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I want to become an electrical engineer, I have been good with math m entire life but I struggle a little with pre-calculus, does this mean I should pick a different major in college?
I am an African female. I am 17 years old. I am in 12th grade. I am a christian. I want to become an electrical engineer. #electrical-engineering #college #math
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8 answers
Updated
Akilah’s Answer
Hi!
I hold a degree in Mathematics with a concentration in electrical engineering. In college I struggled a little with a few of my major math courses, but I couldn’t allow those struggles to detour me from something I had a huge interest in and a desire to pursue. Instead, I reached out to my fellow students and formed study groups and did extra research and studying. I also communicated with and worked closely with my professors to help improve my knowledge. One of the greatest pieces of advice I can give you is, don’t let anything detour you, if you truly have a passion to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or anything in STEM. Struggling with some courses is natural, but there are ways to help you improve in those areas if you really want it. During this time, you can also find lots of information and step by step help online. I also suggest:
- Download apps and games to help enhance your knowledge and enthusiasm.
- Visit as many places (museums or attractions) that showcase STEM exploration and discovery, if possible.
- Joining clubs/groups that supported your interests.
I hold a degree in Mathematics with a concentration in electrical engineering. In college I struggled a little with a few of my major math courses, but I couldn’t allow those struggles to detour me from something I had a huge interest in and a desire to pursue. Instead, I reached out to my fellow students and formed study groups and did extra research and studying. I also communicated with and worked closely with my professors to help improve my knowledge. One of the greatest pieces of advice I can give you is, don’t let anything detour you, if you truly have a passion to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or anything in STEM. Struggling with some courses is natural, but there are ways to help you improve in those areas if you really want it. During this time, you can also find lots of information and step by step help online. I also suggest:
- Download apps and games to help enhance your knowledge and enthusiasm.
- Visit as many places (museums or attractions) that showcase STEM exploration and discovery, if possible.
- Joining clubs/groups that supported your interests.
Thank you so much
mercy
Updated
Ashutosh’s Answer
Hi Mercy,
Let me talk about Maths first ... It has multiple branches Algebra, Trigno , Calculus , Quadrants etc. and its rare that someone knows each branch completely. Coming to Calculus ... so its one of the important part of Maths . I am an Electronics graduate and i have seen the uses of this subject a lot. Coming to electrical part ... yes you should have a better understanding of calculus since some laws will be calculated with calculus background. Even if you will choose any branch some or more part of calculus will be present. I will suggest you to focus on calculus for sometime you will get thick understanding which will be enough for your engineering tour.
Long story short... If you are more enthusiasm towards Electrical then go for it. Some or more you need to know calculus so focus on this as well.
Let me talk about Maths first ... It has multiple branches Algebra, Trigno , Calculus , Quadrants etc. and its rare that someone knows each branch completely. Coming to Calculus ... so its one of the important part of Maths . I am an Electronics graduate and i have seen the uses of this subject a lot. Coming to electrical part ... yes you should have a better understanding of calculus since some laws will be calculated with calculus background. Even if you will choose any branch some or more part of calculus will be present. I will suggest you to focus on calculus for sometime you will get thick understanding which will be enough for your engineering tour.
Long story short... If you are more enthusiasm towards Electrical then go for it. Some or more you need to know calculus so focus on this as well.
Thank you so much
mercy
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Hi Mercy,
It has been years since I took my first precalculus class, but I still remember having the same feeling. Math always came very easy to me until pre-calculus came along. For me it was due to all the new concepts that were not as intuitive as the math I had studied up until that point. My experience was that it took a little extra work, but through practice those new concepts became intuitive as well. I would encourage you to stay positive and I am sure your confidence will grow!
I ultimately pursued a career in accounting and finance. Your math skills will come in handy no matter what career you go into. Keep in mind that you have plenty of time to decide what is best for you!
Best wishes and stay strong!
Jon
It has been years since I took my first precalculus class, but I still remember having the same feeling. Math always came very easy to me until pre-calculus came along. For me it was due to all the new concepts that were not as intuitive as the math I had studied up until that point. My experience was that it took a little extra work, but through practice those new concepts became intuitive as well. I would encourage you to stay positive and I am sure your confidence will grow!
I ultimately pursued a career in accounting and finance. Your math skills will come in handy no matter what career you go into. Keep in mind that you have plenty of time to decide what is best for you!
Best wishes and stay strong!
Jon
Thank you so much
mercy
Updated
Preston’s Answer
Struggling with calculus is normal, its a different way to think about math than you've learned previously. Keep at it! If you're only struggling a little, then you do have an aptitude for it, and I hope that you follow this dream.
Thank you so much
mercy
Updated
Colin’s Answer
Hello Mercy
Electrical Engineering is maths based however I wouldn’t let that put you off.
At least you know where your weakness is and now is the time to improve that.
You may also decide later on the maybe electrical engineering is not for you but if you don’t try you will never know.
Good Luck
Electrical Engineering is maths based however I wouldn’t let that put you off.
At least you know where your weakness is and now is the time to improve that.
You may also decide later on the maybe electrical engineering is not for you but if you don’t try you will never know.
Good Luck
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi Mercy A. I read your question and immediately flashed back to my 12th grade. Like you, I was pretty strong in math for most of my middle school and high school years.....and I am not afraid to share that I was absolutely horrible in pre-calculus...for the first few weeks :).
I will share that by the time I got to my senior year in high school, I knew I wanted to get a degree in engineering...and I did. I attended and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Systems Engineering.
