When did you realize that you wanted to be an engineer?

[Bobbi]

Sorry to ask another "finding oneself" question, but I'm really curious about Engineering...

For those who went into the field, is this something you wanted to do ever since you were a little kid?

[was1984]

More or less... but the type of engineering I wanted to do required a more informed decision.

As a kid I wanted to build bridges and stuff like that.

[Bobbi]

More or less... but the type of engineering I wanted to do required a more informed decision.

As a kid I wanted to build bridges and stuff like that.

Wow, that's so incredible you knew that early on.

[m.giugno]

As a kid I wanted to be an astronaut but then I growing up I realized I was more interested in how things work. Well, Aerospace Engineering was the answer! During undergraduate years I decided I was more leaning towards aeronautics than space, and I was really attracted by structures and materials.

[Golden Monkey]

I was constantly building stuff, taking things part, putting them back together, etc., so I got an undergrad degree in mechanical engineering. Years later, I worked with a bunch of people who had majored in industrial design and realized that I probably would have done that instead, if only I had known about it.

Still, I'm really glad I got my bachelor's in engineering. It is relatively easy to go from engineering to something else, but the reverse is not true.

[IRdreams]

Everyone in my family (except the black sheep political scientist) went from academic physical sciences into engineering. So I don't think the reverse transition is that difficult. Fields the emphasize technical skills often have substantial overlap.

Edited May 4, 2011 by IRdreams

[Golden Monkey]

Everyone in my family (except the black sheep political scientist) went from academic physical sciences into engineering. So I don't think the reverse transition is that difficult. Fields the emphasize technical skills often have substantial overlap.

These are ABET accredited programs in mechanical, electrical, civil, aeronautical, structural, chemical or biomedical engineering? Most engineering schools will not admit someone to a graduate engineering program without a bachelor's in an ABET accredited program, as far as I know.

[Bobbi]

Ok, that helps. I think I missed out by not completing an engineering major because a bunch of the classes are structured around group work. Thoughts?

Bioengineering sounds really interesting; however, I am not up to date on the prevalence of outsourcing/offshoring for each engr concentration. Regardless, since it's such a good education, I could imagine it easily segueing into another career path.

Edited May 21, 2011 by Bobbi

[Golden Monkey]

One topic I saw discussed in a Mechanical Engineering forum was the use of the words "engineer" and "engineering" these days. I suppose, years ago, like during the Industrial Revolution, the term "engineer" was pretty descriptive: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc. These days, we have programmers called "Software Engineers," "Database Engineers," "Front End/Back End Engineers," music producers who are "Recording Engineers," AV techs who are "AV Engineers," and accountants who are "Value Engineers," and garbage collectors who are "Sanitary Engineers." Not that there's anything wrong with any of those professions, but I think they muddy the waters a bit when it comes to the profession/degree called "engineering."

It sometimes makes me wonder if it's time for some new terminology.

[sikander]

I am currently doing biomedical engineering . Tis is because , i loved two subject the most , on e was maths and other was biology . These two subjects are vastly used in biomedical engineering . I get to build some artificial legs , heart valves , intesting projects like sleep inducer , Human body motion sense etc . It is a intersting field and i also get paid well .

[ktel]

I hadn't really heard of engineering until I got into high school. While I did well in all of my subjects, I really like math and physics, so thought engineering would be a good fit. Turns out it was! Back then I thought about moving out East to get an undergrad degree in Aerospace Engineering, but decided to stay home and do Mechanical Engineering (which I'm glad I got the more general degree). I'm still very interested in Aerospace Engineering though, so now is the time to move out East to specialize.

I'm doing some biomed projects now and they're very interesting. I'm currently working with a code that simulates arterial blood flow and will be working with my supervisor on some clinical trials (have to be in the OR during bypass surgery, eek!)

[Bobbi]

I hadn't really heard of engineering until I got into high school. While I did well in all of my subjects, I really like math and physics, so thought engineering would be a good fit. Turns out it was! Back then I thought about moving out East to get an undergrad degree in Aerospace Engineering, but decided to stay home and do Mechanical Engineering (which I'm glad I got the more general degree). I'm still very interested in Aerospace Engineering though, so now is the time to move out East to specialize.

I'm doing some biomed projects now and they're very interesting. I'm currently working with a code that simulates arterial blood flow and will be working with my supervisor on some clinical trials (have to be in the OR during bypass surgery, eek!)

Wow, that sounds very interesting. It's wonderful that you can branch off to so many different fields given that one degree.