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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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  • Jeremiah Marcos

    Added Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 3:46 AM

    I have a general idea of what a civil engineer does. Before you majored in civil engineering, did you know a lot about what they do?
    Answers 3
    Julia Lopez, Turner Construction
    Answered Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 8:43 AM
    I had no idea what civil engineering was. I went to college as an engineer but hadn't declared which engineering major I wanted to do. I kind of just ended up falling into the major and I love it. There are SO many amazing career paths you can go down in ...
    Yamini Grover, Fugro
    Answered Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 3:36 PM
    Hi Jeremiah! I had no clue what civil engineering was up until secondary school. It was when I had to finally decide what majors to choose for my bachelor's degree that I googled about all options I had. I just knew that in civil engineering courses, I ...
    Kara Kockelman, University of Texas at Austin
    Answered Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 12:35 PM
    Fabulous question! Honestly, I had almost no idea what civil engineers do when I was in high school. I simply found math and physics not as ambiguous, open-ended and subjective (and thus difficult, for me) as writing essays, and not as memory-intensive ...
  • Mia Peterson

    Added Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 2:26 PM

    How does one branch into different industries with little to no experience in them? I am recent graduate with a Mechanical Engineering Degree and I am a bit lost. As a College student during Covid I didn't have a internship, while in school, so I am doing one currently. How to branch out? How do you make connections?
    Answers 1
    Mercy Asin, MGV
    Answered Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 4:45 AM
    The steps I would advise you take would be
    
    1) Register and join an Engineering society in your city, attend their meetings and keep up to date with their posts on social media as some of them usually post graduate trainee programmes organized by some ...
  • Fabiola asked Janelle Leafblad, WoodWorks - Wood Products Council

    Added Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 1:46 PM

    Janelle - I'm in the middle of Pursuing a Bach. in Arch. Engineering. I did some research and found out you can become a PE. I read to become a PE or stamp MEP or structural drawings you have to be licensed in each one. Is this true?

    What would I need to do to be able to stamp my own drawings. Not only am I constantly questioning how we are making a building, but in the long run I would like to hopefully make and sell my own floor plans (not necessarily to make loads of money, but ...

    Answers 1
    Janelle Leafblad, WoodWorks - Wood Products Council
    Answered Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 5:43 PM
    Fabiola,
    
    The specifics on licensing have changed since my test-taking days, but the basics remain the same. In order to stamp drawings as a licensed professional engineer you'll need: an engineering degree from an accredited institution, experience ...
  • Lenza asked Gillian Montgomery, Buehler Engineering, Inc

    Added Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 6:12 AM

    I haven't worked in engineering field yet, and i don't know whether i can do structural engineering or not because i wasn't smart at college i was ok, i'm good at math, drawing and Auto Cad.
    Answers 1
    Gillian Montgomery, Buehler Engineering, Inc
    Answered Sunday, January 13, 2019 at 9:17 AM
    Hard is relative.  I found a passion in it, so it made the studying easier.  Maybe think about what part of math, drawings and AutoCad you like the best. Do you like understanding the deep theories  or crunching the numbers and using computers to help ...
  • CBliss asked Marnie Smith, Network Partners

    Added Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 7:24 PM

    The BA is in nothing related to engineering and I am only 3 years out of college and have already excelled in my field, but am bored out of my skull. I work at a job counseling people and then I come home and tinker and build things out of whatever I have lying around the house. I want a job that would let me design, build, and invent things for solutions to public health issues, but I am so paralyzed with fear that I have already ruined my life with that horrible decision to get a BA instead ...
    Answers 1
    Marnie Smith, Network Partners
    Answered Friday, December 7, 2018 at 2:22 PM
    You are not a lost cause!
    
    First, I want to say that I'm sorry that you were given such poor feedback and support that ultimately discouraged you from pursuing Engineering. This day and age, that is really unfair! Your journey does not have to end here. ...
  • Alexandra Resney asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Monday, September 10, 2018 at 1:02 PM

    Hi Kim,

    I absolutely love the idea of engineering rides, especially the mix of computer and hands-on work! I am currently an undergrad studying Mechanical Engineering and looking at Grad Schools for Civil.

    Disney is obviously the dream - I have some questions about how you got there and how you would recommend others do so:

    1. Where did you initially apply? (The Disney Careers Website?)
    2. I know you said you were familiar with the software that Disney uses, is ...
    Answers 1
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at 4:11 PM
    Hi Alexandra,
    
    1. Yes I applied to Disney directly on the website. I started as an intern so I applied through the Disney careers website: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/professional-internships
    2. I had completed two previous internships with medical ...
  • Cary asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at 10:09 AM

    Walt Disney World has always held a special place in my heart and inspired me to pursue engineering, something I never thought I could do. Now I am going into my senior year as a civil engineering student. I have been struggling to get my GPA up from a 2.975 to a 3.0 for about two years now so that I could apply for Disney internships. Now I am considering the college program as well as I am feeling discouraged about being able to gain that last 0.034 points on my GPA. I am a member of the ...

