7 answers
Ki'yon
Student
Hopewell, Virginia
12
Questions
Asked
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What are some hobbies, or things I can do in my free time to better prepare me to be a technological engineer?
I'm a freshman in high school currently, and I wanted to prepare myself for the career I wanted to do in the future. I'm not sure what I should do.
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7 answers
Chris Schule
Consultant
12
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Hi Ki'Yon,
It is awesome that you are thinking about a future in engineering while only a freshman! The first thing you should do is work backwards from your end goal. Ask yourself what a "technological engineer" does. I'll answer this question with the broad assumption that software, computer, and electrical engineering can encompass what you refer to as a "technological engineer."
Generally, each of these disciplines require coding which is a very useful skill to have. So, you may first want to consider learning programming fundamentals. This can be done in a variety of ways, but the most effective is probably to take an in-person or online course. In-person classes offer immediate and personalized feedback to your questions but can cost money. The online route is free and largely done at your own pace, as there are tons of open sourced options to choose from; however, receiving personalized help is not as straight-forward since you may not be able to contact the teacher directly and may need to post on a course forum or elsewhere. Many people have found success starting online. Once you choose your mode of learning, you should probably search the web for different platforms, websites, and courses that fit your needs. I will not name them explicitly, but there are many Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) offered for free by top universities. There are also interactive websites that allow you to go through mini lessons and coding exercises to teach you the basics of coding.
Once you have a general understanding of programming, you can then apply it in many different ways! At this point, try getting involved with others by joining clubs or communities to expand your network and continue to learn. Maybe your school offers a robotics club, software club, or computer club. Think about what interests you and connect with others who share those interests. Make sure to pursue activities that you enjoy so that it does not bore you. When you are comfortable, take on projects where you can collaborate and work alongside others. Your clubs may offer these types of opportunities or you can ask your teachers about projects as well. There are tons of problems that schools need help with, and you can also approach local small businesses that will appreciate your help as well.
Don't be discouraged if it seems hard at first. Learning these things should be fun but it also requires effort! Good luck!
It is awesome that you are thinking about a future in engineering while only a freshman! The first thing you should do is work backwards from your end goal. Ask yourself what a "technological engineer" does. I'll answer this question with the broad assumption that software, computer, and electrical engineering can encompass what you refer to as a "technological engineer."
Generally, each of these disciplines require coding which is a very useful skill to have. So, you may first want to consider learning programming fundamentals. This can be done in a variety of ways, but the most effective is probably to take an in-person or online course. In-person classes offer immediate and personalized feedback to your questions but can cost money. The online route is free and largely done at your own pace, as there are tons of open sourced options to choose from; however, receiving personalized help is not as straight-forward since you may not be able to contact the teacher directly and may need to post on a course forum or elsewhere. Many people have found success starting online. Once you choose your mode of learning, you should probably search the web for different platforms, websites, and courses that fit your needs. I will not name them explicitly, but there are many Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) offered for free by top universities. There are also interactive websites that allow you to go through mini lessons and coding exercises to teach you the basics of coding.
Once you have a general understanding of programming, you can then apply it in many different ways! At this point, try getting involved with others by joining clubs or communities to expand your network and continue to learn. Maybe your school offers a robotics club, software club, or computer club. Think about what interests you and connect with others who share those interests. Make sure to pursue activities that you enjoy so that it does not bore you. When you are comfortable, take on projects where you can collaborate and work alongside others. Your clubs may offer these types of opportunities or you can ask your teachers about projects as well. There are tons of problems that schools need help with, and you can also approach local small businesses that will appreciate your help as well.
Don't be discouraged if it seems hard at first. Learning these things should be fun but it also requires effort! Good luck!
Robert Rossi
Many things! But mostly chemistry and chemical engineering
63
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Robert’s Answer
I'm not clear on whether you really mean the specific field called engineering technology, which is sometimes called technological engineering, or if you just mean any engineering field with a technical bent (which would be most, but not all of them). In either case, I fear most of these answers oversell the wisdom of learning to code; yes, it would be helpful, but certainly not the only, or even the best, thing to do.
