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What to do when you're entering an engineering class with no previous interest/knowledge?
I recently enrolled in a college for Automation Engineering. I thought it seemed like a cool and hands-on type of class, but never in my life have I had any association with engineering. It was never a hobby of mine, I never took any after-school classes for it, and I have never done any prior research about it. I am now regretting my decision for picking this field of study, because I barely know anything about it! It simple to watch a couple videos or research articles online about engineering, but I wish I had some previous experience.
I guess my question is; have you ever gone into a major blindly? Specifically engineering. How do you combat feelings of doubt, and is it difficult to be in an engineering class if you previously had no interest or knowledge in it?
#Spring25
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Enana’s Answer
Dear Violet,
Absolutely, and thank you for being so honest about your feelings — that takes courage. What you're experiencing is more common than you think, and it doesn’t mean you’ve made the wrong choice. Many students step into college programs without deep prior experience, especially in fields like engineering. Here's the thing: interest and knowledge can grow. They don’t always have to be there from the start.
🌺 Here’s how you can approach this:
💎 1. You’re not behind — you’re just beginning.
College is meant to introduce you to new topics. You’re not expected to come in as an expert. Professors and courses are designed to teach from the ground up. The important thing is not what you knew before — it’s how open you are to learning now.
💎 2. Explore what drew you in.
You mentioned you picked Automation Engineering because it seemed hands-on and cool. That instinct is worth trusting! Try to stay curious about what practically excites you — robotics, programming, systems control, or even just building things. Let that curiosity guide you.
💎 3. Build your base, step by step.
It’s okay to feel lost at first — many do. Start with the basics:
✨ Watch beginner-friendly videos on engineering principles.
✨ Follow simple tutorials on platforms like YouTube or Khan Academy.
✨ Don’t be afraid to ask “dumb” questions — they’re often the smartest ones.
💎 4. You don’t have to be passionate — just persistent.
Interest often follows effort. Sometimes we think we have to love something before we pursue it, but many students fall in love with their major after they've put in some work. Give yourself that chance.
💎 5. You're not alone.
Talk to classmates — you’ll be surprised how many are in the same boat. Connect with mentors or professors and let them know how you feel. Most will be understanding and encouraging.
💎 6. Doubt is part of growth.
It’s normal to question your path, especially in a demanding field. But doubts aren’t a sign to give up — they’re a sign you care about doing well. That’s powerful.
🌺 You’ve already taken the hardest step: starting.
Now just keep walking. If at any point you feel stuck or unsure, that’s okay — you’re learning, and that takes time. You’ve got this.
Absolutely, and thank you for being so honest about your feelings — that takes courage. What you're experiencing is more common than you think, and it doesn’t mean you’ve made the wrong choice. Many students step into college programs without deep prior experience, especially in fields like engineering. Here's the thing: interest and knowledge can grow. They don’t always have to be there from the start.
🌺 Here’s how you can approach this:
💎 1. You’re not behind — you’re just beginning.
College is meant to introduce you to new topics. You’re not expected to come in as an expert. Professors and courses are designed to teach from the ground up. The important thing is not what you knew before — it’s how open you are to learning now.
💎 2. Explore what drew you in.
You mentioned you picked Automation Engineering because it seemed hands-on and cool. That instinct is worth trusting! Try to stay curious about what practically excites you — robotics, programming, systems control, or even just building things. Let that curiosity guide you.
💎 3. Build your base, step by step.
It’s okay to feel lost at first — many do. Start with the basics:
✨ Watch beginner-friendly videos on engineering principles.
✨ Follow simple tutorials on platforms like YouTube or Khan Academy.
✨ Don’t be afraid to ask “dumb” questions — they’re often the smartest ones.
💎 4. You don’t have to be passionate — just persistent.
Interest often follows effort. Sometimes we think we have to love something before we pursue it, but many students fall in love with their major after they've put in some work. Give yourself that chance.
💎 5. You're not alone.
Talk to classmates — you’ll be surprised how many are in the same boat. Connect with mentors or professors and let them know how you feel. Most will be understanding and encouraging.
💎 6. Doubt is part of growth.
It’s normal to question your path, especially in a demanding field. But doubts aren’t a sign to give up — they’re a sign you care about doing well. That’s powerful.
🌺 You’ve already taken the hardest step: starting.
Now just keep walking. If at any point you feel stuck or unsure, that’s okay — you’re learning, and that takes time. You’ve got this.
Updated
Ligia’s Answer
Hi Violet,
It's exciting to explore the diverse world of engineering, where you can find fields that match your interests and strengths. Biomedical engineering offers the chance to work hands-on with equipment that aids surgeries and improves medical outcomes. Human factors engineering focuses on designing systems and products that enhance human performance and safety, especially in areas like automotive and aerospace. Industrial engineering is all about improving and optimizing systems to boost efficiency and quality.
You might already have experiences in these areas without realizing their connection to engineering. Even if automation engineering seems unfamiliar now, an engineering degree in one of these fields can open doors to related opportunities.
