10 answers
Didier
Student
Sparks, Nevada
1
Question
Updated
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How do I get through the challenges as an engineering student?
Hi, I am senior going into college as an engineering major. I know that being an engineering major is a difficult major, so my question is how do I get through those challenges as an upcoming engineering student?
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10 answers
Bryan Mayberry
Mechanical Design Engineer
8
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Bryan’s Answer
For me there were a few things I did that helped get through engineering without any huge issues:
1. Listen to the Professors instructions and don't be afraid to change your methods to match. I had one of my first engineering classes and I got a D on the first test because I just didnt follow their suggested format for the answers for the exam questions. Because of that I lost a lot of points on just partial credit that I could have gotten. Seems simple, but!, each professor is different, so just adjust to match what they want.
2. Study every day. Some college majors can get away with cramming right before exams, engineering cannot. Study every class every day. Maybe just 15 minutes, maybe 1 hour, but review review review. Studying early will make it easy to focus on the harder stuff during exam time.
3. Look for a rate-my-professor type website for your school. Genuinely some professors are there for research and suck at teaching. It makes life unnecessarily difficult just based on what professor you ended up with. I got stuck with some duds and my other fellow students had great teachers in the same class and they said it was the easiest course of the entire major, yet mine felt like the toughest.
4. Befriend some students! If the professor doesn't explicitly say do not work together, it would be wise to work on homework with a group. (Sometimes). You do need to be able to handle it solo, but there will be plenty of assignments that are stumping the entire class, and it is good to be able to then handle it all together.
1. Listen to the Professors instructions and don't be afraid to change your methods to match. I had one of my first engineering classes and I got a D on the first test because I just didnt follow their suggested format for the answers for the exam questions. Because of that I lost a lot of points on just partial credit that I could have gotten. Seems simple, but!, each professor is different, so just adjust to match what they want.
2. Study every day. Some college majors can get away with cramming right before exams, engineering cannot. Study every class every day. Maybe just 15 minutes, maybe 1 hour, but review review review. Studying early will make it easy to focus on the harder stuff during exam time.
3. Look for a rate-my-professor type website for your school. Genuinely some professors are there for research and suck at teaching. It makes life unnecessarily difficult just based on what professor you ended up with. I got stuck with some duds and my other fellow students had great teachers in the same class and they said it was the easiest course of the entire major, yet mine felt like the toughest.
4. Befriend some students! If the professor doesn't explicitly say do not work together, it would be wise to work on homework with a group. (Sometimes). You do need to be able to handle it solo, but there will be plenty of assignments that are stumping the entire class, and it is good to be able to then handle it all together.
Katelyn Eppinger
Network Engineer
1
Answer
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Katelyn’s Answer
Hello Didier!
I think one of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to a degree in engineering is that it has to be difficult, or only a certain caliber of student can make it through. Every class in college is meant to build toward developing the mindset of an engineer. In other words, it is not about knowing the answer to everything because you remember it from class, it is about knowing how to use the tools and resources you have at your disposal to find those answers. That mindset and skill is what will be truly valuable in the future.
As you navigate your classes and challenges, you will find little tricks that help you work smarter not harder - and those are what you should take note of. Those are not cutting corners, those are proof that you are developing that problem solving mindset.
Another piece of advice that helped me greatly was to just keep every resource you can. If your class provides PowerPoint notes, save them somewhere. It never hurts to add to your information vault. You never know how impactful one nugget of information can be even years down the line. If you keep the notes from your classes, you will be much more likely to recall where to find that answer and the context surrounding it. That can save a lot of time and energy compared to just looking it up freshly online.
Finally, do not let people tell you college is difficult- even engineering. The power of your belief and drive is what will carry you through your degree. If you believe you can do it, then you will. Do not get bogged up thinking "this should be difficult," and "people say this is tough so maybe next semester will be too much." It may be challenging or it may be way easier than you thought, but at the end of the day only you are going through your journey. You know yourself best, so do not let any secondhand fear hold you back from making decisions that feel right to you.
Best of Luck! We're rooting for you!
I think one of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to a degree in engineering is that it has to be difficult, or only a certain caliber of student can make it through. Every class in college is meant to build toward developing the mindset of an engineer. In other words, it is not about knowing the answer to everything because you remember it from class, it is about knowing how to use the tools and resources you have at your disposal to find those answers. That mindset and skill is what will be truly valuable in the future.
As you navigate your classes and challenges, you will find little tricks that help you work smarter not harder - and those are what you should take note of. Those are not cutting corners, those are proof that you are developing that problem solving mindset.
