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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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  • arlyn

    Added Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 11:26 AM

    This is my first time using this forum sorry if I did anything wrong!!  I've been taking engineering in school for the past 3 years. I've been at the top of my classes for all 3 years. I'm in a new school now, and naturally I chose to be in engineering again. My teacher says I'm not good enough to be in his class. He told me it would be better if I rethink my future and quit engineering as a whole. I don't really know why he would say this, because I have a pretty high grade in his class, ...
    Answers 1
    Nance Dicciani, RTM Vital Signs, LLC
    Answered Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 10:23 AM
     Hi Arlyn,
    I experienced the same type of negative comments not once, but several times during my career. There will always be others who tell you that you can't do something.
    When I was in high school some of my teachers told me that engineering was not ...
  • 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 ...
  • Evan

    Added Monday, April 1, 2024 at 4:18 PM

    I love engineering but I'm a kid and I love computer stuff but just how hard is it.
    Answers 1
    Terita Norton, The Aerospace Corporation
    Answered Monday, April 8, 2024 at 11:58 AM
    Hi Evan,
    
    Engineering isn't as scary as some might think. It does require focus and dedication to your studies but it is also cool to solve problems and create new innovative solutions. If you love computer stuff and exploring how things work I would ...
  • 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 ...
  • Anonymous asked Rashmi Bhawsar, Verizon

    Added Friday, February 11, 2022 at 7:53 PM

    I am interested in exploring computer science/computer engineering as a major in college. However, I have not taken computer science as a course for all four years in my high school, nor am I in many clubs that are associated with it. I do self-study, but will this hurt my chances of getting into this major? Thank you!
    Answers 1
    Rashmi Bhawsar, Verizon
    Answered Friday, May 13, 2022 at 10:01 AM
    Dear Anonymous, 
    This should not hurt your chances if you are passionate about computer engineering. Most of the computer engineer of previous generation did not have computer science course in High school including myself. 
    
    Demonstrate your interest ...
  • Gwen asked Khadijah Latiff, Amazon

    Added Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 6:33 AM

    hello Khadijah! I am planning to study electrical engineering and I would like to work in telecommunication industry. I understand engineering is very tough and require a lot of commitment. But I also want to participate in other extracurricular activities and enjoy my uni life. As much as I'm passionate about engineering , I'm worried it might stop me from doing other things such as cheerleading or dance club. Any advice on how to balance engineering and social life?

    Answers 1
    Khadijah Latiff, Amazon
    Answered Friday, November 5, 2021 at 5:52 PM
    Thank you for your question and I am thrilled that you are interested in studying electrical engineering. It is a broad field that is ever-changing and exciting. It is true that engineering is a rigorous discipline and the workload can be challenging and ...
  • Madeline Heinle asked Kathy Moseler, Paradise Robotics

    Added Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 2:23 PM

    I have trouble staying in one place and staying focused for extended amounts of time. As an engineer I want the freedom to move throughout the day but still get work done. As an electrical engineer do you have this problem?
    Answers 1
    Kathy Moseler, Paradise Robotics
    Answered Friday, March 1, 2019 at 6:48 PM
    Hi! Don't worry, you won't be chained to your desk. Much of the work you will do requires a lot of "thinking" time. Some engineers think by sitting at their desk, looking like they are staring off into space. Others (myself included) think better while ...
  • Beatrice Cunningham

    Added Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 7:55 PM

    Answers 1
    Kristin Malosh, North Star BlueScope Steel
    Answered Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at 7:16 PM
    Hi Beatrice- what a GREAT question. I bet you are practicing engineering every day, and just don't realize it! The best way to "practice" engineering is to solve problems. Find what interests you and challenge yourself to learn as much as you can about ...
  • Era Kurtaliaj

    Added Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 4:57 PM

    I am on a financial aid which to my knowledge lasts only 4 years. I have one semester left but I do not want to do mechanical engineering jobs. I would like to get involved in more electrical engineering positions such as automation, controls, robotics. I am trying to figure out ways to leverage my degree but also obtain new skills that are more focused on the aforementioned areas. Is this possible? Do you have any suggestions?
    Answers 1
    Jill S. Tietjen, Technically Speaking, Inc.
    Answered Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 2:02 PM
    My first recommendation is that you finish your mechanical engineering degree. Look for a job with a company that hires mechanical engineers as well as electrical engineers in areas such as automotive and aerospace (there are many others as well). Also ...
  • Aditi asked Katie Smith, Appalachian Power Company

