9 answers
Jenisha
Student
United States
1
Question
Asked
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Is memorization important in engineering?
I'd consider math my best subject, but if it's been a while since I've done a specific type of problem, I usually have to reteach myself. Is this normal? I'm currently a senior in high school taking Pre-Calc, and I get 100% on all my assignments and tests. However, if I were given a problem from the beginning of the school year, I'd probably struggle with it. Would this negatively impact my exam grades in college or affect how well I perform as an electrical engineer?
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9 answers
Sreedhar Chanda
Mechanical Engineer
38
Answers
Kentwood, Michigan
Updated
Sreedhar’s Answer
Hi Jenisha,
Simple answer is: No, it does not. High school and college education is about getting good grades, and you are doing that well. In a job, you will use a narrow slice of that knowledge over and over. So, you will not be needing to remember things for long duration.
You will do just fine as long as you are interested in the job.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
Simple answer is: No, it does not. High school and college education is about getting good grades, and you are doing that well. In a job, you will use a narrow slice of that knowledge over and over. So, you will not be needing to remember things for long duration.
You will do just fine as long as you are interested in the job.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
Adriano Ribeiro
Eletronic CAD Designer
2
Answers
Santa Rita do Sapucaí, MG
Updated
Adriano’s Answer
Hi Jenisha, Memorizing is not the most important thing in the world of electronics. Sure, it helps, but it is not the main thing. The most important thing is knowing where to find the information when you need it. We live in a world where electronics are growing every day. New things are being created all the time, and this evolution will continue. I recommend that you always have a "notepad", whether paper or digital, to write down the most important things. This will help you remember the essentials, and you can look up the rest when you need it. I hope I have helped. I wish you much luck and success!
Minghao CHEN
33
Answers
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Updated
Minghao’s Answer
Totally normal—and honestly, you're not alone. In engineering (and in math in general), it's way more about understanding the concepts than pure memorization. Most engineers don’t remember every formula off the top of their head—they remember how to think through a problem and where to find what they need. So the fact that you might need to reteach yourself something after a while? That’s not a weakness—it’s actually part of how real-world problem solving works.
In college, you’ll definitely build on earlier material, but professors know you’re not a walking textbook. What matters is being able to relearn and apply things when needed. And as an electrical engineer, the ability to think critically, break down problems, and adapt is way more valuable than memorizing every detail. Sounds like you already have strong math skills and work ethic—so you’re on the right track.
In college, you’ll definitely build on earlier material, but professors know you’re not a walking textbook. What matters is being able to relearn and apply things when needed. And as an electrical engineer, the ability to think critically, break down problems, and adapt is way more valuable than memorizing every detail. Sounds like you already have strong math skills and work ethic—so you’re on the right track.
Adam Riley
SP Engineer
2
Answers
Muncie, Indiana
Updated
Adam’s Answer
What matters most is that you understand the idea and can solve the problem. At work, you can use books, the internet, or ask others to help you find the answer. It's not about remembering everything, but taking good notes is important so you can look things up again if you need to.
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
201
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
The answer to your question is, paradoxically, a yes and a no.
No, you should not have to commit to memory mathematical formulations, especially complicated ones in your career as a student and a professional engineer.
On the other hand, since we have been practicing on a lot of basics in mathematics, they are not memorized but are internalized as if it were second nature.
The scenario you described: “I'm currently a senior in high school taking Pre-Calc, and I get 100% on all my assignments and tests. However, if I were given a problem from the beginning of the school year, I'd probably struggle with it.” is a manifestation of a lack of proficiency in what you have learned earlier. You have attained the competency part of learning, but not yet the proficiency part of it. More practice will help you to reach the proficiency level, and, hence, the internalization of the skill as second nature.
Mathematics is the language of science and technology. It is a language. Practice is the key to turn it into your second nature.
No, you should not have to commit to memory mathematical formulations, especially complicated ones in your career as a student and a professional engineer.
On the other hand, since we have been practicing on a lot of basics in mathematics, they are not memorized but are internalized as if it were second nature.
The scenario you described: “I'm currently a senior in high school taking Pre-Calc, and I get 100% on all my assignments and tests. However, if I were given a problem from the beginning of the school year, I'd probably struggle with it.” is a manifestation of a lack of proficiency in what you have learned earlier. You have attained the competency part of learning, but not yet the proficiency part of it. More practice will help you to reach the proficiency level, and, hence, the internalization of the skill as second nature.
