EngineerGirl Team Added Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 12:12 PM What if I don't work fast enough? I used to love math, science, and problem-solving, but eventually I got frustrated because I couldn’t work as quickly as people expected. (The busywork in math is a particular torture!) I’m intelligent, but I recently learned that I have slow processing speed. I’ve started getting extra time on exams and limited assignments at school, and it really helps me show my understanding. At this point, I’m not sure if engineering is something I could actually do, or even if I still like it ... Answers 10 Amy Elliott, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Answered Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 2:11 PM I'm so glad you have gotten accommodations for your processing style! The good news is, science and engineering are for all types of thinkers - deep thinkers like yourself included! I encourage you to continue to "learn how you learn" and explore what ... Kim Linder, Honeywell FM&T Answered Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 2:10 PM The classes you are taking now are teaching you fundamentals and giving you the tools to solve complex, engineering problems. As long as you understand the concepts, that is knowledge you gain and will always have with you. Notice that I've said nothing ... Paige Sheppard, Parks Canada Answered Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 2:07 PM Hi! I would suggest not working as a design consultant – I found there was usually a time crunch and urgency, working under pressure to finish things, but I feel like maybe working in research or in academia may align better with taking more time to go ...
arlyn Added Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 11:26 AM Should I quit engineering?(what to do if a teacher tells you that, you're not good enough?) This is my first time using this forum sorry if I did anything wrong!! I've been taking engineering in school for the past 3 years. I've been at the top of my classes for all 3 years. I'm in a new school now, and naturally I chose to be in engineering again. My teacher says I'm not good enough to be in his class. He told me it would be better if I rethink my future and quit engineering as a whole. I don't really know why he would say this, because I have a pretty high grade in his class, ... Answers 1 Nance Dicciani, RTM Vital Signs, LLC Answered Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 10:23 AM Hi Arlyn, I experienced the same type of negative comments not once, but several times during my career. There will always be others who tell you that you can't do something. When I was in high school some of my teachers told me that engineering was not ...
EngineerGirl Team Added Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 1:01 PM Who would you say were your biggest female influences growing up? Like who would you say helped make you the engineer you are today? I don’t really have anyone around, how do I find other role models besides the list of engineers on EngineerGirl? Answers 9 Carla Bailo, ECOS Consulting Answered Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 1:46 PM By far, my largest influencers were my teachers which started with my 1st and 2nd grade teacher who taught me that just because I didn’t like doing something, I should still strive to do it the best I could. She knew I could have better penmanship, but ... Wendy Sahli, Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society Answered Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 1:41 PM Unfortunately, I don’t have a female who helped me get into my engineering role. I had a great male mentor, though, who taught me things outside of my job to give me a wider picture of infrastructure along the way. He expanded my knowledge by doing so ... Nancy Post, Boston Consulting Group Answered Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 1:36 PM My biggest female influence was definitely my mother. She helped me so much in my career. But it's not in the manner you would think. She only attended school until she was in 8th grade due to her mother dying when she was young. Her two older ...
EngineerGirl Team Added Monday, September 29, 2025 at 2:26 PM 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 ... Answers 6 Amy Devine, QuickFlex, Inc. Answered Monday, September 29, 2025 at 2:34 PM You will find a job in engineering. The restrictions that we have in jobs are there to keep us safe. You cannot have someone operating machinery while wearing clothing that could get caught. That being said, I am sure that there is an OSHA person who can ... Sarah Kurtz, University of California, Merced Answered Monday, September 29, 2025 at 2:33 PM Conservative dress is just fine for office work and presentations at conferences. However, loose clothing when working near machinery may cause a safety hazard. This should be reviewed in consultation with your Safety Officer and appropriate precautions ... Kim Linder, Honeywell FM&T Answered Monday, September 29, 2025 at 2:33 PM In general, yes! You can dress conservatively. The only exceptions I can think of when you may not have 100% say in the outer layer is when safety comes into play. In a machine shop, or place with moving machinery, you are often required to wear steel ...
EngineerGirl Team Added Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 6:52 AM If you had to choose a different career to use your engineering background in, what would you choose and why? Like what other careers can you use an engineering degree in? I’m curious what kinds of options I could have if I don’t want to work in a traditional engineering role. Answers 10 Jennifer Polivka, Nike Answered Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 7:18 AM That’s an interesting question, as it makes me curious about what you imagine is a “traditional engineering role.” Quickly off the top of my head I know of friends with engineering degrees who work in sales, product design, quality assurance, testing, ... Carla Bailo, ECOS Consulting Answered Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 7:17 AM An engineering degree prepares you for a plethora of career opportunities. The fundamentals that you learn can be applied in the world of fashion, entertainment, medicine, and many more. I personally have several schoolmates who are now doctors, ... Danielle Cooper, The Chemours Company Answered Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 7:15 AM When I think of “traditional engineering,” I think of a role that is very technical. There are a vast amount of roles that engineers can have that are far from the technically detailed roles. I am a Chemical Engineer and have been a Project Manager, in ...
