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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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  • 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 ...
  • 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 ...
  • James Kashindi asked Kim Linder, Honeywell FM&T

    Added Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 10:28 AM

    Answers 1
    Kim Linder, Honeywell FM&T
    Answered Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 8:41 AM
    There are certainly projects that do require coding. Engineers typically work in teams, so a variety of members of the team could be the ones to do the coding. It is good for mechanical engineers to have at least a rudimentary understanding of coding, ...
  • 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 ...
  • Leyna

    Added Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 6:57 PM

    Do all grades matter or just math and science grades? I know most engineering is mostly math and science and I LOVE math and science. I want to be an Engineer when I grow up

    Answers 1
    Ursula Gibson, Dartmouth College
    Answered Friday, March 22, 2019 at 11:57 AM

    While the math and science grades can be enough to get you where you want to go, often your GPA will be used as a filter when looking at your admission file, so other courses could count against you. Perhaps you can find a school that has enough of a ...

  • Dolor, Vinna L. asked Margaret Byron, Penn State University

    Added Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 5:34 AM

    Cause, I had seen in my research that says that some companies don't hire many environmental engineers and it doesn't really apply. Thanks.
    Answers 1
    Margaret Byron, Penn State University
    Answered Friday, February 1, 2019 at 5:36 PM
    Hi Vinna!  Short answer: yes, environmental engineers are definitely needed.  
    
    One thing you might not realize is that the term "environmental engineer" applies to a lot of different scientific disciplines. My area of expertise is environmental fluid ...
  • Basil Mathai

    Added Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 1:59 AM

    I am Basil and I am an accountant with an accounting degree. I am not enjoying accounting as much as I thought I would and I have always wanted to do engineering but I couldn't due to the A level I chose. So is there any courses which allow me to study engineering even though I have an accounting degree?
    Answers 1
    Kelly Knight, Bechtel National, Inc.
    Answered Friday, January 11, 2019 at 8:39 AM

    Dear Basil,

    My Bachelor’s degree was in Mathematics. When looking for jobs, I found that I preferred engineering type jobs. Thus, I went back to school for a Master’s in Eng. This cost me extra time and money since I had to audit basic engineering ...

  • Tanvir

    Added Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 4:02 AM

    Calculus is the main problem. How i can take steps to overcome that problem?
    Answers 1
    Kristin Malosh, North Star BlueScope Steel
    Answered Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at 7:24 PM
    Hi Tanvir. Calculus is definitely a TOUGH course. Even so, it is required for an engineering degree. Some engineering fields use the basics of calculus more than others. Depending on what specific job type you want within mechanical engineering you may ...
  • 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. ...
  • 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 ...
  • 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 ...
  • Ashley Bushey, Greenheck Group
    Answered Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 4:56 PM
    Hi Allison,
    
    It really depends on the program and school you choose. Some will have hard requirements on acceptable undergraduate degrees in order to be admitted, however, others will be a little more flexible. I recommend you check around on the ...
  • Carly

    Added Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 11:59 AM

    I’m pretty good at math now but I’m only in 8th grade. I really like the idea of being an environmental engineer, but I’m worried I’ll struggle with the advanced math classes...are some schools easier than others? Or do all of them require a lot of math and I’ll just have to deal with it. Would environmental studies be easier?
    Answers 1
    Stacy Clark, AI Engineers
    Answered Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 4:36 PM
    Hi Carly! It's great that you're thinking about this already! I'm going to tackle your question in three parts:
    
    (1) "Are some schools easier than others?"  -  Yes - some universities are harder than others, and some professors within a university are ...
  • Damsel Juneth C. Miranda

    Added Monday, April 30, 2018 at 4:55 AM

    I'm 31. Worked as a Nurse in Phil. I have natural love for designing, creating or building any simple machines from recycled materials. Do I have a chance to make it to Engineering? I'm not sure if I'm good at math or physics compared to others. Though I was a consistent honor student in my high school years. I also the passed the exams for FINE ARTS but took nursing and got licensed instead. But I love solving problems both in theory and in practice.
    Answers 1
    Answered Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 12:37 PM
    1. Don’t quit your day job.
    2. Start with the entry level courses either at night school or you may be able to do it online.
    3. If you are still committed, then figure out how long it will take you to complete your degree and what it will cost you.
    4. Remember you ...
  • Ani Clemons

    Added Thursday, July 5, 2018 at 3:03 PM

    Everyone around me tells me I shouldn't pursue engineering, or doesn't believe I can really do it. What can I do as a Junior in high school to prepare myself for the engineering path? I am not a mathematical wizard, but I love using my creativity and solving problems. My biggest fear is getting to college and not feeling prepared for my engineering-based classes. I feel like maybe I'm not smart enough and I'm wondering what I can do to pursue my dream. I live in Ave Maria, Florida, and I ...
    Answers 1
    Nicolette Yovanof Little, The Boeing Company
    Answered Friday, July 13, 2018 at 8:26 AM
    Hi Ani, I think that the best thing that you can do to prepare is continue to take math, science, and physics classes in high school to get yourself ready for the college courses.  If you feel like you may not be prepared, I would recommend looking into ...
  • 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 ...
  • Ricki Wilson

    Added Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 1:47 PM

    I am a 2nd-year mechanical engineering student. I wanted to major in engineering going to college because I love math and science. I love the courses I am taking and I am excelling in them but when people ask me what I am going to do with my degree, I am not sure what to say. I do not necessarily want to work in a factory or have to wear a hard hat every day but I love the courses I am taking in college. If I was not majoring in engineering, I am not sure what I would do.

    I am not ...

    Answers 1
    Sarah Iddles, SP Energy Networks
    Answered Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 3:20 PM

    Hi there!

    I graduated with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering back in 2014 and it has by no means limited me to 'factory' or 'hard hat work', not that there is anything wrong with those, but they aren't for everyone!

    I'm currently employed as a SCADA ...

  • 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. ...
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