2 answers
maysa
Student
Appleton, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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What should I expect when I enter college?
I want to be a engineer of some sort I have not decide what kind yet, I'm curious on what I should expect
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2 answers
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
335
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Good question, Maysa, and you have already gotten some good advice. I would like to build upon what has already been said.
Engineering is a science so, as Elizabeth said, expect a lot of applied math (versus theory). Also expect an emphasis on process, measurement, and attention to detail. Done well, engineering solves problems (for example, how to bring fresh water to rural areas, how to build roads, how to explore outer space, etc.) so you should have those types of scenarios to address in class. If not, maybe seek research opportunities with professors or internships to gain that type of experience.
I didn't realize this until I got to college, but there are many different types of engineering. And there are even more types today. The type of engineering you choose will affect what courses you take in addition to your engineering requirements. If you are interested in bioengineering, you may want to take biology or medical related courses. If you are interested in structural engineering, you may want to take architecture courses. You can think even broader, if you are interested in solving a particular type of problem, maybe a policy or public health course could complement your more technical studies.
Good luck!
Engineering is a science so, as Elizabeth said, expect a lot of applied math (versus theory). Also expect an emphasis on process, measurement, and attention to detail. Done well, engineering solves problems (for example, how to bring fresh water to rural areas, how to build roads, how to explore outer space, etc.) so you should have those types of scenarios to address in class. If not, maybe seek research opportunities with professors or internships to gain that type of experience.
I didn't realize this until I got to college, but there are many different types of engineering. And there are even more types today. The type of engineering you choose will affect what courses you take in addition to your engineering requirements. If you are interested in bioengineering, you may want to take biology or medical related courses. If you are interested in structural engineering, you may want to take architecture courses. You can think even broader, if you are interested in solving a particular type of problem, maybe a policy or public health course could complement your more technical studies.
Good luck!
Elizabeth Mitchell
User Experience Architect
33
Answers
Saint John, Indiana
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
A lot of math. You don't have to love it, just be able to learn it.
As a woman, you might be one of the few women in classes. I'm hoping there are more women in engineering disciplines now than when I was in college. As my classes got more specific, the fewer the women in the courses. Sometimes it was a struggle to be heard. Add my Mexican heritage to the mix, and I was the only female Hispanic in my class.
In the end, the experience will be what you make of it. Don't let a challenging topic weigh you down, or let being one of a kind be a drawback. Use it to your advantage, and most importantly, have fun! Enjoy the experience. It will be hard work, but it is a stepping stone to your career.
As a woman, you might be one of the few women in classes. I'm hoping there are more women in engineering disciplines now than when I was in college. As my classes got more specific, the fewer the women in the courses. Sometimes it was a struggle to be heard. Add my Mexican heritage to the mix, and I was the only female Hispanic in my class.
In the end, the experience will be what you make of it. Don't let a challenging topic weigh you down, or let being one of a kind be a drawback. Use it to your advantage, and most importantly, have fun! Enjoy the experience. It will be hard work, but it is a stepping stone to your career.