What is the workload like when studying engineering?

My dear aspiring engineering — As we grow, studies are supposed to get intense and so our time and effort needs to get intense bit by bit. My experience based on my daughter and other kids I teach is that kids need to spend more time and energy in studies as they go to next grade. If that is not done, then there is a possibility of lagging which you are experiencing. So please find the cause of lag and work on it.

Please remember that there are million kids doing the same that you are doing, facing the same situation and also overcoming the limitations. So please be guided to spend a bit more time and you will definitely overcome what you are experiencing.

For engineering, again, it's no big deal. Please remember that there are millions who have already done it and so can you. All that I would say is don't give up until you are an engineer.

All the best.

The important thing to focus on right now while you are in High School is what subjects do you struggle with? Are you a wiz at Math, but struggle with writing essays? Your first years in college are also a good time to recognize where your strengths and weaknesses lay.

Networking with other students in the Engineering field is going to help also. People will tell you when a class was really hard, but make sure you get a good number of opinions – one individual may find a class easy, another may struggle.

The good thing about college is that you can plan accordingly. If you know a class is going to be tough, you may want to make sure you pair it with classes that come easier to you.

You are only in 9th grade, so don't give up on a dream just because it may be a little difficult or challenging at times. Engineering is a constant challenge and test of thinking outside the box.

Good Luck!

The engineering workload changes based on your own personal experience and backgrounds. It is different for everyone. Some of the classes that I was told were hard were easy, and some were hard, but they were bearable.

Today’s students have the internet available as an existing and alternative instructor/classroom, and I would use the web as just that. I found that once I “saw the concept,” that was involved in that particular class, then all the pieces fell into place and the whole class became easy! Also, since engineering is the study of what actually happens in our daily lives, you may see real examples of what you are studying all around you!

As for managing lots of classwork, use the time between classes to study somewhere quiet, and it will make the evenings be more relaxed! I made it through 4 years of chemical engineering and pulled only one “all-nighter” and that was on our senior project during the last week of the semester, and it was only one night! I just crashed the next afternoon… no sweat!

Workload is up to the student. For example, you can try taking 5 classes and drop one (or even two), if the workload the faculty requires is overwhelming. Most universities don’t have minimum course-credit requirements each semester, because many students work off campus (to help cover college costs). If there is a minimum required, students can always select a balance of classes, across disciplines (e.g., intro to economics or art history, psychology or government, even dance and tennis) to moderate the workload. I always recommend having one non-technical class per semester to give our brains a balance.

Some students take tough required courses over the summer (and sometimes at community colleges) to take the pressure off. Most do fine with the standard schedules recommended, but having AP/college class credits coming into college will lighten the load – in whatever semesters you choose. Many students enjoy some course content repetition (with their high school curriculum) in their first year of college, so they can start with a full load (e.g., 5 classes or 15 to 16 credit hours). But extracurricular activities, especially leadership roles in university clubs, may mean you will choose to take a lighter load in later years (e.g., drop from 16 credit hours to 12 in your senior year).

If classes are too easy, or you have lots of AP credit, you can add a second major or a minor. You enjoy lots of flexibility in college (but most engineering students have to take math before statistics, physics before materials, and that sort of thing).

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 college. Everyone struggles with time management and workload management as an engineering student, and everyone figures out what works for them. Somethings that can help, depending on your situation:

• Take advantage of tutors and study hours – having someone to ask questions to, on the spot, can help a lot.
• Form or join a study group – no one was born knowing this, everyone is struggling at some level, working together is helpful – and fun!
• Find a place to study that does not have distractions – can you go to the library, another room, school, etc.
• Find online resources – there are so many online resources these days (ask your teacher or former student for suggestions).
• Take a reduced/balanced course load – if you know some classes are going to take more time, make sure you are also taking classes that don't require this same amount of work; perhaps you could take one less class also.
• Schedule time or activities to NOT study – you will do better if you have breaks and other things to think about (music, sports, clubs, hiking, etc.).
• Write out your schedule for the week, in 10 to 15 minute increments – make sure you are not over committing yourself, be realistic, work hard, play hard, but you don't have to be superwoman.
• Ask for help – teachers, professors, and councilors can be very helpful and are always there to help.
• Stay hydrated and have good nutrition and sleep – these are requirements for your body and brain to perform, take care of yourself.
• Get involved in clubs at school – other students in your same situation or that are a bit older can be a wealth of information and guidance. Take advantage and have fun!

Remember, some may learn quickly and some may take longer, depending on the subject. No one was born knowing all this. Keep working and finding the advice and guidance that works best for you. And it may change semester to semester, in fact, some aspects definitely will – and that's expected. It's all good. You will get through it. Some times will be harder than other times. That's okay.

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 study group. In my case there weren’t a lot of women in my program so we all banded together and created a study group. It was invaluable! If we didn’t understand an assignment or a concept, we were able to figure it out together. Good luck!

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 first two semesters. It exists to expose students to the various aspects of engineering studies, integrating math and physics, and helps students determine if they're passionate about engineering and willing to work for it.

For me, right out of high school, I was unsure of pursuing an engineering degree. I didn't know any engineers and didn't have any in my family. To be safe, I pursued a bachelor's degree in mathematics. Upon graduation, I was still yearning for the engineering degree, wondering if I really could do it. I gave myself one semester to try it out. If I loved it and did well in the first few classes, then I would be convinced that I had what it takes to succeed. So, my advice, if you're unsure but willing to try, go for it! And if it isn't the right fit at first, you can always circle back once you're ready!

While I haven't read it yet, I suspect this book - So You Want to Be an Engineer: A Definitive Guide to the Challenges and Opportunities of Engineering by Dan Heflin Jr - provides some great insights for students who are trying to decide if a career in engineering is the right fit.