Pursuing technical skills is a fantastic step forward, and adding a business degree is a smart move that broadens your career options. With an engineering degree, job opportunities become more accessible.
Wishing you great success on this exciting journey!
It's exciting to explore the diverse world of engineering, where you can find fields that match your interests and strengths. Biomedical engineering offers the chance to work hands-on with equipment that aids surgeries and improves medical outcomes. Human factors engineering focuses on designing systems and products that enhance human performance and safety, especially in areas like automotive and aerospace. Industrial engineering is all about improving and optimizing systems to boost efficiency and quality.
You might already have experiences in these areas without realizing their connection to engineering. Even if automation engineering seems unfamiliar now, an engineering degree in one of these fields can open doors to related opportunities.
Pursuing technical skills is a fantastic step forward, and adding a business degree is a smart move that broadens your career options. With an engineering degree, job opportunities become more accessible.
Wishing you great success on this exciting journey!
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hi Violet,
"Engineering" is an often misused label. One can have the title of "maintenance engineer" and in actuality be a "repair technician", as an example. In my mind a true "engineer" is a "designer" and relies much on theory. In that vein, engineering classes are based, in large on theory. If you are a more practical and applied person, like myself, you find yourself questioning the theory taught in engineering classes. This my college story... I went to a small rural high school, so the classes offered weren't exactly a good prep for a four year college, at least not for me. I knew I wanted a career in something technical, and I originally thought I wanted to be an electronics technician, as I had fun playing around with that type of thing. When I was a jr in high school the counselor looked at my grades and convinced me to opt for a 4 year education as opposed to a two year degree that I 'thought' I wanted. Great advice! I never regretted that, but, he convinced me to go into engineering. Sure, what the heck, be an electrical engineer. That's when things started to unravel for me. I didn't have the mathematical aptitude required for that major. Needless to say the first year of college sucked for me. I was taking remedial classes to catch up and when I got into the core classes, I wasn't doing well...to the point I got put on academic probation. At that point I knew I needed a change, I could not understand why someone with my technical aptitude wasn't cutting it as an engineer. Then I discovered another more applied technical major in industrial technology. I transferred and immediately my grades improved and I was actually enjoying the classes and labs! I needed to be more practical and less theory, that was the key for me. I finished college with some 4 pt semesters and dean's list. My point is, a high percentage of new college students do not know or may think they know what they want as a career. If there only a few "engineering" classes in the automation curriculum, then deal with them and move on. If it turns out, you're in too deep, ask around, confer with your counselor, check out the other majors and try to determine what it is that you truly enjoy. Some years later I went after my MBA. That was one of the top 5 best decisions I made in my life. I discovered I had a previously unknown aptitude for business. Perfect to balance out the technical undergrad degree for my career and the application of the accounting and financial knowledge to my personal life paid off one thousand fold. Anyway, I know this may be easier said then done, but finding your groove is key. I hope this is beneficial. Best of luck,
Mark
"Engineering" is an often misused label. One can have the title of "maintenance engineer" and in actuality be a "repair technician", as an example. In my mind a true "engineer" is a "designer" and relies much on theory. In that vein, engineering classes are based, in large on theory. If you are a more practical and applied person, like myself, you find yourself questioning the theory taught in engineering classes. This my college story... I went to a small rural high school, so the classes offered weren't exactly a good prep for a four year college, at least not for me. I knew I wanted a career in something technical, and I originally thought I wanted to be an electronics technician, as I had fun playing around with that type of thing. When I was a jr in high school the counselor looked at my grades and convinced me to opt for a 4 year education as opposed to a two year degree that I 'thought' I wanted. Great advice! I never regretted that, but, he convinced me to go into engineering. Sure, what the heck, be an electrical engineer. That's when things started to unravel for me. I didn't have the mathematical aptitude required for that major. Needless to say the first year of college sucked for me. I was taking remedial classes to catch up and when I got into the core classes, I wasn't doing well...to the point I got put on academic probation. At that point I knew I needed a change, I could not understand why someone with my technical aptitude wasn't cutting it as an engineer. Then I discovered another more applied technical major in industrial technology. I transferred and immediately my grades improved and I was actually enjoying the classes and labs! I needed to be more practical and less theory, that was the key for me. I finished college with some 4 pt semesters and dean's list. My point is, a high percentage of new college students do not know or may think they know what they want as a career. If there only a few "engineering" classes in the automation curriculum, then deal with them and move on. If it turns out, you're in too deep, ask around, confer with your counselor, check out the other majors and try to determine what it is that you truly enjoy. Some years later I went after my MBA. That was one of the top 5 best decisions I made in my life. I discovered I had a previously unknown aptitude for business. Perfect to balance out the technical undergrad degree for my career and the application of the accounting and financial knowledge to my personal life paid off one thousand fold. Anyway, I know this may be easier said then done, but finding your groove is key. I hope this is beneficial. Best of luck,
Mark
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