2 answers
Fredi
Student
Seaside, California
1
Question
Updated
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What is the hardest part of pursuing an engineering career at University of California campus?
I am currently a Senior, taking AP Physics 2 and Calculus but am not sure what to expect from pursuing this career.
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2 answers
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Research on STEM education shows that engineering students often face heavy workloads, challenging technical concepts, and stiff competition for grades, internships, and research opportunities. While tackling complex problems is difficult, many students find that the hardest part is managing multiple deadlines, balancing group projects, staying organized, and handling stress. Developing strong study habits, such as active note-taking, summarizing material, using spaced repetition, and practicing problem-solving, can help. Time management tools like Google Calendar or a planner, breaking projects into smaller steps, and prioritizing tasks are essential. Stress can be managed through mindfulness, the Pomodoro technique, self-care routines, regular exercise, and maintaining a support network. Connecting with professors, peers, and student organizations, as well as seeking internships or volunteer opportunities, builds practical skills and makes the workload more manageable. Success in engineering depends not just on technical knowledge, but on organizing your time, managing stress, collaborating effectively, and maintaining overall well-being.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
150
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Fredi,
You are at crossroads and it's normal. Many students go through this experience. Your aspiration to become an engineer is very commendable. Mathematics and physics are foundational subjects for engineering. So you are in a very good place.
Generally speaking, we are good in different things - what is easy for you can be hard for me. What is important is that we should be able to meaningfully confront the challenges we face.
Being able to understand what you learn is essential in any field of study. Applying what you learn is an integral part of engineering. Opportunities for Internships, projects and mentorships will give you a chance to apply theoretical knowledge and get introduced to professional standards and best practices.
Success, however, requires honest effort. You need to put passion, commitment, perseverance, curiosity, positive mindset and diligence into your effort.
Having come this far, you should be able to successfully complete your studies in engineering.
You are at crossroads and it's normal. Many students go through this experience. Your aspiration to become an engineer is very commendable. Mathematics and physics are foundational subjects for engineering. So you are in a very good place.
Generally speaking, we are good in different things - what is easy for you can be hard for me. What is important is that we should be able to meaningfully confront the challenges we face.
Being able to understand what you learn is essential in any field of study. Applying what you learn is an integral part of engineering. Opportunities for Internships, projects and mentorships will give you a chance to apply theoretical knowledge and get introduced to professional standards and best practices.
Success, however, requires honest effort. You need to put passion, commitment, perseverance, curiosity, positive mindset and diligence into your effort.
Having come this far, you should be able to successfully complete your studies in engineering.