Just realized. I'm already 14 now. I am terrible at math. Have I been chasing the wrong dream this entire time. It feels terrible to face the truth, but I'm just NOT GOOD AT MATH.
I've always been dreaming of making a salary with 6 digits. Now that it is nearly impossible for me to become an engineer, are there any other suggestions? Its gotten so bad, that I can't sleep anymore. :(
On the other hand, I've been told that I have talents in the following:
Music
Art
Impromptu Speech / Debate
Its too ambiguous! I need an expert opinion on my career path.
2007-11-21 14:16:36 · 9 answers · asked by Butterloaf 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Do not give up on yourself yet. I certainly was not outstanding in math when I was 13 but then improved. (I am a professional engineer.)
If you suck in math and want to become an engineer then you should work harder.
Do not get discouraged. Heck, Einstein flunked his first algebra class.
2007-11-21 15:04:05 · answer #1 · answered by Tim C 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If you're not good at math, you will have to get good at cheating on tests. Try writing formulas down on the inside of a Wrigley's chewing gum wrapper. All you have to do is chew alot of gum during class. You may also want to have someone take a picture of a test for you in a prior period with a camera phone so you can figure out the answers ahead of time. If math is hard for you now, then Calculus, Differential Equations, and other college math classes are not for you.
You probably won't have to use much math once you're out of college anyway. Most of your time will be managing deadlines and analyzing specifications.
Your aptitudes seem to be more on the creative side, perhaps you should look into an Industrial Design or Architure degree. If you are good at memorizing things you could try to become a Pharmacist. They make around six figures a year.
2007-11-24 19:17:18 · answer #2 · answered by Vu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me like you are getting way ahead of yourself with your concerns about math skills. You are 14. You have lots of time to get things together with the math end of engineering. If you feel like you are having problems understanding your current level of mathematics, it's likely that you missed something in previous grades and math classes. I don't know the specifics of the problem you feel that you're having, but it doesn't hurt anything to go back and review the basics every now and then. Set yourself a goal of working at least one math problem each day and I guarantee you that solving math problems will become second nature. At your stage in development, I don't think that I would worry so much about the math aspect of electronics engineering but I would suggest focusing more on the theory of electronic components and circuits. In circuit design, 75% of making a good design work is coming up with a logical component configuration that will do the job you have in mind. Once you have a circuit/component configuration that will actually work for your intended purpose, calculating component values is the easy part. In short, get the theory down first and the math/calculations will come to you through interest, application, and experience.
Don't give up on your desire to be an electronics or electrical engineer. Keep your dream alive and constantly expand upon it.
Good luck.
2007-11-21 17:22:47 · answer #3 · answered by Bob D1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You only need practice. Don't sell yourself short. The math you're doing in school right now has changed from numbers manipulation to algebra, geometry and trig. These forms of math can take time for a transition to be comfortable with them.
Find number puzzles and math help books. There are many books available in Barnes&Noble that will help you gain confidence and skills in math. And, the are written to be interesting to teens.
Music, art and being able to express yourself are important skills. Being able to speak extemporaneously (and write succinctly) may be the most important skill for the engineer. You'll be way ahead of some of your contemporaries.
Good luck. My engineering career has been very rewarding. Don't let this little speed bump stop you.
2007-11-21 15:06:55 · answer #4 · answered by dave13 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hey man I had the exact same problem as you when I realized in grade 11 that I sucked at math and wanted to become an electrical engineer. I got a tutor over the summer who really helped me and is still helping me. Just make sure that when you're in class, ask questions if you don't get something because once you're behind, it can get difficult to catch up.
2007-11-21 15:29:56 · answer #5 · answered by Gurms 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well if your good at music and art, then your a smart person, because those 2 things are considered to be the most advanced things humans can do.
theres plenty of other 6-digit jobs out there, and you can still work on improving in math.
2007-11-21 17:04:01 · answer #6 · answered by trumpetperson 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
" Where there is a will, there is a way" an old saying. Einstein flunked high school math- did that stop him?? If you really want to become an eletronics engineer, just keep at it- you WILL find a way
2007-11-21 14:30:55 · answer #7 · answered by Dave 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
talk to your parents and a school counselor about getting a math tutor. Don't give up on a dream!!!
2007-11-21 14:25:01 · answer #8 · answered by kantwinnadda 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can improve at math. Review your weak areas.Get someone to help you. Make up your mind that you can and will do it.
2007-11-21 14:29:40 · answer #9 · answered by Max 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