4 answers
Jordan
Student
2
Questions
Asked
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I am interested in becoming a engineer. I value science, creativity and wealth. Will this career path allign with my values?
I really like biology and science and physics as well, I like figuring out difficult problems, will a engineer be a good fit for my values.
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4 answers
Joseph Flores
Systems Engineer
6
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Maybe. That's kind of up to you. A career is what you make of it. I have worked with plenty of engineers who had zero creativity and made plenty of money. I have also worked with plenty of engineers who worked for non-profits or otherwise foregone the wealth aspect because they were after different rewards. It all depends on what your priorities, the job market, and how hard you are willing to work to find that the job that meets your expectations. Personally, as an engineer I make a lot more money than most folks solving very complex problems.
It sounds like what you are really asking, however, is what kind of job should look for that pays a lot of money that is fun and enjoyable. The answer is that job doesn't exist; everyone who repeats "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life," is overlooking the fact that Mark Twain changed jobs multiple times over his life and ignoring the fact that he had a wicked sense of irony. A good job can give you a sense of satisfaction, make you feel like you have a purpose, at times be enjoyable, etc. but in the end it's still work and if you had a choice you'd rather be doing something else. I often tell folks that the best way to learn to hate something is to have someone pay you to do it because having to do something on demand, even if it's something you love doing, is hard and eventually you'll start resenting having to do it. That's just human nature. There are plenty of really miserable folks out there doing their so called "dream job." There are also plenty of really happy folks out there doing the exact opposite of what they thought they wanted to do.
So engineering may be a good career choice for you, or it may not. While it may feel like you should have already decided what you want to be when you grow up, and once you've decided you can't change your mind, nothing could be further from the truth. Yeah there are a few rare folks out there who have known what they've wanted to do since they were four years old, but they are few and far between and most of us will go through life not being able to make that decision until well into adulthood, and some of us will never decide. Again, that's human nature, and as you grow older and learn more about yourself and the world you'll find who you want to be and what you want to do changing.
Many years ago I took programming classes. I got As in the courses and received a lot of praise from my instructors regarding the quality of my work. In spite of having a natural talent for it, I just didn't enjoy coding, and came to realize I would never enjoy coding and would be miserable being a software engineer. That isn't to say it wasn't a good career choice for someone else, it just wasn't for me. While I enjoyed stepping through the problem, coming up with the algorithm, writing out the psuedo-code, I had no interest in actually writing out the code, compiling, debugging, optimizing and all the other minutiae of programming. So I stopped taking computer science courses and tried something else. And then something else, and so on.
The best advice I can thus give is take an engineering class and see how you like it. If at the end of the class you feel a real sense of accomplishment and take pride in what you have learned then take some more classes. Then ask yourself, could I tolerate sitting at a desk 8 hours a day, five days a week doing this? Do I enjoy, or at least easily tolerate , all the boring little tedious tasks that come with engineering? If the answer is yes, then pursue a career in engineering. If the answer is no, try something different until you find something you can answer yes to. Probably not the cut and dried answer you were looking for, but in the long run you'll be a lot happier and make a lot more money.
Take some actual engineering courses
It sounds like what you are really asking, however, is what kind of job should look for that pays a lot of money that is fun and enjoyable. The answer is that job doesn't exist; everyone who repeats "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life," is overlooking the fact that Mark Twain changed jobs multiple times over his life and ignoring the fact that he had a wicked sense of irony. A good job can give you a sense of satisfaction, make you feel like you have a purpose, at times be enjoyable, etc. but in the end it's still work and if you had a choice you'd rather be doing something else. I often tell folks that the best way to learn to hate something is to have someone pay you to do it because having to do something on demand, even if it's something you love doing, is hard and eventually you'll start resenting having to do it. That's just human nature. There are plenty of really miserable folks out there doing their so called "dream job." There are also plenty of really happy folks out there doing the exact opposite of what they thought they wanted to do.
So engineering may be a good career choice for you, or it may not. While it may feel like you should have already decided what you want to be when you grow up, and once you've decided you can't change your mind, nothing could be further from the truth. Yeah there are a few rare folks out there who have known what they've wanted to do since they were four years old, but they are few and far between and most of us will go through life not being able to make that decision until well into adulthood, and some of us will never decide. Again, that's human nature, and as you grow older and learn more about yourself and the world you'll find who you want to be and what you want to do changing.