If you are specifically interested in the engineering technology field, I recommend that when you are old enough you try to get at least one job on a production or assembly line of some kind; it does not matter what they make. (Printing, commercial baking, computer parts, etc.) Talk with the folks who maintain the line, and if you get a chance also with the engineers that oversee it. Having experience working on a completed, complex production line will help you understand the role of engineering technology, and whether you find it interesting. Experience on several is even better, and highly recommended. If you are interested in how the parts of the process fit together, how they work well together (or don't), and how the whole might be improved, engineering technology might be for you. It's the ability to think about how the parts all come together, and how they will work (or not) over the long term that engineering technologists specialize in.
Before you can do that, building or fixing just about anything will be great experience: ideally complex systems with interacting parts, be it a computer, a vacuum cleaner, or a software installation. I'd say working in a repair shop can also be great experience, but it depends how much of the figuring out what's wrong and how to fix it you get to do. If you work in, say, a phone screen repair shop you won't get the kind of experience that will benefit you: there is skill involved, but not a lot of the sort needed for engineering technology.
Make sure you know what the engineering technology field is about: see https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-technological-engineer
If you are specifically interested in the engineering technology field, I recommend that when you are old enough you try to get at least one job on a production or assembly line of some kind; it does not matter what they make. (Printing, commercial baking, computer parts, etc.) Talk with the folks who maintain the line, and if you get a chance also with the engineers that oversee it. Having experience working on a completed, complex production line will help you understand the role of engineering technology, and whether you find it interesting. Experience on several is even better, and highly recommended. If you are interested in how the parts of the process fit together, how they work well together (or don't), and how the whole might be improved, engineering technology might be for you. It's the ability to think about how the parts all come together, and how they will work (or not) over the long term that engineering technologists specialize in.
Before you can do that, building or fixing just about anything will be great experience: ideally complex systems with interacting parts, be it a computer, a vacuum cleaner, or a software installation. I'd say working in a repair shop can also be great experience, but it depends how much of the figuring out what's wrong and how to fix it you get to do. If you work in, say, a phone screen repair shop you won't get the kind of experience that will benefit you: there is skill involved, but not a lot of the sort needed for engineering technology.
Robert recommends the following next steps:
Rose Hecksher Schamberger
CTO
4
Answers
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Updated
Rose’s Answer
Hello Ki'yon,
Have you ever considered starting a club at your high school? It's a fantastic way to build a supportive community. Typically, a teacher will be on hand to guide and moderate. Such clubs are excellent platforms for sharing ideas, working on projects, and reaching out to the broader community.
I hope you find this suggestion beneficial.
Best regards,
Rose
Have you ever considered starting a club at your high school? It's a fantastic way to build a supportive community. Typically, a teacher will be on hand to guide and moderate. Such clubs are excellent platforms for sharing ideas, working on projects, and reaching out to the broader community.
I hope you find this suggestion beneficial.
Best regards,
Rose
Aoife (Ee-fa) O'Connor
Talent Acquisition
7
Answers
Cork
Updated
Aoife (Ee-fa)’s Answer
Begin your journey by mastering beginner-friendly and popular languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript. You can utilize platforms like Codecademy, Khan Academy, and LeetCode to practice solving coding problems and enhance your skills.
Don't forget to explore online for local groups affiliated with schools or universities that can provide additional support.
Wishing you all the best,
Aoife
Don't forget to explore online for local groups affiliated with schools or universities that can provide additional support.
Wishing you all the best,
Aoife
Wojciech Gradzki
Software System Senior Engineer
33
Answers
Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Wojciech’s Answer
Hi, here are some hobbies and activities you can try to prepare yourself for a career as a technological engineer:
Learn Programming: Start with beginner-friendly languages like Python, Java, or HTML/CSS to build coding skills, using platforms like Codecademy or freeCodeCamp.
Experiment with Hardware: Use tools like Arduino or Raspberry Pi to create simple electronics projects, such as automated lights or mini robots.
Build and Design: Explore 3D modeling software like TinkerCAD or Fusion 360 and learn to use a 3D printer if possible.
Learn Networking: Set up a home network or experiment with virtual machines to understand how systems and networks interact.
Join STEM Clubs or Competitions: Participate in robotics clubs, hackathons, or competitions like Science Olympiad to gain teamwork and project experience.
