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Do I need to start practicing engineering related work before my college degree if I want to study engineering courses e.g Architecture ?
I’m 17years old and a college student, I did a partime job on holiday but my sim is to become an Architect. Do I need to start practicing engineering work as an entrepreneur before I can get accepted as an engineer in my college degree ? #career #engineering #architecture
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8 answers
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Daria’s Answer
Starting to engage with engineering-related work before your college degree can be very beneficial, especially for a field like architecture. Here are some steps you can take to prepare:
1. Take Challenging Math and Science Classes: Engineering and architecture degrees often require strong math and science skills. Taking advanced courses in high school, such as AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Chemistry, or AP Computer Science, can give you a solid foundation.
2. Participate in STEM-Related Extracurricular Activities: Join clubs or teams that focus on engineering, math, physics, robotics, or coding. If these aren't available, consider starting one.
3. Utilize Social Media and Online Resources: Follow industry leaders and educational websites to stay updated on the latest developments and innovations in engineering and architecture².
4. Read Relevant Books: Dive into books that introduce you to the principles of design and engineering. This will not only prepare you academically but also give you a glimpse into the mindset of an engineer or architect.
5. Hands-On Experience: Seek out internships, workshops, or summer programs that offer practical experience in engineering or architectural work.
By taking these steps, you'll not only prepare yourself for the academic challenges of an engineering degree but also demonstrate your passion and commitment to the field to potential colleges.
1. Take Challenging Math and Science Classes: Engineering and architecture degrees often require strong math and science skills. Taking advanced courses in high school, such as AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Chemistry, or AP Computer Science, can give you a solid foundation.
2. Participate in STEM-Related Extracurricular Activities: Join clubs or teams that focus on engineering, math, physics, robotics, or coding. If these aren't available, consider starting one.
3. Utilize Social Media and Online Resources: Follow industry leaders and educational websites to stay updated on the latest developments and innovations in engineering and architecture².
4. Read Relevant Books: Dive into books that introduce you to the principles of design and engineering. This will not only prepare you academically but also give you a glimpse into the mindset of an engineer or architect.
5. Hands-On Experience: Seek out internships, workshops, or summer programs that offer practical experience in engineering or architectural work.
By taking these steps, you'll not only prepare yourself for the academic challenges of an engineering degree but also demonstrate your passion and commitment to the field to potential colleges.
Updated
Anna’s Answer
You typically don't need to have experience with what you want to study to get into college. The point of getting a degree is to learn how to do that type of work. However, the more relevant experience you can get, the more deeply you will be able to learn. Having experience with design, construction, engineering, or architecture will help you connect what you're learning in school to real world problems and make you a better architect in the long run. So if you have an opportunity to practice what you already know or learn as you go, take it!
Updated
Luciano’s Answer
Hey Bamist, it would be fantastic if you could seize the opportunity to intern or work part-time during your undergraduate years, even if it's just for a few hours each week. Engaging with businesses will not only broaden your knowledge but also provide invaluable experience and open up new pathways for you.
This hands-on experience will help you identify your preferred work sectors and understand why they resonate with you. It also offers additional benefits and responsibilities, setting you apart from your peers.
Being a student worker or intern is an excellent platform to put your skills to the test, learn, and grow. It allows you to make mistakes, learn from them, and develop in ways that surpass what you can achieve in a university setting alone.
So, if the opportunity arises, grab it and use it to your benefit! It's an incredible chance to gain a head start in your career.
This hands-on experience will help you identify your preferred work sectors and understand why they resonate with you. It also offers additional benefits and responsibilities, setting you apart from your peers.
Being a student worker or intern is an excellent platform to put your skills to the test, learn, and grow. It allows you to make mistakes, learn from them, and develop in ways that surpass what you can achieve in a university setting alone.
So, if the opportunity arises, grab it and use it to your benefit! It's an incredible chance to gain a head start in your career.
Updated
Archt.Malinda’s Answer
Sweety,
Architecture got nothing to do with engineering. If at all its the nerdy boring cousin of architecture.
of Couse there are different degrees for that eg. architectural engineering.
if u have a knack for drawing, Keen esthetic eye, you want to make the world a better place.
You are Welcome to architecture.
Architecture got nothing to do with engineering. If at all its the nerdy boring cousin of architecture.
of Couse there are different degrees for that eg. architectural engineering.
if u have a knack for drawing, Keen esthetic eye, you want to make the world a better place.
You are Welcome to architecture.
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
No, you don't need to have prior experience as an Architect to get accepted into a future program.
Throughout your university journey, you'll gain theoretical knowledge about the field. This knowledge will be put into practical use during your internships or externships.
Universities often accept students into various programs even if they have minimal or no experience. However, this isn't always the case. Once you're in the program, it's important to expand your understanding of architecture beyond the classroom. This could be through internships, reading, online resources, magazines, professional groups, conferences, and so on.
Throughout your university journey, you'll gain theoretical knowledge about the field. This knowledge will be put into practical use during your internships or externships.
Universities often accept students into various programs even if they have minimal or no experience. However, this isn't always the case. Once you're in the program, it's important to expand your understanding of architecture beyond the classroom. This could be through internships, reading, online resources, magazines, professional groups, conferences, and so on.
Updated
Susan’s Answer
In the US, architecture is a separate major and is not engineering, at least in the Universities my daughter was interested in. Architecture was very difficult and they wanted you to come in with a portfolio of designs you had done. It was also an intense major. It may be different in your case. She wound up applying to a University that had an Undecided major where she was able to explore, and took an introduction to engineering class that she found interesting and she decided to go into Civil Engineering. But don't be scared off of architecture if that's what you want to do (I think my daughter regrets it now).
I agree with Daria that doing any STEM-related work or drafting or design, that would only help, but it's not a requirement. When I went to engineering school (electrical) I felt behind all the boys who had taken apart their radios and done other kinds of experiments at home before they went to college, but I was able to study and do my lessons and get ahead. It might have given me more confidence to have some earlier experience, but it's not a show-shopper.
I agree with Daria that doing any STEM-related work or drafting or design, that would only help, but it's not a requirement. When I went to engineering school (electrical) I felt behind all the boys who had taken apart their radios and done other kinds of experiments at home before they went to college, but I was able to study and do my lessons and get ahead. It might have given me more confidence to have some earlier experience, but it's not a show-shopper.
Amr Mohamed Salah Sherif, MSc, MBA, P.E.
Lead Structural Design Engineer
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Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
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Amr Mohamed Salah’s Answer
it is always beneficial to do have some summer training jobs during your summer vacation that can give you a head start when you begin you career.
Updated
Julia’s Answer
It is not necessary to practice engineering before being accepted as an engineer in your college degree but it does not hurt. Having experience prior to graduating from college in the field you are interested in will put more eyes on you when you apply to jobs. Or if you are interested in starting your own business you already have an idea of what it is going to take to get off the ground and be successful.