    Answers 1
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at 5:10 PM
    Hey Cary, first of all, please do not be discouraged! Engineering coursework is HARD no matter who you are and to me GPA isn't always the best indicator of who's the right candidate for the job. Having said that, unfortunately that is one of the ...
  • Jessica

    Added Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 12:26 AM

    What is the difference between architecture and architectural engineering?
    Answers 1
    Alyse Falconer, Point Energy Innovations
    Answered Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 11:31 AM
    Architecture has a lot more studio classes, design, and drawing / sketching to it.  Architectural Engineering studies both architecture and engineering.  When you complete an AE course, you’ll have an engineering degree, which you can specialize in ...
  • Nyah Gaston

    Added Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM

    I'm currently a junior in high school and there's seems to be discrimination everywhere in my life considering I'm an African American women. Is there going to be a lot of judgement in this profession?
    Answers 1
    Camille Sowells, CP&Y, Inc.
    Answered Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 2:33 PM
    In my experience, there has not been a lot of discrimination. You cannot control whether or not other people chose to judge on the basis of your skin color, gender, age or anything else. That is a reflection of who they are. You can only focus your ...
  • Zahra Khan, Columbus Technologies and Services
    Answered Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 3:50 PM
    Hi!
    Do you have any internship experience you can point to?
    As a new grad, you still might be able to do an internship to get experience.
    When I finished my Masters, my first job was an internship with a possibility of it being converted into a ...
  • 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 ...
  • Jessica Dale

    Added Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 1:26 PM

    I’m 15 and I’ve always wanted to be an engineer or architect but architectural engineering really interests me, I need to start picking my subjects in school that would help me to get into the course I want, what ones should I think of and how would I go about it?
    Answers 1
    Melanie Cragnolin, Cragnolin Engineering and Design Associates DPC
    Answered Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 10:50 AM

    I strongly recommend taking calculus based physics, calculus and AutoCAD or AutoDesk based building information modeling if it is offered in high school in order to prepare to study architectural engineering.

    Mechanical drawing is also recommended.

    ...

  • 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 ...
  • C P

    Added Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 7:20 PM

    Hi, I am 30 years old with a full time job, and 3 kids (2 of which are under 2yrs old), I have not gone to school since HS and I am considering going to school for civil engineering, I was good at math in HS but I am nervous to start college and wondering if its even a possibility to pursue school in this field while maintaining a full time job and taking care of my family?! I have spoken with my spouse and I could do a part time job if needed but I am wondering if any of you were in a similar ...
    Answers 1
    Kristy Rasbach, General Motors
    Answered Saturday, December 23, 2017 at 4:53 AM
    First of all, I admire your desire to continue your education in a field that you have interest!  Good for you!  I think it's perfectly normal to be apprehensive when considering a big decision like this.  Sure, managing a family, work, and college ...
  • 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 ...

  • 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 ...

  • Sam

    Added Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 1:30 PM

    I'm two years into my graphic design degree, but lately I think I've realized that I want a little more. I miss working in a warehouse and doing things hands on, but also I love to design and I'm good with photoshop, rendering programs, etc. I love to build things. Are there any degrees/careers that include both? Like I said math isn't my strongest subject but I'm very creative and I enjoy problem solving. I also get along well with people so that isn't a concern.
    Answers 1
    Katie Smith, Appalachian Power Company
    Answered Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 2:57 PM
    Sam,
    There are many engineering careers that are design related, but I might suggest an associate engineering program if your math is weak and prefer a hands on environment. Many careers like the one you are searching for will only require a 2 year ...
  • Katelyn Lichte, Corteva Agriscience
    Answered Friday, July 28, 2017 at 9:39 AM
    Hello Charles,
    
    I will start off by saying that I'm only 22, I just graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.  I definitely don't think you're too old.  In my class, there were several non traditional students who ranged in age from 30-50.  ...
  • 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 ...
  • Saleh asked Kathy Moseler, Paradise Robotics

    Added Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 9:01 AM

    Dear Kathy Moseler, If you let me, i would like to ask you to provide me some information about engineering. I alredy have a degree in master of MIS, but, after a year of work in Min.of Tech, i loved robotics. Would like to study electrical engineering in Germany TU9, but i am 26. Is it to old for me to start in this field? Will i be able to find a job? Some times i fill like, i am a little old for this. But please, as a professional, tell me the truth. Just yesterday i realised my ...
    Answers 1
    Kathy Moseler, Paradise Robotics
    Answered Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 5:37 PM
    Saleh,
    
    Thank you for your question.  You are definitely not too old to study Electrical Engineering or Robotics!  This is a growing field and there is huge demand for women engineers, especially in the USA.  I cannot speak for Germany as it could be ...
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