Do you have to have prior experience in engineering before going to college?

Hello! I am a 17 year old in high school that has been taking college classes these past two years. I have been really thinking lately and this past year what I want to do for a living. I love horses, but I have found out that they need to be my hobby, not job. I was thinking that I wanted to be a pilot, but with the Coronavirus, I want a more stable job that can endure slow downs like this. Now, I am thinking engineer again.

I have been reading about the different types and I am leaning towards mechanical or electrical, as I am very interested in space. Plus, with these two, there are so many options. That said, do you have to have the "engineering mind"? Like want to become an engineer since you were little?

I really want to go for this degree. I love science and I'm pretty good at math. I need to take my ACT again to get high math and science scores because I want to be in more advanced classes. But, that I can improve on.

Thank you!

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Nafisa Alam , Collins Aerospace

Answered Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 12:58 PM

Hi Abby! I didn’t realize I wanted to be an engineer until I was in the 11th grade. I didn’t know much about what engineers do until then either. I went into college with no background in engineering. Make sure you go to an institution accredited by ABET. That being said, the curriculum is what really shapes an “engineering mind”. You learn a lot of problem solving through projects and assignments once you reach your junior year of college. Go with an open mind and willingness to learn and be confident in your abilities! No one wakes up and is an engineer the next day. It takes a lot of studying and persistence and as long as you believe in yourself, you’ll be an engineer in no time.