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What is the workload like when studying engineering?

I generally do well in school, but I'm struggling with my 9th grade class workload. I want to be an engineer and I've heard that there is a lot of work to do in college classes. I'm worried that if I'm already having trouble with my workload in high school that I won't last in college. Is the engineering workload as hard as I've heard? Any advice for managing lots of classwork?

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  • Added 11 days AGO

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    I generally do well in school, but I’m struggling with my 9th grade class workload. I want to be an engineer and I’ve heard that there is a lot of work to do in college classes. I’m worried that if I’m already having trouble with my workload in high school that I won’t last in college. Is the engineering workload as hard as I’ve heard? Any ...

    Answers 7
    Beth Crisco-Kestner, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
    Answered 11 days AGO

    All college programs are going to require self-discipline and dedication in order to succeed. I wouldn't say Engineering is any different. It is a matter of passion and commitment. Most universities offer an introductory course in Engineering within the ...

    Erin Gately, Iron Mountain
    Answered 11 days AGO

    Engineering school is hard. But you learn tips and tricks to help you improve your study habits. Many of the engineering classes are challenging but they are also interesting. Studying interesting things makes them feel less hard.

    My advice is to find a ...

    Kim Linder, Honeywell FM&T
    Answered 11 days AGO

    Engineering classes do tend to have a bigger workload than other majors. However, just like you are learning time management and studying skills as a freshman in high school, you will take these high school skills and build on them as a freshman in ...

  • Victoria

    Added Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 4:24 AM

    I still have a year and a half left of my undergrad and knowing that biomedical engineering is very broad and there are so many routes to take and possibilities makes me even more confused. I'm pretty task-focused and my CliftonStrengths are Learner, Input, Achiever, Intellection, and Strategic. I'm very creative. I think I would want to do clinical engineering or R&D, tissue engineering or product design, but I've more experience in project management, leading teams and bigger-picture projects ...
    Answers 1
    Ying-Ja Chen, Pronutria
    Answered Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 7:43 AM

    Biomedical engineering is broad and it's great that you already have some idea. Here are a few possibilities to try that may help you choose.

    First, you can do an internship at a medical device or biotech company in the upcoming summer or next year to ...

  • Added Monday, April 28, 2025 at 12:03 PM

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    I want to be an engineer and I’m good at math and science but I’m not good in reading and social studies. I don’t really like those other subjects. Do I need to be good at things other than math and science to be an engineer? I thought engineers just used STEM stuff but my sister says they use more things too.

    Answers 11
    Answered Monday, April 28, 2025 at 12:30 PM

    Hey! It's awesome that you're interested in engineering and that you're strong in math and science – that's a fantastic foundation! Seriously, those skills are super important for becoming an engineer, so you're already on a great track.

    Your sister does ...

    Patricia Mokhtarian, Georgia Institute of Technology
    Answered Monday, April 28, 2025 at 12:28 PM

    I won't lie to you: the better you are with words (reading and writing), the stronger your impact as an engineer will be! I cannot imagine an engineering job in which you won't need to communicate your ideas, plans, and accomplishments to other people. ...

    Wendy Sahli, Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society
    Answered Monday, April 28, 2025 at 12:23 PM

    You do not have to be good at every subject. I would encourage you to look for STEM in subjects that you aren’t great at. You’d be surprised how much STEM plays a role in history, and you can find books related to your interests or find STEM in the books ...

  • Jas

    Added Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 2:16 AM

    Currently, I am thinking about declaring a major, but I am stuck between civil or environmental engineering. I've always had a passion for helping the environment but more so in urban planning/studies. I don't really know which engineering would be more geared towards urban planning and, thus I am stuck choosing between these two majors. I am also really interested in transportation as well, and I'm also interested in ways to reduce pollution in our atmosphere.
    Answers 1
    Answered Monday, April 14, 2025 at 12:21 AM
    The best fit depends on your emphasis: choose Civil Engineering if your primary drive is designing the core physical systems with environmental protection as a key component, or Environmental Engineering if you're more drawn to the specific pollution ...
  • Ivan Reyes asked Shima Hajimirza, Stevens Institute of Technology

    Added Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 11:22 PM

    Is an engineering degree still valuable to employers if the college is regionally accredited but not ABET accredited? I recently applied to school called ECPI university. I want to pursue a bachelor's degree in mechatronics at this school but they are not ABET accredited

    Answers 1
    Answered Friday, April 11, 2025 at 2:34 PM

    Response provided by the ABET Senior Director of Communications

    Thank you for your thoughtful question.

