5 answers
Owen
Student
Ramsey, Minnesota
4
Questions
Asked
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What suggestions do you have for wanting to become an engineer when I don't know the first thing.
I'm a sophomore in high school and I want to become an engineer of some sort but I don't know the first thing about engineering.
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5 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1333
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Owen!
First off, I think it's awesome that you're thinking about engineering. There’s so much room to explore in this field, and it can feel a little overwhelming when you're not sure where to start. But no worries—there are a lot of paths you can take, and each step will help you figure out what excites you the most.
Teklemuz really nailed it with the advice about exploring different branches of engineering through videos and blogs. The world of engineering is so vast, with everything from aerospace to environmental engineering. If you dive into some basic YouTube videos or take free courses online (like on Khan Academy or Brilliant.org), you'll start to get a feel for what each discipline involves. This is a great way to discover what grabs your attention.
It’s super important to get comfortable with math and science, especially subjects like algebra, geometry, physics, and chemistry. These are the building blocks of engineering. If you’re unsure about any of these, you can also find resources to help break them down in a way that feels manageable. Keep practicing, and don’t worry if it’s tough at first—engineering is all about solving problems, and those problems are often tricky. Getting your math and science foundation solid will really pay off later.
Hands-on experience is key. Even if you don’t know exactly what type of engineering you want to do, you can start experimenting with simple projects. Teklemuz suggested things like building circuits or playing around with kits like Arduino or Raspberry Pi. These are amazing for getting your hands dirty with electronics and programming, and they’re a lot of fun too! You can make cool projects, like simple robots or home automation systems. Getting involved in these small but exciting projects can help you get a feel for what you might enjoy.
Also, if you’re interested in coding, which is becoming more and more important for engineers, starting with a beginner-friendly language like Python could be a game-changer. Platforms like Codecademy and MIT OpenCourseWare offer some great beginner courses that you can jump into. Programming is an essential skill in many engineering fields, especially for robotics, automation, and even data analysis.
Beyond the technical stuff, think about sharpening your problem-solving skills. Logic puzzles, strategy games, and even team challenges (like joining a robotics or science club) can help you develop a mindset that's perfect for engineering. Remember, engineering isn’t just about having the right technical knowledge—it’s about being able to think critically and creatively when solving problems.
As Teklemuz also mentioned, connecting with people who are already in the field can be incredibly helpful. Whether through online communities or talking to engineers in person, having mentors or just chatting with others about their experiences can provide so much insight into what it’s really like. You might find people through Reddit’s r/engineering, LinkedIn, or even local meetups.
If your high school offers any engineering-related courses or summer camps, definitely check them out. These can give you hands-on experience and help you explore the field further. Internships or shadowing engineers can also give you a clearer picture of what engineers actually do on the job.
Lastly, as Teklemuz said, be curious! Engineering is a constantly evolving field, and staying up to date with new tech and emerging trends will help keep you engaged and excited. Whether it's reading blogs, listening to podcasts, or watching documentaries, there are endless ways to stay inspired.
Remember, the journey into engineering doesn’t have to be rushed. Take it one step at a time, try out different things, and see what you love most. You’re on the right track, and I have no doubt you’ll figure it out as you go. Keep pushing forward, and have fun along the way!
First off, I think it's awesome that you're thinking about engineering. There’s so much room to explore in this field, and it can feel a little overwhelming when you're not sure where to start. But no worries—there are a lot of paths you can take, and each step will help you figure out what excites you the most.
Teklemuz really nailed it with the advice about exploring different branches of engineering through videos and blogs. The world of engineering is so vast, with everything from aerospace to environmental engineering. If you dive into some basic YouTube videos or take free courses online (like on Khan Academy or Brilliant.org), you'll start to get a feel for what each discipline involves. This is a great way to discover what grabs your attention.
It’s super important to get comfortable with math and science, especially subjects like algebra, geometry, physics, and chemistry. These are the building blocks of engineering. If you’re unsure about any of these, you can also find resources to help break them down in a way that feels manageable. Keep practicing, and don’t worry if it’s tough at first—engineering is all about solving problems, and those problems are often tricky. Getting your math and science foundation solid will really pay off later.
Hands-on experience is key. Even if you don’t know exactly what type of engineering you want to do, you can start experimenting with simple projects. Teklemuz suggested things like building circuits or playing around with kits like Arduino or Raspberry Pi. These are amazing for getting your hands dirty with electronics and programming, and they’re a lot of fun too! You can make cool projects, like simple robots or home automation systems. Getting involved in these small but exciting projects can help you get a feel for what you might enjoy.
Also, if you’re interested in coding, which is becoming more and more important for engineers, starting with a beginner-friendly language like Python could be a game-changer. Platforms like Codecademy and MIT OpenCourseWare offer some great beginner courses that you can jump into. Programming is an essential skill in many engineering fields, especially for robotics, automation, and even data analysis.