EngineerGirl Team Added Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 2:57 PM How do you keep going? I want to be an engineer but sometimes I feel like I want to give up. There are so many challenges and distractions these days. How do you keep going and persevering when school gets hard (or now your job I guess)? What are you persevering for? What inspires you to keep pushing? Looking for some encouragement and advice to keep at it. Answers 8 Nancy Post, Boston Consulting Group Answered Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 3:29 PM I think it's very natural when undertaking a long and (sometimes) difficult task, to feel overwhelmed and want to give up. It is especially helpful to determine your purpose. Are you going into engineering to create innovation that will help the world ... Beth Crisco-Kestner, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. Answered Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 3:27 PM Defining and refining your Purpose is crucial to continued focus and success. In business, a company must define their purpose, mission and vision for existing. These are the statements that can be used to reflect back on when the business hits a bump in ... Kim Linder, Honeywell FM&T Answered Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 3:26 PM Great question! There is A LOT to deal with these days. I think you first need to understand your personality and what gives you a sense of accomplishment – do you need short term goals, long term, other? Also, what are the things you like to do that ...
EngineerGirl Team Added Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 9:52 AM 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 ... Answers 7 Beth Crisco-Kestner, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. Answered Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 10:09 AM All college programs are going to require self-discipline and dedication in order to succeed. I wouldn't say Engineering is any different. It is a matter of passion and commitment. Most universities offer an introductory course in Engineering within the ... Erin Gately, Iron Mountain Answered Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 10:08 AM Engineering school is hard. But you learn tips and tricks to help you improve your study habits. Many of the engineering classes are challenging but they are also interesting. Studying interesting things makes them feel less hard. My advice is to find a ... Kim Linder, Honeywell FM&T Answered Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 10:06 AM Engineering classes do tend to have a bigger workload than other majors. However, just like you are learning time management and studying skills as a freshman in high school, you will take these high school skills and build on them as a freshman in ...
Victoria Added Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 4:24 AM I still don't know which biomedical route to pursue after undergraduate I still have a year and a half left of my undergrad and knowing that biomedical engineering is very broad and there are so many routes to take and possibilities makes me even more confused. I'm pretty task-focused and my CliftonStrengths are Learner, Input, Achiever, Intellection, and Strategic. I'm very creative. I think I would want to do clinical engineering or R&D, tissue engineering or product design, but I've more experience in project management, leading teams and bigger-picture projects ... Answers 1 Ying-Ja Chen, Pronutria Answered Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 7:43 AM Biomedical engineering is broad and it's great that you already have some idea. Here are a few possibilities to try that may help you choose. First, you can do an internship at a medical device or biotech company in the upcoming summer or next year to ...
EngineerGirl Team Added Monday, April 28, 2025 at 12:03 PM Do you have to be good at other subjects to be an engineer? I want to be an engineer and I’m good at math and science but I’m not good in reading and social studies. I don’t really like those other subjects. Do I need to be good at things other than math and science to be an engineer? I thought engineers just used STEM stuff but my sister says they use more things too. Answers 11 Nina Astillero, ERM Answered Monday, April 28, 2025 at 12:30 PM Hey! It's awesome that you're interested in engineering and that you're strong in math and science – that's a fantastic foundation! Seriously, those skills are super important for becoming an engineer, so you're already on a great track. Your sister does ... Patricia Mokhtarian, Georgia Institute of Technology Answered Monday, April 28, 2025 at 12:28 PM I won't lie to you: the better you are with words (reading and writing), the stronger your impact as an engineer will be! I cannot imagine an engineering job in which you won't need to communicate your ideas, plans, and accomplishments to other people. ... Wendy Sahli, Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society Answered Monday, April 28, 2025 at 12:23 PM You do not have to be good at every subject. I would encourage you to look for STEM in subjects that you aren’t great at. You’d be surprised how much STEM plays a role in history, and you can find books related to your interests or find STEM in the books ...