    ABET plays a critical role in providing quality assurance for programs in engineering, as well as in applied and natural science, computing, and ...

  • Grace

    Added Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 2:51 PM

    I graduated 2 years ago with a degree in biomedical engineering. I recently completed a diploma in women's soccer performance, but I don't know where or how to take the next step. I love the sports world, I especially like the idea of ??????being able to be part of improving players performance and helping prevent injuries, as well as better understanding women in sports, but I don't know how to get involved. I have no idea about specific jobs that might fit what I want, and I also don't know ...
    Answers 1
    Answered Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 12:51 PM
    Speaking only of my own experience where I work -- there are people in my materials and mechanical test lab  with biomedical degrees and backgrounds, and similarly there are people with those types of backgrounds who work as wear test analysts or ...
  • Added Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 12:16 PM

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    I’m starting to think about college and since it is expensive and a lot of work, I don’t want to regret my decision of what to study. I really like the engineering stuff I’ve done in school so far and think that it could be a good path for me. Are there parts of engineering that you don’t like or that make you regret going into it in the ...

    Answers 9
    Carla Bailo, ECOS Consulting
    Answered Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 12:34 PM

    This is a tough question for those of us who have spent our entire career in engineering related fields. Naturally, there are some areas which I loved more than others. In school, I struggled with thermodynamics but excelled at heat transfer which ...

    Una Trivanovic, METAS (Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology)
    Answered Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 12:33 PM

    Engineering is a very broad field so if you study engineering you can choose from a huge variety of jobs which all have pros and cons. I have had some engineering jobs that I didn't enjoy so much and others that I have found very fulfilling! I will never ...

    Answered Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 12:32 PM

    Hello! What a great question. First and foremost, I applaud you for understanding your likes and contemplating career choices while in high school. It will be important in college and class selections.

    Secondly, I wanted to answer your question, “have ...

  • Amber Brown

    Added Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 10:36 PM

    I am currently majoring in civil engineering with a 3.7 accumulative but math Is my thing and I don't get tired of it. I found that choosing the project management aspect of engineering limits me to be more in charge than doing the technical aspect of things. I want to make a difference in this world, but am starting to worry that engineering is limiting in that retrospect. I want the civil aspect of our world to grow more environmentally conscious but don't find the environmental engineering ...
    Answers 1
    Answered Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 11:41 AM
    Your love of math and environmental impact within civil engineering is a powerful combination. Consider specializing in areas like:
     * Water Resources: Heavy math, direct environmental impact.
     * Geotechnical: Sustainable materials and modeling.
     * ...
  • K

    Added Monday, March 3, 2025 at 12:26 PM

    To take engineering in university, I need to take A level maths but that isn't even a choice for me. I'm doing foundation maths meaning that the highest grade I can get is a 5 (9 is the highest but that's for a higher paper and I need at least a 7 for A level maths) but I'm so bad at maths I'm barely passing but I really want to do engineering. I'm looking at aerospace and pharmaceutical engineering. Is it possible to do engineering?
    Answers 1
    Moyra J. McDill, Carleton University
    Answered Monday, March 10, 2025 at 7:59 AM

    Engineers are problem solvers. This is a very good problem for you to solve on your way to becoming an engineer.

    First, how are you doing with other courses such as physics or chemistry? A-levels, or their equivalent, in these subjects and some others ...

  • Maryam Soliman

    Added Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 7:43 PM

    I'm really interested in nuclear and chemical engineering, and NASA or CERN seem like fantastic places to work.

    I'm a freshman in an engineering program. I find that I struggle a little bit with the CAD Program we use, Fusion 360, but I can get it with practice. The main reason I chose engineering is because I'm good at math and I love doing it. There are so many different options for what discipline I could major in, and it's amazing that I can get feedback from actual engineers!

