3 answers
Moussa
Student
Memphis, Tennessee
4
Questions
Asked
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how can I become a engineer
being a engineer is my dream job and i am in the 9th grade #jobready
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3 answers
Bryce Cromer
Student Teacher
89
Answers
Fort Myers, Florida
Updated
Bryce’s Answer
Hi Moussa,
Engineering is a very broad field, but I would definitely prepare to take a large amount of classes in physics, chemistry, and math. These 3 core subjects will be essential to the field of engineering. If you decide engineering is the way you want to go you will then have to determine exactly what you want to do with it as there are many options in the field. For example, if you are interested in the environment and environmental protection you could work as an environmental engineer. If you enjoy working with computers or video games you could become a software engineer. If you are more interested in construction or development you may want to get into civil engineering. There are plenty of options in engineering you just have to find the one that fits you best and buckle down on your sciences and math classes.
Engineering is a very broad field, but I would definitely prepare to take a large amount of classes in physics, chemistry, and math. These 3 core subjects will be essential to the field of engineering. If you decide engineering is the way you want to go you will then have to determine exactly what you want to do with it as there are many options in the field. For example, if you are interested in the environment and environmental protection you could work as an environmental engineer. If you enjoy working with computers or video games you could become a software engineer. If you are more interested in construction or development you may want to get into civil engineering. There are plenty of options in engineering you just have to find the one that fits you best and buckle down on your sciences and math classes.
Garrett Hutchins
Engineer
2
Answers
Clarkston, Georgia
Updated
Garrett’s Answer
Hi Moussa!
I second what Colly said, look up the different types of engineering and see if anything sounds cool to you. That being said, you do not have to decide right now! I also knew I wanted to be an engineer but didn't know what type so I went into college as undeclared engineering. I figured it out after a year and pursued a career in engineering.
You said you're in 9th grade. I recommend doing the best you can in school right now to be able to go to a good college and get a degree in the engineering field you want. That will help you a lot. In short, the quickest path to being an engineer is to get a college degree in that field. The US is facing a shortage of engineers so getting that degree should set you up well for success.
Things to think about:
Are you willing to move? There are way more mechanical engineering jobs (for example) in Texas than just about anywhere else.
What industry do you want to work in?
Are you willing to work in a factory? (Plant engineers work weekends and holidays)
After you start working as an engineer, you can get a professional engineering license. To do this, you have to have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (Engineer in Training exam in some states), work for a period of time in your related field, and pass the PE exam. I know it's still a few years away but I highly highly highly recommend taking the FE exam while you are still in college, junior or senior year. It will set you up well on your way.
Also, focus on math and science but don't neglect your writing and people skills. If you are an engineer that can write competently, interact with people well, and are technically sound, you will above everyone else.
Best of luck!
I second what Colly said, look up the different types of engineering and see if anything sounds cool to you. That being said, you do not have to decide right now! I also knew I wanted to be an engineer but didn't know what type so I went into college as undeclared engineering. I figured it out after a year and pursued a career in engineering.
You said you're in 9th grade. I recommend doing the best you can in school right now to be able to go to a good college and get a degree in the engineering field you want. That will help you a lot. In short, the quickest path to being an engineer is to get a college degree in that field. The US is facing a shortage of engineers so getting that degree should set you up well for success.
Things to think about:
Are you willing to move? There are way more mechanical engineering jobs (for example) in Texas than just about anywhere else.
What industry do you want to work in?
Are you willing to work in a factory? (Plant engineers work weekends and holidays)
After you start working as an engineer, you can get a professional engineering license. To do this, you have to have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (Engineer in Training exam in some states), work for a period of time in your related field, and pass the PE exam. I know it's still a few years away but I highly highly highly recommend taking the FE exam while you are still in college, junior or senior year. It will set you up well on your way.
Also, focus on math and science but don't neglect your writing and people skills. If you are an engineer that can write competently, interact with people well, and are technically sound, you will above everyone else.
Best of luck!
Thank You!!!
Moussa
Colly Baker
Vice President of Sales
1
Answer
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Colly’s Answer
What type of engineer are you interested in becoming? There are many different types of engineering fields from Acoustic Engineering to Aerospace Engineering. https://educatingengineers.com/career-specialties
When I graduated from high school I didn't have direction or a goal in mind, so I joined the Army National Guard as a Technical Engineering Specialist. Essentially I was a civil engineer and we did horizontal earth work. The company I belonged to designed and built roads, berms, levees, drainage projects. We worked on projects all over the US and around the world to include but not limited to Alaska, Germany, South America and Iraq. The course work offered by the military does transfer over to civilian college credits but there was still a lot of post military schooling needed to complete a civil engineering degree. At that time the Post 9-11 G.I. Bill paid for 100% of my college and offered a living stipend. Once I separated from the military I decided to change my degree and profession, but I often look back fondly on the work the company I belonged to did. We did a lot of good things in communities around the world. We supported communities in the Midwest during massive flooding; built a highway on a remote Alaskan Island to support the local community and their economy; we placed blast walls up in Iraq to protect voters during their first democratic election after the fall of Saddam and conducted irrigation and drainage projects in Iraq to support local farmers in efforts to feed the community.
To go back to your original question, research types of engineers and then be more specific with your questions. If you want to become an electrical engineer then someone specific in that field can guide you on your journey. Best of luck and don't ever give up on your dreams. Be comfortable with failure. Failure means you tried to do something. Most don't even try.
When I graduated from high school I didn't have direction or a goal in mind, so I joined the Army National Guard as a Technical Engineering Specialist. Essentially I was a civil engineer and we did horizontal earth work. The company I belonged to designed and built roads, berms, levees, drainage projects. We worked on projects all over the US and around the world to include but not limited to Alaska, Germany, South America and Iraq. The course work offered by the military does transfer over to civilian college credits but there was still a lot of post military schooling needed to complete a civil engineering degree. At that time the Post 9-11 G.I. Bill paid for 100% of my college and offered a living stipend. Once I separated from the military I decided to change my degree and profession, but I often look back fondly on the work the company I belonged to did. We did a lot of good things in communities around the world. We supported communities in the Midwest during massive flooding; built a highway on a remote Alaskan Island to support the local community and their economy; we placed blast walls up in Iraq to protect voters during their first democratic election after the fall of Saddam and conducted irrigation and drainage projects in Iraq to support local farmers in efforts to feed the community.
To go back to your original question, research types of engineers and then be more specific with your questions. If you want to become an electrical engineer then someone specific in that field can guide you on your journey. Best of luck and don't ever give up on your dreams. Be comfortable with failure. Failure means you tried to do something. Most don't even try.