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Asking questions for Engineers.
Can you tell me about the types of tasks you are responsible for on a day-to-day basis?
2. What do you enjoy most about your career?
3. What is most challenging about your career?
4. What are some skills and personality traits necessary to perform your job?
5. What are some misconceptions about your career?
6. What advice do you have for me about this career?
7. How much personal interactions do you have on a day-to-day basis with this career?
8. What is the work environment like in this career?
9. What are the benefits of this career?
10. What type of education do you need to enter this career?
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4 answers
Updated
Peter’s Answer
1. Types of Tasks in an Engineering Career
Engineers handle a variety of tasks daily, depending on their specialization. Common responsibilities include:
Designing, testing, and improving products or systems
Solving technical problems
Conducting research and analyzing data
Collaborating with teams and clients
Writing reports and documentation
Ensuring safety and compliance with regulations
2. What Engineers Enjoy Most
Many engineers enjoy:
Solving complex problems
Seeing their designs come to life
Innovation and creativity
Making an impact on society
Continuous learning and professional growth
3. Most Challenging Aspects
Complex problem-solving under tight deadlines
Keeping up with new technologies and industry changes
Managing budgets and resources
Balancing teamwork and independent work
Dealing with unexpected technical failures
4. Skills and Personality Traits Required
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Creativity and innovation
Attention to detail
Communication and teamwork abilities
Adaptability and resilience
Mathematical and technical proficiency
5. Misconceptions About Engineering
Engineering is just about math and science (it also involves creativity and teamwork)
Engineers work alone (most projects require collaboration)
It’s only for men (engineering is for everyone)
You must be a genius in math (understanding concepts is more important than being a math expert)
6. Advice for Someone Considering Engineering
Choose a specialization that aligns with your interests
Gain hands-on experience through internships and projects
Work on developing soft skills like communication and teamwork
Stay updated with new technologies
Be patient and persistent—engineering requires problem-solving skills and resilience
7. Personal Interactions in Engineering
Engineers often work in teams and collaborate with different departments
Some roles require client meetings and presentations
Others involve more independent work with minimal interactions
8. Work Environment
Office settings, labs, or manufacturing sites, depending on specialization
Some roles involve fieldwork or travel
Fast-paced and deadline-driven environment
Can be physically demanding in industries like construction and manufacturing
9. Benefits of an Engineering Career
Good salary and job stability
Opportunities for career advancement
Chance to work on innovative projects
Ability to contribute to societal development
Global job opportunities
10. Education Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in engineering (specific field of interest)
Some specializations may require a master’s or professional certification
Licensing (e.g., Professional Engineer (PE) certification) may be required in some industries
Engineers handle a variety of tasks daily, depending on their specialization. Common responsibilities include:
Designing, testing, and improving products or systems
Solving technical problems
Conducting research and analyzing data
Collaborating with teams and clients
Writing reports and documentation
Ensuring safety and compliance with regulations
2. What Engineers Enjoy Most
Many engineers enjoy:
Solving complex problems
Seeing their designs come to life
Innovation and creativity
Making an impact on society
Continuous learning and professional growth
3. Most Challenging Aspects
Complex problem-solving under tight deadlines
Keeping up with new technologies and industry changes
Managing budgets and resources
Balancing teamwork and independent work
Dealing with unexpected technical failures
4. Skills and Personality Traits Required
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Creativity and innovation
Attention to detail
Communication and teamwork abilities
Adaptability and resilience
Mathematical and technical proficiency
5. Misconceptions About Engineering
Engineering is just about math and science (it also involves creativity and teamwork)
Engineers work alone (most projects require collaboration)
It’s only for men (engineering is for everyone)
You must be a genius in math (understanding concepts is more important than being a math expert)
6. Advice for Someone Considering Engineering
Choose a specialization that aligns with your interests
Gain hands-on experience through internships and projects
Work on developing soft skills like communication and teamwork
Stay updated with new technologies
Be patient and persistent—engineering requires problem-solving skills and resilience
7. Personal Interactions in Engineering
Engineers often work in teams and collaborate with different departments
Some roles require client meetings and presentations
Others involve more independent work with minimal interactions
8. Work Environment
Office settings, labs, or manufacturing sites, depending on specialization
Some roles involve fieldwork or travel
Fast-paced and deadline-driven environment
Can be physically demanding in industries like construction and manufacturing
9. Benefits of an Engineering Career
Good salary and job stability
Opportunities for career advancement
Chance to work on innovative projects
Ability to contribute to societal development
Global job opportunities
10. Education Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in engineering (specific field of interest)
Some specializations may require a master’s or professional certification
Licensing (e.g., Professional Engineer (PE) certification) may be required in some industries
Thank you!
