• Question: I want to be an engineer, can you give me any advice on how to be an engineer?

    Asked by Jack-Albert13 to Matthew, Neil, Paula, Pete, Philippa on 12 Mar 2015. This question was also asked by Beth.
    • Photo: Pete Symons

      Pete Symons answered on 12 Mar 2015:

      Hi Jack Albert13,

      The best advice I could give is to focus on the things that interest you. If you focus on a subject that interests you (rather than what might pay you more), you are much more likely to apply yourself, to be enthusiastic and passionate about the work you do and if you are all those things you will make a great engineer.

      I’m guessing by your profile pic you want to get into F1 (I would have loved to have got into F1), that’s a great start is terms of what interests you. Think about what it is that interest you about F1, is it the car development (aerodynamics, engine)? or is it the track design? Even if you want to be a driver you would need a least a broad understanding of the cars systems.

      I hope this helps Jack.

    • Photo: Philippa Jefferis

      Philippa Jefferis answered on 15 Mar 2015:

      This is brilliant news – great to hear!

      I would ensure you study maths and a science at A level – and also I found economics really helped me put engineering into context within the real world. Then you can go on to do engineering at university. Otherwise you could look at getting an apprenticeship and studying while doing the job.

      If possible, why not look at doing a Headstart course (http://www.etrust.org.uk/headstart/courses) as this will give you an idea of the different types of engineering and perhaps help you decide what type.

    • Photo: Neil Taylor

      Neil Taylor answered on 16 Mar 2015:

      Hi Jack-Albert13!

      I’d advise you to study the maths/science related subjects that you enjoy, while at the same time trying to figure out what your favourite areas of interest are (and what you find most fun!).

      This would allow you to narrow down what sort of engineering you want to study in the future.

      For example, if you really like Chemistry, perhaps you’d be like to follow the path of Chemical Engineering. If you have an interest in the way structures are designed (such as bridges and dams), perhaps you’d consider Civil Engineering… or if you are interested in the way things move, Mechanical Engineering might be the way forward.

      Hope this helps!

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