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Can I be an engineer and still dress conservatively?

I'm passionate about maths, physics, and problem-solving and want to be an engineer (I like mechanical and electrical right now), but I worry that the way I dress will limit my opportunities. I dress conservatively, remaining covered and not showing the form. I don’t want to work at a desk all the time, but is loose, flowing clothing permitted on jobsites or around moving machinery? Are there workarounds for someone like me?

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  • Annabel

    Added Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 5:13 PM

    Answers 1
    Tamara Floyd-Smith, West Virginia University Institute of Technology
    Answered Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10:38 AM
    In my opinion, engineering is the right subject for someone when there is either aptitude or interest.  It goes without saying that someone with both aptitude and interest would do well in the profession.  Many of my cis-female, engineering friends were ...
  • Vera

    Added Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 8:59 AM

    I used to be one of the best in my math class but then I switched schools and my average grade the last two years before graduating was a C (in exams) & D (participating in class). Since the sudden drop in grades took away my passion for mathematics, I am not interested in the subject as much as I used to as a kid. Now, I'm mostly interested in chemical / mechanical engineering.
    Answers 1
    Answered Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 11:04 AM
    Let me start by acknowledging that changing schools is tough. It seems simple on the outside, but it takes time to resettle yourself and find your groove.
    Mathematics is an underlying component to nearly all of engineering. There are many types of math ...
  • Emma Wilson asked Irene Rexwinkle, Blue Origin

    Added Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 3:31 AM

    Hi, I'm Emma, and I am interested in becoming an engineer and would like more information about them.
    Answers 1
    Irene Rexwinkle, Blue Origin
    Answered Friday, September 22, 2023 at 3:00 PM
    Hi Emma! The path to becoming an engineer typically includes obtaining a 4-year college degree from an accredited engineering program at a university. Some go on to obtain a 2 year master's degree (to get some more specialized education before starting a ...
  • Hannah

    Added Monday, April 30, 2018 at 8:24 PM

    Hi, I’m thinking about majoring in industrial engineering in college. The field really interests me and I think I could have the skills to do well in this type of job. I’ve been looking at typical college coursework for the major and seeing many advanced calculus and physics courses (among other challenging subjects). I’m good at math and physics and I know with some hard work I’ll be able to handle it in college. I was just wondering how often you really use intense calculus and mechanics on ...
    Answers 1
    Yamile Jackson, Nurtured by Design
    Answered Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 12:44 PM
    Hi, Hannah,
    
    I am happy to know that you are considering industrial engineering as a career path.
    
    Industrial is probably the most versatile so you can go either way.  Choose intense calculus and mechanics or not, however, if you are looking for ...
  • Zay Yar Min asked Marnie Smith, Network Partners

    Added Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 4:39 AM

    Is there a job which is a combination of engineering and MBA?
    Answers 1
    Marnie Smith, Network Partners
    Answered Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 4:31 PM
    Hi there! Great news, there are a ton of job options that you can combine a degree in engineering and an MBA with! In fact, I was heavily considering pursuing my MBA last year. I wanted to combine the problem solving abilities I have gained with my ...
  • Beto

    Added Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 7:20 PM

    Climb cell phone tower, install carrier equipment (AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile) push software, run power and fiber, sweep coax, fiber test, fiber scope, install microwave dishes.
    Answers 1
    Eva Hayward, Self Employed
    Answered Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 11:29 AM
    Hi, Beto! If you have enjoyed working with cell towers and would like to work towards a degree that would allow you to stay in the field, you could consider a few different options. 
    1.) Engineering Technology - This degree could prepare you to work as ...
  • Neha Chavan

    Added Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 11:17 AM

    Answers 1
    Katelyn Lichte, Corteva Agriscience
    Answered Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 1:48 PM
    Neha,
    
    The advice that I would give to a second year engineer student is to get involved!  This can mean a variety of things.  I would strongly suggest getting involved with a student group that does projects/work that you're passionate about.  This is ...
  • Frederic asked Kristy Rasbach, General Motors

    Added Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 5:07 PM

    I have 3 kids, I work in computer and internet technologies and I'd like to pursue my knowledge in electronic and electrical engineering. Do you know if it's even possible nowadays to study for engineering certification 100% from home? That is not to attend physically a university class.
    Answers 1
    Kristy Rasbach, General Motors
    Answered Friday, April 13, 2018 at 8:20 AM
    There are many engineering and engineering technology programs available online.  I did a quick online search, and it returned several links and resources to explore.  This is one ...
  • Micah Scott

    Added Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 8:25 AM

    I’ve had a career in computer and electrical engineering, but it’s hard to see the upside in this stuff any more. Technologies can help people sure, but only within the massively inequitable system that powers our tech. How would an engineer use their skills to contribute positively to the world?
    Answers 1
    Khadijah Latiff, Amazon
    Answered Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 10:44 AM
    You can design and build a benevolent AI machine and let it rule humans like in the Matrix or build reusable rockets that can propel us to Mars and be used to mine asteroids. It doesn't have to be unsustainable. Living without tech is also becoming ...
  • Kitty1996

    Added Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 8:14 PM

    Hi! I am a computer engineering student from philippines and expected to graduate this june 2018. I still have one remaining subject to be taken this incoming semester. I'm currently finding a part time job while i'm still studying. I'm very frustrated because I can't find a job that really suits my knowledge. Coz I think I'm not that good enough to be an engineer. But I'm willing to learn in order to grow. I'm really frustrated what should I do?
    Answers 1
    Yasmin Jawad, Ford Motor Company
    Answered Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 1:09 PM
    Hello,  
    