Nicole
Updated
Cody’s Answer
1. I help design and improve processes
2. What I do helps others and I get exposed to every aspect of the business.
3. When people are opposed to change.
4. You have to be able to let the data tell you where to go with improvement or design.
5. That process improvement will fix everything. Some problems are rooted in the culture of the company which has to be changed at the top.
6. There are tons of types of engineering. Study the different types and figure out what interests you the most!
7. About half my time is in meetings but I’m also the leader of my department.
8. Very relationships based. Building friendships and knowing who to count on.
9. I get to solve new problems and challenge myself intellectually
10. Usually a Bachelor’s degree in engineering. I worked my way into a quality engineer role first and then went on for a masters in engineering.
2. What I do helps others and I get exposed to every aspect of the business.
3. When people are opposed to change.
4. You have to be able to let the data tell you where to go with improvement or design.
5. That process improvement will fix everything. Some problems are rooted in the culture of the company which has to be changed at the top.
6. There are tons of types of engineering. Study the different types and figure out what interests you the most!
7. About half my time is in meetings but I’m also the leader of my department.
8. Very relationships based. Building friendships and knowing who to count on.
9. I get to solve new problems and challenge myself intellectually
10. Usually a Bachelor’s degree in engineering. I worked my way into a quality engineer role first and then went on for a masters in engineering.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Nicole
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
1. What types of tasks are you responsible for on a day-to-day basis?
As a software engineer, my day typically involves writing code, testing, and refining software to ensure everything runs smoothly. I spend a lot of time developing new features, fixing bugs, and integrating different systems. Working in collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as designers, product managers, and other engineers—ensures that all aspects of the project align. I also participate in code reviews to maintain high quality across the project and address any issues that come up post-deployment.
2. What do you enjoy most about your career?
The most exciting part of being a software engineer is solving complex problems. I get to apply my creativity and analytical skills to develop innovative solutions to technical challenges. What I also love is how dynamic the tech industry is—there’s always something new to learn, whether it’s a new programming language, framework, or hardware integration, especially from my background in electrical and computer engineering. The constant evolution of the field keeps me engaged and motivated.
3. What is most challenging about your career?
One of the biggest challenges in software engineering is debugging, especially when issues only surface later in the development process or in real-world usage. These bugs can be hard to track down, requiring both patience and a thorough understanding of the system. Additionally, balancing the need for efficient, high-quality code while meeting deadlines is always a challenge. In electrical and computer engineering, this challenge extends to integrating hardware with software, which requires a broader perspective and attention to detail.
4. What are some skills and personality traits necessary to perform your job?
Strong problem-solving skills and an analytical mindset are absolutely essential for a software engineer. You need to be detail-oriented, as even the smallest coding errors can have major consequences. From an ECE perspective, understanding both hardware and software interactions can be a huge advantage. In terms of personality, curiosity and a love of learning are key since technology, especially in the realms of electrical and computer engineering, is constantly evolving. Clear communication is also important, especially when explaining technical details to non-engineering team members.
5. What are some misconceptions about your career?
A common misconception is that software engineering is a solitary activity, all about coding in isolation. In reality, much of the job involves teamwork and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, and other engineers. Another misconception is that coding is the only aspect of the job. In fact, a significant amount of time is spent on troubleshooting, testing, and ensuring the software works efficiently, especially when dealing with complex systems that involve both software and hardware integration.
6. What advice do you have for me about this career?
Focus on mastering the basics of programming and get as much hands-on experience as possible. Start by building small projects, and don’t be afraid to experiment, fail, and learn from it—that's how growth happens. Given your interest in Electrical and Computer Engineering, understanding both hardware and software will make you highly versatile. In today’s world, continuous learning is crucial, so always keep up with new tools, programming languages, and hardware innovations.
