Allison
What is a good way to find out as to which engineering pathway I want to go into?
I am a high school student, and I tend to do well in math and science classes. I enjoy them as well, so I am considering going to college for an engineering degree, but there are so many types of engineering! What is a good way to get exposure to many of the different pathways so that I have a better idea of what type of engineering I would want to pursue? #engineering #mechanical-engineering #civil-engineering #computer-engineering #electrical-engineering #software-engineering #chemical-engineering #industrial-engineering
8 answers
Greg Parker
Greg’s Answer
Great resources noted from Ken. I would add to check with the university placement office and also arrange a trip to possibly coordinated with their engineering camps or engineering day (many universities have those for engineering). For me, I also participated in math and science camps through 4-H. This was very helpful and I learned that I had a great interest in electrical engineering (vs. mechanical, civil, or chemical).
David Stein
David’s Answer
Another way to get exposure is to ask for informational interview with folks in the field. If you do not have a network you can consider posting on social media or maybe neighbors via Nextdoor.com. There should be folks that are friends or relatives of folks in your circles. Adults love to share their experiences school kids but the problem for us adults is finding the opportunities to talk to kids that are interested. So ask around you'll be surprised at the response.
As you approach just ask if you could discuss their career for 30 minutes at some time. Keep request short and time limited as to not overwhelm someones schedule. If not local you can always do it via the phone or skype.
Good luck.
Haitham Khamissi
Haitham’s Answer
1 important factor for success that people usually discover late in their career, that you will only be successful when you do the things you like not what your cousin Elsa likes.
So be yourself and take a pick.
This is good advice, students should pursue their own passions NOT those of other people in their lives (parents, friends, etc). It sounds like Allison is very much interested in engineering but doesn't know which area to explore. Any suggestions?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Christine Lear, MBA
Christine’s Answer
You you are like me, that was my confusion in college until they forced me to chose a major.
I used the process of elimination method when chosing my engineering focus.
After taking college level Chemistry 101 & 102, I eliminated Chemical Engineering
My final selection = Mechanical Engineering (the broadest category of Engineering)
However; if you have an interest in Biology and Medical jump into Biomedical Engineering!
Wish back in the 1990's that would have been an option at University of Maryland. Just visited my alum and The Fischell Bioengineering Building is amazing!! Check it out on line :)
2 years ago, I met and had 2 meetings with Dr Robert Fischell himself!
Good luck,
Christine Lear
Christine recommends the following next steps:
Davina Collins
Davina’s Answer
Contact a local university and find out if they have an Open Day for Engineering, and attend. Also, subjects you like at High School are an indication of where you may have a passion or interest. If you're interested in chemistry, for example, that may indicate a passion for Chemical Engineering. Also, seeking our adults in the field of engineering is another good option already mentioned.
Davina recommends the following next steps:
Jayavignesh Arivalagan
Jayavignesh’s Answer
Michael Marshall
Michael’s Answer
Mechanical Engineering is the most versatile engineering field. As a Mechanical engineer myself, I regularly perform hydraulic fluid, heat transfer, airflow, power, electrical, and mechanical 'calculations'. I started in Electrical Engineering, and realized the focus was too narrow for my interests. If you have a particular 'passion' for any of the engineering fields, as other have commented - seek out a mentor and look for a job-shadow opportunity. It is not uncommon to switch engineering degrees in your freshman or sophomore year (I did). - just make sure you are taking your lib-ed credits accordingly.
Michael recommends the following next steps:
