4 answers
Maya
Student
Zanesville, Ohio
1
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What makes engineering difficult to succeed in?
Why is mechanical engineering so difficult?
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4 answers
Dan Wolf
Retired Electrical/Software Engineer and part-time College Professor (BSEET and MS Engineering Management)
129
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Dan’s Answer
The common belief is that the need for understanding math and physics makes engineering a tough field. However, I believe it's considered "challenging" when a student's interests and skills don't align with the mechanical world. For instance, imagine a person of short stature aiming to be a professional basketball player or a small individual dreaming of being a football player. They're likely to find these sports tough, whereas someone more physically suited might find them easier. We humans tend to feel uplifted when we're making strides towards our goals, so it's disheartening when progress seems slow. But remember, with enough determination, you can conquer almost any obstacle!
So, if you're a fan of math and science (and the more familiar you are with these subjects, the better), you'll likely find engineering more approachable. I won't claim that engineering is always a breeze, whether in academics or professional life, as there will be challenging problems to tackle. But again, a deep interest in the subject can fuel the drive and motivation to overcome these hurdles.
To wrap up, I'd like to assert that if you have a passion for science, success is within your reach. The more math and science classes you take and experiences you gain, the more manageable it will feel. I had a keen interest in electronics but struggled with high school math. However, I attended remedial math at Community College, transferred to a four-year university to earn a BSEET degree, and completed a fruitful career as an electrical engineer in the industry (and a part-time professor). So, don't let initial challenges deter you from your dreams!
So, if you're a fan of math and science (and the more familiar you are with these subjects, the better), you'll likely find engineering more approachable. I won't claim that engineering is always a breeze, whether in academics or professional life, as there will be challenging problems to tackle. But again, a deep interest in the subject can fuel the drive and motivation to overcome these hurdles.
To wrap up, I'd like to assert that if you have a passion for science, success is within your reach. The more math and science classes you take and experiences you gain, the more manageable it will feel. I had a keen interest in electronics but struggled with high school math. However, I attended remedial math at Community College, transferred to a four-year university to earn a BSEET degree, and completed a fruitful career as an electrical engineer in the industry (and a part-time professor). So, don't let initial challenges deter you from your dreams!
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
88
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hello Maya, Short answer - everything is difficult. No, that isn't right. But, in one of my positions, I remember that we would make a comment about a new assignment like: "Why me? Well, If it were an easy job, somebody else would have done it already." You are unique, You have been (will be) trained to solve problems. You are an engineer because that's what you do.
So, yes, starting with you engineering education and after you start on a real job, some things are difficult for you.
Here's what is really difficult: as a student, you take specific courses - Thermo, stress analysis, electrical circuits, heat transfer, mechanics, etc.....Usually the core material has isolated certain aspects so that you can understand the problem and see how a solution is obtained. Now you have a real job, and all of those "givens" in your course material are non-existent. YOU have to figure out what the "givens" and "not-givens" are for the particular problem you are dealing with. Your boss and your co-workers can help you, of course, and you need to learn how to ask questions that are relevant to the problem/situation. Are you designing a new widget? What's wrong with the old widget? What are the specifications for the new widget? Maybe you are testing widgets. Why do we test it? What do we need to learn from the test? What will we do if the widget fails the test? Maybe you are doing research on widgets. Or, you are in the manufacturing end of the business, so you are assigned to design a new machine to make widgets. You've never seen or heard about widgets before, but they are an essential part of your company's product line....It's now very important that you learn everything you can about widgets. Get it? And, if you really can't learn to love widgets, you are in the wrong job....but that's not true, because you interviewed for this job, and they talked about widgets, so, of course, you like widgets as much as the next guy.
So, the difficult part is: how do I take all of the theory I have learned - and apply it to widgets?
You can do this,Maya!
So, yes, starting with you engineering education and after you start on a real job, some things are difficult for you.
Here's what is really difficult: as a student, you take specific courses - Thermo, stress analysis, electrical circuits, heat transfer, mechanics, etc.....Usually the core material has isolated certain aspects so that you can understand the problem and see how a solution is obtained. Now you have a real job, and all of those "givens" in your course material are non-existent. YOU have to figure out what the "givens" and "not-givens" are for the particular problem you are dealing with. Your boss and your co-workers can help you, of course, and you need to learn how to ask questions that are relevant to the problem/situation. Are you designing a new widget? What's wrong with the old widget? What are the specifications for the new widget? Maybe you are testing widgets. Why do we test it? What do we need to learn from the test? What will we do if the widget fails the test? Maybe you are doing research on widgets. Or, you are in the manufacturing end of the business, so you are assigned to design a new machine to make widgets. You've never seen or heard about widgets before, but they are an essential part of your company's product line....It's now very important that you learn everything you can about widgets. Get it? And, if you really can't learn to love widgets, you are in the wrong job....but that's not true, because you interviewed for this job, and they talked about widgets, so, of course, you like widgets as much as the next guy.
So, the difficult part is: how do I take all of the theory I have learned - and apply it to widgets?
You can do this,Maya!
Nicole Baillie
Data Analyst
483
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi Maya. Thanks so very much for this honest question.
Even though it seems like the sub-text of your question is more about mechanical engineering, I acknowledge that many people think that any engineering program is difficult. For sure, there are challenging aspects to completing an engineering program. For clarity, I completed my engineering degree many years ago.
