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What is the workload like when studying engineering?

I generally do well in school, but I'm struggling with my 9th grade class workload. I want to be an engineer and I've heard that there is a lot of work to do in college classes. I'm worried that if I'm already having trouble with my workload in high school that I won't last in college. Is the engineering workload as hard as I've heard? Any advice for managing lots of classwork?

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  • Abhishek asked Victoria Tinsley, Total Petrochemicals and Refining USA, Inc.

    Added Monday, March 2, 2020 at 11:35 PM

    Answers 1
    Victoria Tinsley, Total Petrochemicals and Refining USA, Inc.
    Answered Friday, October 2, 2020 at 11:42 PM
    Hi Abhishek, the answer is it depends--it depends on what you'd like to do your day-to-day job.  You can get actually get a degree in Petroleum Engineering.  Petroleum Engineers typically design, develop, or help operate oil and natural gas wells to ...
  • Claudia Ketcham asked Jacquelyn Berry, Collins Aerospace

    Added Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 12:57 PM

    I worry that because my school isn't well-known for its engineering degrees (we only have 2) that it will make it difficult to find a job because employers will hire people from schools with bigger names, so I feel like I should transfer to a more well know school to have a chance. How much does school name really matter in the hiring process? Am I overthinking this?

    Answers 1
    Jacquelyn Berry, Collins Aerospace
    Answered Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 4:19 PM
    I am sure people have differing opinions on this, however, from my standpoint, the school matters a lot less than what you did at that school, what your grades were, and what you got involved in. I went to a California state school, and while it was ...
  • Joanna

    Added Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 8:36 AM

    I am a 5th Grade student and making a project for school about petroleum engineers. I am doing GREAT, but the only problem is that we need to dress up as one. I did my research but still don't know what to wear. I will be so very grateful for even the little details. Thank you!

    Answers 1
    Answered Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 2:48 PM
    Hi Joanna,
    Petroleum engineers, like most engineers, dress differently based on what they will be doing for the day.  If they are in an office working on designs remotely, they will usually wear clothing that is appropriate for their office.  If they are ...
  • Ayanna Patterson

    Added Monday, March 4, 2019 at 10:11 PM

    I want to be an astronaut and many more things. How would I apply engineering to my life if I wanted to be a president or marine biologist?

    Answers 1
    Kristin Malosh, North Star BlueScope Steel
    Answered Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 5:22 AM
    Hi Ayanna. Of course it is OK to just learn engineering skills for fun! Engineering is all about problem solving- and it doesn't matter what career path you take, solving problems will always be a part of your career and your life. Engineering skills- ...
  • Qwynci Bowman

    Added Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 11:12 PM

    Is it possible at all the be an engineer when you don't fit the mold of one on paper? I believe I will excel in it but it's extremely hard to transfer to the engineering school at this point. Is it still possible for me to work in this field?
    Answers 1
    Lauren Gordon, State of California
    Answered Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 8:45 AM
    Hi Qwynci!
    
    Absolutely. In high school, I was told by two teachers and a guidance counselor that I did not have the grades or qualifications to become an engineer. And that I should consider another field. I broadened my search and found an out-of-state ...
  • Ace Reave asked Andromeda DuMont, CH2M / Jacobs

    Added Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 3:48 PM

    How and what do you do as water resource engineer when you are mainly outside? I thought most engineers work in factories or in their own businesses.

    I am a student from a school in Maryland where our project is an interview with an engineer. I decided to chose you because this was an engineer type that I have never heard of so I wanted to ask a couple of question about what you have done as this engineer and what happened on your way to becoming this engineer.