Beyond the technical stuff, think about sharpening your problem-solving skills. Logic puzzles, strategy games, and even team challenges (like joining a robotics or science club) can help you develop a mindset that's perfect for engineering. Remember, engineering isn’t just about having the right technical knowledge—it’s about being able to think critically and creatively when solving problems.
As Teklemuz also mentioned, connecting with people who are already in the field can be incredibly helpful. Whether through online communities or talking to engineers in person, having mentors or just chatting with others about their experiences can provide so much insight into what it’s really like. You might find people through Reddit’s r/engineering, LinkedIn, or even local meetups.
If your high school offers any engineering-related courses or summer camps, definitely check them out. These can give you hands-on experience and help you explore the field further. Internships or shadowing engineers can also give you a clearer picture of what engineers actually do on the job.
Lastly, as Teklemuz said, be curious! Engineering is a constantly evolving field, and staying up to date with new tech and emerging trends will help keep you engaged and excited. Whether it's reading blogs, listening to podcasts, or watching documentaries, there are endless ways to stay inspired.
Remember, the journey into engineering doesn’t have to be rushed. Take it one step at a time, try out different things, and see what you love most. You’re on the right track, and I have no doubt you’ll figure it out as you go. Keep pushing forward, and have fun along the way!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical engineer, researcher and Software Developer
163
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Engineering covers a wide range of fields—mechanical, electrical, aerospace, civil, and computer engineering, railway, mining, water, environmental, food, chemical, and industrial engineering, etc. If you’re not sure where to start, explore different branches through YouTube videos, blogs, and free online courses to see what sparks your curiosity. Since engineering is built on math and science, strengthening your foundation in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, physics, and chemistry is key. Platforms like Khan Academy and Brilliant.org can make learning these subjects easier and more engaging.
But theory alone isn’t enough—engineering is all about hands-on problem-solving. Try building simple circuits, designing structures with LEGOs, coding small programs, or experimenting with DIY physics projects. Kits like Arduino and Raspberry Pi make it easy to explore electronics and programming, while free tools like TinkerCAD and Fusion 360 let you experiment with 3D modeling and design.
Programming is essential skill for engineers. Learning languages like Python or C++ can open doors in automation, robotics, and data science. If you’re new to coding, websites like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, and MIT OpenCourseWare offer beginner-friendly courses to help you get started.
Getting involved in STEM-related clubs and competitions can be a great way to apply what you learn in a fun, challenging way. Robotics teams like FIRST Robotics, Science Olympiad events, or NASA student competitions can give you hands-on experience and a chance to work with like-minded people. If your school offers engineering camps or pre-college programs, take advantage of those opportunities. Internships, volunteering, or even just shadowing an engineer for a day can also give you a clearer picture of what different engineering careers are really like.
Beyond technical skills, being a good engineer means learning how to think critically, solve problems creatively, and work well in teams. Strategy games, logic puzzles, and engineering design challenges can help sharpen these abilities. Staying curious and keeping up with emerging technologies—whether it’s AI, renewable energy, or space exploration—through YouTube channels, blogs, and podcasts will also help expand your knowledge.
Connecting with engineers and joining online communities like Reddit’s r/engineering, LinkedIn groups, or Discord servers can give you valuable advice and guidance. If you enjoy reading, books like The New Way Things Work by David Macaulay or Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down by J.E. Gordon offer an easy-to-understand introduction to engineering concepts.
The best way to get started is to pick something that interests you, whether it’s coding, robotics, or aerospace, and just dive in. Work on a small project, join a STEM community, and keep learning through hands-on practice. The more you explore, the clearer your path will become.
Good luck!
But theory alone isn’t enough—engineering is all about hands-on problem-solving. Try building simple circuits, designing structures with LEGOs, coding small programs, or experimenting with DIY physics projects. Kits like Arduino and Raspberry Pi make it easy to explore electronics and programming, while free tools like TinkerCAD and Fusion 360 let you experiment with 3D modeling and design.
Programming is essential skill for engineers. Learning languages like Python or C++ can open doors in automation, robotics, and data science. If you’re new to coding, websites like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, and MIT OpenCourseWare offer beginner-friendly courses to help you get started.
Getting involved in STEM-related clubs and competitions can be a great way to apply what you learn in a fun, challenging way. Robotics teams like FIRST Robotics, Science Olympiad events, or NASA student competitions can give you hands-on experience and a chance to work with like-minded people. If your school offers engineering camps or pre-college programs, take advantage of those opportunities. Internships, volunteering, or even just shadowing an engineer for a day can also give you a clearer picture of what different engineering careers are really like.
