Can I switch into Engineering from Liberal Arts?

Hi Adina!

It sounds like you have many talents!  It’s great to be so versatile – it makes for a great engineer as well as a great mom!

Most of these questions could be best answered by a college counselor.  They are trained to help you find the right education for your goals.  But there are a few thoughts that come to my mind...

First, you need to figure out what type of engineering field you would like to work in.  If you want to live close to home or anywhere specific, you might want to research what jobs are available in that area.  My husband and I had to move away from our home state because there were not a lot of mechanical engineering companies in that area.  
Once you’ve decided on a career that sounds truly exciting to you, try to talk to someone who has that job.  See if their company is flexible.  The ability to work part-time or other flex arrangements are dependent on the company you choose to work for, not the career itself.  Many engineering companies are trying to appeal to the younger generation and offer flex work-life balance arrangements.  But on the other hand, many of them are “traditional” and “old fashioned” in their methods and shy away from providing those opportunities. 

By talking to an engineer that has your dream job you can find out more about what they require as far as education.  Try networking through Facebook or LinkedIn.  Chances are a friend of a friend knows someone whose aunt does that for a living and they can get you her email address.  You can also try calling your dream job company’s human resources department and setting up an “informational interview” with someone in the hiring group to ask them what type of degrees they will consider hiring for that job.
Not all engineering is heavy in physics, but I imagine most of them require a little.  It seems like you have a bright mind and you’re a hard worker so you’ll be able to pick it up.  But you might have to start from the beginning – which will take a few extra semesters.  Again, a college counselor could help in discussing what classes to start with.  You might even ask if you can sit in a few lectures or audit the class this semester before signing up for school just to listen and see if it’s interesting to you.  Many universities will have an “intro to Mechanical Engineering” type class that gives a broad overview of the field and has guest lecturers come talk about their careers.  Mine was only a 0.5 credit and was helpful in deciding that I really was choosing the right field.

Another option to consider is pursuing your advanced degree in Mathematics then working for an engineering company as the math specialist.  Not all of them hire math majors, but many do.  Again, finding out what you want to do and talking to those companies would be a great way to figure this out.  Math is a powerful tool and can be used to solve many problems (have you ever seen Numb3ers? – what a fun math tv show!)  It is something that you are already good at and any major problem solving will required someone with clever math skills to help.  Often big projects at my previous company required engineers, software writers, math people, business/finance people, creative design people, and others to come together to find the best solution.

And another option is to continue with teaching, but start STEM clubs and projects for your students.  The reason I went into engineering is because my high school physics teacher made us do real engineering problems in his class (concrete canoe, robot wars, toothpick bridge, etc) and I loved it!  I think that we need educators, like you, who are willing to spark that interest in STEM in the younger female generations.  You are in a position to influence so many young minds and help them see their own potential.  I think teachers are amazing!  There are many national organizations that provide help in starting local club chapters at your school, like SWE, First Robotics, and many more (http://www.engineergirl.org/GetThere/ClubsAndPrograms/Organizations.aspx).  You don’t need to know everything at the beginning.  Just be willing to learn with your students.

Lastly, I’m sorry if my previous posts on this site made you feel that motherhood and engineering are two independent experiences.  I worked before having kids, while pregnant, and for a year after my first daughter was born.  It all depends on the company you are working for (flex options) and what your personal goals are.  Those goals can change as your life changes too.  I NEVER thought I would be a stay at home mom, I also NEVER thought I would have 3 kids under the age of 3 – but life’s crazy like that!  ;-)  Engineering has been a wonderful choice for me, even though I’m not in the work force right now, I find my critical thinking, analysis, and problem solving skills come in handy every day!  There are many wonderful engineers that balance motherhood and working beautifully.  I was blessed to work alongside many of those women.  It was hard (most things worthwhile are), but they made it happen!  When the time comes I’m confident that you’ll be able to (with the Lord) make the right decision for you and your family.

I’m sorry if these are not the definitive answers you were looking for.  These big life choices are very personal.  Consult with those you trust.  Go to your knees.  I know that Heavenly Father wants us all to be happy.  He will help guide you if you go to Him in prayer.

I wish you the best of luck in your exciting journey!  You’re doing great!

Jenni