7. How much personal interaction do you have on a day-to-day basis in this career?
Interaction varies depending on the project, but it’s common to have a fair amount of collaboration. While a lot of work is independent, engineers frequently communicate with each other, as well as project managers, designers, and product teams to ensure everyone is aligned. In electrical and computer engineering, communication is especially important when working on integrated systems that require coordination between hardware and software components. Meetings, brainstorming sessions, and messaging platforms are typical communication tools.
8. What is the work environment like in this career?
The work environment is usually flexible and collaborative. Many software engineers, particularly in tech, have the option to work remotely, though some prefer in-person collaboration for hands-on projects, particularly in electrical and computer engineering. Offices often have open workspaces, quiet areas for focused work, and a relaxed atmosphere that fosters creativity and teamwork. Many companies also offer flexible working hours to accommodate different productivity styles.
9. What are the benefits of this career?
Software engineering offers strong job security, high earning potential, and a lot of flexibility in terms of location and hours. With the rapid growth of the tech industry, skilled engineers—especially those with expertise in both software and hardware, like in electrical and computer engineering—are in high demand. Beyond the financial benefits, the work is highly rewarding as the software you build can have a meaningful impact on many lives. The career also offers numerous opportunities for growth, whether you’re looking to advance into leadership or specialize in emerging technologies.
10. What type of education do you need to enter this career?
Most software engineers have a degree in computer science, software engineering, or electrical and computer engineering. This degree provides a strong foundation in both hardware and software, which is especially beneficial if you're interested in working on integrated systems. However, there are also alternative routes, such as coding boot camps or self-taught paths, which can be just as effective if you're committed to learning and gaining hands-on experience. Internships and personal projects are critical for building real-world skills. Since technology evolves quickly, ongoing education is essential to stay current in this field.
I hope you will find this information helpful. Good luck!
As a software engineer, my day typically involves writing code, testing, and refining software to ensure everything runs smoothly. I spend a lot of time developing new features, fixing bugs, and integrating different systems. Working in collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as designers, product managers, and other engineers—ensures that all aspects of the project align. I also participate in code reviews to maintain high quality across the project and address any issues that come up post-deployment.
2. What do you enjoy most about your career?
The most exciting part of being a software engineer is solving complex problems. I get to apply my creativity and analytical skills to develop innovative solutions to technical challenges. What I also love is how dynamic the tech industry is—there’s always something new to learn, whether it’s a new programming language, framework, or hardware integration, especially from my background in electrical and computer engineering. The constant evolution of the field keeps me engaged and motivated.
3. What is most challenging about your career?
One of the biggest challenges in software engineering is debugging, especially when issues only surface later in the development process or in real-world usage. These bugs can be hard to track down, requiring both patience and a thorough understanding of the system. Additionally, balancing the need for efficient, high-quality code while meeting deadlines is always a challenge. In electrical and computer engineering, this challenge extends to integrating hardware with software, which requires a broader perspective and attention to detail.
4. What are some skills and personality traits necessary to perform your job?
Strong problem-solving skills and an analytical mindset are absolutely essential for a software engineer. You need to be detail-oriented, as even the smallest coding errors can have major consequences. From an ECE perspective, understanding both hardware and software interactions can be a huge advantage. In terms of personality, curiosity and a love of learning are key since technology, especially in the realms of electrical and computer engineering, is constantly evolving. Clear communication is also important, especially when explaining technical details to non-engineering team members.
5. What are some misconceptions about your career?
A common misconception is that software engineering is a solitary activity, all about coding in isolation. In reality, much of the job involves teamwork and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, and other engineers. Another misconception is that coding is the only aspect of the job. In fact, a significant amount of time is spent on troubleshooting, testing, and ensuring the software works efficiently, especially when dealing with complex systems that involve both software and hardware integration.
6. What advice do you have for me about this career?
Focus on mastering the basics of programming and get as much hands-on experience as possible. Start by building small projects, and don’t be afraid to experiment, fail, and learn from it—that's how growth happens. Given your interest in Electrical and Computer Engineering, understanding both hardware and software will make you highly versatile. In today’s world, continuous learning is crucial, so always keep up with new tools, programming languages, and hardware innovations.
