5 answers
Alex
Student
1
Question
Asked
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What does it look like to be a engineer?
I am looking to be a engineer in the future and wanted tips on what to expect like for explain "what type of people are normally in that envierment" and "how do I manage it as a neurgiverent individual" and if u don't suggest being a engineer why?
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5 answers
Kim Arskii
Social Media Analyst
145
Answers
St. Augustine, Florida
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Becoming an engineer can be an exciting and rewarding career path! In engineering, you'll work with a diverse group of people who are passionate about problem-solving and innovation. The engineering environment is typically filled with curious, analytical, and detail-oriented individuals who enjoy collaborating and finding creative solutions.
As a neurodivergent individual, you may have unique strengths that can contribute to the field of engineering. Many engineers value different perspectives and appreciate the diverse ways of thinking that neurodivergent individuals bring to the table. It's important to embrace your strengths, communicate your needs, and find strategies that work best for you in managing your work and interactions with others.
While engineering can be a fulfilling career choice, it's important to consider your own interests, skills, and goals. If you're passionate about problem-solving, enjoy working with technology, and have a strong aptitude for math and science, engineering could be a great fit for you. However, it's always a good idea to explore different fields and career options to find what truly aligns with your interests and aspirations.
There are many different types of engineering jobs! Some common ones include:
1. Mechanical Engineering: Designing and creating mechanical systems and machines.
2. Civil Engineering: Focusing on the design and construction of infrastructure like buildings, bridges, and roads.
3. Electrical Engineering: Working with electrical systems, circuits, and power generation.
4. Chemical Engineering: Focusing on the design and production of chemicals and chemical processes.
5. Aerospace Engineering: Designing and developing aircraft, spacecraft, and related technologies.
6. Environmental Engineering: Working on projects related to environmental protection and sustainability.
7. Software Engineering: Developing and designing software applications and systems.
Remember, the most important thing is to pursue a career that brings you joy and fulfillment.
As a neurodivergent individual, you may have unique strengths that can contribute to the field of engineering. Many engineers value different perspectives and appreciate the diverse ways of thinking that neurodivergent individuals bring to the table. It's important to embrace your strengths, communicate your needs, and find strategies that work best for you in managing your work and interactions with others.
While engineering can be a fulfilling career choice, it's important to consider your own interests, skills, and goals. If you're passionate about problem-solving, enjoy working with technology, and have a strong aptitude for math and science, engineering could be a great fit for you. However, it's always a good idea to explore different fields and career options to find what truly aligns with your interests and aspirations.
There are many different types of engineering jobs! Some common ones include:
1. Mechanical Engineering: Designing and creating mechanical systems and machines.
2. Civil Engineering: Focusing on the design and construction of infrastructure like buildings, bridges, and roads.
3. Electrical Engineering: Working with electrical systems, circuits, and power generation.
4. Chemical Engineering: Focusing on the design and production of chemicals and chemical processes.
5. Aerospace Engineering: Designing and developing aircraft, spacecraft, and related technologies.
6. Environmental Engineering: Working on projects related to environmental protection and sustainability.
7. Software Engineering: Developing and designing software applications and systems.
Remember, the most important thing is to pursue a career that brings you joy and fulfillment.
Sheila Schultz
Engineering Leader
56
Answers
Brighton, Michigan
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Alex,
Thanks for the great question!
I am a mechanical engineer by training. Mechanical engineering is a fantastic foundation for many roles. I had the opportunity to work in the automotive and defense industries. Initially, I leveraged my skills in the thermal area where I worked on requirements creation, vehicle development/validation testing (including testing at our proving grounds and out in Death Valley), building analytical models, and designing/releasing HVAC/Powertrain Cooling related systems. Next, I had the opportunity to work as a Vehicle Systems Integration engineer for Propulsion systems which included early vehicle concept, development, and production activities. After this, I shifted to system safety role which included software, controls, and physical part safety. Most recently, I led a team for the Advanced System Integration of defense/military vehicles and projects. The mechanical engineering foundation enabled me to have a wide variety of career experiences.
There are many types of engineering – Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Software, Industrial, Manufacturing and more. For mechanical engineering, there are also has many sub-focus areas, so you can pick the area(s) that you find the most interesting. Some examples include: Thermal systems/fluids, Mechanical Structures, Materials, and Automotive design.
Best wishes to you as you explore your future career.
Thanks for the great question!
