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 ...
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 ...
Kyra Added Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 8:00 AM Was there ever a time where you experienced any inequality because of your gender? I am currently thinking about women in STEM and the inequality/underrepresentation we face. It would be nice to have an inside opinion on the challenges within STEM. Answers 1 Crystal Ramon-Miranda, Chevron Answered Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 4:25 PM Hi, to be honest early in my career I did face negative comments about my gender when working in a field-based position. Basically, that I didn't know anything and was "just a girl". I was fortunate to have a very supportive male supervisor who ...
EngineerGirl Team Added Friday, July 26, 2024 at 3:28 PM How can I make my family accept that I want to be an engineer? I’m a rising 8th grader and I love engineering, especially aerospace engineering, but I don't know if my family would accept me being one. They don’t really get it. How can I make them accept that I want to be an engineer? I know I can’t force them to be proud of me, but I want to try. Especially my younger brothers. Answers 13 Crystal Ramon-Miranda, Chevron Answered Friday, August 9, 2024 at 2:28 PM Explain to your family the benefits of a STEM career and how engineering impacts society and everyday life. Share stories of women in engineering and their contributions. Demonstrate your seriousness about becoming an engineer through your actions and ... Natalie White, Amazon Web Services Answered Friday, July 26, 2024 at 3:57 PM You’re right, you can’t force your family to be proud of you. But your career choice is just that - your choice. The benefits of choosing a STEM career far outweigh the risks of your family’s lack of understanding. If you do want to try to convince them, ... Donna Hull, Verizon Answered Friday, July 26, 2024 at 3:56 PM This question really came at the right time and resonated with me. I am 59 years old, and I have been working in the field of computer science, networking, and now telecommunications engineering for 30+ years. I did an interview for the National Academy ...
Aria Added Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 4:03 PM Can I become an engineer when experiencing self-doubt? I'm starting to take engineering classes in college (one is specifically hands on building) and while others around me seem to understand exactly how components go together, how electrical systems work, and envision things perfectly from a basic description, I struggle to see and understand. I know engineering takes time and practice, but I'm also worried that because my mind doesn't work like others' maybe I'm not cut out to be an engineer and I'm just deluding myself into the profession ... Answers 2 Julia Lopez, Turner Construction Answered Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 9:19 AM Don't give up! I personally struggled a lot through my degree because my brain doesn't work like others. I have ADHD and dyscalculia and it was hard watching my peers naturally "get" things that I wasn't. With that said the fact that your brain works ... Roberta Cortez, Collins Aerospace Answered Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 4:29 PM Aria - During my freshman year at college I was also exposed for the first time to hands-on engineering courses. These were new experiences to me, and I too felt like others were understanding things faster and were able to comprehend the topic much ...
Trenedy Brown-Player Added Friday, June 9, 2023 at 8:44 AM What jobs could I do to help get me into the civil engineering field? I'm 21 years old and currently working as a part-time cashier. I have struggled to get back into school due to financial issues and owning tuition for college. I have tried everything and nothing has worked out and I really want to pursue this career. Answers 2 Julia Lopez, Turner Construction Answered Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 9:12 AM What aspect of civil engineering interests you? I went the typical route of getting a civil engineering degree and now work in construction management. However, I know quite a few people in the industry that had very different routes. If you like the ... Alicia Bailey, Sain Associates Answered Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 11:03 AM A couple of thoughts on this. In the public sector (state agencies, utility companies, municipalities), there would be plenty of options for non-civil engineering related jobs. Anything you could learn about how public agencies work and function will ...
Evan Added Monday, April 1, 2024 at 4:18 PM How hard is engineering? 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 ...
willow hoyt asked Neeti Sonth, University of Colorado Boulder Added Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 3:06 PM Why did you start Engineering and what was your motivation? Answers 1 Neeti Sonth, University of Colorado Boulder Answered Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 6:58 PM I have always liked science and maths and I have always been awed by their immense applications. Engineering has made me confident that we can build anything we dream. Humans have always been curious and engineering has made it possible for us to satiate ...
Linda Karas Added Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 7:20 PM Will I still be able to find employment after graduating in my mid-50s? Hello, I'm 48, I've been a SAHM mom for 16 years, and I never completed college. I am currently enrolled in community college for an associates in mechanical engineering with plans to earn my BS at the university level. I will be in my mid 50s (my brain withstanding), and I am wondering if doing all of this will, given my age, keep me in the running for employment (space industry is my goal)? I haven't been able to find the support for my unique non-traditional student status, so I'm hoping ... Answers 1 Jamie Krakover, The Boeing Company Answered Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 3:28 PM I think you can absolutely find career opportunities after you graduate. STEM fields in general have an incredible need for talent and companies hire thousands upon millions of new grad each year. I know it's hard when you don't fit the typical vision of ...
Mia Peterson Added Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 2:26 PM What are the best steps to take after getting your Engineering Degree? 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 ...
Hugo Cisneros Added Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 11:13 AM What type of engineer are you? Answers 1 Laura Helbling, Aster Brands Answered Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 1:45 PM I am a civil engineer, specifically a geotechnical engineer which focuses on the properties of subsurface materials. Within geotechnical engineering, I focus on the design of modular block retaining walls which create necessary elevation change for site ...
Bryan asked Danielle Cooper, The Chemours Company Added Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 3:25 PM What do you enjoy about being an engineer? Answers 1 Danielle Cooper, The Chemours Company Answered Monday, January 2, 2023 at 11:19 AM I love that an engineer can be all kinds of different roles and have multiple kinds of careers! Engineers can, of course, stay technical, but can also go into sales, marketing, human resources, finance, logistics, or a variety of other options! Once ...