Mathematics is the language of science and technology. It is a language. Practice is the key to turn it into your second nature.
Lawrence Apfel
Aircraft Mechanic
6
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Lawrence’s Answer
Jenisha,
Memorizing is not important in engineering. Typically testing is "open book" because there are many tables you need to reference for data. What the engineering courses are trying to teach you is the methodology of solving problems, where to begin and how to proceed.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck,
Larry A.
Memorizing is not important in engineering. Typically testing is "open book" because there are many tables you need to reference for data. What the engineering courses are trying to teach you is the methodology of solving problems, where to begin and how to proceed.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck,
Larry A.
John Easton CEng FIET FBCS CITP
Design large computer systems for companies
44
Answers
Winchester, England, United Kingdom
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Jenisha!
And in one stroke you have pointed out so much of what it wrong with education and how it's different from the real world of work!
While having some knowledge or experience is certainly helpful, there is no way that you are going to be able to memorise everything so I wouldn't suggest you try to. Everyone I know uses this vast resource called the Internet to look stuff up all the time! You're a programmer looking to write some software? See if someone has done something like that before. Take and modify their code. You want to know how to do something - surely you will find instructions on how to do it. Need to look up some arcane fact? Chances are, a quick search is all you need. That's just how it is and I don't think badly of anyone who does this. What you do need (especially in the world of AI) is to have a view of whether the search results or the AI response is actually the right answer or not - and some of that comes with experience.
My suggestion? Learn how to be good at searching for information quickly and finding the right information quicker. That is more valuable than memorising a bunch of stuff that you may never ever need once you leave school!
And in one stroke you have pointed out so much of what it wrong with education and how it's different from the real world of work!
While having some knowledge or experience is certainly helpful, there is no way that you are going to be able to memorise everything so I wouldn't suggest you try to. Everyone I know uses this vast resource called the Internet to look stuff up all the time! You're a programmer looking to write some software? See if someone has done something like that before. Take and modify their code. You want to know how to do something - surely you will find instructions on how to do it. Need to look up some arcane fact? Chances are, a quick search is all you need. That's just how it is and I don't think badly of anyone who does this. What you do need (especially in the world of AI) is to have a view of whether the search results or the AI response is actually the right answer or not - and some of that comes with experience.
My suggestion? Learn how to be good at searching for information quickly and finding the right information quicker. That is more valuable than memorising a bunch of stuff that you may never ever need once you leave school!
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
55
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Jenisha,
You raise a very important point. Sometimes there is a tendency for us to memorize info.
Understanding basic concepts & principles is more important. Frequent use of mathematical expressions trends to improve our memory. Eventually, we have them at our fingertips.
Ideally, we should learn to work from first principles. It takes a little more time but it is helpful in improving our ability to recall information.
Best practice should allow us to make reference to relevant information in the line of our study and/or work. Our ability to make good use of knowledge is more important than our ability to memorize it. This is what skill is all about.
You raise a very important point. Sometimes there is a tendency for us to memorize info.
Understanding basic concepts & principles is more important. Frequent use of mathematical expressions trends to improve our memory. Eventually, we have them at our fingertips.
Ideally, we should learn to work from first principles. It takes a little more time but it is helpful in improving our ability to recall information.
Best practice should allow us to make reference to relevant information in the line of our study and/or work. Our ability to make good use of knowledge is more important than our ability to memorize it. This is what skill is all about.
Robert Epstein
General Manager
92
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Jenisha,
Like you, as an engineer I had to sometimes refresh my memory about school problems I’ve done before. It’s a blessing to have a great memory, but you can be very successful in college and your career(s) if you can get the job done well. As Larry said, acquiring problem-solving methodology will carry you far as an EE. I didn’t graduate at the top of my college class (wish I did have a better memory). But I worked hard and loved what I did. A Yale graduate buddy of mine with an outstanding memory never got beyond a low level position in the company. Getting all As can get you in the door for a good college or job, but your performance is what matters in the long run.
Smooth sailing!
Like you, as an engineer I had to sometimes refresh my memory about school problems I’ve done before. It’s a blessing to have a great memory, but you can be very successful in college and your career(s) if you can get the job done well. As Larry said, acquiring problem-solving methodology will carry you far as an EE. I didn’t graduate at the top of my college class (wish I did have a better memory). But I worked hard and loved what I did. A Yale graduate buddy of mine with an outstanding memory never got beyond a low level position in the company. Getting all As can get you in the door for a good college or job, but your performance is what matters in the long run.
Smooth sailing!