    Answers 1
    Sarah Absher, Procter & Gamble
    Answered Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 9:37 AM
    I am a Chemical Engineer - I chose the field because I loved Chemistry and Math.  Any Engineering discipline is foundational to establish critical thinking and problem solving, regardless of the "discipline".  It is important to think about what you love ...
  • Added Monday, February 24, 2025 at 3:36 PM

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    I'm a high school student who is really interested in doing engineering. I'm not sure that I can major in engineering due to not having taken calculus as a junior in high school. I plan to take pre-calculus by senior year but won't be able to take calculus. I am taking an intro into engineering this year. Even if I haven't taken Calculus ...

    Answers 14
    Answered Monday, February 24, 2025 at 4:10 PM

    Hey there! Absolutely, you can pursue an engineering major even if you've only taken pre-calculus in high school. It's totally possible, and honestly, it's something I experienced myself!

    I actually started my undergraduate studies in a different field ...

    Kristin Sweeney, US Aggregates
    Answered Monday, February 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM

    Of course you can still be an engineer if you haven’t had the opportunity to take calculus in high school. It sounds like you’ve got a solid plan to take pre-calculus your senior year and this will give you a great foundation. When I was a senior in high ...

    Jennifer Myren, Collins Aerospace
    Answered Monday, February 24, 2025 at 4:08 PM

    Yes, absolutely! I actually think it's better to take calculus right before starting college as it will be more fresh in your mind. I highly recommend taking it at a community college in the summer so you can take your time and really understand it. I ...

  • Jaxsen

    Added Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 4:34 PM

    I'm currently a sophomore in high school, I want to be a mechatronics engineer when I grow up. However, I also want to take as many college classes as I can so I can get ahead. That doesn't leave a lot of space for electives, which are currently band. In the fall, I do marching band, which I love, but in the spring I do concert band, which I've fallen out of. I'd rather take another class, but my parents really want me to stay in band, and I'm scared it will hurt my chances. Am I going to be ...

    Answers 1
    Anu Bhaskar, St. Charles Community College
    Answered Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 2:49 PM
    Since your dream is to become a mechatronics engineer(mechanical+ electronics), its always best to get a basic understanding of electronics. 
    Also math and physics understanding is very important to start your electronics journey, so make sure you have ...
  • Kayla cleminshaw

    Added Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 2:07 AM

    I am interested in studying further to make a significant impact on the environment. Would mechanical engineering be the right fit for that? I want to help reduce carbon emissions, minimize energy waste, and improve hydraulic systems.
    Answers 1
    Linsey Marr, Virginia Tech
    Answered Monday, January 27, 2025 at 9:35 PM
    Most types of engineering have the potential to make a significant impact on the environment. Mechanical engineering is a great choice because you can help improve efficiency of machines so that they use less energy, design machines to extract and store ...
  • Added Monday, January 27, 2025 at 12:47 PM

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    I want to study engineering in college but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed because the field is so broad and there are so many paths to take. How did you navigate this uncertainty as you finished high school and started college? What opportunities did you find most valuable? What should I do now to help find my direction?

    Answers 9
    Answered Monday, January 27, 2025 at 1:10 PM

    You are absolutely right that the paths in engineering are plentiful, and hopefully you’ll be able to see that as a good thing! There is no one singular straight road that will lead directly from here to your perfect dream (even once you know what that ...

    Erin Rosenthal, PMA Engineering
    Answered Monday, January 27, 2025 at 1:09 PM

    The field of engineering offers an overwhelming number of options. To navigate these choices, I recommend engaging in opportunities that provide mentoring and real-world experiences across various engineering disciplines. This will help you explore ...

    Patricia Mokhtarian, Georgia Institute of Technology
    Answered Monday, January 27, 2025 at 1:08 PM

    My experience is doubtless not for everyone, but I will share it in case it resonates. I started college as a tentative biology major -- I knew I liked science, but wasn't sure what branch of science I wanted to major in. Then someone told me, "You know, ...