Leaning in a bit on previous answers, any college curriculum (or job for that matter) can be hard if there isn't an interest in doing that work. In short, "difficult" is perspective. In other words, an individual should consider why they are doing something as a part of their goal-setting. Many individuals decide to pursue a path in engineering because it provides a path to so many other types of opportunities. It is my opinion that at the heart of engineering is problem solving. Do you have to be an engineer in order to be a problem-solver? No..but having that engineering degree doesn't hurt. :)
I mentioned that I completed my engineering degree many years ago. Knowing that when I finished my undergraduate program, I would be able to secure a job with a decent paycheck...well that was certainly one of my motivations, especially since I knew I had loans to repay. Beyond that though, I had, and still have, a desire to understand how things work. Continuous learning and curiosity...these are also drivers for persons who pursue a background in engineering. I am not sure if/how curiosity and a desire to learn new things can be taught in a classroom but I do imagine that interesting college programs (and professors) can spark interest in learning more.
A small tip if this helps...most schools that have engineering programs want their engineering students to succeed. To support student success, there are usually a number of outlets to get assistance. TAs can be your friend and so can study groups. :) Finally, nothing beats leaning in and improving study habits when/if that is needed.
I do hope you find this answer helpful. Best of luck to you!
Even though it seems like the sub-text of your question is more about mechanical engineering, I acknowledge that many people think that any engineering program is difficult. For sure, there are challenging aspects to completing an engineering program. For clarity, I completed my engineering degree many years ago.
Leaning in a bit on previous answers, any college curriculum (or job for that matter) can be hard if there isn't an interest in doing that work. In short, "difficult" is perspective. In other words, an individual should consider why they are doing something as a part of their goal-setting. Many individuals decide to pursue a path in engineering because it provides a path to so many other types of opportunities. It is my opinion that at the heart of engineering is problem solving. Do you have to be an engineer in order to be a problem-solver? No..but having that engineering degree doesn't hurt. :)
I mentioned that I completed my engineering degree many years ago. Knowing that when I finished my undergraduate program, I would be able to secure a job with a decent paycheck...well that was certainly one of my motivations, especially since I knew I had loans to repay. Beyond that though, I had, and still have, a desire to understand how things work. Continuous learning and curiosity...these are also drivers for persons who pursue a background in engineering. I am not sure if/how curiosity and a desire to learn new things can be taught in a classroom but I do imagine that interesting college programs (and professors) can spark interest in learning more.
A small tip if this helps...most schools that have engineering programs want their engineering students to succeed. To support student success, there are usually a number of outlets to get assistance. TAs can be your friend and so can study groups. :) Finally, nothing beats leaning in and improving study habits when/if that is needed.
I do hope you find this answer helpful. Best of luck to you!
Eze O Eze
Aircraft Engineer
2
Answers
Abuja (F.c.t.), FCT
Updated
Eze’s Answer
Engineering can be challenging to succeed in for various reasons:
Complex and Diverse Subjects: Engineering encompasses a wide range of disciplines, each with its own complexities. It requires a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and other sciences, making it demanding academically.
Problem-Solving: Engineers often need to solve complex, real-world problems. This requires critical thinking, creativity, and an ability to adapt to evolving situations.
High Standards: Engineering products often have strict safety and quality standards. Failing to meet these standards can have serious consequences, making precision and attention to detail crucial.
Continuous Learning: Technology evolves rapidly, and engineers must keep up with the latest advancements. Lifelong learning is a requirement to stay relevant in the field.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Many engineering projects involve teamwork with professionals from different backgrounds. Effective communication and collaboration skills are essential.
Pressure and Deadlines: Engineering projects often have tight deadlines and budgets. Managing stress and time effectively is a significant challenge.
Ethical and Environmental Concerns: Engineers must consider the ethical and environmental implications of their work, adding another layer of complexity to their decision-making.
Regulatory Compliance: Many engineering projects are subject to government regulations and standards, requiring engineers to navigate complex legal and regulatory frameworks.
While engineering can be difficult, it can also be highly rewarding, with the opportunity to work on impactful projects and contribute to society's advancement. Success often requires dedication, resilience, and a passion for problem-solving.
Complex and Diverse Subjects: Engineering encompasses a wide range of disciplines, each with its own complexities. It requires a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and other sciences, making it demanding academically.
Problem-Solving: Engineers often need to solve complex, real-world problems. This requires critical thinking, creativity, and an ability to adapt to evolving situations.
High Standards: Engineering products often have strict safety and quality standards. Failing to meet these standards can have serious consequences, making precision and attention to detail crucial.
Continuous Learning: Technology evolves rapidly, and engineers must keep up with the latest advancements. Lifelong learning is a requirement to stay relevant in the field.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Many engineering projects involve teamwork with professionals from different backgrounds. Effective communication and collaboration skills are essential.
Pressure and Deadlines: Engineering projects often have tight deadlines and budgets. Managing stress and time effectively is a significant challenge.
Ethical and Environmental Concerns: Engineers must consider the ethical and environmental implications of their work, adding another layer of complexity to their decision-making.
Regulatory Compliance: Many engineering projects are subject to government regulations and standards, requiring engineers to navigate complex legal and regulatory frameworks.
While engineering can be difficult, it can also be highly rewarding, with the opportunity to work on impactful projects and contribute to society's advancement. Success often requires dedication, resilience, and a passion for problem-solving.