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what do you think is the best path to take to become an engineer hashtag #Spring24?
I am on the brink of embarking on my college journey. Any advice will help!
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9 answers
Updated
Lincoln’s Answer
Hello Gideon,
I see that you have the software engineer tags listed on your question. I would see what programs the colleges you are looking at offers. There are several different types of development you'll have to decide which you would like to pursue.
A couple of the top off my head would be:
1) Web Development
2) Gaming Development
3) Embedded Development
On the above three options those are very different skillsets. Once decided I would pick languages that would support your path. Here is an example breakdown for the web development path.
Breakdown:
1 Frontend languages (React, base javascript)
2) Strongly typed languages (java, c#, c++)
3) Some flavor of SQL Database (MSSQL, Oracle SQL)
For the above just pick one language from each and start from there! You're starting on a long journey and won't learn it all in a day. Don't get discouraged if it gets hard.
Good Luck on your future!
I see that you have the software engineer tags listed on your question. I would see what programs the colleges you are looking at offers. There are several different types of development you'll have to decide which you would like to pursue.
A couple of the top off my head would be:
1) Web Development
2) Gaming Development
3) Embedded Development
On the above three options those are very different skillsets. Once decided I would pick languages that would support your path. Here is an example breakdown for the web development path.
Breakdown:
1 Frontend languages (React, base javascript)
2) Strongly typed languages (java, c#, c++)
3) Some flavor of SQL Database (MSSQL, Oracle SQL)
For the above just pick one language from each and start from there! You're starting on a long journey and won't learn it all in a day. Don't get discouraged if it gets hard.
Good Luck on your future!
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Hello Gideon! It's fantastic to see your enthusiasm for the STEM field, a realm brimming with thrilling prospects! I'm guessing you're on the brink of embarking on your college journey. It would be beneficial to engage in conversations with individuals at various stages of their engineering careers. This could include a current college student majoring in XXX engineering, a recent graduate just stepping into the professional world, early career engineers, and even those who have spent numerous years in the engineering field. This will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of an engineer's career path.
Moreover, it will assist you in deciding which engineering discipline to pursue, as well as which college courses will best prepare you for a successful engineering career. Don't forget to consider the professional certifications relevant to your chosen engineering field. It's never too early to start working towards these credentials while still in college.
Remember, at the end of the day, it's important to follow your passion and invest your time in activities you genuinely enjoy. Maximize your learning opportunities throughout your college years. This approach will not only make you a well-rounded candidate but also help you contemplate your career path after college. It will lay a solid foundation for you to identify areas of specialization, in case you wish to further hone your skills by pursuing graduate studies in the future. Keep up the enthusiasm, and you're sure to thrive!
Moreover, it will assist you in deciding which engineering discipline to pursue, as well as which college courses will best prepare you for a successful engineering career. Don't forget to consider the professional certifications relevant to your chosen engineering field. It's never too early to start working towards these credentials while still in college.
Remember, at the end of the day, it's important to follow your passion and invest your time in activities you genuinely enjoy. Maximize your learning opportunities throughout your college years. This approach will not only make you a well-rounded candidate but also help you contemplate your career path after college. It will lay a solid foundation for you to identify areas of specialization, in case you wish to further hone your skills by pursuing graduate studies in the future. Keep up the enthusiasm, and you're sure to thrive!
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Gideon
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Gideon,
As you are considering an engineering career path, my assumption is that you have an engineering mind to start with and have done some focus in math. No matter what your discipline in engineering will be, math is the foundation. As stated above, make sure your grades are a priority but dont get burnt out on college, you will also need to enjoy the experience. During your summers, try to get internships, ideally with companies that have engineering departments you have an interest in, look at it as a chance to "try" a job on to see if its something you have a real interest in. No one criticizes a student for taking internship positions.
Good Luck.
As you are considering an engineering career path, my assumption is that you have an engineering mind to start with and have done some focus in math. No matter what your discipline in engineering will be, math is the foundation. As stated above, make sure your grades are a priority but dont get burnt out on college, you will also need to enjoy the experience. During your summers, try to get internships, ideally with companies that have engineering departments you have an interest in, look at it as a chance to "try" a job on to see if its something you have a real interest in. No one criticizes a student for taking internship positions.
Good Luck.
Updated
Tishin’s Answer
Hello Gideon!
It's absolutely thrilling to hear about your interest in becoming an engineer! Here are a few key steps to consider as you embark on this exciting journey:
1. Academic Foundation: Begin by enrolling in a Bachelor's Program.
2. High School Focus: If you're still in high school, strive to excel in subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science.
3. Skill Development: Work on acquiring technical skills such as MATLAB, CAD, Python, C++, as well as soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
4. Real-world Exposure: Seek internships and co-ops. Start applying by your sophomore year to gain valuable, hands-on experience.
