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Mucteba
Student
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Questions
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What preparations should I take to pursue a engineering degree in college?
I don't want to feel like i'm behind in college, and I want to experiment with engineering before so when I enter college in hopes of pursuing engineering I'd have a decent knowledge of what I was learning, so that I could go for internships for future jobs. What would be some good approaches to succeeding in the harsh classes? Also what would be some good internships or volunteer opportunities that would benefit me in the short or long term?
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5 answers
Kyle Poulin
Photonics Simulation
2
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
Hi Mucteba!
That's a great question, and one important to consider in preparation for college! I sometimes interview candidates for internships with my company, and I'd be happy to share what makes candidates stand out.
To start, it's important to know and consider the initial challenges of Engineering in higher education. Students often struggle with new concepts introduced in Linear Algebra and Calculus. Even courses in first year that are specific to engineering (Physics, Electrical systems) will sometimes use these concepts while you're still learning them in the math courses, so making sure you take the highest level math classes your current school provides can be an important step. There are online alternatives like Khan Academy and such that can introduce you to the concepts which will make things easier as you see them in college. I'd recommend looking for these online resources for Linear Algebra at least :)
The last advice I'll give for preparation is to go into college with an abundance mindset. It's not a competition between you and your peers, and from my experience it is so helpful to have friends in your courses who you can talk to and collaborate on assignments etc.. I found that that was a crucial part of my success.
Specifically for internships and applying for jobs after school, it's important that you can provide "proof" of your competency and initiative to the company you apply to. Successful candidates often have personal projects, or have participated in extracurricular activities related to the field of study. In these cases, it is very important that you can explain your methods and decisions you took to make the project successful. The ideal candidate will have acted in some leadership capacity, and be able to explain every part of the project they worked on in detail. That gives employers great confidence that the candidate can succeed in the role.
College can be such an exciting time, I wish you the best as you prepare!
That's a great question, and one important to consider in preparation for college! I sometimes interview candidates for internships with my company, and I'd be happy to share what makes candidates stand out.
To start, it's important to know and consider the initial challenges of Engineering in higher education. Students often struggle with new concepts introduced in Linear Algebra and Calculus. Even courses in first year that are specific to engineering (Physics, Electrical systems) will sometimes use these concepts while you're still learning them in the math courses, so making sure you take the highest level math classes your current school provides can be an important step. There are online alternatives like Khan Academy and such that can introduce you to the concepts which will make things easier as you see them in college. I'd recommend looking for these online resources for Linear Algebra at least :)
The last advice I'll give for preparation is to go into college with an abundance mindset. It's not a competition between you and your peers, and from my experience it is so helpful to have friends in your courses who you can talk to and collaborate on assignments etc.. I found that that was a crucial part of my success.
Specifically for internships and applying for jobs after school, it's important that you can provide "proof" of your competency and initiative to the company you apply to. Successful candidates often have personal projects, or have participated in extracurricular activities related to the field of study. In these cases, it is very important that you can explain your methods and decisions you took to make the project successful. The ideal candidate will have acted in some leadership capacity, and be able to explain every part of the project they worked on in detail. That gives employers great confidence that the candidate can succeed in the role.
College can be such an exciting time, I wish you the best as you prepare!
Cory Yeager, PE, SE, MsC, PPM
65
Answers
Updated
Cory’s Answer
I think to answer a question on what’s the best path or direction to take would require to know where you are going.
Your are not the first and won’t be the last. Most careers have a generic roadmap which you can tailor to suit your needs or interest once you know what are hard requirements versus preferences in career type.
Go look at the job market on LinkedIn, Indeed or Glassdoor. By looking at jobs you will see what is expected desk work v field work, traveling v remote, etc…
Pick what you like and see what education requirements are listed this should give you a start. Lastly look at the companies in the area you expect to live. This will let you know whether it’s practical. Those who want to stay close to family have to choose local jobs over chasing dreams. Vice versa for leaving home town. Be informed and educated when you pick something that has requirements. They either work for you or they don’t. The choices are usually simple but accepting the outcome is the hard part. Pay, travel, lifestyle are not usually talked about when we education plan.
Your are not the first and won’t be the last. Most careers have a generic roadmap which you can tailor to suit your needs or interest once you know what are hard requirements versus preferences in career type.
Go look at the job market on LinkedIn, Indeed or Glassdoor. By looking at jobs you will see what is expected desk work v field work, traveling v remote, etc…
Pick what you like and see what education requirements are listed this should give you a start. Lastly look at the companies in the area you expect to live. This will let you know whether it’s practical. Those who want to stay close to family have to choose local jobs over chasing dreams. Vice versa for leaving home town. Be informed and educated when you pick something that has requirements. They either work for you or they don’t. The choices are usually simple but accepting the outcome is the hard part. Pay, travel, lifestyle are not usually talked about when we education plan.
Kalkidan Gebray
Pharmacist/Program Director
23
Answers
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Updated
Kalkidan’s Answer
To get ready for an engineering degree, focus on building a strong foundation in math, physics, and chemistry, and practice solving problems rather than just memorizing. Try small projects or experiments to spark curiosity, learn some basic coding and computer skills, and explore different engineering fields to see what excites you. Stay organized, practice teamwork and communication, and keep a curious, patient, and positive mindset, learning step by step will get you far.
Tony Roig
Volunteer
91
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Great that your thinking about this in advance. From my experiences working with many engineers and my own son's experience, who was a very good student and a honors grad engineer at Penn State, I would say taking a course in how to effectively study would be a big plus in helping you prepare. The amt of homework and studying was a drastic difference for him, so having good study habits is essential especially for an engineering type curriculum. I also think extra things like engineering camps or joining young engineers clubs will provide you different opportunities and expose you in an experiential learning way. Take advanced classes as a senior rather than a light load as most due will also help. I'm sure coach, careervillage's own AI career coach app will provide you more ideas so check it out. Good Luck!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
There are a few smart steps you can take now to get a strong start. First, you need to focus on your math and science skills. Engineering depends heavily on subjects like algebra, geometry, calculus, and physics. If you're still in high school, take the highest level math and science classes you can. If you're already strong in those subjects, try learning a little more on your own through free online platforms.
Next, experiment with small engineering projects. You can follow YouTube tutorials to build things. This helps you learn how to solve real problems and gets you used to thinking like an engineer.
For experience, look for internships, summer programs, or volunteer work at local companies, or even engineering camps. If those are not available, try joining STEM-related clubs at school (like robotics or math club). Even helping at a science fair or building things with others can show your interest and build useful skills. Good luck!
Next, experiment with small engineering projects. You can follow YouTube tutorials to build things. This helps you learn how to solve real problems and gets you used to thinking like an engineer.
For experience, look for internships, summer programs, or volunteer work at local companies, or even engineering camps. If those are not available, try joining STEM-related clubs at school (like robotics or math club). Even helping at a science fair or building things with others can show your interest and build useful skills. Good luck!