the tech field.
Best of luck to you!! Looking forward to hearing the other responses.
Read about the Product Manager Role: https://theproductmanager.com/topics/what-does-a-product-manager-do/
Breaking into Product Management out of college: https://medium.com/getting-started-in-product/breaking-into-product-management-out-of-college-practical-guidelines-78fec37464a5
I "wanted to become an engineer" because both my parents were engineers. My teachers (and test scores) told me I was smart at math and science, and I wanted to impress my parents by following in their footsteps. Thankfully my teachers were right, and I had enough natural talent to get me through college with an undergrad Engineering degree in Biomedical Engineering. I did a couple of internships during college that taught me what I did NOT want to be (a chemical engineer working in a lab at a big Consumer Goods company; a biomechanics research scientist making minimum wage and dependent on Grant funding). Challenges for me in engineering at school were mainly around my preparation in High School. Many of my peers were better prepared by taking AP classes in High School, were better at studying, better at retaining information and taking tests.
When I went to apply to engineering jobs after graduating, I simply didn't have any success landing an offer for a "real" engineering job. Most engineering roles (eg a mechanical engineer at a medical device company) required a Masters degree, and I was not willing to pay for that extra schooling (time and money) to maybe get a job that I maybe liked. So, I got a job working for a spine doctor coordinating his clinical research studies. That led me to a series of jobs related to clinical research (more responsibilities working on larger studies, then moving over to the medical device company), eventually leading me to a jobs in software and technology, first related to clinical research and now totally unrelated areas of technology.
I am now an experienced Product Manager at a large Tech company. Here's a simplification of my day to day: I work with software engineers who write the code for the software, I work with managers throughout the company who are responsible for running the business (making sure we are profitable), and I work with the people who help our customers set up the software. My role is important as the person between my company and our customer. I need to understand the customer's needs, I need to translate that into what our software needs to do, and I need to work with our leadership to make decisions that makes sure our company still makes money. I love it because I get to be a nerd AND I get to help customers solve their problems.
Here's what having an engineering degree did for me --> I consider this my "professional problem solver" degree. Having that degree on my resume opened more doors for me than I expected, even though the roles are at tech companies for non-engineering roles. The degree represents that I was responsible enough to handle difficult curriculum at a young age, that I can understand complex topics, that I can think critically. Of course, I still have to interview to prove I can effectively communicate, boil down complex topics into simple and executable terms, can work with a large group of people to make decisions, and can make the right decisions. But that degree gets my foot in the door and gets my resume to the top of the pile. In other words, it gives me credibility and respect on paper. I may not have an engineering job but I am definitely set up for success working in the tech field.
Best of luck to you!! Looking forward to hearing the other responses.
Natalie recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for your honesty!
Kimberly
Updated
Scott’s Answer
What influenced you to pursue Engineering? I excelled at math and science in high school. Based on these passions, I determined that engineering was my desired direction. I interviewed an electrical and civil engineer in my neighborhood. I was not enamored with either of those and opted for a mechanical specialty since ME's have the ability to focus on numerous types - manufacturing, industrial, ergonomics, consulting and testing.
What were the obstacles of becoming an Engineer? Finding the right ABET accredited school that I could afford.
Can you tell me about the types of tasks you are responsible for on a day-to-day basis? In a high-level consulting role, I am responsible for overseeing design engineers, quality assurance, mentorship, business development and developing mechanical design concepts for new projects.
What do you enjoy most about your career? Designing the mechanical systems for a sustainable building, watching it constructed, and then, talking with the operations engineers and getting a repeat project since the entire team was thrilled with our performance.
What are some skills and personality traits necessary to perform your job? Communication, willingness to learn, discipline, adeptness with Microsoft Office and hopefully, Revit (3-d design software). If you want to design mechanical systems, I would recommend completing your Fundamentals exam immediately and then, getting your Professional Engineer's (PE) license after 4 years of experience working for a PE.
What are some misconceptions about your career? That engineers are boring.
Where did you start from? I started as a Plant Engineer right out of college, moved to Test Engineer, designed air handling equipment and then, moved into my dream job - a consulting engineer.