    First and foremost, you should be proud of yourself for getting this far and completing engineering school. Allow me to tell you that it is natural to feel this way when you graduate as it is the fear of the unknown.  Not having prior ...
  • Ally

    Added Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 3:50 AM

    I am a Freshman in high school, but I am worried about what kind of job I am going to have and if I will enjoy it and it will fit my needs. I would like to be an environmental, mechanical, or civic engineer. (I am not yet sure what kind of engineering yet) I would like to be able to help others, possibly in third world countries, but still, earn enough money. I would also like to travel when I am a young adult but have opportunities to settle down when I am older.
    Answers 1
    Karen Thole, Pennsylvania State University
    Answered Friday, November 3, 2017 at 11:28 AM

    Most of us did not know what kind of job we would like to have when we were at your stage of life. As a matter of fact, I did not even know enough to consider being an engineer! The good news is that most of us figure out what our passions are as we go ...

  • Alyssa Will asked Tiera Fletcher (Guinn), Boeing

    Added Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 11:27 AM

    I want to work for NASA and be an Aerospace Engineer/Scientist. Some more questions are: What school/college did you go to? Why? Do you have an alternative career? Are you happy with your work? Again, Thank You.
    Answers 1
    Answered Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 9:14 PM
    Hi Alyssa, I'm so very happy to hear that you'd like to pursue rocket engineering. I went to a high school named Wheeler High School in Marietta, GA and it had a great STEM program where I was able to take engineering courses and advanced classes in ...
  • Yatziri

    Added Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 10:24 AM

    What are your reasons as to why you chose this career in general?
    Answers 1
    Answered Monday, September 25, 2017 at 7:44 PM

    Answered by Krista Murphy

    I was searching for an opportunity to combine technical skills and interaction with a variety of people. Engineering consulting offers an opportunity for both design and project management. I enjoy spending time with project ...

  • Samantha Patrick

    Added Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 9:29 PM

    Hello, my name is Samantha Patrick from Thornburg Middle School, and currently are working on researching a career project. I am focusing my project on engineering, and I have a few questions that if you could please take your time to answer. Thanks, Sam. What classes in college helped you with your career? What do you find most enjoyable about engineering? Is there anything that specifically made you want to become an engineer? Where are you hoping to get to, with your career choice? Is ...
    Answers 1
    Katelyn Lichte, Corteva Agriscience
    Answered Friday, July 28, 2017 at 11:11 AM
    (Post 1/2)
    
    Hello Sam,
    
    I'd be happy to answer your questions.  First of all, I'm a mechanical engineering major now working at a seed (think corn/soybeans) production facility.
    
    There weren't any specific classes that helped me with my career but ...
  • Emily

    Added Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 12:22 PM

    I love math and physics and can see myself in engineering in the future. I have however not done well in physics 2 twice (I completely blame myself for not trying hard enough and feel like I have ruined my future because of poor choices). My college only allows two attempts for this class so my advisor told me to start looking into new majors. I can't see myself doing anything else. I've been so passionate about engineering ever since I got into it and don't think there's another major that ...
    Answers 1
    Elizabeth Schlegel, KSN Inc.
    Answered Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 12:40 PM
    Not all fields of engineering require electromagnetic physics skills to succeed!  Find out whether you can stay in engineering if you pass this course at a community college.  If not, are you willing to attend a different school?  I did not do well in ...
  • Mandy

    Added Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 10:52 AM

    I am 32 years old and completing my first year back to school to earn a degree in civil/environmental engineering (although I am open to switching fields). My first degree was in history and after many years with difficulty finding a job (I worked as a technical support representative at a few call centers) that could provide enough income, a yearning to challenge myself intellectually, and wanting to contribute more to society I decided Engineering was the way to go. By the time I will finish ...
    Answers 1
    Sandra Begay, Sandia National Laboratories
    Answered Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 12:52 PM
    I am proud that you’ve decided to challenge yourself! A degree in engineering is not easy, but my experience is that it is a very rewarding degree. The job opportunities can enhance your contributions and also most engineering jobs pay very well. My ...
  • Swati Dewan , India

    Added Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 10:00 AM

    I am currently pursuing an engineering degree in electronics and communication; however I was never really interested in mathematics and computers. I have been a bright student throughout and scored good grades irrespective of the subjects. But now the idea of studying something which I might not seek a career in makes me lose interest and is affecting my grades. I am a second year student. I did not know about this vast application of computing and particularly programming languages applied in ...
    Answers 1
    Molly Lebowitz, Propeller Consulting
    Answered Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 10:00 AM

    Swati, You are in an excellent position to be wondering the things you are wondering right now. Thanks for writing. Ironically, I was in a very similar position when I was a student - initially studied biology... and then found myself in Engineering, ...

  • Maricella S., Texas

    Added Friday, March 30, 2012 at 5:08 AM

    How does communication help in your job? Does being a female in your line of work hinder the communication?
    Answers 1
    Answered Friday, March 30, 2012 at 5:08 AM
    We must work together in my department as a team in order to deliver contract documents, which can consist of hundreds of drawing sheets and requires coordination between many engineering disciplines. Communication is key. We must also be in constant ...
  • Ciara, Ireland asked Kathleen Taylor

    Added Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 7:51 AM

    Hi, I’m a third year mechanical engineering student in Ireland and I was wondering, are soft skills, such as I.T and communication, more important than math related subjects for a newly graduated engineering when looking for employment?
    Answers 1
    Answered Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 7:51 AM
    You need all of these skills as well as integrity. The math skills are part of the qualification for any engineering activity. The IT and communication skills are not an either/or if you want to advance in your career.
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