EngineerGirl Team Added Monday, December 27, 2021 at 11:05 AM What's the best piece of advice you've been given? Like about going to school or engineering or your job as an engineer or similar? Is there any common advice you’re glad you didn’t take? Answers 9 Rozetta Elder, Collins Aerospace Answered Friday, January 21, 2022 at 3:57 PM The best piece of advice I've been given is to take things one step at a time. I like the quote by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr which says, "You don't have to see the whole staircase to take the first step." There will be obstacles and tacks on some ... Danielle Schroeder, STEM Changemaker Answered Monday, December 27, 2021 at 11:19 AM The best advice I have ever been given is the following: finding out what you don't like is equally as important as finding out what you DO like for your future career! During college, I implemented this advice through the three co-ops I completed. Each ... Carla Bailo, ECOS Consulting Answered Monday, December 27, 2021 at 11:18 AM The best piece of advice I was given was about my career and career planning. I was upset that I didn’t receive a promotion that I truly believe I deserved. My boss’s boss told me “I didn’t know that you expected to be promoted this year.” Then, another ...
Elliot asked Isabelle Cabana, Collins Aerospace Added Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 4:57 PM Can I become an engineer if electricity and electrical stuff stress me out? I mean obviously probably not an electrical engineer but like the sounds of electric shocks and stuff give me a panic attack and I don???t know will that be too much of a problem in all areas of engineering. Answers 1 Isabelle Cabana, Collins Aerospace Answered Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 5:13 PM Yes you can become an engineer if electricity and electrical stuff stresses you out. However, it depends on what type of engineering job you want to do in the future. Do you like working in a lab and performing tests or figuring out how something ...
Ruthy asked Agatha Kim, AECOM Added Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 6:08 AM Would you advise someone at 40 yrs old to pursue an engineering degree? Answers 1 Agatha Kim, AECOM Answered Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 1:37 PM Why not?! I consider myself to be a forever-student, trying to learn something new everyday. There are always new discoveries happening in science and technology, there is always a need for the next new big thing, and the way that those ideas come ...
EngineerGirl Team Added Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 11:09 AM Has the pandemic changed engineering? Because of COVID a lot of ways to gain experience in engineering were canceled or changed and some may never come back. Do you think that will affect students’ chances of succeeding in college and in engineering down the road? How can I still get real engineering experience if programs don’t return? Also, has your job as an engineer changed ... Answers 8 Deana Perry-Perkins, Verizon Answered Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 11:52 AM I’m hopeful that COVID will and has taught us all to think outside of the box. I’m hopeful that colleges and companies will find more innovative ways to allow and encourage students to obtain opportunities for experience in engineering. The one thing ... Donna Hull, Verizon Answered Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 11:50 AM Experience can come in many forms and engineers are great innovators. With the evolution that COVID has spurred, I would advise students to search the internet often for experience opportunities. Businesses with engineering related opportunities are ... Alyson Seigal, Verizon Communications Answered Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 11:48 AM Some engineering-related classes and/or programs may have been cancelled, and even discontinued, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I believe the overall focus remains the same, going into the future. Companies have realized that they can drive ...
Jessica Stephens asked Kim de Groh, NASA Glenn Research Center Added Friday, April 26, 2019 at 6:42 PM Will departments be less likely to hire me as an entry level engineer at 42? I'm 39 and pursing my dream since I was a little girl of becoming an AE. I'll finish the program in 2 yrs (i have previous BSN), and worried about getting hired as an older applicant out of school. Answers 1 Kim de Groh, NASA Glenn Research Center Answered Friday, May 31, 2019 at 3:24 PM Hi, first congratulations on pursing your dream of becoming an engineer at this point in your life! As a NASA materials researcher, I am not knowledgeable about hiring. And, I assume the answer would vary depending on the organization (NASA vs. ...
Added Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 6:27 PM What kind of math do I need in high school to be an aerospace engineer? Hello! I am currently a Junior in high school. I'm about to move onto my senior year and I'm concerned about what kind of math and science I need that would help be fulfill being an Aerospace Engineer. I'm also planning on pursuing a career in nursing. So far I've only had classes that will fulfill nursing. I'm also kind of concerned how I can balance both careers in the future. I am passionate about both of them. So far the only science + math classes I've taken ... Answers 1 Alicia Dwyer Cianciolo, NASA Answered Monday, April 15, 2019 at 6:35 AM You have interest in two very different fields, both of which have careers in high demand. I recommend taking as many of the subsequent math levels as possible before you graduate. Additionally, I’d recommend taking physics or other general or mechanical ...
Jeni Added Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 4:45 PM How can I be heard from other engineers? I have a little bit of a hard time talking and people either cut me off, or don't always listen to me. I have a very small stammer, so it's hard for me sometimes to say the right thing. I sometimes get mixed up and say things differently then what I meant to say. Could that affect me with someday working as a Mechanical Engineer? Answers 1 Diana Manning, Retired Answered Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 10:42 AM I don't think that should stop you. A couple of things, begin to work on your communication skills now, to build your confidence. There are organizations out there that can help. I am assuming you are sill in school, so your school counselor may be ...
Qwynci Bowman Added Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 11:12 PM I wanted my love for the environment & desire to fix problems to qualify me to study environmental engineering. It feels like my college is denying me that based on my poor test scores. I feel discouraged. 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 ...