5. Networking: Once you've completed these initial steps, start connecting with professionals in your desired field. Their insights can help you better prepare for your career path.
Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dream. Keep going, and never stop learning!
It's absolutely thrilling to hear about your interest in becoming an engineer! Here are a few key steps to consider as you embark on this exciting journey:
1. Academic Foundation: Begin by enrolling in a Bachelor's Program.
2. High School Focus: If you're still in high school, strive to excel in subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science.
3. Skill Development: Work on acquiring technical skills such as MATLAB, CAD, Python, C++, as well as soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
4. Real-world Exposure: Seek internships and co-ops. Start applying by your sophomore year to gain valuable, hands-on experience.
5. Networking: Once you've completed these initial steps, start connecting with professionals in your desired field. Their insights can help you better prepare for your career path.
Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dream. Keep going, and never stop learning!
Updated
Tasha’s Answer
Gideon, congrats on preparing for college! My advice during college is:
1. Learn all you can (across a variety of disciples)
2. Hone your critical thinking skills
3. Prioritize your grades AND make time to enjoy college, too
4. Get involved
5. Work on your leadership skills
Talk to engineering students and people with engineering degrees to see how they like what they are doing. Find internships or other paid work to help you experience different types of engineering: it will be good experience when you go to pursue a full-time job, and it will help you clarify what like and what you don't like. Good luck!
1. Learn all you can (across a variety of disciples)
2. Hone your critical thinking skills
3. Prioritize your grades AND make time to enjoy college, too
4. Get involved
5. Work on your leadership skills
Talk to engineering students and people with engineering degrees to see how they like what they are doing. Find internships or other paid work to help you experience different types of engineering: it will be good experience when you go to pursue a full-time job, and it will help you clarify what like and what you don't like. Good luck!
Updated
David’s Answer
The best path to becoming an engineer often begins with a solid foundation in mathematics and science during high school. Focus on subjects like algebra, geometry, calculus, physics, and chemistry. These provide the groundwork for understanding engineering principles. Engage in extracurricular activities such as robotics clubs, science fairs, or engineering competitions to gain hands-on experience and demonstrate your passion for the field.
Next, pursue a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited university. Choose a specialization that aligns with your interests, whether it's mechanical, electrical, civil, or software engineering. Throughout your studies, seek internships or co-op opportunities to gain practical experience and build professional connections. Additionally, consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications to further specialize and stand out amongst all the other engineers out there.
Good luck!
Next, pursue a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited university. Choose a specialization that aligns with your interests, whether it's mechanical, electrical, civil, or software engineering. Throughout your studies, seek internships or co-op opportunities to gain practical experience and build professional connections. Additionally, consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications to further specialize and stand out amongst all the other engineers out there.
Good luck!
Updated
Jon’s Answer
Hello Gideon!
There are several different types of development you'll have to decide which you would like to pursue.
These are some very popular paths and each one is unique. I'd recommend taking some time to look at each to see which is in line with your interest.
1) Web Development
2) Gaming Development
3) AI Development
4) Blockchain development
In figuruing out which is the best path for you:
1. Search for current technology trends.
2. Lookup any meetup networking events that are in line with engineering so you can meet up with like minded people.
3. Youtube these topics to have a general idea of how each language functions.
There are several different types of development you'll have to decide which you would like to pursue.
These are some very popular paths and each one is unique. I'd recommend taking some time to look at each to see which is in line with your interest.
1) Web Development
2) Gaming Development
3) AI Development
4) Blockchain development
In figuruing out which is the best path for you:
1. Search for current technology trends.
2. Lookup any meetup networking events that are in line with engineering so you can meet up with like minded people.
3. Youtube these topics to have a general idea of how each language functions.
Updated
Anju’s Answer
Hello Gideon,
It's fantastic to hear about your interest in engineering - that's really exciting! My advice would be to try and secure internships each summer while you're studying in college. These internships should ideally be related to your chosen field of study. Not only do internships make your resume stand out, but they also show potential employers that you have practical, hands-on experience. And remember, it's also important to choose courses that you find enjoyable and that are relevant to your career path.
It's fantastic to hear about your interest in engineering - that's really exciting! My advice would be to try and secure internships each summer while you're studying in college. These internships should ideally be related to your chosen field of study. Not only do internships make your resume stand out, but they also show potential employers that you have practical, hands-on experience. And remember, it's also important to choose courses that you find enjoyable and that are relevant to your career path.
Updated
Vihaan’s Answer
Hello. Looks like you're about to enter college and you have about one summer left before entering. You have finished all high school courses likely. I suggest you try to score a last minute, short internship at a local firm. Maybe get a small part-time job to get familiar. You should network with locals around you in your field so you are familiar with what to expect. You should also prepare to time manage all you activities. Good Luck!