Grace Added Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 2:51 PM I am a biomedical engineer, my dream is to be part of the sports world and be able to contribute to the well-being of women. But I feel alone in this journey. Does anyone have any recommendations? I graduated 2 years ago with a degree in biomedical engineering. I recently completed a diploma in women's soccer performance, but I don't know where or how to take the next step. I love the sports world, I especially like the idea of ??????being able to be part of improving players performance and helping prevent injuries, as well as better understanding women in sports, but I don't know how to get involved. I have no idea about specific jobs that might fit what I want, and I also don't know ... Answers 1 Jennifer Polivka, Nike Answered Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 12:51 PM Speaking only of my own experience where I work -- there are people in my materials and mechanical test lab with biomedical degrees and backgrounds, and similarly there are people with those types of backgrounds who work as wear test analysts or ...
EngineerGirl Team Added Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 12:16 PM What do you dislike about your engineering career? I’m starting to think about college and since it is expensive and a lot of work, I don’t want to regret my decision of what to study. I really like the engineering stuff I’ve done in school so far and think that it could be a good path for me. Are there parts of engineering that you don’t like or that make you regret going into it in the ... Answers 9 Carla Bailo, ECOS Consulting Answered Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 12:34 PM This is a tough question for those of us who have spent our entire career in engineering related fields. Naturally, there are some areas which I loved more than others. In school, I struggled with thermodynamics but excelled at heat transfer which ... Una Trivanovic, METAS (Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology) Answered Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 12:33 PM Engineering is a very broad field so if you study engineering you can choose from a huge variety of jobs which all have pros and cons. I have had some engineering jobs that I didn't enjoy so much and others that I have found very fulfilling! I will never ... Kristine Weed Answered Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 12:32 PM Hello! What a great question. First and foremost, I applaud you for understanding your likes and contemplating career choices while in high school. It will be important in college and class selections. Secondly, I wanted to answer your question, “have ...
Amber Brown Added Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 10:36 PM I am struggling finding my niche in engineering, I love the math aspect but also love the environmental and public aspect. 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 Fathima Lamya, SADC 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. * ...
K Added Monday, March 3, 2025 at 12:26 PM I'd really like to go into engineering but I'm bad at maths. Is there anything I can do? To take engineering in university, I need to take A level maths but that isn't even a choice for me. I'm doing foundation maths meaning that the highest grade I can get is a 5 (9 is the highest but that's for a higher paper and I need at least a 7 for A level maths) but I'm so bad at maths I'm barely passing but I really want to do engineering. I'm looking at aerospace and pharmaceutical engineering. Is it possible to do engineering? Answers 1 Moyra J. McDill, Carleton University Answered Monday, March 10, 2025 at 7:59 AM Engineers are problem solvers. This is a very good problem for you to solve on your way to becoming an engineer. First, how are you doing with other courses such as physics or chemistry? A-levels, or their equivalent, in these subjects and some others ...
EngineerGirl Team Added Monday, February 24, 2025 at 3:36 PM I haven't taken calculus yet - can I still major in engineering? I'm a high school student who is really interested in doing engineering. I'm not sure that I can major in engineering due to not having taken calculus as a junior in high school. I plan to take pre-calculus by senior year but won't be able to take calculus. I am taking an intro into engineering this year. Even if I haven't taken Calculus ... Answers 14 Nina Astillero, ERM Answered Monday, February 24, 2025 at 4:10 PM Hey there! Absolutely, you can pursue an engineering major even if you've only taken pre-calculus in high school. It's totally possible, and honestly, it's something I experienced myself! I actually started my undergraduate studies in a different field ... Kristin Sweeney, US Aggregates Answered Monday, February 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM Of course you can still be an engineer if you haven’t had the opportunity to take calculus in high school. It sounds like you’ve got a solid plan to take pre-calculus your senior year and this will give you a great foundation. When I was a senior in high ... Jennifer Myren, Collins Aerospace Answered Monday, February 24, 2025 at 4:08 PM Yes, absolutely! I actually think it's better to take calculus right before starting college as it will be more fresh in your mind. I highly recommend taking it at a community college in the summer so you can take your time and really understand it. I ...
Jaxsen Added Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 4:34 PM If I don't take any engineering classes in high school, can I still get into a good program? I'm currently a sophomore in high school, I want to be a mechatronics engineer when I grow up. However, I also want to take as many college classes as I can so I can get ahead. That doesn't leave a lot of space for electives, which are currently band. In the fall, I do marching band, which I love, but in the spring I do concert band, which I've fallen out of. I'd rather take another class, but my parents really want me to stay in band, and I'm scared it will hurt my chances. Am I going to be ... Answers 1 Anu Bhaskar, St. Charles Community College Answered Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 2:49 PM Since your dream is to become a mechatronics engineer(mechanical+ electronics), its always best to get a basic understanding of electronics. Also math and physics understanding is very important to start your electronics journey, so make sure you have ...
