7 answers
Darin
Student
Baltimore, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
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Is there anyway to get into the engineering field without college?
To be more exact I am talking about being able to test and develop computer hardware. I assume if you simply learned enough about parts of technology, you could just start a repair business or create a YouTube channel.
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7 answers
Peter Huang
Security consultant
79
Answers
Cupertino, California
Updated
Peter’s Answer
let me phrase it differently as you have qualified you ask. If you're thinking open a youtube channel and assist people testing software/hardware or put together a box. If that is the career goal, then college is not necessary. the key point here is, you're not designing things new, you doing an equivalent to an auto repair shop which does not require college level training. However, if you're thinking become an engineer that can design stuff, I don't know you can avoid some college training. Especially, in the software field, a BS/BA may not be enough. Able to write code is way different to come up with a pagerank algorithm that lay some of the foundation of today's search engine. Hope that help.
Drew Peake, MSME, M.Eng., MBA, PE, FNAFE, DEE, CIH, CSP
Forensic Engineer: Health, Safety, Environment
46
Answers
Marietta, Georgia
Updated
Drew’s Answer
The short answer is no. Engineer is a protected title in most states and US Territories, as are Physician and Lawyer. Becoming a Professional Engineer requires graduation from an ABET-accredited engineering college, four years of internships under a licensed Professional Engineer, recommendations from five professionals, and passing two eight-hour examinations.
Engineer is a respected title. Consequently, it is often hijacked by others who are not engineers. For example, Sanitary Engineers design wastewater treatment plants and landfills. Some garbage men would like to be sanitary engineers. Computer Engineers go through the same rigor as other Professional Engineers. They understand mathematics and engineering design and can write the code to solve complex engineering problems. Self-taught computer engineers can write code and can do some pretty neat stuff. But they don't know calculus, fluid design, statics, and dynamics, or thermodynamics, just to mention a few skills that are needed for Computer Engineers.
Anyone working in computers for a few weeks wants to add the title computer engineer. I understand. Adding engineering to their job adds instant prestige. It misleads the consumers and is illegal. Exceeding the speed limit on the interstate is also illegal. Few get caught. It is the same for computer engineers.
If you want to be an engineer, go engineering school.
Engineer is a respected title. Consequently, it is often hijacked by others who are not engineers. For example, Sanitary Engineers design wastewater treatment plants and landfills. Some garbage men would like to be sanitary engineers. Computer Engineers go through the same rigor as other Professional Engineers. They understand mathematics and engineering design and can write the code to solve complex engineering problems. Self-taught computer engineers can write code and can do some pretty neat stuff. But they don't know calculus, fluid design, statics, and dynamics, or thermodynamics, just to mention a few skills that are needed for Computer Engineers.
Anyone working in computers for a few weeks wants to add the title computer engineer. I understand. Adding engineering to their job adds instant prestige. It misleads the consumers and is illegal. Exceeding the speed limit on the interstate is also illegal. Few get caught. It is the same for computer engineers.
Drew recommends the following next steps:
Jacqueline Prime
Quality Engineer
2
Answers
Apex, North Carolina
Updated
Jacqueline’s Answer
My suggestions are:
1. Look for temporary employment agencies for roles regarding testing and developing hardware. There may be an opportunity at a manufacturing facility or small business to practice and gain insight if this is the kind of work you are truly interested in pursuing.
2. Look into classes at a community college specifically for engineering and speak with either the counselors or teachers to get an idea of what skills and credentials are required
You may not need a degree per se, but you may need to have certain certifications or credentials to build a trustworthy reputation.
1. Look for temporary employment agencies for roles regarding testing and developing hardware. There may be an opportunity at a manufacturing facility or small business to practice and gain insight if this is the kind of work you are truly interested in pursuing.
2. Look into classes at a community college specifically for engineering and speak with either the counselors or teachers to get an idea of what skills and credentials are required
You may not need a degree per se, but you may need to have certain certifications or credentials to build a trustworthy reputation.
Abinash Panda
2
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Abinash’s Answer
The answer is without college,its difficult. You need to do some certification in the interested field post that you need to start your career with some entry-level job , position that only you can get into the respective profile
Shanna Broadnax
Customer Support
9
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Shanna’s Answer
There are ways to learn about engineering without college. For example, if you wanted to get into software engineering or learning code there tons of online resources for that on YouTube. I would also recommend Intellij Idea community software to practice coding.
I will say that without a college degree, you will need to build a portfolio of completed work to show off your self taught skills. A good place to gain recommendations and to promote yourself is UpWork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn.
I will say that without a college degree, you will need to build a portfolio of completed work to show off your self taught skills. A good place to gain recommendations and to promote yourself is UpWork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn.
Wei Feng
HW Engineering
4
Answers
Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Updated
Wei’s Answer
You don't need a college degree in order to be an engineer, but as a new engineer, most of the time you would need a bachelor's degree to get hired. I'm in the IT industry, most if not all of the jobs require college degree in EE, CE or CS.
Mark Holt
System Performance Engineer
1
Answer
El Paso, Texas
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hi Darin,
It certainly helps to have a degree but it’s not the optimal option for everyone. However, you will definitely need some sort of experience in your chosen field.
In my case, I joined the USAF out of high school. After taking the ASVAB, I was guaranteed training in an electronics career field after my basic training, so I knew I was going to do something technical which is exactly what interested me. I was lucky to be selected for Satellite/Wideband, which correlated nicely to telecommunications. I served about 7 years, excelled at my job, worked harder than everyone else, traveled the world and met many life-long friends that I still have today. It was an awesome experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. You can still attend college while you serve or go back to school when you get out. You will have many options if you are motivated.
Many companies look to hire veterans due to the training they receive, as well as the discipline and work ethic the military instills. While the military isn’t for everyone, there are many benefits to be had if you approach it smartly. And don’t get complacent after you achieve your first goal. Always continue to learn and grow. Good Luck!
It certainly helps to have a degree but it’s not the optimal option for everyone. However, you will definitely need some sort of experience in your chosen field.
In my case, I joined the USAF out of high school. After taking the ASVAB, I was guaranteed training in an electronics career field after my basic training, so I knew I was going to do something technical which is exactly what interested me. I was lucky to be selected for Satellite/Wideband, which correlated nicely to telecommunications. I served about 7 years, excelled at my job, worked harder than everyone else, traveled the world and met many life-long friends that I still have today. It was an awesome experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. You can still attend college while you serve or go back to school when you get out. You will have many options if you are motivated.
Many companies look to hire veterans due to the training they receive, as well as the discipline and work ethic the military instills. While the military isn’t for everyone, there are many benefits to be had if you approach it smartly. And don’t get complacent after you achieve your first goal. Always continue to learn and grow. Good Luck!