    Added Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 9:52 AM

    My degree is very similar to yours. I was recently very disheartened when I freaked out after giving possibly the worst coding test for a summer internship. Is there anyway I can prepare better for next time? I'm pretty fine with electrical stuff, I just struggle a lot with the computer science / computer engineering aspect.
    Answers 1
    Katie Smith, Appalachian Power Company
    Answered Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 3:09 PM
    Aditi, the old saying "Practice makes perfect" is really true. Just keep studying hard and you will excel. Find what you're passionate about and focus on that. If it's not computer related then so be it. My rule I followed until I overcame my self-doubt ...
  • lalaine asked Ayanna Howard, Georgia Institute of Technology

    Added Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 10:22 PM

    Hi Dr. Howard! I am going to occupational therapy school and am very interested in integrating technology (i.e. robotics, assistive devices) and Occupational Therapy (our goal is to improve patient's physical function). What role can OTs play in the design of robotics? What computer coding languages would be useful for OTs to pick up if they are interested in working with robotics as well?. Thank you, I am inspired by what you do!
    Answers 1
    Ayanna Howard, Georgia Institute of Technology
    Answered Friday, September 21, 2018 at 3:52 PM
    OTs and PTs are especially important in the design of robots for therapy. They are instrumental in terms of determining what types of robot behaviors are optimal for improving patient outcomes, designing appropriate human-robot interaction therapy ...
  • karissa

    Added Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 11:35 PM

    I was talking to my professor and he mentioned that electrical engineering was very specific so I should look into other types of engineering, but I feel like what i want to do is best suited for ee. Am I wrong? I am only a first year so I haven't worked with circuits yet so i'm still unsure.
    Answers 1
    Nicola Asker, National Grid
    Answered Sunday, July 1, 2018 at 4:27 PM
    Hi Karissa. It's a tough decision and it depends on what your specific college/University will cover on their course. It also depends what types of technology/inventing you are interested in. Perhaps try researching some jobs that would interest you and ...
  • Caroline Marshall

    Added Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 6:07 PM

    I'm a high school student. I love math, and engineering has always sounded like a good career path for me. However, I don't want to live my life stressed out and busy ALL the time. Will this be typical if I go into an engineering field? I'm prepared to do a lot of work, but I do not want to be overwhelmed. How complicated is the work that goes into being an engineer, on a scale from 1-10?
    Answers 1
    Michele Miller, Campbell University
    Answered Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 11:05 AM
    Caroline,
    
    That's a great question.  There isn't really one answer to it.  I also loved math as a high school student.  That is a big help in engineering school. Engineering classes are demanding (maybe complicated at times), and you will learn a lot.  ...
  • Melat

    Added Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 2:45 PM

    I love engineering and adore building and creating things. I also have fascination with astronomy which is why I would like to be an aerospace engineer. The problem is when I hear engineers talking about their jobs they talk about the creative aspect, specifically the drawing aspect. I am absolutely terrible at drawing so I am wondering if being good at drawing is essential to becoming an engineer. Because I would love to be an engineer but I cant if I don't have the essential skills.
    Answers 1
    Katelyn Lichte, Corteva Agriscience
    Answered Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 1:43 PM
    Hi Melat,
    
    You can absolutely be an engineer without being good at drawing.  Not all engineering paths require good hand drawing skills.  Especially as an aerospace engineer, you'd like be using a computer aided design program to do your drawings with. ...
  • 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 ...
  • Farah Issa asked Carmen Espinal, Illinois Tool Works

    Added Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 2:30 PM

    Answers 1
    Carmen Espinal, Illinois Tool Works
    Answered Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 5:00 PM
    Hi Farah,
    My circumstances were a little bit different. They kind of steered me towards Mechanical Engineering. Here is what I mean: I come from a country where college education is free provided you have good grades during high school and good grades ...
  • 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 ...
  • Mehak Chohan

    Added Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 10:00 PM

    Im confused whether i want to go into the field, i am interested in building, creating, etc.
    Answers 1
    Kristin Malosh, North Star BlueScope Steel
    Answered Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 9:18 PM
    Hi there. The simple answer is yes- all engineering requires calculus, and I would call that hard math. I have friends who weren't so interested in math, but they enjoyed design/creating and they studied architecture- have you thought of that as a career ...
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