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Preparing For An Engineering Career

The document provides a step-by-step guide for high school students to prepare for an engineering degree and career. It recommends taking challenging math and science classes, participating in extracurricular engineering clubs and activities, gaining real-world experience through internships or volunteering, pursuing independent projects, entering competitions, and developing strong communication skills. Following these steps will help students become competitive college applicants and lay the foundation for success in an engineering field.

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Rynefel Elopre
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147 views3 pages

Preparing For An Engineering Career

The document provides a step-by-step guide for high school students to prepare for an engineering degree and career. It recommends taking challenging math and science classes, participating in extracurricular engineering clubs and activities, gaining real-world experience through internships or volunteering, pursuing independent projects, entering competitions, and developing strong communication skills. Following these steps will help students become competitive college applicants and lay the foundation for success in an engineering field.

Uploaded by

Rynefel Elopre
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ENGINEERING CAREERS AND THE EDUCATION YOU'LL NEED

If you think you'd like to enter the engineering field but don't know what to do next, read on for a step-by-step guide.

What is an engineer?
Engineering is the art of applying scientific and mathematical principles, experience, judgment, and common sense to
make things that benefit people. Engineers design bridges and important medical equipment as well as processes for
cleaning up toxic spills and systems for mass transit. Engineering is the process of producing a technical product or
system to meet a specific need.

What types of engineers are there?


The five largest engineering areas are:
 Chemical engineering
 Civil engineering
 Electrical engineering
 Industrial engineering
 Mechanical engineering
There are also more specialized engineering fields, including:
 Aerospace engineering
 Oceanic engineering
 Nuclear engineering
 Biomedical engineering
 Environmental engineering

What qualities do successful engineers have?


 Strong in mathematics and science
 Highly analytical and detail-oriented
 Imaginative and creative
 Good communication skills
 Enjoy working in teams
 Enjoy building or improving the way things work

Should I earn a master's or doctorate engineering degree?


This depends on your career goals and what area of engineering you'd like to practice:
 Master's programs are designed to expand and deepen the knowledge and skills acquired as an
undergraduate. Master's degree programs in engineering require two years of full-time graduate study.
 
 Doctoral programs require five-to-seven years of graduate study, while PhD programs are generally designed for
people primarily interested in research and education in the engineering field.

Do I need to be licensed as an engineer?


All states require licensure for engineers who offer their services directly to the public. Engineers who are licensed are
called Professional Engineers (PE). Civil, mechanical structural, industrial and environmental engineers are most likely to
seek licensure because they often work for government agencies. Computer engineers are least likely to seek licensure.

Although licensure laws vary, most boards require four steps:


 Earn a bachelor's degree in engineering from a school accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and
Technology (ABET)
 Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination
 Complete at least four years of engineering experience
 Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) examination
How to Prepare for an Engineering Degree
If you’re certain that you want to pursue a career in engineering, you don’t have to wait until college to start preparing.

1. Take Challenging Math and Science Classes


In college, engineering majors take a rigorous course load that’s packed with math and science. Prepare yourself by
taking the most challenging math and science classes.

These may include Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and/or Electronics. Colleges will take this into
account when reviewing your application. Simply tackle the most challenging opportunities available to you.
College admissions teams are impressed by candidates who demonstrate initiative and genuine enthusiasm for their
area of study.

This presents a chance to gauge whether a career in engineering is truly a good fit. Do you enjoy these classes? Do you
find them mentally stimulating? Do you excel in math and science courses? If the answer to any of these questions is
“No,” you may want to consider other career options.
It’s also a good idea to study math and science independently. Check out books from the local library, watch videos by
leading experts in the field, and continue learning as much as you can. This is great preparation for college and your
career. Plus, college admissions teams are impressed by candidates who demonstrate initiative and genuine enthusiasm
for their area of study.

2. Participate in Extracurricular Activities


We mentioned above that colleges like to see initiative and enthusiasm in your area of study. One way to demonstrate
your passion for is to participate in relevant extracurricular activities.
Examples include:
 Engineering Club
 Math Club
 Physics Club
 Robotics Team
 Chemistry Club
 Coding Club
 Tutoring other students in math and science
 Attending a science or math camp
 Becoming a counselor at a local science/math camp

Colleges don’t only want you to participate in extracurricular activities, they also want you to show commitment,
leadership, and the ability to make meaningful contributions.
And the more deeply you involve yourself in these endeavors, the more useful skills you’ll gain for your career as an
engineer.

3. Gain Real World Experience


You’ll gain skills and knowledge through your coursework and extracurricular involvement, but it also helps to have
experience. You can build real-world engineering experience through job shadowing, internships, or volunteering.

Ask your parents or guidance counselors if they know of any engineering-related opportunities or connections. You can
also call or email local companies and see if they’re looking for interns or volunteers. If not, would they allow you to
shadow someone and learn about the job?
Another way to gain hands-on experience is by attending an engineering summer camp. These camps are typically held
at universities and involve design challenges, renowned guest speakers, behind-the-scenes tours, and more.
Real-world experience builds skills and knowledge and gives you another opportunity to evaluate whether engineering is
the career for you. Of course, all of these experiences will also look great on a college application.
4. Pursue Independent Projects
Independent projects are another type of hands-on experience. Depending on your interests, you can build a website or
app, conduct research, create basic machines, and so on.

This independent work requires creativity and problem-solving, which are vital skills for engineers.

5. Enter Competitions
Once you’ve gained skills, knowledge, and experience, put your engineering abilities to the test by entering a
competition.

Competitions include Science Fair, Math Olympiad, Science Olympiad, Chemistry Olympiad, Innovation Challenge, Intel
International Engineering and Science Fair, and more. Competing in these events requires you to apply all the
engineering knowledge you’ve acquired.

If you can rack up some awards and achievements in, you’ll stand out from other engineering hopefuls. And even if you
don’t win, entering competitions demonstrates you continued commitment and passion for the field.

6. Don’t Neglect English Class


Although it may be tempting to focus exclusively on math and science, don’t neglect your English classes. Employers say
that both verbal and written communication is extremely important for engineers.

As an engineer, you may have to present your work to others. For this reason, it’s helpful to take a Public Speaking
course.

Developing your math, science, and English skills will make you a well-rounded and highly competitive engineering
candidate.

Additional Advice for Future Engineers


 Remember that there are many fields within the discipline of engineering. You can be a biomedical, software,
environmental, civil, or chemical engineer — and that’s not an exhaustive list. In high school, explore several
options before settling on a specialization later in your college career.
 When it’s time to get teacher recommendations for college, at least one of your letters of recommendation
should be from a science or mathematics teacher. This fits with the “theme” of your application and enhances
your credibility as a future engineer.
 Depending on what colleges you apply to, you may or may not need to declare a major and/or apply to a specific
school within the college. Regardless, it’s important to demonstrate strength, commitment, and passion in a
particular area.
 Competition for engineering jobs is stiff, so continue enhancing your resume and pursuing challenges and
opportunities in college.

The Bottom Line


The best time to start preparing for your future engineering career is now. Build your knowledge base in mathematics
and science by taking challenging courses and pursuing independent study. Participate in extracurricular activities and
seek opportunities for hands-on experience.

You can also put your skills to the test by entering — and ideally winning — competitions related to science,
mathematics, and engineering. In the meantime, don’t forget that your communication skills matter too.

By taking these steps, you’ll make yourself a competitive college applicant and lay the foundation for a highly successful
career in engineering. If you aren’t sure what courses or opportunities are available to you, start by having a
conversation with your guidance counselor today!

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