Many years ago I took programming classes. I got As in the courses and received a lot of praise from my instructors regarding the quality of my work. In spite of having a natural talent for it, I just didn't enjoy coding, and came to realize I would never enjoy coding and would be miserable being a software engineer. That isn't to say it wasn't a good career choice for someone else, it just wasn't for me. While I enjoyed stepping through the problem, coming up with the algorithm, writing out the psuedo-code, I had no interest in actually writing out the code, compiling, debugging, optimizing and all the other minutiae of programming. So I stopped taking computer science courses and tried something else. And then something else, and so on.
The best advice I can thus give is take an engineering class and see how you like it. If at the end of the class you feel a real sense of accomplishment and take pride in what you have learned then take some more classes. Then ask yourself, could I tolerate sitting at a desk 8 hours a day, five days a week doing this? Do I enjoy, or at least easily tolerate , all the boring little tedious tasks that come with engineering? If the answer is yes, then pursue a career in engineering. If the answer is no, try something different until you find something you can answer yes to. Probably not the cut and dried answer you were looking for, but in the long run you'll be a lot happier and make a lot more money.
Joseph recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Jordan,
Choosing engineering as your career path can indeed harmonize perfectly with your appreciation for science, your creative spirit, and your aspiration for wealth. Let's delve into how:
1. Science: The essence of engineering lies in science. As an engineer, you'll utilize scientific theories to design, create, and innovate solutions to a myriad of challenges. Your fascination with biology, science, and physics will act as a robust base for your engineering career. Engineers frequently engage with pioneering technologies and developments, demanding a firm grasp of scientific principles.
2. Creativity: Engineering isn't solely about technical expertise; it also demands a considerable degree of creativity. Engineers are perpetually encouraged to think beyond the conventional, devise innovative solutions, and design novel products or systems. Problem-solving is a fundamental aspect of engineering, and your delight in unraveling complex problems suggests you possess the mindset to flourish in this field.
3. Wealth: While wealth shouldn't be the only incentive for selecting a career path, engineering is renowned for its competitive salaries and promising job prospects. The high demand for proficient engineers across diverse industries often results in appealing financial benefits. Furthermore, engineers can progress in their careers, assume leadership positions, or even establish their own companies, which can significantly boost financial prosperity.
In summary, embarking on a career in engineering appears to be an excellent match for your appreciation of science, creativity, and wealth. Your enthusiasm for biology and physics, coupled with your problem-solving abilities, can steer you towards a fulfilling journey in the realm of engineering.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE): The NSPE offers invaluable insights into the engineering profession, including details on educational prerequisites, career trajectories, industry trends, and ethical norms for engineers.
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE): ASEE provides resources pertaining to engineering education and research, underscoring the significance of STEM fields and advocating for excellence in engineering practices.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides exhaustive data on occupational forecasts, including details on job growth predictions, median salaries, educational necessities, and industry-specific trends for engineers.
These sources were crucial in offering precise and dependable information regarding how engineering aligns with your values and interests.
Blessings,
JC.
Choosing engineering as your career path can indeed harmonize perfectly with your appreciation for science, your creative spirit, and your aspiration for wealth. Let's delve into how:
1. Science: The essence of engineering lies in science. As an engineer, you'll utilize scientific theories to design, create, and innovate solutions to a myriad of challenges. Your fascination with biology, science, and physics will act as a robust base for your engineering career. Engineers frequently engage with pioneering technologies and developments, demanding a firm grasp of scientific principles.
2. Creativity: Engineering isn't solely about technical expertise; it also demands a considerable degree of creativity. Engineers are perpetually encouraged to think beyond the conventional, devise innovative solutions, and design novel products or systems. Problem-solving is a fundamental aspect of engineering, and your delight in unraveling complex problems suggests you possess the mindset to flourish in this field.
3. Wealth: While wealth shouldn't be the only incentive for selecting a career path, engineering is renowned for its competitive salaries and promising job prospects. The high demand for proficient engineers across diverse industries often results in appealing financial benefits. Furthermore, engineers can progress in their careers, assume leadership positions, or even establish their own companies, which can significantly boost financial prosperity.