Engineering is a fantastic career! You have a lot of avenues and the world needs creative thinkers that can effectively communicate their intentions to different types of audience members.
What were the obstacles of becoming an Engineer? Finding the right ABET accredited school that I could afford.
Can you tell me about the types of tasks you are responsible for on a day-to-day basis? In a high-level consulting role, I am responsible for overseeing design engineers, quality assurance, mentorship, business development and developing mechanical design concepts for new projects.
What do you enjoy most about your career? Designing the mechanical systems for a sustainable building, watching it constructed, and then, talking with the operations engineers and getting a repeat project since the entire team was thrilled with our performance.
What are some skills and personality traits necessary to perform your job? Communication, willingness to learn, discipline, adeptness with Microsoft Office and hopefully, Revit (3-d design software). If you want to design mechanical systems, I would recommend completing your Fundamentals exam immediately and then, getting your Professional Engineer's (PE) license after 4 years of experience working for a PE.
What are some misconceptions about your career? That engineers are boring.
Where did you start from? I started as a Plant Engineer right out of college, moved to Test Engineer, designed air handling equipment and then, moved into my dream job - a consulting engineer.
Engineering is a fantastic career! You have a lot of avenues and the world needs creative thinkers that can effectively communicate their intentions to different types of audience members.
I appreciate your help, thank you!
Kimberly
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
What influenced you to pursue Engineering?
Interest in the infrastructure of the internet. Wanting to know how the internet worked on a design level as well as mobile architecture.
What were the obstacles of becoming an Engineer?
I hired in working in maintenance in telecommunications and in a corporate environment it was hard to transition between organizations. The corporate structure itself sometimes stymies movement.
Can you tell me about the types of tasks you are responsible for on a day-to-day basis?
Fixing design orders for telecommunication plant design. That is taking plats drawn up by engineers and fixing errors that develop when we encode them into our computer system. Tracking materials, ordering materials, returning materials that are not used. Copper reclamation of old phone lines for recycle as we continue to move to fiber.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
Getting projects completed and seeing the infrastructure grow as communication speeds increase. Being on the front line of advancements in communication technology.
What are some skills and personality traits necessary to perform your job?
The ability to multi-task and keep organized with various organizations constantly pulling in different directions and requesting priority. With this comes remaining firm about deadlines and priorities. Almost daily I have to say, "if everything is a priority, nothing is a priority."
What are some misconceptions about your career?
The actual level of my involvement on the consumer end. As many tasks I perform I have no control of the when, where, and how we deploy our services.
Where did you start from?
Shortly after high school I tested in and started working in telecommunications. After being with the company long enough I took advantage of the further education opportunities made available and received a degree in electrical engineering. Eventually after applying for multiple construction and engineering positions I was able to get a promotion.
Interest in the infrastructure of the internet. Wanting to know how the internet worked on a design level as well as mobile architecture.
What were the obstacles of becoming an Engineer?
I hired in working in maintenance in telecommunications and in a corporate environment it was hard to transition between organizations. The corporate structure itself sometimes stymies movement.
Can you tell me about the types of tasks you are responsible for on a day-to-day basis?
Fixing design orders for telecommunication plant design. That is taking plats drawn up by engineers and fixing errors that develop when we encode them into our computer system. Tracking materials, ordering materials, returning materials that are not used. Copper reclamation of old phone lines for recycle as we continue to move to fiber.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
Getting projects completed and seeing the infrastructure grow as communication speeds increase. Being on the front line of advancements in communication technology.
What are some skills and personality traits necessary to perform your job?
The ability to multi-task and keep organized with various organizations constantly pulling in different directions and requesting priority. With this comes remaining firm about deadlines and priorities. Almost daily I have to say, "if everything is a priority, nothing is a priority."
What are some misconceptions about your career?
The actual level of my involvement on the consumer end. As many tasks I perform I have no control of the when, where, and how we deploy our services.
Where did you start from?
Shortly after high school I tested in and started working in telecommunications. After being with the company long enough I took advantage of the further education opportunities made available and received a degree in electrical engineering. Eventually after applying for multiple construction and engineering positions I was able to get a promotion.
Thank you so much for your time and help!
Kimberly