Another piece of advice that helped me greatly was to just keep every resource you can. If your class provides PowerPoint notes, save them somewhere. It never hurts to add to your information vault. You never know how impactful one nugget of information can be even years down the line. If you keep the notes from your classes, you will be much more likely to recall where to find that answer and the context surrounding it. That can save a lot of time and energy compared to just looking it up freshly online.
Finally, do not let people tell you college is difficult- even engineering. The power of your belief and drive is what will carry you through your degree. If you believe you can do it, then you will. Do not get bogged up thinking "this should be difficult," and "people say this is tough so maybe next semester will be too much." It may be challenging or it may be way easier than you thought, but at the end of the day only you are going through your journey. You know yourself best, so do not let any secondhand fear hold you back from making decisions that feel right to you.
Best of Luck! We're rooting for you!
Joyce Jackson
Telecommunications / Engineering
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Joyce’s Answer
Make sure you understand the lessons. If you don;;t understand don't hesitate to ask questions and don't be afraid to get a mentor if you have to. Understanding what you are doing and how to do what's requested is the key.
Eric McKie
Construction Engineer
1
Answer
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Eric’s Answer
If I were an engineering student, I'd encourage you to dive deep into reading about the engineering field you're passionate about. Also, don't hesitate to connect with someone already working in that field and ask them how they became an engineer. You can learn a lot from their journey!
Best,
Eric
Best,
Eric
Adam Riley
SP Engineer
2
Answers
Muncie, Indiana
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Stay focused on your tasks. Make friends in Engineering to collaborate with, as sharing ideas and learning from each other is important no matter what job you have.
Sneha Deb
Tech Consultant
188
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hi Didier! Getting through the challenges as an engineering student starts with believing in your ability to grow and adapt. It helps to stay organized, ask questions early, and build a strong support system with classmates, professors, or study groups. Engineering is tough for everyone at some point, so don't be discouraged by setbacks, they are part of the learning process. Use campus resources like tutoring centers and office hours, and make sure to take care of your mental and physical health too. With persistence, curiosity, and hard work, you’ll not only get through it but come out stronger and more capable than you imagined. Good luck!
Ligia McLean
Manage International Sales
7
Answers
Gilbert, Arizona
Updated
Ligia’s Answer
Pursuing a major in engineering is undoubtedly challenging, and your inquiry about how to navigate these difficulties as an upcoming engineering student is pertinent. However, it also suggests some uncertainty regarding your commitment to this field.
Engineering encompasses a wide range of disciplines, making it crucial to establish a strong foundation without being discouraged by challenging courses. Here are several recommendations:
• Consider distributing the more demanding classes throughout your academic schedule instead of taking them all at once.
• Engage a tutor to assist with subjects you find particularly difficult.
• Explore broader engineering fields, such as Systems Engineering, which may offer a more comprehensive educational experience.
• Investigate various companies' "Jobs / Careers" sections to understand the types of engineers currently in demand.
An area that adds significant value to the engineering sector is the role of Liaison Engineers. These professionals possess technical expertise and can effectively communicate complex concepts to non-technical leaders, bridging communication gaps and facilitating progress within organizations.
Engineering encompasses a wide range of disciplines, making it crucial to establish a strong foundation without being discouraged by challenging courses. Here are several recommendations:
• Consider distributing the more demanding classes throughout your academic schedule instead of taking them all at once.
• Engage a tutor to assist with subjects you find particularly difficult.
• Explore broader engineering fields, such as Systems Engineering, which may offer a more comprehensive educational experience.
• Investigate various companies' "Jobs / Careers" sections to understand the types of engineers currently in demand.
An area that adds significant value to the engineering sector is the role of Liaison Engineers. These professionals possess technical expertise and can effectively communicate complex concepts to non-technical leaders, bridging communication gaps and facilitating progress within organizations.
Pep Skillon
Engineering Project Management
1
Answer
Buffalo, New York
Updated
Pep’s Answer
As with any major, taking good notes and reviewing lessons post lecture would be the ideal way to navigate college. Find a way to balance schoolwork and enjoying student life on campus. College will be the best years of your life prior to starting family. Have fun.
