5 answers
camden
Student
Lakeland, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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How do you know what type of engineering you want be?
I've wanted to be an aerospace engineering because I find rockets and airplanes interesting. Is that all there is to it or is there a deeper reason for why I should pick a certain type of engineering.
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5 answers
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical engineer, researcher and Software Developer
210
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Hello, Camden,
Choosing the right engineering field is about aligning your true interests and strengths. Take time to think about what excites you and what you love doing in your free time. Ask yourself: What do I enjoy? What do I want to contribute to the world? If you're fascinated by rockets and airplanes, aerospace engineering could be a great fit, but it’s also important to explore other fields. For instance, electrical engineering is perfect if you're curious about how technologies like computers, power systems, and communications work. This field spans everything from circuit design to renewable energy, robotics, and AI, with opportunities in telecommunications, energy, consumer electronics, and even industries like maritime and aviation.
Gaining hands-on experience through internships and speaking to professionals in the field will give you a deeper understanding of what each discipline involves. Think about the problems you want to solve and the future you want to create. Aerospace focuses on space exploration and aviation, while electrical engineering drives innovation in technologies like smart devices, renewable energy, and automation.
Stay open and flexible, as your interests may evolve over time. Engineering is all about continuous learning and problem-solving. The more you explore, the clearer your path will become. Keep an open mind, and the right direction will unfold, bringing you closer to your dream career with confidence.
Choosing the right engineering field is about aligning your true interests and strengths. Take time to think about what excites you and what you love doing in your free time. Ask yourself: What do I enjoy? What do I want to contribute to the world? If you're fascinated by rockets and airplanes, aerospace engineering could be a great fit, but it’s also important to explore other fields. For instance, electrical engineering is perfect if you're curious about how technologies like computers, power systems, and communications work. This field spans everything from circuit design to renewable energy, robotics, and AI, with opportunities in telecommunications, energy, consumer electronics, and even industries like maritime and aviation.
Gaining hands-on experience through internships and speaking to professionals in the field will give you a deeper understanding of what each discipline involves. Think about the problems you want to solve and the future you want to create. Aerospace focuses on space exploration and aviation, while electrical engineering drives innovation in technologies like smart devices, renewable energy, and automation.
Stay open and flexible, as your interests may evolve over time. Engineering is all about continuous learning and problem-solving. The more you explore, the clearer your path will become. Keep an open mind, and the right direction will unfold, bringing you closer to your dream career with confidence.
Bryan Mayberry
Mechanical Design Engineer
14
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Bryan’s Answer
I would say it can take some time to figure it out! You do not need to go into college knowing exactly which major you want. The first year of engineering is pretty much the same for every major. So, you can switch!
Go into your first year and just try to go to clubs, talk to people, read job listings, go to events where you can talk to engineers, research what their day to day job is like, and then also just see which classes you find easy or enjoy the most and that will point you in the right direction.
For me, I wanted to avoid chemistry and electrical engineering as they both just didnt come naturally to me. So that narrowed me down a good bit!
Go into your first year and just try to go to clubs, talk to people, read job listings, go to events where you can talk to engineers, research what their day to day job is like, and then also just see which classes you find easy or enjoy the most and that will point you in the right direction.
For me, I wanted to avoid chemistry and electrical engineering as they both just didnt come naturally to me. So that narrowed me down a good bit!
Nikhil Gavini
Aerospace Systems Engineer
12
Answers
Norfolk, Virginia
Updated
Nikhil’s Answer
Hey Camden,
Everyone has their own reasons for choosing engineering. For me, I chose Aerospace Engineering because I would always "have my head pointed at the clouds" every time an airplane/helicopter/rocket went by. That alone spurred my passion to work in the air & space realm. I was also talented in mathematical and scientific problem solving growing up so I knew that I would likely end up in some engineering realm.
For me, Aerospace Engineering is the combination of complex problem solving applied to the air and space realm. Within this major, there are various specialties you can focus on ranging from Aerodynamics, Astrodynamics, Guidance & Controls, Structures, Propulsion, etc. I recommend you do some research into these specialties and figure out what really sticks!
I personally specialized in aerodynamics and astrodynamics because I enjoyed applying mathematical reasoning and problem solving skills to the phenomena in those fields.
Hope this helps, good luck!
Everyone has their own reasons for choosing engineering. For me, I chose Aerospace Engineering because I would always "have my head pointed at the clouds" every time an airplane/helicopter/rocket went by. That alone spurred my passion to work in the air & space realm. I was also talented in mathematical and scientific problem solving growing up so I knew that I would likely end up in some engineering realm.
For me, Aerospace Engineering is the combination of complex problem solving applied to the air and space realm. Within this major, there are various specialties you can focus on ranging from Aerodynamics, Astrodynamics, Guidance & Controls, Structures, Propulsion, etc. I recommend you do some research into these specialties and figure out what really sticks!
