I know that math is a big part of engineering, but how big?
Am thinking about becoming an engineer, but I'm afraid of all of the math. #engineer
3 answers
Daphne’s Answer
Math is a big part of engineering but it is also a big part of a number of other careers, including mine which has nothing to do with engineering. Math sounds scary but it isn't. A good math teacher is invaluable. Ask around and find one. A good math teacher makes math fun and before you know it, you know a lot of math. You need a strong foundation and then it is building blocks. Dive in, it sounds worse than it is.
Thank you, Daphne!
Becca
Lee’s Answer
Once you get past the theoretical math courses, the math involved in your coursework will be applied to problems making it much more interesting. Engineering coursework is about problem solving rather than math ability. Remember, your classmates want to go into engineering just like you; if your classmates really loved theoretical math that much, they would major in it instead.
Thank you, Lee!!!
Becca
Nicole’s Answer
One of the reasons that I LOVE this question...is your honesty. Whether the field is engineering or any other job, it is critically important for individuals to be honest with themselves (over and over) about their capabilities. And here is the even better news...having a fear of something (math or anything else) doesn't mean that fear can't be addressed. In other words, there are many things that you can do to overcome your fear of math. If your desire to become a successful engineer with a resume that includes lots of accomplishments (which can lead to personal and financial rewards)...if that desire is stronger than your fear of math, you will overcome your fear of math.
On the how for overcoming this fear...practice and application. When you seek help, you will find help. The common thread in these efforts is the individual...seeking out help, using good guidance that is provided, applying that guidance and those learnings as often as possible...and asking for more until your level of confidence is at a good place. This takes time but because, as mentioned in previous answers, math is used in so many spaces, you will learn those math elements that will help you in whatever career you decide to pursue.
Best of luck to you!