Sharlene Lendore
Assoc Director Engineering
1
Answer
Catonsville, Maryland
Updated
Sharlene’s Answer
This is a great question! You should ensure that you are following up on your coursework daily. As you get into the strictly Engineering Courses and leave your core curriculum this will be important. The courses build on each other so if you don't understand the ground layer it will be difficult to keep up as the years progress. This being said - your professors are a great source. Utilize their office hours! Collaborate with other Engineering Students. Make sure you introduce yourself to a few people in your freshman class with your major and create a study group. Schedule your study time for time management and ensure to leave some time for relaxation and fun so that you don't burn out.
I wish you much success!
I wish you much success!
Michael Posilovic
Sales Engineer
3
Answers
Delray Beach, Florida
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hello Didier
I hear where you are coming from, and I've been there to make it through to obtain a masters in mechanical engineering.
1. Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, either way you're right; it's the thinking that makes it so. Your mindset is your most powerful tool. This includes your attitude and how you feel. Positive thinking produces positive feelings which then inspires you to do the correct action steps to accomplish your goal. The vast majority of your attention should be focused on your thoughts and feelings, and very little on the actual action steps, techniques, methods, etc. Most people have this backwards, which is why they fail. They focus on the HOW instead of the WHY. Focus instead on the WHY and the HOW will be shown to you in the most efficient way. These are the basic metaphysical laws of the universe, which the powers that be don't want you to know about... There is a system of success: books, audios, events with like-minded people, giving and receiving recognition, and developing quality relationships. Do all of these things on a regular basis and you can and will make all of your dreams come, in an easy and relaxed manner, in a healthy and positive way, and for the highest and best good of all. Read the book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and listen to the audio Your Wish is Your Command by Kevin Trudeau, and your life will never be the same. Learn and apply the laws of life and you can be, do, and have anything and everything you want.
2. Some practical tips regarding the how-to which may be beneficial for you to consider doing: Write your notes down physically with paper and pencil as opposed to typing them into a computer. Scientists have shown that writing causes us to remember the information significantly better then typing. Make a schedule for your work and for your health. Most engineers don't take care of their health physically and mentally and burn out (I was one of them and regretted it deeply in the long run until I realized and changed my habits). Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, exercise, get outside in nature and connect with the earth elements, and optimize your sleep patterns. Partying is a waste of time and life, take my word for it... Have good clean fun with people who respect themselves and others. Get involved in a volunteer organization or club. The secret of living is giving.
It doesn't have to be difficult, that's just a negative mental program that's running in your head based on your past and what others have told you. Reprogram yourself. Choose to make it fun, challenges ARE fun. Enjoy the process. I hope this makes sense and helps you succeed. Success is a decision away. Please let me know if have any questions as I'm happy to help. Take care.
From Michael
I hear where you are coming from, and I've been there to make it through to obtain a masters in mechanical engineering.
1. Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, either way you're right; it's the thinking that makes it so. Your mindset is your most powerful tool. This includes your attitude and how you feel. Positive thinking produces positive feelings which then inspires you to do the correct action steps to accomplish your goal. The vast majority of your attention should be focused on your thoughts and feelings, and very little on the actual action steps, techniques, methods, etc. Most people have this backwards, which is why they fail. They focus on the HOW instead of the WHY. Focus instead on the WHY and the HOW will be shown to you in the most efficient way. These are the basic metaphysical laws of the universe, which the powers that be don't want you to know about... There is a system of success: books, audios, events with like-minded people, giving and receiving recognition, and developing quality relationships. Do all of these things on a regular basis and you can and will make all of your dreams come, in an easy and relaxed manner, in a healthy and positive way, and for the highest and best good of all. Read the book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and listen to the audio Your Wish is Your Command by Kevin Trudeau, and your life will never be the same. Learn and apply the laws of life and you can be, do, and have anything and everything you want.
2. Some practical tips regarding the how-to which may be beneficial for you to consider doing: Write your notes down physically with paper and pencil as opposed to typing them into a computer. Scientists have shown that writing causes us to remember the information significantly better then typing. Make a schedule for your work and for your health. Most engineers don't take care of their health physically and mentally and burn out (I was one of them and regretted it deeply in the long run until I realized and changed my habits). Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, exercise, get outside in nature and connect with the earth elements, and optimize your sleep patterns. Partying is a waste of time and life, take my word for it... Have good clean fun with people who respect themselves and others. Get involved in a volunteer organization or club. The secret of living is giving.
It doesn't have to be difficult, that's just a negative mental program that's running in your head based on your past and what others have told you. Reprogram yourself. Choose to make it fun, challenges ARE fun. Enjoy the process. I hope this makes sense and helps you succeed. Success is a decision away. Please let me know if have any questions as I'm happy to help. Take care.
From Michael