I am a mechanical engineer by training. Mechanical engineering is a fantastic foundation for many roles. I had the opportunity to work in the automotive and defense industries. Initially, I leveraged my skills in the thermal area where I worked on requirements creation, vehicle development/validation testing (including testing at our proving grounds and out in Death Valley), building analytical models, and designing/releasing HVAC/Powertrain Cooling related systems. Next, I had the opportunity to work as a Vehicle Systems Integration engineer for Propulsion systems which included early vehicle concept, development, and production activities. After this, I shifted to system safety role which included software, controls, and physical part safety. Most recently, I led a team for the Advanced System Integration of defense/military vehicles and projects. The mechanical engineering foundation enabled me to have a wide variety of career experiences.
There are many types of engineering – Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Software, Industrial, Manufacturing and more. For mechanical engineering, there are also has many sub-focus areas, so you can pick the area(s) that you find the most interesting. Some examples include: Thermal systems/fluids, Mechanical Structures, Materials, and Automotive design.
Best wishes to you as you explore your future career.
Antigone Sharris
Teach, Engineering Technology
11
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Antigone’s Answer
Hello Alex,
Generally speaking, people who like to solve everything from mechanical to electrical problems, mobility solutions, etc, tend to gravitate to engineering. As for being a neurodivergent individual, I can say a lot of engineers are on the spectrum. The person that sees what others cannot is common to engineers. Some are hyper sensitive to any changes in sound, perfect for Acoustical Engineering. Others are visually keen at "different" and can spot the one loose bolt that was needed to be tightened down to make a machine work. The list can go on and on. So, these are talents. Learn what yours is and see where it can be applied.
The more important question you need to ask yourself is what are you interested in doing if no one paid you. What would you find yourself wanting to do anyways, regardless of a wage? I had a student tell me they liked to play Call of Duty. I asked them what about the game they liked. Problem solving, having toe puzzle thru how to get through a level. I told him that is engineering. It's what we do daily. In my case, I went with the hands-on side of engineering. I can build whatever I design.
SOOOO...
What would you find yourself wanting to do anyways, regardless of a wage?
Take care!
Generally speaking, people who like to solve everything from mechanical to electrical problems, mobility solutions, etc, tend to gravitate to engineering. As for being a neurodivergent individual, I can say a lot of engineers are on the spectrum. The person that sees what others cannot is common to engineers. Some are hyper sensitive to any changes in sound, perfect for Acoustical Engineering. Others are visually keen at "different" and can spot the one loose bolt that was needed to be tightened down to make a machine work. The list can go on and on. So, these are talents. Learn what yours is and see where it can be applied.
The more important question you need to ask yourself is what are you interested in doing if no one paid you. What would you find yourself wanting to do anyways, regardless of a wage? I had a student tell me they liked to play Call of Duty. I asked them what about the game they liked. Problem solving, having toe puzzle thru how to get through a level. I told him that is engineering. It's what we do daily. In my case, I went with the hands-on side of engineering. I can build whatever I design.
SOOOO...
What would you find yourself wanting to do anyways, regardless of a wage?
Take care!
Courtney Maciolek, EIT, MSCE
Structural Engineer
7
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
Engineers are people too, just like anyone else you might meet. Yes, the common stereotype paints us as geeky and reserved, and sometimes, that can be somewhat accurate. When I finished school, many of the engineers I knew seemed rather introverted. It's not surprising, considering that delivering grand speeches or presentations isn't usually part of an engineer's job description. But remember, every person is unique in their own way. For instance, I have social anxiety, but I still enjoy mingling and collaborating with my colleagues. Some of my other coworkers are much more reserved, and yet others are much more outgoing.
The key is to find a workplace where you feel comfortable and welcomed. Some engineering firms might feel more inviting to you than others, but that's true for everyone, neurodivergent or not. It's all about the company culture, and it can take a while to figure out what you prefer in your ideal workplace. You might work at several different firms before you find one that truly resonates with you or meets your needs and desires (aka passes the vibe check). But remember, never let a single company make you feel out of place in your chosen career just because you didn't quite fit in at that particular company.
The key is to find a workplace where you feel comfortable and welcomed. Some engineering firms might feel more inviting to you than others, but that's true for everyone, neurodivergent or not. It's all about the company culture, and it can take a while to figure out what you prefer in your ideal workplace. You might work at several different firms before you find one that truly resonates with you or meets your needs and desires (aka passes the vibe check). But remember, never let a single company make you feel out of place in your chosen career just because you didn't quite fit in at that particular company.
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
83
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hello Alex! First, let me thank you for teaching me a new word. I think Antigone's comment that "engineers may be on the spectrum" is about right. We all have different interests and perspectives. For you, the key question may be - does my verson of neuro-divergence impede my ablility to do the course work that is involved? If not, then go for it!. If yes (or maybe), you would be wise to talk with cognitive/learning experts about what kinds of academic ( or non-academic) pursuits are compatible with your situation.
Good luck, Alex!
Good luck, Alex!