Aria AddedWednesday, 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 because I'm good at math. Can I still become an engineer when I don't initially understand things or I don't have a lot of knowledge about manufacturing, design, or other fields? Is it advisable? Related to Choosing a Degree, Engineering Skills, Mechanical, Self Doubt, Unique Challenges Reset Sort By Default 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 easier than me. Electrical Engineering courses were initially the most intimidating. I did find that over time and with practice, my uncertainty and fears were replaced with curiosity and interest. I also found that initially the Mechanical Engineering courses were easier for me to grasp over the Electrical Engineering classes. My suggestion is to not give up, find partners that can help you practice, and try classes in other fields of engineering before deciding this is not for you. 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 differently will likely be a huge benefit once you're in your career. One of the best lessons you can learn early on is not to quit and that your grades do not reflect how worthy you are. You might fail a test, you might fail a class, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep trying. Not everyone learns the same way so you may need to go find other resources to help you learn it outside of the classroom. I personally had to retake several classes and it was 100% worth it. I am happy and successful in my career.