EngineerGirl Team Added Monday, January 27, 2025 at 12:47 PM How do I make the most of the next few years? I want to study engineering in college but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed because the field is so broad and there are so many paths to take. How did you navigate this uncertainty as you finished high school and started college? What opportunities did you find most valuable? What should I do now to help find my direction? Answers 9 Jennifer Polivka, Nike Answered Monday, January 27, 2025 at 1:10 PM You are absolutely right that the paths in engineering are plentiful, and hopefully you’ll be able to see that as a good thing! There is no one singular straight road that will lead directly from here to your perfect dream (even once you know what that ... Erin Rosenthal, PMA Engineering Answered Monday, January 27, 2025 at 1:09 PM The field of engineering offers an overwhelming number of options. To navigate these choices, I recommend engaging in opportunities that provide mentoring and real-world experiences across various engineering disciplines. This will help you explore ... Patricia Mokhtarian, Georgia Institute of Technology Answered Monday, January 27, 2025 at 1:08 PM My experience is doubtless not for everyone, but I will share it in case it resonates. I started college as a tentative biology major -- I knew I liked science, but wasn't sure what branch of science I wanted to major in. Then someone told me, "You know, ...
Brooke Menne Added Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 11:51 AM Can I still be an aerospace engineer with a mechanical engineering degree? I got rejected from only aero university in MN after previously pursing an aerospace degree elsewhere. Am I able to pursue the same dreams I had as an aerospace engineer if I do a mechanical degree? Answers 1 Kim de Groh, NASA Glenn Research Center Answered Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11:22 AM Hi Brooke, I can not answer your specific question, but I can let you know that I have a BS & MS in materials science and I work at NASA Glenn Research Center flying spaceflight experiments and studying the durability of spacecraft materials in the space ...
Ash Added Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 1:14 PM Will having a C in Pre-Calc affect me if I want to continue majoring in engineering? I have taken 2 math classes in college. I have a B in Trig. and I think I am getting a C in Pre-Calc. I am wondering if getting a C will affect me if I want to continue majoring in engineering, especially aerospace engineering. I know I will do my best to get better grades in the next math classes, but I am not sure if I should continue or give up. Should I continue majoring in engineering or no? Answers 1 Kerri Phillips, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Answered Monday, January 6, 2025 at 2:39 PM If you are passionate about engineering, then I wouldn't let a stumble in a class deter you from pursuing your dream of being an engineer. I know plenty of engineers who have received a C in a class and continued on to be highly successful in their ...
EngineerGirl Team Added Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 1:15 PM How do I deal with Impostor Syndrome? Hi, I’m a freshman in high school and I’m interested in robotics. I’m struggling a bit in my engineering class and it feels like everyone else knows what they’re doing. I got extra help on a project with my robotics club but I can’t help but think it’s because I’m a girl who is behind. I feel like I’m walking a thin line and being watched, ... Answers 20 Crystal Ramon-Miranda, Chevron Answered Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 4:20 PM Recognize and acknowledge your feelings: Understand that imposter syndrome is a common experience and that many high-achieving individuals, including Maya Angelou and Einstein, have felt the same way. Gather accomplishment evidence: Collect tangible ... Adriana Beal, BealProjects.com Answered Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 2:05 PM It may help to hear from people who had similar experiences, so here's mine: When I first started studying Electrical Engineering, I'd get anxious when I saw my male colleagues get their electronic circuits to work much faster than I did. On paper, I ... Patricia Mokhtarian, Georgia Institute of Technology Answered Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 2:03 PM I wish I had a magic answer on how to deal with imposter syndrome. I believe it will diminish for you as you continue to work hard and gain more experience and more confidence. But that may not offer much comfort to you right now! What I can say is that ...
RANA Added Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 3:45 PM I'm not sure what to do I'm interested biomedical engineering and I've been doing research on it but I keep seeing more cons than pros. Right now I'm in my first year for materials engineering. At the same time I'm not sure what to do so i was considering offering electrical engineering. Please I need advise on what to do. Answers 1 Chunqing Liu, Honeywell Answered Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 8:35 AM I feel that you are at an important crossroads in your academic path during your first year in college. Based on my personal academic experience, I would suggest that you can calm down and try a step-by-step approach to help you to make your decision. I ...