  • Brooke Menne

    Added Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 11:51 AM

    I got rejected from only aero university in MN after previously pursing an aerospace degree elsewhere. Am I able to pursue the same dreams I had as an aerospace engineer if I do a mechanical degree?
    Answers 1
    Kim de Groh, NASA Glenn Research Center
    Answered Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11:22 AM
    Hi Brooke, I can not answer your specific question, but I can let you know that I have a BS & MS in materials science and I work at NASA Glenn Research Center flying spaceflight experiments and studying the durability of spacecraft materials in the space ...
  • Ash

    Added Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 1:14 PM

    I have taken 2 math classes in college. I have a B in Trig. and I think I am getting a C in Pre-Calc. I am wondering if getting a C will affect me if I want to continue majoring in engineering, especially aerospace engineering. I know I will do my best to get better grades in the next math classes, but I am not sure if I should continue or give up. Should I continue majoring in engineering or no?
    Answers 1
    Kerri Phillips, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
    Answered Monday, January 6, 2025 at 2:39 PM
    If you are passionate about engineering, then I wouldn't let a stumble in a class deter you from pursuing your dream of being an engineer. I know plenty of engineers who have received a C in a class and continued on to be highly successful in their ...
  • Added Friday, December 20, 2024 at 3:09 PM

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    If so, how did you handle it? I am currently thinking about women in STEM and the inequality/underrepresentation we may face. It would be nice to have an inside opinion on the challenges within STEM.

    Answers 5
    Carla Bailo, ECOS Consulting
    Answered Friday, December 20, 2024 at 3:22 PM

    I began my engineering education and career in 1978, so the simple answer is yes. It began in college but only in 1 course which was a terrible experience for me and the subject was difficult on top of that. I was too young to realize that I should have ...

    Answered Friday, December 20, 2024 at 3:21 PM

    Yes, I've experienced inequality because of my gender several times, unfortunately. To manage through the inequality I joined a non-profit organization which focuses on the empowerment and advocacy of women and allies within my industry. Through this ...

    Answered Friday, December 20, 2024 at 3:20 PM

    Hi, to be honest early in my career I did face negative comments about my gender when working in a field-based position. Basically, that I didn't know anything and was "just a girl". I was fortunate to have a very supportive male supervisor who advocated ...

  • Added Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 1:15 PM

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    Hi, I’m a freshman in high school and I’m interested in robotics. I’m struggling a bit in my engineering class and it feels like everyone else knows what they’re doing. I got extra help on a project with my robotics club but I can’t help but think it’s because I’m a girl who is behind. I feel like I’m walking a thin line and being watched, ...

    Answers 20
    Answered Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 4:20 PM
    Recognize and acknowledge your feelings: Understand that imposter syndrome is a common experience and that many high-achieving individuals, including Maya Angelou and Einstein, have felt the same way. Gather accomplishment evidence: Collect tangible ...
    Adriana Beal, BealProjects.com
    Answered Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 2:05 PM

    It may help to hear from people who had similar experiences, so here's mine:

    When I first started studying Electrical Engineering, I'd get anxious when I saw my male colleagues get their electronic circuits to work much faster than I did. On paper, I ...

    Patricia Mokhtarian, Georgia Institute of Technology
    Answered Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 2:03 PM

    I wish I had a magic answer on how to deal with imposter syndrome. I believe it will diminish for you as you continue to work hard and gain more experience and more confidence. But that may not offer much comfort to you right now!

    What I can say is that ...

  • Nathan

    Added Friday, November 29, 2024 at 1:51 PM

    Answers 1
    Donna Hull, Verizon
    Answered Friday, December 6, 2024 at 7:03 PM
    Choosing the Military will take just as much energy and research as choosing a college. There a many avenues which can lead to you being an engineer in some capacity in the military.  
    
    I encourage you to just not go on the answer I provide here but ...
  • RANA

    Added Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 3:45 PM

    I'm interested biomedical engineering and I've been doing research on it but I keep seeing more cons than pros. Right now I'm in my first year for materials engineering. At the same time I'm not sure what to do so i was considering offering electrical engineering. Please I need advise on what to do.
    Answers 1
    Chunqing Liu, Honeywell
    Answered Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 8:35 AM

    I feel that you are at an important crossroads in your academic path during your first year in college. Based on my personal academic experience, I would suggest that you can calm down and try a step-by-step approach to help you to make your decision. I ...

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