am i too stupid for engineering?

Question

I have been barely passing my math and physics classes. I'm talking B's and C's. I am thinking of majoring in electrical engineering. It's my third year, I have to declare my major soon. I'm wondering, will an average student like me make it as an engineer? I am not particularly passionate about this field, and I'm not un-passionate either. It's mostly the high salary that appeals to me because of the high cost of living. I want a stable job. I mean, I do ok during class it's just that I don't retain the information after class is over, and I think I'd be in big trouble if I have to recall this information for a job someday. Should I proceed in this direction? I feel like crying.

Answer 1

I would go in the direction that interests you. If you wish to hate your work the rest of your life, fine, be something you don't like. If you wish to feel fulfilled, go with your heart. Money is not everything. So you drive a Ford instead of a Ferrari. So what? Happiness is the one thing that is harder to comeby than enough money for payments. It is not a matter of stupid, it is simply the lack of drive, and you will never do well at something you dislike. I am college educated, yet I fix cars for a living, because it is what I enjoy doing. Computers and a/c, of course, I don't really like getting greasy!!!!!

Answer 2

If you are making B's and C's in the general engineering classes, you will have more problems in the core-classes as the general classes are the foundation for the core work. And not being passionate about your major is not going to help either. You need to pick a major that you have an interest in, but as well be able to get employment with. There is a balance. At the university I graduated from, the people that dropped engineering usually transferred into Business as their major because they weren't passing the general engineering classes. The math and science aspects are easier and most of their credits could be used toward that major. As far as retention goes, as an engineer, you mostly remember those things that you use on a frequent basis. You invest in and use reference books frequently. Not all career paths of engineering require you to be a designer; however, if you forget it immediately after you complete a class, you are probably not going to retain enough information to graduate. It's not that you are stupid, you just don't appear to have found the major that matches your interest and natural abilities.

Answer 3

Honestly you shouldn't be pursuing a career in any area you don't care for. Maybe you would be happier in business or accounting? Those fields only require some basic arithmetic knowledge, not much mathematics.

Plus engineering jobs are hard to find these days, you're subject to layoff and downsizing at any moment and the money isn't very good anymore. Salaries aren't nearly where they were just five years ago and have been steadily declining. If it's money and job security you're after become a lawyer.

That being said if you can stick it out until graduation you will find that in the work world engineering covers a whole spectrum of positions for persons of varying abilities (assuming you can actually find a job in today's market). Most "engineering" positions in the United States today are really just technician's or IT positions. They don't require any math or physics knowledge at all! Just the ability to plug boards into slots, test cables for continuity or install software on workstations.

And even if you graduate with a degree in engineering chances are you won't find work in your field anyway and will end up doing something completely different. You may end up working in business anyway. It's hard to recommend what you should do. But if your grades are so bad that you might flunk out then definitely change your major to something that suits you better. Preferably to something you like. Good luck.

Answer 4

Given the responsibilities and risk that Engineers take on, we are one of the most underpaid professions. Yes, you can make more in Engineering than many other professions, but a profession that is equal in risk and resposibilities to Engineering is in Law, yet Lawyers get paid a lot more than Engineers.

Two points:
1. You aren't going to use a lot of the physics and math early in your career unless you are a hotshot. Someone else with experience is going to making your decisions for you most often.

2. Don't go into a career cause of the money alone. If you aren't passionate about this career, find what you are passionate about. since you've likely taken classes that are leaning in this direction, see what other directions those classes can take you. However, if you feel your options arel limited, this is the best direction for you and this is your best bet, then don't be after to go for it.

3. All the information you learn in class is from a book. Few engineers work completely without reference materials. As long as you know where to find the info and how to use it once you find it, you should be fine.

However, this is just my impression based on your brief description. I could be completely wrong. :)

Answer 5

Stick with it I am an engineering student. I got C's in all my calculus classes, and I got a B in physics 1 and C in physics 2. I am still going for electrical engineering and I am doing fine. I would recommend getting extra help from classmates. Join a study groups. Many jobs in electrical engineering will not require you to recall all of the math and physics. But you must retain enough to pass your circuits courses and higher electrical courses. EE requires a lot of math, including differential equations. If you do not like math or physics, maybe another major is for you. I love these subjects, I just did not work hard enough to get a good grade. Stick in there if you love engineering, otherwise find something you do love.

Answer 6

Most majors have standard grade requirements. You should look into that by talking to the advisors of the Engineering Department. However, even with sub-average grades you can still get involved in engineering.

When I was in high school, my math and science grades sucked. I knew I wanted to go into engineering but the grade weren't good enough. Instead I went into Engineering Technology. You learn the same principals of engineering with a little less math and theory. It focuses more on the applications of engineering.

Now many university people will tell you that this is a step down from traditional engineering. In some cases it is, mostly in research and development engineering. But after seven years in the workplace after getting an Engineering Technology degree, I can honestly say I'm on the same level with those who have traditional engineering degrees.

The Eng. Tech. degree is a four year degree (mechanical and electrical when I was in school but some schools may offer more). While it is harder, you are still able to become a Professional Engineer in some states with an Eng. Tech. degree. I got my P.E. in Wisconsin for example.

Once you get into the work place, your degree will matter less and less. It's very important to have the degree, but experience will matter the most.

The big thing is to not let your grades stand in your way. Don't get me wrong, good grades are important. Especially when it comes time to get a job. Many recruiters will screen canidates by GPA. So get those grades up!

Answer 7

It isn't a question of being stupid or not, it is more a question of what kind of interests you have. It sounds like you are taking the prerequisite courses for engineering (calculus, physics, chemistry, etc.) and doing okay. You will know if you have an interest in electrical engineering once you start taking those specific courses. I had similar average grades, but found I did better once I started taking my engineering courses. There are a number of different engineering disciplines, all a little different in what you work with. I started in chemical engineering, but switched to ceramic engineering (yes, there is such an engineering major!) when the organic chemistry didn't click. Unless you have some interest in electrical circuits, power transformation, or motors, EE may not be the best. But look at the other engineering possibilities if you are determined to stay in engineering.

Answer 8

Well if money is the Main reason i'm not too sure that you should stick with it. Something you ARE passionate about is easier to retain because you like it and really want to learn about it. I did civil engineering...freshman year they made us take chemistry...didn't retain a thing but once i got to my civil classes i fell in love. If you can enjoy it and hold on to it you'll be ok just find something that you like but it is your 3rd year so i don't want you switching majors over and over. Just think about what you think you'd enjoy doing, see what kind of engineering could suit that and try and go for it. You're def not too stupid just not as motivated as you need to be. Hope you find that motivation you need. :)

Answer 9

First of all, girl, cry. You'll feel better. Second, you're not stupid. You wouldn't ask this wonderful question if you were stupid. Third, just by asking in detail shows me that you are inquisitive---a necessary trait for engineers. Fourth, getting a degree in E. E. does not lock you into that field. Employers look at a degree as a point of reference---it shows that you can start a project and complete it.
Is there any way that you can minor in a related field such as wind powered electricity production or solar electricity production and application?
Go for it! You CAN handle it!
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Answer 10

You must at least get a B+ or A in Math, Physics and Chemistry. But the most important thing is that you must have the passion to solve everyday problems using the above tools. Otherwise, you may just get frustrated and end up a failure academically. I would advise that you don't waste your time with a course that you have no aptitude with. Pls consult your school's career advisor and I'm sure he/she will be a valuable assistance to your quandary.