4 answers
Owen
Student
Ramsey, Minnesota
5
Questions
Asked
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what are some specific things I'm going to need to know before going into engineering?
I'm a sophomore in high school and I want to learn as much as I can about engineering as fast as I can. What advice can you give me on some steps I can take?
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4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Owen!
It’s amazing to see you already thinking ahead about engineering — that curiosity is exactly what makes great engineers!
Doc Frick and Milagros already gave some solid advice, so I'll sprinkle in a little extra wisdom to help you level up your engineering journey.
One key thing to know before diving into engineering is that it's not just about math and science (even though those are super important). Engineers are creative problem-solvers who turn ideas into reality.
A few extra tips to build your engineering mindset:
Get Curious About How Things Work: Ever wondered how your phone connects to Wi-Fi or how bridges hold so much weight? Start breaking down the world around you. That curiosity will fuel your learning.
Tinker and Build: Try DIY projects like building a small robot, coding a simple app, or even taking apart an old gadget to see what's inside. Websites like Arduino or Raspberry Pi have awesome beginner projects.
Learn to Fail Forward: Engineering is all about trial and error. If something doesn't work the first time, you're already one step closer to figuring it out.
Explore Different Fields: Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Aerospace, Software — there are so many branches of engineering. Try researching different fields or watching YouTube videos to see which one sparks your interest.
Connect with Engineers: Whether it's job shadowing, joining a robotics club, or chatting with professionals on CareerVillage, learning from others will give you a huge advantage.
Next Steps:
1. Pick one coding language (Python is a great start!) and learn the basics.
2. Build something small — maybe a basic website or a mini robot.
3. Reach out to local STEM clubs or look for summer engineering programs near you.
You're already showing the mindset of a future engineer — curious, ambitious, and ready to learn. Keep that fire burning, and you'll be designing the future before you know it!
I'm rooting for you, future engineer! All the best! 😎
Python (Beginner Friendly): freeCodeCamp Python Course Harvard CS50 Introduction to Programming MATLAB Alternative (for engineers): GNU Octave (It's free and works just like MATLAB!) C++ (Great for Robotics and Hardware): Sololearn C++ GeeksforGeeks C++
Engineering Design & 3D Modeling SolidWorks Alternative (FREE): Tinkercad (Easy 3D design + electronics simulation) FreeCAD
Build Projects Without Waiting for College Create circuits online using Circuito.io Start coding your own games with Scratch Design a basic website on Replit Learn Robotics from scratch on Robotics Academy
STEM Challenges & Competitions Khan Academy STEM Challenges MIT OpenCourseWare (Engineering Courses) MIT OCW NASA STEM Projects NASA STEM Engagement
Follow Mark Rober and Veritasium on YouTube — they make engineering fun and inspire crazy ideas!
It’s amazing to see you already thinking ahead about engineering — that curiosity is exactly what makes great engineers!
Doc Frick and Milagros already gave some solid advice, so I'll sprinkle in a little extra wisdom to help you level up your engineering journey.
One key thing to know before diving into engineering is that it's not just about math and science (even though those are super important). Engineers are creative problem-solvers who turn ideas into reality.
A few extra tips to build your engineering mindset:
Get Curious About How Things Work: Ever wondered how your phone connects to Wi-Fi or how bridges hold so much weight? Start breaking down the world around you. That curiosity will fuel your learning.
Tinker and Build: Try DIY projects like building a small robot, coding a simple app, or even taking apart an old gadget to see what's inside. Websites like Arduino or Raspberry Pi have awesome beginner projects.
Learn to Fail Forward: Engineering is all about trial and error. If something doesn't work the first time, you're already one step closer to figuring it out.
Explore Different Fields: Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Aerospace, Software — there are so many branches of engineering. Try researching different fields or watching YouTube videos to see which one sparks your interest.
Connect with Engineers: Whether it's job shadowing, joining a robotics club, or chatting with professionals on CareerVillage, learning from others will give you a huge advantage.
