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How can someone gain hands-on experience in the study of engineering if they are new to it?
I am interested in some branches of engineering, but I am afraid that I do not have the experience or knowledge to dive into these fields.
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5 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Aiwen!
First off, I love that you’re thinking ahead about gaining hands-on experience in engineering. That curiosity and drive to learn are exactly what will help you succeed, no matter where you start. And honestly, no one starts with experience—it’s all about jumping in and figuring things out as you go.
So, how do you get that hands-on experience? Here are a few solid ways to dive in:
1. Tinker with DIY Projects
If you’re even a little curious about engineering, start building things! You don’t need fancy equipment—just get creative.
For mechanical engineering: Try taking apart an old gadget (like a broken remote or toaster) and putting it back together.
For electrical engineering: Get a simple electronics kit (like Arduino or Raspberry Pi) and mess around with circuits.
For software engineering: Start coding small projects, like a basic app or website.
2. Join Clubs & Competitions
Hands-on experience doesn’t always have to be solo! Look for:
Robotics clubs – Even if you’ve never built a robot before, these clubs teach you step by step.
Hackathons & design challenges – Many universities and organizations host competitions where beginners are welcome.
3. Find Internships, Co-ops, or Job Shadowing
Even if you’re just starting out, some companies are open to having interns or trainees. If internships seem hard to get, try job shadowing—basically, just following an engineer around for a day or two to see what they do.
4. Volunteer for Engineering Projects
Some local organizations or non-profits need volunteers for community engineering projects, like setting up solar panels, building water filtration systems, or fixing equipment. Hands-on work and making an impact? Win-win.
5. Play with Online Simulations & Courses
If you can’t get physical access to labs right now, virtual labs are a great alternative! Platforms like Coursera, edX, and MIT OpenCourseWare have free courses with interactive engineering simulations.
6. Visit Maker Spaces & Engineering Labs
Many cities and universities have maker spaces—basically, playgrounds for engineers with 3D printers, soldering stations, and tools to build almost anything. Some are open to the public or have student memberships.
Aiwan, The best way to gain hands-on experience is to just start. Try things, break things (safely!), and learn from them. You don’t need to be an expert—just be open to experimenting. Trust me, even professional engineers are constantly learning new things!
We are for you as well don't hesitate to keep reaching out. Stay curious and believe in your self. You got this mate! 🤗
First off, I love that you’re thinking ahead about gaining hands-on experience in engineering. That curiosity and drive to learn are exactly what will help you succeed, no matter where you start. And honestly, no one starts with experience—it’s all about jumping in and figuring things out as you go.
So, how do you get that hands-on experience? Here are a few solid ways to dive in:
1. Tinker with DIY Projects
If you’re even a little curious about engineering, start building things! You don’t need fancy equipment—just get creative.
For mechanical engineering: Try taking apart an old gadget (like a broken remote or toaster) and putting it back together.
For electrical engineering: Get a simple electronics kit (like Arduino or Raspberry Pi) and mess around with circuits.
For software engineering: Start coding small projects, like a basic app or website.
2. Join Clubs & Competitions
Hands-on experience doesn’t always have to be solo! Look for:
Robotics clubs – Even if you’ve never built a robot before, these clubs teach you step by step.
Hackathons & design challenges – Many universities and organizations host competitions where beginners are welcome.
3. Find Internships, Co-ops, or Job Shadowing
Even if you’re just starting out, some companies are open to having interns or trainees. If internships seem hard to get, try job shadowing—basically, just following an engineer around for a day or two to see what they do.
4. Volunteer for Engineering Projects
Some local organizations or non-profits need volunteers for community engineering projects, like setting up solar panels, building water filtration systems, or fixing equipment. Hands-on work and making an impact? Win-win.
5. Play with Online Simulations & Courses
If you can’t get physical access to labs right now, virtual labs are a great alternative! Platforms like Coursera, edX, and MIT OpenCourseWare have free courses with interactive engineering simulations.
6. Visit Maker Spaces & Engineering Labs
Many cities and universities have maker spaces—basically, playgrounds for engineers with 3D printers, soldering stations, and tools to build almost anything. Some are open to the public or have student memberships.
Aiwan, The best way to gain hands-on experience is to just start. Try things, break things (safely!), and learn from them. You don’t need to be an expert—just be open to experimenting. Trust me, even professional engineers are constantly learning new things!
We are for you as well don't hesitate to keep reaching out. Stay curious and believe in your self. You got this mate! 🤗
Thank you, Dr for the advice.
