Samantha Magoveny

AddedWednesday, May 9, 2018 at 11:47 PM

Can I be a successful engineer if I'm not the most handy person?

I am a second year mechanical engineering student. I am doing very well in my courses, and I am about to start a summer internship. However, I am concerned that I lack practical, hands on intuition when it comes to how things work or how problems can be fixed. Will this prevent me from becoming a good engineer, or can I develop this skill with experience?
  • Erin Brooks , Tesla Motors
    Answered Monday, May 14, 2018 at 11:41 PM
    Yes, you can absolutely be a successful mechanical engineer!  My advice is to get as much practical, hands-on experience as possible.  Make sure to take an active role in your design and testing lab courses - especially because many female engineers tend to let their male teammates take the lead.  Also maximize any internship opportunities by asking your company’s technicians or manufacturing engineers to show you how things go together, assemble, and test.  Basically, don’t be shy about getting your hands dirty, and remember that there’s no such thing as a dumb question! :)