Beyond technical skills, being a good engineer means learning how to think critically, solve problems creatively, and work well in teams. Strategy games, logic puzzles, and engineering design challenges can help sharpen these abilities. Staying curious and keeping up with emerging technologies—whether it’s AI, renewable energy, or space exploration—through YouTube channels, blogs, and podcasts will also help expand your knowledge.
Connecting with engineers and joining online communities like Reddit’s r/engineering, LinkedIn groups, or Discord servers can give you valuable advice and guidance. If you enjoy reading, books like The New Way Things Work by David Macaulay or Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down by J.E. Gordon offer an easy-to-understand introduction to engineering concepts.
The best way to get started is to pick something that interests you, whether it’s coding, robotics, or aerospace, and just dive in. Work on a small project, join a STEM community, and keep learning through hands-on practice. The more you explore, the clearer your path will become.
Good luck!
Sreedhar Chanda
Mechanical Engineer
40
Answers
Kentwood, Michigan
Updated
Sreedhar’s Answer
Hi Owen,
Engineeeing is about contributing to making something that people can use. This can be about developing cars, clothes, software, buildings, etc. If you are not sure which specific area you are passionate about, then I suggest you enroll in a general engineering program. After taking few classes, if you still are not sure what type of product you are interested in, then you can graduate with a general engineering degree.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
Engineeeing is about contributing to making something that people can use. This can be about developing cars, clothes, software, buildings, etc. If you are not sure which specific area you are passionate about, then I suggest you enroll in a general engineering program. After taking few classes, if you still are not sure what type of product you are interested in, then you can graduate with a general engineering degree.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
Dan Wolf
Retired Electrical/Software Engineer and part-time College Professor (BSEET and MS Engineering Management)
132
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Owen,
Teklemuz Ayenew has shared a fantastic answer! Let me add a bit more:
You can probably take college-level classes at your local community college while still in high school and even earn college credits. They should offer an "Introduction to Engineering" class that gives you a great look into the field. Plus, there are other courses you might be able to take, depending on your math and English scores. Be sure to talk to a college advisor!
Teklemuz mentioned the Arduino and Raspberry Pi, which are awesome for learning about electronics and programming. The Raspberry Pi 5 acts like a regular computer, while the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and Arduino UNO are microcontrollers perfect for controlling hardware like home automation and robotics. Search for "Arduino projects" or "Raspberry Pi projects" online for loads of inspiration. You can get an Arduino UNO and electronic parts at a good price on Aliexpress, though the Raspberry Pi is best bought in the US as discounts are rare. The Raspberry Pi 5 is like a regular PC and costs between $75 and $175, while the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is about $30 on Amazon. The Arduino UNO is around $4 on Aliexpress.
When you start an engineering program, you'll usually begin with math, science, and general classes in the first year or two. The more specialized engineering classes come later, so you have time to explore before choosing a specific path like electrical, mechanical, chemical, or civil engineering.
Engineering is fascinating and always exciting!
Wishing you the best of luck!
Teklemuz Ayenew has shared a fantastic answer! Let me add a bit more:
You can probably take college-level classes at your local community college while still in high school and even earn college credits. They should offer an "Introduction to Engineering" class that gives you a great look into the field. Plus, there are other courses you might be able to take, depending on your math and English scores. Be sure to talk to a college advisor!
Teklemuz mentioned the Arduino and Raspberry Pi, which are awesome for learning about electronics and programming. The Raspberry Pi 5 acts like a regular computer, while the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and Arduino UNO are microcontrollers perfect for controlling hardware like home automation and robotics. Search for "Arduino projects" or "Raspberry Pi projects" online for loads of inspiration. You can get an Arduino UNO and electronic parts at a good price on Aliexpress, though the Raspberry Pi is best bought in the US as discounts are rare. The Raspberry Pi 5 is like a regular PC and costs between $75 and $175, while the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is about $30 on Amazon. The Arduino UNO is around $4 on Aliexpress.
When you start an engineering program, you'll usually begin with math, science, and general classes in the first year or two. The more specialized engineering classes come later, so you have time to explore before choosing a specific path like electrical, mechanical, chemical, or civil engineering.
Engineering is fascinating and always exciting!
Wishing you the best of luck!
aineyah Hanna
I am in Education
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
aineyah’s Answer
Hello Owen,
Engineering offers a world of opportunities, and you can explore so many exciting paths. What are you passionate about? Finding what you love can help you focus on the right area for you. Remember, your High School Guidance Counselor is there to help—reach out to them! You've got this!
Good luck!
Engineering offers a world of opportunities, and you can explore so many exciting paths. What are you passionate about? Finding what you love can help you focus on the right area for you. Remember, your High School Guidance Counselor is there to help—reach out to them! You've got this!
Good luck!