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Aiwen,
You raise a very valid challenge that students generally go through. I'm pleased to have the chance to share experiences with you.
Experiential learning is one of the most enduring forms of acquiring knowledge & skills. We need to take every opportunity to try doing something. The fear of failure must never discourage us. Sometimes we get it right & some other times we don't. Progressively, we get it right most times. This is the very essence of experience. We get to know what works & what does not. Even the most qualified & experienced persons can occasionally make mistakes.
Learning is a cycle: we act. Then we reflect - what happened? We analyse the occurrence - why did it happen? We then make a decision- what next? We then act again. It's a spiral of continuous improvement.
Opportunities are many right from childhood. Puzzles, playing with software applications in your smart phone, attempting to fix your faulty bicycle. In a formal school environment, laboratory work affords you the opportunity to do experiments. This includes your university studies. Project work during your university studies is important, especially those that are submitted as partial fulfilment for your professional qualification.
Student training in industries during vacations is usually provided for by universities.
I have worked in organizations that recruite young talented graduate engineers as technical/engineering trainees. They're primarily paid to learn so they can get substantive placements within the organization. The program is designed to run for two years. Most trainees get placed within 18 months, some within a year. I have had the privilege of running such a program for over a decade. The training is hands - on based on a competence guide. Trainees do monthly presentations to top management on their progress.
Self - drive & discipline are crucial. Social competencies, problem solving, work management, change management, budgets, projects, learning & development, inventory management etc. are all included in the competence guide.
Self - learning outside the formal environment is highly recommend.
I hope you find this useful.
You raise a very valid challenge that students generally go through. I'm pleased to have the chance to share experiences with you.
Experiential learning is one of the most enduring forms of acquiring knowledge & skills. We need to take every opportunity to try doing something. The fear of failure must never discourage us. Sometimes we get it right & some other times we don't. Progressively, we get it right most times. This is the very essence of experience. We get to know what works & what does not. Even the most qualified & experienced persons can occasionally make mistakes.
Learning is a cycle: we act. Then we reflect - what happened? We analyse the occurrence - why did it happen? We then make a decision- what next? We then act again. It's a spiral of continuous improvement.
Opportunities are many right from childhood. Puzzles, playing with software applications in your smart phone, attempting to fix your faulty bicycle. In a formal school environment, laboratory work affords you the opportunity to do experiments. This includes your university studies. Project work during your university studies is important, especially those that are submitted as partial fulfilment for your professional qualification.
Student training in industries during vacations is usually provided for by universities.
I have worked in organizations that recruite young talented graduate engineers as technical/engineering trainees. They're primarily paid to learn so they can get substantive placements within the organization. The program is designed to run for two years. Most trainees get placed within 18 months, some within a year. I have had the privilege of running such a program for over a decade. The training is hands - on based on a competence guide. Trainees do monthly presentations to top management on their progress.
Self - drive & discipline are crucial. Social competencies, problem solving, work management, change management, budgets, projects, learning & development, inventory management etc. are all included in the competence guide.
Self - learning outside the formal environment is highly recommend.
I hope you find this useful.
Updated
Nuguse’s Answer
Gaining hands-on experience in engineering is key for beginners to build skills and understand theory. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Educational Opportunities:
Lab Courses:
Focus on lab courses and practical assignments in school. They offer structured, hands-on learning.
Workshops and Bootcamps:
Join workshops or bootcamps on specific engineering topics like robotics or coding for project-based learning.
Online Platforms:
Use platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy for courses with virtual labs and simulations to practice skills online.
2. Personal Projects and Hobbies:
DIY Projects:
Start simple DIY projects in your interest area, like building circuits or programming small apps.
Robotics:
Try robotics kits like Arduino or Raspberry Pi to build and program robots, learning electronics and mechanics.
3D Printing and Design:
Learn 3D modeling and use 3D printing to make prototypes of your designs.
Coding Projects:
If interested in software, work on coding projects like creating a website, app, or game.
3. Practical Experience:
Internships and Co-ops:
Find internships or co-op programs with engineering firms for real-world experience.
Volunteer Work:
Volunteer on engineering projects in your community, like infrastructure or environmental work.
Makerspaces and Hackerspaces:
Join makerspaces for access to tools, equipment, and mentorship.
Job Shadowing:
Shadow an engineer to see their work and learn about the profession.
Entry-Level Jobs:
Even non-engineering entry-level jobs, like an assistant in a machine shop, can provide useful experience.