In summary, embarking on a career in engineering appears to be an excellent match for your appreciation of science, creativity, and wealth. Your enthusiasm for biology and physics, coupled with your problem-solving abilities, can steer you towards a fulfilling journey in the realm of engineering.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE): The NSPE offers invaluable insights into the engineering profession, including details on educational prerequisites, career trajectories, industry trends, and ethical norms for engineers.
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE): ASEE provides resources pertaining to engineering education and research, underscoring the significance of STEM fields and advocating for excellence in engineering practices.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides exhaustive data on occupational forecasts, including details on job growth predictions, median salaries, educational necessities, and industry-specific trends for engineers.
These sources were crucial in offering precise and dependable information regarding how engineering aligns with your values and interests.
Blessings,
JC.
Cliff Schreier
35
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Cliff’s Answer
Jordan,
Jean Philippe's insights are spot-on and I'd love to chime in with some of my thoughts as well.
Both engineering and biology are fantastic fields to delve into. While I'm not well-versed in biology, I can certainly speak about engineering.
Your enthusiasm for problem-solving is a wonderful trait, and it's essentially the heart of what engineers do. Those who embrace STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) often find themselves right at home in engineering. The field is vast and diverse, with various disciplines such as Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, and Aeronautical engineering, to name just a few. Not to forget the rapidly growing field of AI - artificial intelligence.
Engineers have achieved remarkable feats, from sending men to the moon and safely returning them, to solving innumerable problems on earth that make our world more habitable, secure, and comfortable. There's a good chance you'll discover a branch of engineering that sparks your passion.
Pursuing an engineering degree typically requires 4 years of college, but it's an investment that often yields high returns, with many starting salaries close to or over $100K (this varies based on discipline, location, and other factors - I'd recommend verifying this online).
Over 40 years ago, I earned my electrical engineering degree and it has opened doors to various roles, from circuit design to firmware writing, and many more. It's been an incredibly rewarding journey, with problem-solving as a consistent theme, even after transitioning into a managerial role.
I wholeheartedly recommend a career in engineering to anyone who's interested. Wishing you all the best in whatever path you choose!
Shadow an engineer
Review web sites of technical companies for their products and job openings.
Jean Philippe's insights are spot-on and I'd love to chime in with some of my thoughts as well.
Both engineering and biology are fantastic fields to delve into. While I'm not well-versed in biology, I can certainly speak about engineering.
Your enthusiasm for problem-solving is a wonderful trait, and it's essentially the heart of what engineers do. Those who embrace STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) often find themselves right at home in engineering. The field is vast and diverse, with various disciplines such as Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, and Aeronautical engineering, to name just a few. Not to forget the rapidly growing field of AI - artificial intelligence.
Engineers have achieved remarkable feats, from sending men to the moon and safely returning them, to solving innumerable problems on earth that make our world more habitable, secure, and comfortable. There's a good chance you'll discover a branch of engineering that sparks your passion.
Pursuing an engineering degree typically requires 4 years of college, but it's an investment that often yields high returns, with many starting salaries close to or over $100K (this varies based on discipline, location, and other factors - I'd recommend verifying this online).
Over 40 years ago, I earned my electrical engineering degree and it has opened doors to various roles, from circuit design to firmware writing, and many more. It's been an incredibly rewarding journey, with problem-solving as a consistent theme, even after transitioning into a managerial role.
I wholeheartedly recommend a career in engineering to anyone who's interested. Wishing you all the best in whatever path you choose!
Cliff recommends the following next steps:
Jean Philippe Bli
IT Assurance Associate
7
Answers
Kennesaw, Georgia
Updated
Jean Philippe’s Answer
It's truly inspiring to hear about your enthusiasm for science and physics. Have you decided on the specific type of engineer you wish to be? The world of engineering is vast, with numerous career paths to explore. If you're drawn to Mechanical Engineering, consider enrolling in related engineering courses that include physics. Other exciting engineering fields include Electrical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Software Engineering, each one deeply rooted in the sciences. Ultimately, your career path should align with what excites you and fuels your passion. If biology captivates you, for instance, a medical career could be a great fit. I hope this guidance is useful, and I wholeheartedly wish you every success on your educational and career journey.