I personally specialized in aerodynamics and astrodynamics because I enjoyed applying mathematical reasoning and problem solving skills to the phenomena in those fields.
Hope this helps, good luck!
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
89
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Camden,
Your queries are valid. Choosing a professional career can be challenging at times. There is no single correct way of doing it.
Interest is essential for choosing a particular field. Love of and passion for your career choice is important too. There are other important personality traits that are helpful: perseverance, devotion, attention to detail etc.
How do you get there?
1) Aerospace engineering is an exciting area of specialization that requires proficiency in maths, physics, chemistry, computer applications, design and graphics. Once you're good in these subjects in high school, then you can go for any engineering field including Aerospace engineering.
2) Eagerness to learn, commitment, hard work and an open mind are key success factors. Curiosity, too, is a strong driving imperative in your journey to success.
3) Opportunities for hands-on experience enable you to use theoretical knowledge in real life situations, pick up life skills such as planning, problem solving, analytical, communication & leadership skills and ability to work in teams. Internships are, therefore, an Integral part of your career path. In addition to exposing you to professional standards, they also give you the chance to work alongside professionals who will mentor and guide you along the way to success. Internships provide you the chance to experience real work environment that can help assess what career is most suitable for you.
4) You also need to seek membership in the relevant professional associations. These bodies develop professional standards in their respective fields and publish journals on the latest innovations & developments as well as best practices.
Examples include American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics, Aerospace Industries Association , American Astronautics Society etc.
Membership is available to aspiring students.
Your queries are valid. Choosing a professional career can be challenging at times. There is no single correct way of doing it.
Interest is essential for choosing a particular field. Love of and passion for your career choice is important too. There are other important personality traits that are helpful: perseverance, devotion, attention to detail etc.
How do you get there?
1) Aerospace engineering is an exciting area of specialization that requires proficiency in maths, physics, chemistry, computer applications, design and graphics. Once you're good in these subjects in high school, then you can go for any engineering field including Aerospace engineering.
2) Eagerness to learn, commitment, hard work and an open mind are key success factors. Curiosity, too, is a strong driving imperative in your journey to success.
3) Opportunities for hands-on experience enable you to use theoretical knowledge in real life situations, pick up life skills such as planning, problem solving, analytical, communication & leadership skills and ability to work in teams. Internships are, therefore, an Integral part of your career path. In addition to exposing you to professional standards, they also give you the chance to work alongside professionals who will mentor and guide you along the way to success. Internships provide you the chance to experience real work environment that can help assess what career is most suitable for you.
4) You also need to seek membership in the relevant professional associations. These bodies develop professional standards in their respective fields and publish journals on the latest innovations & developments as well as best practices.
Examples include American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics, Aerospace Industries Association , American Astronautics Society etc.
Membership is available to aspiring students.
Faustas Abartis
Field Service Engineer
13
Answers
Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
Updated
Faustas’s Answer
It’s awesome that you’re already drawn to aerospace engineering because of your interest in rockets and airplanes that passion is a fantastic starting point.
Choosing an engineering discipline isn’t just about what seems cool (though that’s important too). Here are a few things to consider as you explore your options:
1. Interests and Strength: you’re most likely on the right track by focusing on what excites you.
2. Career Goals: Think about the kind of work you would enjoy day to day. Aerospace engineers might design aircraft, work in defense, or even explore space tech.
3. Skills Alignment: Are you strong in math, physics, and hands-on projects? Aerospace (and mechanical engineering, which is closely related) relies heavily on these.
4. Flexibility: Many engineering disciplines overlap. Mechanical engineering, for example, offers broader options if you’re unsure about specializing early.
5. Try Things Out: If possible, join clubs (like robotics or model rocketry), take online courses, or talk to engineers in the field. Hands-on experience can clarify what you enjoy most.
Good luck in your journey, and i hope you will enjoy your work life!
Choosing an engineering discipline isn’t just about what seems cool (though that’s important too). Here are a few things to consider as you explore your options:
1. Interests and Strength: you’re most likely on the right track by focusing on what excites you.
2. Career Goals: Think about the kind of work you would enjoy day to day. Aerospace engineers might design aircraft, work in defense, or even explore space tech.
3. Skills Alignment: Are you strong in math, physics, and hands-on projects? Aerospace (and mechanical engineering, which is closely related) relies heavily on these.
4. Flexibility: Many engineering disciplines overlap. Mechanical engineering, for example, offers broader options if you’re unsure about specializing early.
5. Try Things Out: If possible, join clubs (like robotics or model rocketry), take online courses, or talk to engineers in the field. Hands-on experience can clarify what you enjoy most.
Good luck in your journey, and i hope you will enjoy your work life!