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How is it like working like an Engineer?
I want to be an Engineer but I don't know if it is right for me.
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4 answers
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Alex’s Answer
I graduated undergrad as an industrial engineer in 2011. I did it because I thought i’d get to work on building products but that was not necessarily the case. I initially worked in manufacturing and travelled to China often visiting factories, testing products, and ensuring we were producing enough quality products to meet customer demand.
Overall, engineering is a great profession for those who love having clear guidance and processes for doing their job. It is challenging and very specialized but it sometimes can be a bit standardized.
Once I got into technology on the product management and marketing side I realized there were so many ways that I could accomplish whatever goal I had at the time. There are so many right answers, but in engineering jobs there is often one.
Also creative jobs often times don’t have a clear process or playbook for figuring out great solutions. That can be stressful for some people and energizing for others. I personally love it.
Overall, engineering is a great profession for those who love having clear guidance and processes for doing their job. It is challenging and very specialized but it sometimes can be a bit standardized.
Once I got into technology on the product management and marketing side I realized there were so many ways that I could accomplish whatever goal I had at the time. There are so many right answers, but in engineering jobs there is often one.
Also creative jobs often times don’t have a clear process or playbook for figuring out great solutions. That can be stressful for some people and energizing for others. I personally love it.
Dan Wolf
Retired Electrical/Software Engineer and part-time College Professor (BSEET and MS Engineering Management)
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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Dan’s Answer
Engineering is a broad field with a plethora of career paths, making it impossible to capture its full scope in a single description. Some of the most prevalent engineering disciplines include electrical, mechanical, civil, and chemical. However, there are also many other specializations such as aerospace, environmental, industrial, computer, and biomedical engineering, among others. The range of tasks within each specialization also varies significantly. For instance, some engineers may specialize in designing electronic circuits for the mobile phone industry, while others may oversee project management or product testing. This diversity means that upon graduation, you'll have a multitude of career paths to choose from. As you gain experience in the field, you'll also have the opportunity to evolve and refine your skills and interests. You might start off designing mobile phone circuits, but later transition into project management, quality control, or even switch industries and design circuits for electric cars. While these examples focus on electrical engineering, the same breadth of opportunities applies to all other engineering disciplines.
If you have a passion for science, engineering can offer a rewarding and well-compensated career path. Start by identifying which primary engineering fields - electrical, mechanical, civil, or chemical - resonate with you the most. Then, seek advice from guidance counselors and college advisors about related degree programs. Engaging in conversations with your teachers and peers can also provide valuable insights into your potential career options. As you progress through your university courses, your understanding of engineering will deepen, helping you make informed decisions about your future semesters. Many universities offer a general engineering program, allowing you to declare your specialization in your second or third year.
In my experience, engineering has always been a thrilling and enjoyable field. The possibilities are endless, and the opportunity for growth is immense.
If you have a passion for science, engineering can offer a rewarding and well-compensated career path. Start by identifying which primary engineering fields - electrical, mechanical, civil, or chemical - resonate with you the most. Then, seek advice from guidance counselors and college advisors about related degree programs. Engaging in conversations with your teachers and peers can also provide valuable insights into your potential career options. As you progress through your university courses, your understanding of engineering will deepen, helping you make informed decisions about your future semesters. Many universities offer a general engineering program, allowing you to declare your specialization in your second or third year.
In my experience, engineering has always been a thrilling and enjoyable field. The possibilities are endless, and the opportunity for growth is immense.
Updated
Marcio’s Answer
Engineering is a really good choice for career, independently of the area of your choice (Construction, Electric, Industrial, Mechanics).
I have graduated on 1996 as Electrical Engineer and since that, worked on many different companies as Product Engineer, Industrial Engineer and Quality Engineer. If you like to solve problems, stay on top of technology, create process flows, engineering for sure is a good choice of career and has respect whatever the company you will work for. And for sure, you can also have your own business if you prefer. Many Engineers also become entrepreneurs.
Depending on your evolution during the years, and the Engineering area you are, after graduate, is recommended you grow your skills, by taking some MBA or even certifications that will increase your skills and consequently opportunities to become an Engineer Manager, Director.
I have graduated on 1996 as Electrical Engineer and since that, worked on many different companies as Product Engineer, Industrial Engineer and Quality Engineer. If you like to solve problems, stay on top of technology, create process flows, engineering for sure is a good choice of career and has respect whatever the company you will work for. And for sure, you can also have your own business if you prefer. Many Engineers also become entrepreneurs.
Depending on your evolution during the years, and the Engineering area you are, after graduate, is recommended you grow your skills, by taking some MBA or even certifications that will increase your skills and consequently opportunities to become an Engineer Manager, Director.
Updated
Kim’s Answer
As a female in the engineering field, I would love to see more young woman choose this field. I am an environmental engineer and feel as I am making a difference in the world. You will have to decide on what area you think you would enjoy the most and work toward that. Take a few classes to see what peaks your interest the most, maybe chemistry, biology, environmental, math etc. This will help you choose your path. If you are interested in biology maybe bioengineering is for you and same with chemistry maybe become a chemical engineer. The engineering world is a rewarding career and there are so many career options for you to choose. Best of luck and make sure you pick a path you will enjoy.