4. Resources and Tools:
Online Tutorials and Documentation:
Use YouTube, online documentation, and forums to learn new skills and solve problems.
Open-Source Projects:
Contribute to open-source projects to collaborate with experienced engineers and gain experience.
Simulation Software:
Learn simulation software like CAD or circuit tools relevant to your field.
1. Educational Opportunities:
Lab Courses:
Focus on lab courses and practical assignments in school. They offer structured, hands-on learning.
Workshops and Bootcamps:
Join workshops or bootcamps on specific engineering topics like robotics or coding for project-based learning.
Online Platforms:
Use platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy for courses with virtual labs and simulations to practice skills online.
2. Personal Projects and Hobbies:
DIY Projects:
Start simple DIY projects in your interest area, like building circuits or programming small apps.
Robotics:
Try robotics kits like Arduino or Raspberry Pi to build and program robots, learning electronics and mechanics.
3D Printing and Design:
Learn 3D modeling and use 3D printing to make prototypes of your designs.
Coding Projects:
If interested in software, work on coding projects like creating a website, app, or game.
3. Practical Experience:
Internships and Co-ops:
Find internships or co-op programs with engineering firms for real-world experience.
Volunteer Work:
Volunteer on engineering projects in your community, like infrastructure or environmental work.
Makerspaces and Hackerspaces:
Join makerspaces for access to tools, equipment, and mentorship.
Job Shadowing:
Shadow an engineer to see their work and learn about the profession.
Entry-Level Jobs:
Even non-engineering entry-level jobs, like an assistant in a machine shop, can provide useful experience.
4. Resources and Tools:
Online Tutorials and Documentation:
Use YouTube, online documentation, and forums to learn new skills and solve problems.
Open-Source Projects:
Contribute to open-source projects to collaborate with experienced engineers and gain experience.
Simulation Software:
Learn simulation software like CAD or circuit tools relevant to your field.
Updated
Sreedhar’s Answer
Hi Aiwen,
There is no need to worry about lack of experience before getting into any field. Experience is something that you acquire over time. What you need is some time to narrow down the fields of engineering that you are interested in. If you are not able to narrow them down, then consider a major in general engineering in college. You can then switch to a more specific major half way through college and still make the already-completed courses count towards your new major degree.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
There is no need to worry about lack of experience before getting into any field. Experience is something that you acquire over time. What you need is some time to narrow down the fields of engineering that you are interested in. If you are not able to narrow them down, then consider a major in general engineering in college. You can then switch to a more specific major half way through college and still make the already-completed courses count towards your new major degree.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
Updated
Reza’s Answer
Hi Aiwen,
That's a great question! When I was exploring engineering, I contacted friends in the field, and one of them helped arrange a tour of a nearby polytechnic university. That experience gave me a clearer idea of which area of engineering interested me the most.
To gain hands-on experience, I started volunteering at companies and labs, which was incredibly valuable. I highly recommend looking for opportunities like the following:
Visiting local universities or technical colleges—Many offer tours, workshops, or summer programs where students can explore different engineering disciplines.
Joining clubs or competitions – Robotics clubs, coding challenges, and maker spaces are great ways to get practical experience.
Seeking internships or apprenticeships – Some companies and research labs welcome students to assist with projects, even in small ways.
Taking on DIY projects – Building something yourself, like a simple electronic circuit or a mechanical model, can teach you a lot about problem-solving.
Most importantly, stay curious and open to learning. Engineering is all about solving real-world problems, and every hands-on experience will bring you closer to finding your passion. Keep exploring, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals for guidance!
That's a great question! When I was exploring engineering, I contacted friends in the field, and one of them helped arrange a tour of a nearby polytechnic university. That experience gave me a clearer idea of which area of engineering interested me the most.
To gain hands-on experience, I started volunteering at companies and labs, which was incredibly valuable. I highly recommend looking for opportunities like the following:
Visiting local universities or technical colleges—Many offer tours, workshops, or summer programs where students can explore different engineering disciplines.
Joining clubs or competitions – Robotics clubs, coding challenges, and maker spaces are great ways to get practical experience.
Seeking internships or apprenticeships – Some companies and research labs welcome students to assist with projects, even in small ways.
Taking on DIY projects – Building something yourself, like a simple electronic circuit or a mechanical model, can teach you a lot about problem-solving.
Most importantly, stay curious and open to learning. Engineering is all about solving real-world problems, and every hands-on experience will bring you closer to finding your passion. Keep exploring, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals for guidance!