Next Steps:
1. Pick one coding language (Python is a great start!) and learn the basics.
2. Build something small — maybe a basic website or a mini robot.
3. Reach out to local STEM clubs or look for summer engineering programs near you.
You're already showing the mindset of a future engineer — curious, ambitious, and ready to learn. Keep that fire burning, and you'll be designing the future before you know it!
I'm rooting for you, future engineer! All the best! 😎
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Owen, engineering is a highly technical field of study with many opportunities and a variety of specializations. Preparing for a degree in engineering while you're in high school may make you a more competitive candidate for college and increase your chances of being accepted into universities. It can also help you earn the grades you need for a college degree and equip you for an engineering job, which might help you build a foundation for a successful career in engineering. Additionally, the correct preparation may help you find your passions and determine whether engineering is the right path for you.
CAREER COUNSELOR GUIDANCE
Engineers are typically proficient in the areas of math and science. You can develop your proficiency in these subjects by taking advanced classes, such as courses in physics, chemistry, calculus and statistics. Try to take four years of math classes and three years of physical and life science courses. You may also work on these skills outside of school by taking online lessons and incorporating math and science into your daily activities. For example, you might play math and science games to practice your abilities and develop these skills for engineering.
START APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS
Apply for engineering internships that are compatible with your school schedule. Working in an internship can allow you to use the math and science skills you've developed. An internship may also help you explore different engineering specializations and allow you to find your interests. Having an internship can give you practical experience in engineering and enable you to build a professional network. You may later rely on these contacts for letters of recommendation and job opportunities.
GAIN INSITE WITH A PROFESSIONAL
Shadowing an engineering professional involves spending time with an engineer as they work. This can help you gain an understanding of an engineer's responsibilities and daily routine. Shadowing a professional may help you make an informed decision about pursuing a degree or career in engineering. To find these opportunities, you might ask a counselor at your school or contact local businesses.
CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING
Engineers often work with their communities to identify problems and create solutions. Volunteer experience can help you learn about your environment and the issues that exist within it, which can help you develop problem-solving skills for an engineering career. Volunteering can also demonstrate your involvement with your community and your leadership skills. Having volunteer experience on your resume may improve the quality of your college applications as well. Consider volunteering at a local museum, a relevant camp or with a STEM program. You might also do research online to find volunteer opportunities available to you.
ATTEND CAMPS
There are many summer programs with great options in the STEM fields. Top schools like Penn State and MIT offer engineering summer camps which can not only front-load your knowledge in the field but also set you apart as a college applicant. You could also spend your summer working as a lab assistant or shadowing successful engineers in your areas of interest.
CONCLUSION
If you want to prepare for an engineering career but don't know what college to attend, research different engineering programs. You can look at the programs for local colleges or research top engineering schools. If you know which colleges you're interested in, research the admission requirements for each school's engineering department. University websites may list their recommendations for classes, GPAs and test scores. You can compare this information between colleges and determine what skills, knowledge, experience and areas on which you can focus. You might also base your decision on a university's location, cost, acceptance rate or culture.
Hope this was helpful Owen
CAREER COUNSELOR GUIDANCE
Engineers are typically proficient in the areas of math and science. You can develop your proficiency in these subjects by taking advanced classes, such as courses in physics, chemistry, calculus and statistics. Try to take four years of math classes and three years of physical and life science courses. You may also work on these skills outside of school by taking online lessons and incorporating math and science into your daily activities. For example, you might play math and science games to practice your abilities and develop these skills for engineering.
START APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS
Apply for engineering internships that are compatible with your school schedule. Working in an internship can allow you to use the math and science skills you've developed. An internship may also help you explore different engineering specializations and allow you to find your interests. Having an internship can give you practical experience in engineering and enable you to build a professional network. You may later rely on these contacts for letters of recommendation and job opportunities.