I don't give these details to brag. I give these details to demonstrate what is possible. I had to really apply myself to finally excel in my Pre-Calculus studies. This included extra practice, extra time with my teachers and a general will to want to do well. As you have been well advised by others that have answered your question, math is a huge part of any engineering curriculum. During my studies I ended up having to take 4 semesters of calculus, so the effort I put into excelling in Pre-Calculus was a great start to what became a lot more calculus in my college journey.
Overall, I encourage you to pursue those goals for which you have a passion. And please, please don't be deterred by a bit of struggle in Pre-Calculus. You either have the tools, have access to the tools or can get the tools that will help you overcome this bit of struggle...and do well.
I wish you the very best of luck!
I will share that by the time I got to my senior year in high school, I knew I wanted to get a degree in engineering...and I did. I attended and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Systems Engineering.
I don't give these details to brag. I give these details to demonstrate what is possible. I had to really apply myself to finally excel in my Pre-Calculus studies. This included extra practice, extra time with my teachers and a general will to want to do well. As you have been well advised by others that have answered your question, math is a huge part of any engineering curriculum. During my studies I ended up having to take 4 semesters of calculus, so the effort I put into excelling in Pre-Calculus was a great start to what became a lot more calculus in my college journey.
Overall, I encourage you to pursue those goals for which you have a passion. And please, please don't be deterred by a bit of struggle in Pre-Calculus. You either have the tools, have access to the tools or can get the tools that will help you overcome this bit of struggle...and do well.
I wish you the very best of luck!
Thank you I really appreciate the advice.
mercy
Updated
Kayla’s Answer
Hi Mercy,
There's nothing wrong with struggling in a few classes. It's all about your motivation and interests. I come from a math background and there were math classes I struggled with too. Continue studying, practicing pre-calculus questions, and even watching Youtube videos about the subject well help out.
As far as college goes you might have a plan for what you want to major in, but it's ok if you want to switch majors also. Just remember the first 2 years of college are mostly your basics so you'll have plenty of time to see your interests. You can also join clubs related to engineering or anything you're interested in.
Lastly, if you do plan on an Electrical Engineering degree it is a heavy math based degree and calculus is a good foundation to understand for the upper level courses. Then if you are in the Dallas area I would recommend looking into the University of Texas at Dallas. It is a great school with lots of student resources for all subjects you need help in. There's also a great engineering program.
Good Luck!
There's nothing wrong with struggling in a few classes. It's all about your motivation and interests. I come from a math background and there were math classes I struggled with too. Continue studying, practicing pre-calculus questions, and even watching Youtube videos about the subject well help out.
As far as college goes you might have a plan for what you want to major in, but it's ok if you want to switch majors also. Just remember the first 2 years of college are mostly your basics so you'll have plenty of time to see your interests. You can also join clubs related to engineering or anything you're interested in.
Lastly, if you do plan on an Electrical Engineering degree it is a heavy math based degree and calculus is a good foundation to understand for the upper level courses. Then if you are in the Dallas area I would recommend looking into the University of Texas at Dallas. It is a great school with lots of student resources for all subjects you need help in. There's also a great engineering program.
Good Luck!
Thank you so much
mercy
Updated
Hui’s Answer
Hi, I am Wei and that is me. I am a recent graduate with a degree in Industrial Engineering.
The question you pose here is a tough question to answer because it is based on your preference. The only person who would better answer that would be yourself. For example, should you get a PB&J sandwich or spaghetti for lunch? It depends.
Anyhow, to answer your question is no, it doesn't mean you should pick a different major in college. Here's why I think this way. I have many colleagues who started college never even taken pre-calculus or calculus. This may be due to the education curriculum, but regardless they continued on the 4 years program, finished on time, and even gotten themselves a decent engineering job. But notice here, they did have to put in extra efforts and time to make up for the difference in understanding the subject as it is fundamental to your Electrical Engineering career.
I hope you evaluate your options here by thinking not about what you want to do, but who do you want to become. Also, start asking yourself what are you good at doing, what are you passionate about, and why are you doing this. These questions are difficult to answer as many people even in their 30s don't have the introspective views-self-awareness- and the sooner you start answering this the better it is for you. What makes us happy is doing the things that make us curious and challenges us, so what do you want to try. Note if later along the line you do decide to drop this major, you can in respect use the career services at the college to help you explore your other interests.
A better way to understand Electrical Engineering (EE) besides doing the research is by doing job shadow as you will be able to experience their day to day life with them. This may be difficult, but I am sure it'll help you get a better understanding of this field.
Best Regards,
-Wei
The question you pose here is a tough question to answer because it is based on your preference. The only person who would better answer that would be yourself. For example, should you get a PB&J sandwich or spaghetti for lunch? It depends.
Anyhow, to answer your question is no, it doesn't mean you should pick a different major in college. Here's why I think this way. I have many colleagues who started college never even taken pre-calculus or calculus. This may be due to the education curriculum, but regardless they continued on the 4 years program, finished on time, and even gotten themselves a decent engineering job. But notice here, they did have to put in extra efforts and time to make up for the difference in understanding the subject as it is fundamental to your Electrical Engineering career.
I hope you evaluate your options here by thinking not about what you want to do, but who do you want to become. Also, start asking yourself what are you good at doing, what are you passionate about, and why are you doing this. These questions are difficult to answer as many people even in their 30s don't have the introspective views-self-awareness- and the sooner you start answering this the better it is for you. What makes us happy is doing the things that make us curious and challenges us, so what do you want to try. Note if later along the line you do decide to drop this major, you can in respect use the career services at the college to help you explore your other interests.
A better way to understand Electrical Engineering (EE) besides doing the research is by doing job shadow as you will be able to experience their day to day life with them. This may be difficult, but I am sure it'll help you get a better understanding of this field.
Best Regards,
-Wei
Thank you so much for this
mercy