How to be an engineer? What should I do?

Question

Now I'm a student and I really hope to be an enigineer when graduating from the school. I have a big enthusiasm, but obviously it's not good enough. My mentor said, my math level is poor and he thinks I don't have very good basic knowledge to support me. And I also see some excellent engineers in school. They all have a PhD degree. If one guy wants to be an engineer, does he need to have a PhD degree, too? I admit what my mentor said. I must have A-level math and ohters great engineerings. In May, I'll have an exam. This exam will decide my future. I am not a smart guy. Thus, I always study hard, but what I put in doesn't correspond to what I get out. Someone said, it's about "native intelligence". I am really sorry for my mentor, because my grade always disappoints him.

I think I can still keep the faith to be an engineer because of my religion. I'm a christain. Some people said, it's a test from God, but I cannot blame my bad study on Jesus. It's unfair to Him.

Anyway, I really want to pass this exam in May, but it seems that my mentor doesn't think I can pass this exam. I'm not against him. I just wanna pass this exam and continue my study in school. I'm just a person who wants to study and needs more time than other students. Do I have a chance to be an engineer or to pass this exam?

Answer 1

Ok.. first off you did not say where you are. (Country ? State ?) So the process to become an Engineer may be different.

Here in the United States the process is layered and with different roads. But lets talk in a general nature.

1) You should think about what KIND of engineer you wish to be. Civil engineers deal with roadways, developments, construction, etc.. Structural engineers deal with the elements of a structure. While mechanical engineers, essentially, design and develop the working aspects of mechanical devices. In addition there are Electrical, Software, and a myriad of other types and specialities of engineering .

2) Basic engineering deals with both Math AND theory, so do not be overly concerned about your math skills. You WILL need them but not to the extent where you must consider Calculus a second language. Most math and analysis is done by computer these days and it is more important to understand the THEORY then the application of the correct sign.

3) Education.. as a minimum in the US you must have a BS in Engineering or a close science. Very few engineers have PHD's. unless they specialize in a small aspect of engineering (nuclear physics for example).

4) After competion of an initial education, you must take at least two eight hour exams. The first one covers basic engineering principles and is designed to show that you have learned the concept of engineering in the field that you have chosen. The second one is taken after you have completed 4 to 5 years of work and experience (internship) in an engineering office or enviornment. That test will measure your subjective knowlege (what would you do if...) . If you pass that you are then licensed by that State as an engineer and your career officially begins.

Yes, you will need to study.. and yes you will need to learn.. but do not confuse these with studying for a test. Some people can take tests well and are terrible engineers. Conversely I have met people that were brilliant but often forgot to even tie their shoes.

Faith and engineering are often hard to juggle. Faith requires absolute belief in something that can neither be measured or tested. Engineering, on the other hand measures things and then builds a belief on the results. If you can understand this and accept that the latter does not impact the former in a larger scope then you will get past this apparent contest in values.

OK here comes the philosophy part....(sorry)

So, my friend, study and learn. Adjust your goal if YOU wish but make the adjustments based on what YOU know about yourself.. not what others tell you. For the most part, the roads we choose in life are one-way so it never hurts to look down them as far as possible before taking that first step.

'... I took the road less traveled, and that has made all the diffference.' (by W. Whitman I believe - a US poet)

What ever road you take... Good Luck

.

Answer 2

I am a female mechanical engineering major. No offense, but you are WAY too focused on what other people think of you. If you really, truly love engineering for what it is, you would never let misplaced opinions about your gender deter you from your calling. Personally, I have had a love of machines, metal, fabrication, and problem solving since I was a child. I have spent the majority of my life around strong male figures in engineering-type settings and I have never had an issue. That being said, while I m often "one of the guys", I don t take flack from anyone for my gender. If someone thinks I might be weak because I am female, I prove them wrong. Society has (often) deemed women to like "softer" things, and many women (purely my own observation) do. This is why engineering has been found to be a male dominated profession. Before you sign up for some of the most dedicated and difficult years of college, ask yourself, "why do you want to be an engineer?" If you cant give a detailed, passionate description as to why and what you plan to do as an engineer, this profession is probably not for you.

Answer 3

Hey i am also studying chemical engineering my cogort has ppl like u who may be not good in maths nut they are sound in other theoritical knowledge Maths is one component.Then again perhaps your lecturer is asking u to brush up on your maths like calculus , triginometry vectors algebra which will play an important roles in calculations like determing the length stress of a suspension bridge
Its not necessay to ahve a Phd degree.Its a bonus preferably u should work first before taking it up later.Hey as i said its a suggestion.Just do your best do not let other things distract u as u prepare for your major exam in May,Trust in the father and u be fine
Wish u the best of luck

Answer 4

Most engineers stop at a BS or MS degree unless they want to teach in college. The PhD is just too specialized for most companies....

You're mentor doesn't seem very encouraging. I would dump the mentor and find another.

Answer 5

Engineering is about solving problems in the real world, not taking tests. Not all problems are solved with math. Keep working at it.

from a VP of Systems Engineering 23 years in the field with a BSEE & a Professional Engineers license

Answer 6

To become a successful engineer, you need to MASTER math and physics. You need to have a good understanding of statics, mechanics, fluids, and math through differential equations and linear algebra.

You do not need a PhD to be a commercial engineer. The PhD is only for research engineers.

Answer 7

I'm also studying to became an engineer. In my point of view is not that hard you just hate to learn the basics and know how to resolve any problem , not by memo rising al the different scenarios , but by understanding it in a logical mater.
In my country there's a saying : An engineer measures twice and cuts once ."

good luck

Answer 8

You're correct in saying you can't 'blame' Jesus. He created you with everything you need to be a success. So perhaps engineering isn't your thing - move on and find what is!

Believe it or not, I work with 2 very successful Realtors who had degrees in engineering, but couldn't stand it, so they switched to the real estate business and love it!

Find your niche!

I wish you well!

Answer 9

My friend the life is very hard. Engineering is a beautiful career . Study while you are young. Invest in your future. Good luck.




...

Answer 10

to be a real engineer, you must have GREAT math skills

$100K to $300K a year then, at least a BSEE or something like that

maybe do IT instead, or web design

try to do the Math though, the farther you get with it, the more options you are likely to have