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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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  • 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 ...
  • Rayna

    Added Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 3:13 PM

    I really love electricity and airplanes but I don't want to be a mechanical engineer. Is there any way I can just do electrical in aeroscience? Thank you!
    Answers 1
    Answered Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 7:35 AM

    One aspect of aerospace will be autonomous capabilities, like those you see in autonomous vehicles. The majority of those systems leverage electrical engineering concepts, like LIDAR to operate. In addition, aerospace will be a part of the IOT wave and ...

  • Jeni asked Kristy Rasbach, General Motors

    Added Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 6:13 AM

    I want to become an Engineer for BMW, MINI or Rolls Royce. I always loved cars, and last year I started to think a lot about Mechanical Engineering after meeting a retired Mechanical Engineer. I'm not old enough to go to collage yet. What can I do now to learn about Mechanical Engineering? I figured out how to fix a toy pull-back truck's gears. I'm really interested in car engines and I thought about becoming a Mechanic too. How hard was it to get into GM?
    Answers 1
    Kristy Rasbach, General Motors
    Answered Friday, October 5, 2018 at 4:33 AM
    This is a great question!  If you are naturally interested in cars, engines, and other mechanical systems, then I think that engineering is definitely a career choice that you should explore.  For now, keep being curious and learning new things!  This ...
  • 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 ...
  • 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 ...
  • 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 ...
  • annie

    Added Monday, April 16, 2018 at 7:35 PM

    i am a second year chem e student and will need to go 5 years to graduate. I am thinking of possibly changing my degree due to money issues but I do not want to lose any credits. i wondered if there is a degree i could go for that is "one step down" from chem eng. no one at my university is willing to help me with options. thanks
    Answers 1
    Answered Friday, April 20, 2018 at 8:43 AM

    Dear Annie,

    There are so many jobs available to a chemical engineer regardless of sex. Chemical Engineers work for Oil & Gas Companies, Consumer Goods Companies, Power Companies, Manufacturing Companies, Municipalities and more. I myself have worked in a ...

  • 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 ...
  • Lais

    Added Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 12:18 AM

    I am having a hard time deciding which major I want because I enjoy topics/research ideas on how to reduce the amount of air pollution, and to work on methods to protect the environment. I like the idea of working on different projects to protect the environment such as reduce the amount of energy we use and protect wildlife. I am just afraid that if I major in environmental engineering, I won't be able to do research related to airplanes. Like for example, work on a new alternative fuel to ...
    Answers 1
    Peggy Layne, Virginia Tech
    Answered Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 11:03 AM
    Hi Lais,
    
    From your question, it looks like you have done your homework and are very well informed about skills and opportunities in both mechanical and environmental engineering. I think your current major in mechanical engineering will position you ...
  • Collins

    Added Friday, December 1, 2017 at 7:56 PM

    What are the best 10 reasons why i should study Aircraft Engineering Technology?
    Answers 1
    Jamie Krakover, The Boeing Company
    Answered Friday, December 8, 2017 at 7:13 AM
    I got into engineering because I love math and science. I picked Aerospace Engineering because it let me combine my love of things that fly with engineering, math, and science. I think in general Aerospace Engineering provides you with a great foundation ...
  • 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 ...

  • 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 ...
  • Gillian Montgomery, Buehler Engineering, Inc
    Answered Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 3:13 PM
    It very much depends on where and what you area of engineering you would like to get into.  
    
    Obviously, public sector would require staying within the area you serve. For example a water resources engineer for the state of California, could change to ...
  • 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 ...
  • Rachael Amoah

    Added Friday, March 24, 2017 at 5:12 AM

    What I should know before pursuing aeronautic engineering in terms of academics.
    Answers 1
    Elizabeth Bierman, Honeywell Aerospace
    Answered Monday, April 17, 2017 at 8:44 AM
    HI!  To enter college to study aerospace engineering be sure that you are taking the classes in high school that the college indicates you need to be ready.  What this usually is 3-4 years of science, 4 years of math, and 1-2 years of a foreign language. ...
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