Is Engineering Right For You?

Choosing a college major can be overwhelming, especially with so many opinions and pressures from friends, family, and teachers. Maybe you excel in your high school math classes, and you get told you should do engineering just because you’re good at math. Alternatively, you may not be a math prodigy but possess a strong curiosity for how things work and a hard work ethic. Maybe you’re swayed towards engineering because everyone says how much money you’ll make and how the world needs more engineers. But are you cut out for it? And is that really true? Let’s break down some important factors to consider. 

Why You Should Consider Engineering

If you have a natural aptitude for math and science, this can be a strong indicator that engineering may be a good fit for you. However, intelligence alone doesn’t guarantee success. You must also couple those talents with a curiosity to understand how things work theoretically and practically. For example, if you contemplate the physics behind how giant cruise ships float or enjoy watching YouTube videos on how to build an obstacle course for squirrels in your backyard, then engineering may be your calling.

Don’t be discouraged if you didn’t ace AP math (or even take AP math) or struggled with high school physics. Engineering does require a strong foundation in math and science, but it’s more about your willingness to work hard than your innate talent. Basic science and math classes provide essential tools for engineering, but the real skill lies in using these tools effectively to solve problems.

I remember beginning college and feeling like my classmates were “naturally” smarter than me. It’s easy to experience imposter syndrome, especially as a woman in mechanical engineering. But I realized that perseverance and hard work often outweigh simply being the smartest in the room. There were times when I’d hear that some classmates studied half as much as I did yet performed just as well or better on exams—and vice versa. I learned to not be discouraged if I found myself studying more hours than my classmates; what’s important is doing what it takes to achieve my own success.

Why You Might Reconsider Engineering

If your sole motivation for pursuing engineering is the promise of a high salary and job security, you might want to reconsider. While engineering does offer good pay and job stability, many other careers offer similar financial rewards. Engineering can be incredibly demanding and exhausting if you’re not genuinely interested in the field.

It's also a misconception that having “engineering student” on your resume will automatically have recruiters swarming your inbox with job offers. Finding internships and securing a job requires significant effort and proactive networking. Companies aren’t just waiting to hire you because of your major; you’ll need to build a strong resume and actively seek opportunities.

How I Knew Engineering Was Right for Me

It’s actually somewhat of a stretch to say I knew engineering was “right” for me. Most people aren’t sure if their choice of major is the one for them until they begin school. For me, pursuing mechanical engineering aligned with my personality and academic strengths. As a kid, I loved DIY science experiments, building things (like cardboard boats), and watching How It’s Made with my dad. I took advanced math and science classes in high school which grew my confidence to handle a challenging curriculum. 

However, I did face some doubts while taking an engineering class in my junior and senior years of high school. I was one of the only girls in the classes, so I felt a bit out of place.  At times I felt a bit intimidated and discouraged to get involved in class because I felt like I didn’t fit in. Nevertheless, I overcame my doubts by exploring engineering through experiences like summer camps and believing in what I was capable of.

Know This Before Committing

Be prepared to make some sacrifices. You might need to cut back on activities like watching your favorite show every night or spending entire weekends with friends without doing homework. Some of your friends probably will have less coursework than you and seem to have more vegging-on-the-couch time. While it’s tempting to indulge in easy habits, doing so can make your college experience less fulfilling. You have the freedom to choose that lifestyle, but consider what you might be missing by taking the path of least resistance.

The late nights I spent completing my work paid off, as I had opportunities to engage in remarkable experiences—such as testing a prototype of a space tool for NASA in Houston, interning on Capitol Hill, or traveling to Sicily with my classmates.

Don’t Be Discouraged

Achieving an engineering degree may seem daunting at first, but remember that your classes will progressively prepare you for bigger challenges. As you advance, you’ll look back and realize, “I never thought I’d be capable of handling that when I was a freshman.” If you’re interested in engineering and feel unprepared, don’t be discouraged. You might not be ready for complex topics like Thermal Fluid Dynamics right out of high school, but you will gradually acquire the skills and knowledge needed to tackle such subjects.

Whenever I told people I was a mechanical engineering student, many responded with, “Oh wow, so you’re super smart.” My response, not knowing what to say, was usually an awkward laugh accompanied with, “Eh, I try.” I always thought in my head, “Yeah, I’m somewhat smart, but in truth, I just work really hard and don't give up.”

Takeaway

It's important to note that "genius" engineering students are rare. If being a genius were a requirement, there would be far fewer engineers. Personally, the more I learned and experienced in school, the more I realized how far I was from being an expert or genius by any means. Yet, that’s the beauty of engineering! You will never stop learning, which is why it is such a rewarding and versatile field.

Ultimately, if you choose to pursue engineering, you’ll open doors to a world of opportunities. Engineering careers offer incredible flexibility and can shape your life in ways that align with your aspirations.

Everyone’s journey is unique, so try not to compare yourself to others. Choose a major based on what interests you most, not just your grades or others' expectations. Remember, you’re not locked into your major forever; you can always switch if you find a better fit for your interests and goals. It’s your path to chart!