Solve Puzzles and Play Strategy Games: Activities like Sudoku, coding puzzles, or games like Minecraft can boost your problem-solving and creativity.
Stay Informed: Follow technology blogs, podcasts, or YouTube channels to learn about trends like AI, cybersecurity, or IoT.
These activities will build a mix of technical, creative, and problem-solving skills to prepare you for a technological engineering career. Good luck ;)
Learn Programming: Start with beginner-friendly languages like Python, Java, or HTML/CSS to build coding skills, using platforms like Codecademy or freeCodeCamp.
Experiment with Hardware: Use tools like Arduino or Raspberry Pi to create simple electronics projects, such as automated lights or mini robots.
Build and Design: Explore 3D modeling software like TinkerCAD or Fusion 360 and learn to use a 3D printer if possible.
Learn Networking: Set up a home network or experiment with virtual machines to understand how systems and networks interact.
Join STEM Clubs or Competitions: Participate in robotics clubs, hackathons, or competitions like Science Olympiad to gain teamwork and project experience.
Solve Puzzles and Play Strategy Games: Activities like Sudoku, coding puzzles, or games like Minecraft can boost your problem-solving and creativity.
Stay Informed: Follow technology blogs, podcasts, or YouTube channels to learn about trends like AI, cybersecurity, or IoT.
These activities will build a mix of technical, creative, and problem-solving skills to prepare you for a technological engineering career. Good luck ;)
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
339
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
To prepare for a career as a technological engineer, start by learning basic coding languages (Python, JavaScript) through free online platforms like Codecademy or Khan Academy. Build small projects to practice problem-solving. Experiment with robotics kits (like LEGO Mindstorms) or create simple electronics projects using Arduino or Raspberry Pi. Read engineering-related books and follow tech blogs. Joining coding clubs or attending hackathons can also help you gain hands-on experience and network with like-minded peers.
Aman Kumar
Software engineer
161
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Aman’s Answer
Hi Ki'yon,
It's fantastic to see you taking initiative at such an early stage! There are a variety of hobbies you can explore that will help you prepare for a future career as a technological engineer. One great way to start is by diving into programming. Consider picking up a beginner-friendly language like Python, which is not only powerful but also widely used in the tech industry. Websites like Codecademy or freeCodeCamp offer free resources to help you get started.
In addition to coding, working on small projects can significantly enhance your skills. Think about creating simple games or applications. For example, you could build a basic web app where users can input their favorite movies and get suggestions based on genre. This will not only improve your coding skills but also give you a sense of accomplishment.
Another interesting hobby would be electronics. Kits from platforms like Arduino offer a hands-on approach to learning about circuits and coding. You can start with simple projects like building a LED light system or a motor-controlled vehicle. These activities offer an excellent blend of programming and physical computing, which will be invaluable in your engineering journey.
Finally, consider joining a robotics club at your school or in your community. Being part of a team will help you learn teamwork and project management skills, which are crucial in engineering. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!
Best of luck in your journey towards becoming a technological engineer!
Cheers,
Aman
It's fantastic to see you taking initiative at such an early stage! There are a variety of hobbies you can explore that will help you prepare for a future career as a technological engineer. One great way to start is by diving into programming. Consider picking up a beginner-friendly language like Python, which is not only powerful but also widely used in the tech industry. Websites like Codecademy or freeCodeCamp offer free resources to help you get started.
In addition to coding, working on small projects can significantly enhance your skills. Think about creating simple games or applications. For example, you could build a basic web app where users can input their favorite movies and get suggestions based on genre. This will not only improve your coding skills but also give you a sense of accomplishment.
Another interesting hobby would be electronics. Kits from platforms like Arduino offer a hands-on approach to learning about circuits and coding. You can start with simple projects like building a LED light system or a motor-controlled vehicle. These activities offer an excellent blend of programming and physical computing, which will be invaluable in your engineering journey.
Finally, consider joining a robotics club at your school or in your community. Being part of a team will help you learn teamwork and project management skills, which are crucial in engineering. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!
Best of luck in your journey towards becoming a technological engineer!
Cheers,
Aman