GAIN INSITE WITH A PROFESSIONAL
Shadowing an engineering professional involves spending time with an engineer as they work. This can help you gain an understanding of an engineer's responsibilities and daily routine. Shadowing a professional may help you make an informed decision about pursuing a degree or career in engineering. To find these opportunities, you might ask a counselor at your school or contact local businesses.
CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING
Engineers often work with their communities to identify problems and create solutions. Volunteer experience can help you learn about your environment and the issues that exist within it, which can help you develop problem-solving skills for an engineering career. Volunteering can also demonstrate your involvement with your community and your leadership skills. Having volunteer experience on your resume may improve the quality of your college applications as well. Consider volunteering at a local museum, a relevant camp or with a STEM program. You might also do research online to find volunteer opportunities available to you.
ATTEND CAMPS
There are many summer programs with great options in the STEM fields. Top schools like Penn State and MIT offer engineering summer camps which can not only front-load your knowledge in the field but also set you apart as a college applicant. You could also spend your summer working as a lab assistant or shadowing successful engineers in your areas of interest.
CONCLUSION
If you want to prepare for an engineering career but don't know what college to attend, research different engineering programs. You can look at the programs for local colleges or research top engineering schools. If you know which colleges you're interested in, research the admission requirements for each school's engineering department. University websites may list their recommendations for classes, GPAs and test scores. You can compare this information between colleges and determine what skills, knowledge, experience and areas on which you can focus. You might also base your decision on a university's location, cost, acceptance rate or culture.
Hope this was helpful Owen
Milagros A Ramirez Martinez
College student
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Milagros A’s Answer
Hello Owen, some specific classes and activities that can help you get into engineering and succeed are listed below.
- Take all the calculus classes you can take at your high school. In college, you will be taking 3-4 calculus classes. These classes should be an attainable A.
- If you haven't taken chemistry, make sure to take it and brush up on the material before going to college. If you are planning on taking AP chemistry and earning the credit, don't worry.
- Learning coding programs such as MATLAB and Python would help you gain the upper hand.
- Depending on what specific engineer you'd like to be, SolidWorks is a great program for learning to create digital 3D models.
- Joining your school's robotics club will make it more accessible for learning coding and other mechanical skills.
If you want more specific information, feel free to ask.
- Take all the calculus classes you can take at your high school. In college, you will be taking 3-4 calculus classes. These classes should be an attainable A.
- If you haven't taken chemistry, make sure to take it and brush up on the material before going to college. If you are planning on taking AP chemistry and earning the credit, don't worry.
- Learning coding programs such as MATLAB and Python would help you gain the upper hand.
- Depending on what specific engineer you'd like to be, SolidWorks is a great program for learning to create digital 3D models.
- Joining your school's robotics club will make it more accessible for learning coding and other mechanical skills.
If you want more specific information, feel free to ask.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
154
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Thanks for the great question. Engineering is about resolving the day to day problems we face as society. Examples include such things as furniture, kitchen ware, electrical appliances, buildings, roads, computers, vehicles, aeroplanes etc. Manufacturing processes are usually involved. Once a need has been recognized, a design is developed to address the need. This is followed by construction to design Specifications.
The profession provides a wide range of pathways to a career in such fields as mechanical, civil, electrical, structural, production engineering etc.
Usually, it's prudent to start with what interests us most and what we are passionate about. The profession is a great opportunity for those that are proficient in such subjects as maths, physics, chemistry, technical drawing etc.
My advice to you is that you should choose what interests you the most. That way, you will persue your interests with passion. Which ever route you choose, you are destined for a great and fulfilling career ask an engineer. It's important to work smart as you persue your preferences
The profession provides a wide range of pathways to a career in such fields as mechanical, civil, electrical, structural, production engineering etc.
Usually, it's prudent to start with what interests us most and what we are passionate about. The profession is a great opportunity for those that are proficient in such subjects as maths, physics, chemistry, technical drawing etc.
My advice to you is that you should choose what interests you the most. That way, you will persue your interests with passion. Which ever route you choose, you are destined for a great and fulfilling career ask an engineer. It's important to work smart as you persue your preferences