7. How much personal interaction do you have on a day-to-day basis in this career?
Interaction varies depending on the project, but it’s common to have a fair amount of collaboration. While a lot of work is independent, engineers frequently communicate with each other, as well as project managers, designers, and product teams to ensure everyone is aligned. In electrical and computer engineering, communication is especially important when working on integrated systems that require coordination between hardware and software components. Meetings, brainstorming sessions, and messaging platforms are typical communication tools.
8. What is the work environment like in this career?
The work environment is usually flexible and collaborative. Many software engineers, particularly in tech, have the option to work remotely, though some prefer in-person collaboration for hands-on projects, particularly in electrical and computer engineering. Offices often have open workspaces, quiet areas for focused work, and a relaxed atmosphere that fosters creativity and teamwork. Many companies also offer flexible working hours to accommodate different productivity styles.
9. What are the benefits of this career?
Software engineering offers strong job security, high earning potential, and a lot of flexibility in terms of location and hours. With the rapid growth of the tech industry, skilled engineers—especially those with expertise in both software and hardware, like in electrical and computer engineering—are in high demand. Beyond the financial benefits, the work is highly rewarding as the software you build can have a meaningful impact on many lives. The career also offers numerous opportunities for growth, whether you’re looking to advance into leadership or specialize in emerging technologies.
10. What type of education do you need to enter this career?
Most software engineers have a degree in computer science, software engineering, or electrical and computer engineering. This degree provides a strong foundation in both hardware and software, which is especially beneficial if you're interested in working on integrated systems. However, there are also alternative routes, such as coding boot camps or self-taught paths, which can be just as effective if you're committed to learning and gaining hands-on experience. Internships and personal projects are critical for building real-world skills. Since technology evolves quickly, ongoing education is essential to stay current in this field.
I hope you will find this information helpful. Good luck!
Thank you for your help!
Nicole
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
1. 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.
2. What do you enjoy most about your career?
Getting projects completed and seeing the infrastructure grow as communication speeds increase.
3. What is most challenging about your career?
Keeping up with the challenges as technology changes and innovates. Engineering is constantly changing as new technology becomes available.
4. 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."
5. 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.
6. What advice do you have for me about this career?
Telecommunication engineering is a fulfilling position but certainly takes an active interest in the field.
7. How much personal interactions do you have on a day-to-day basis with this career?
On a daily basis I talk to field engineers, splicers, contractors, design engineers, and project managers. I also talk to material distributors and shipping companies for delivery dates.
8. What is the work environment like in this career?
My position is office based so most of my communications are via email, TEAMS meetings, and phone calls. I seldom have to make personal site visits in my position.
9. What are the benefits of this career?
Fortunately or unfortunately my benefits are corporate based so bonuses are dependent on the overall health of the company.
10. What type of education do you need to enter this career?
In my case, I entered via an electrical engineering degree but I'd already hired in doing basic telecommunications shortly after high school. The degree was to give myself better opportunities to be promoted within the company.
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.
2. What do you enjoy most about your career?
Getting projects completed and seeing the infrastructure grow as communication speeds increase.
3. What is most challenging about your career?
Keeping up with the challenges as technology changes and innovates. Engineering is constantly changing as new technology becomes available.
4. 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."
5. 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.
6. What advice do you have for me about this career?
Telecommunication engineering is a fulfilling position but certainly takes an active interest in the field.
7. How much personal interactions do you have on a day-to-day basis with this career?
On a daily basis I talk to field engineers, splicers, contractors, design engineers, and project managers. I also talk to material distributors and shipping companies for delivery dates.
8. What is the work environment like in this career?
My position is office based so most of my communications are via email, TEAMS meetings, and phone calls. I seldom have to make personal site visits in my position.
9. What are the benefits of this career?
Fortunately or unfortunately my benefits are corporate based so bonuses are dependent on the overall health of the company.
10. What type of education do you need to enter this career?
In my case, I entered via an electrical engineering degree but I'd already hired in doing basic telecommunications shortly after high school. The degree was to give myself better opportunities to be promoted within the company.
thank you!
Nicole