    Answers 1
    Andromeda DuMont, CH2M / Jacobs
    Answered Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 8:19 AM
    I do many different sorts of projects, including ones that require field work or traveling. Because I have a background in hydrogeology, my field work typically consists of drilling or sampling activities. This means I will hang out with a water supply ...
  • Andromeda DuMont, CH2M / Jacobs
    Answered Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 8:17 AM
    Hello! And thanks for your question. I chose engineering because I wanted to make a difference! I have always loved technology and cool gadgets. I had plenty of mentors along the way including my father (an engineer), my mother (encouraging and ...
  • Kelly asked Kristin Malosh, North Star BlueScope Steel

    Added Monday, August 6, 2018 at 7:46 PM

    I love math and have loved all of my calculus classes. I ultimately want to do something along the lines of engineering solar panels and other clean energy sources and implementing them in third world countries. I initially thought environmental was the right path but I looked into biosystems more and now I'm unsure. What are the big differences between the two as far as employment and work environment and which one would you recommend for me? Thank you so much!
    Answers 1
    Kristin Malosh, North Star BlueScope Steel
    Answered Friday, September 14, 2018 at 8:59 PM
    Hi Kelly! This is a fantastic question....it takes me back to my time at MSU as I was making that same decision (although quite a few years ago I must admit).  Ultimately, I chose Biosystems over the Civil/Environmental route because I was more ...
  • 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 ...

  • Kennedi Cox asked Victoria Cummings, Walmart

    Added Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at 5:04 PM

    I am considering HBCU's. Petroleum engineering sounds interesting but I am open and wondering about your experience in chemical eng.
    Answers 1
    Answered Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 7:50 PM
    Hey Kennedi! 
    
    Yes, I believe I am faced with discrimination and adversity in the field. I can't really say if its because I'm African American or if it has been because I am a woman or BOTH because I've never had anyone to actually tell me why, but ...
  • Tiera Fletcher (Guinn), Rocket With The Fletchers
    Answered Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 11:41 PM
    In school,  you focus on various subjects that may or may not be of interest to you,  so that in itself can make it difficult for you to excel. However,  if you redirect your focus to your dream career,  or your goal, instead of the interest in the class ...
  • Kaylee

    Added Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 1:25 AM

    I have a degree in physiology, but know I am for sure switching to engineering. I don't feel that I'm all that interested in biomedical engineering though. Would a second bachelor's be worth it? Or should I pursue a master's degree? What is the difference between having a bachelor's or a master's in engineering?
    Answers 1
    Michele Miller, Campbell University
    Answered Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 1:49 PM
    Kaylee,
    
    That's great to hear that you are thinking about switching fields.  I would recommend talking with someone at the college you are interested in.  Most engineering departments have a Graduate Director--that would be a good person.  Some ...
  • Sharon Kenny, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    Answered Friday, November 3, 2017 at 12:59 PM
    Congratulations on the completion of your B.S. in Industrial Engineering!  A graduate degree in environmental engineering will require knowledge in a particular set of fields that you may have not been exposed to while a student in industrial ...
  • Jenny

    Added Sunday, October 29, 2017 at 11:31 PM

    I want to be an environmentalist engineer. How can I compete with people that have been to robotics camps and science camp? I read about alternative energy and I like math. But I don’t have a background to prove my worth, because stem was never pushed with girls at my school. Can I do anything to prep now?
    Answers 1
    Sharon Kenny, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    Answered Friday, November 3, 2017 at 12:22 PM
    I think that having a non-STEM background does not limit you; it enhances your perspectives and the set of skills you have as an engineering student.  So do not be shy when describing yourself and your interest in pursuing a degree in engineering in your ...
  • Answered Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 7:44 AM
    Good day Joyce,
    
    Yes, I am a Mining Engineer from Namibia. I studied in Namibia at the Namibia University of Science and Technology.
    
    I love my career, and I always tell people my career chose me, based on where I was raised. I love working with ...
  • 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 ...

  • Molly Lebowitz, Propeller Consulting
    Answered Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 5:42 PM
    Hey Shaurya. Yes, it's usually pretty easy to change majors within engineering (Mech E to Env E), especially if you're still a freshman or sophomore - since most of the coursework is the same for those first years. You'll have to check w/ your adviser ...
  • 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 ...
  • 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 ...
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