what does someone need to become a engineer?

The single most important thing you need to be an engineer is perseverance. Typically, you will need to be accepted to, and complete, a rigorous bachelor's program involving many advanced math, science, and general and applied engineering courses. To start down this path, you will need to show a moderate to strong performance in related classes in high school.

It's my opinion that anyone can do this--it's just a matter of how bad you want it and how hard you're willing to work. Engineers are compensated well because not many people are not able or willing to go through engineering school.

Once you graduate and become an engineer in the field, you will need that perseverance even more! Your job will literally be to solve problems plaguing the world...whether you are working on ways to produce clean energy or simply trying to design a more efficient plumbing system for a building. You will work with many types of people, not all of whom you will understand easily or get along with. You will likely have to stand up for your technical opinions and support your claims. Even though you'll hold an engineering degree, you will still have to learn A LOT almost EVERY DAY just to stay up to date with evolving technologies and methods. On top of all of this, you will need to understand the business aspect of engineering to the point where you don't negatively undermine your own goals or those of your employer.

Engineering is a very rewarding career. And as an engineer, you will have more opportunity than most to shape the world. However it takes a lot of perseverance, hard work, and drive to achieve this. Best of luck to you!

Before I answer, I need to know what kind of engineering you are interested in.