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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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  • Amber Brown

    Added Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 10:36 PM

    I am currently majoring in civil engineering with a 3.7 accumulative but math Is my thing and I don't get tired of it. I found that choosing the project management aspect of engineering limits me to be more in charge than doing the technical aspect of things. I want to make a difference in this world, but am starting to worry that engineering is limiting in that retrospect. I want the civil aspect of our world to grow more environmentally conscious but don't find the environmental engineering ...
    Answers 1
    Answered Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 11:41 AM
    Your love of math and environmental impact within civil engineering is a powerful combination. Consider specializing in areas like:
     * Water Resources: Heavy math, direct environmental impact.
     * Geotechnical: Sustainable materials and modeling.
     * ...
  • Crystal Asiaw

    Added Monday, December 26, 2022 at 8:35 PM

    Answers 2
    Julia Lopez, Turner Construction
    Answered Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 8:56 AM
    I am currently working in Contruction management with my civil engineering degree, and we frequently build LEED and Envision certified buildings. These buildings become certified by making sustainable choices. If you choose to go into construction, you ...
    Margaret Byron, Penn State University
    Answered Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 11:49 AM
    Hi Crystal-- there are lots of ways!  Some civil engineers focus on infrastructure, like designing buildings, dams, roads, and bridges. They might focus on lowering energy requirements, increasing resilience to natural disasters, or improving integration ...
  • 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 ...
  • Sally Kimberley asked Lauren Olsen, Collins Aerospace

    Added Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 4:19 PM

    Answers 1
    Lauren Olsen, Collins Aerospace
    Answered Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 5:52 PM
    Hi Sally! I'm so sorry I didn't see your question until now! 
    I think by far, my favorite "engineering" book is, "The Martian" by Andy Weir. I say "engineering" because it is a fiction book, yet it touches on so many similar experiences that I've had in ...
  • Devang Sankhala

    Added Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 11:37 AM

    I recently read that EV battery energy density is way lesser than gasoline. Also, most of the power generated today is from non-renewable sources which falsifies all green energy claims. Whereas even though gasoline to motion energy conversion is 33% efficient, it is easy to refill and causes pollution only in localized areas. I am not a proponent of either technology but I am curious to learn how things may pan out in future.
    Answers 0
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