• Question: How would I go about becoming an engineer?

    Asked by Gstr to Helen, Hollie, Matt, Phil, Steve, Sylwia on 13 Mar 2018.
    • Photo: Sylwia Nikel

      Sylwia Nikel answered on 13 Mar 2018:

      As I have recommended before, I would suggest trying apprenticeship programme or work experience in one of the engineering companies like Arup (where I work), AECOM, Aime, Jacobs, etc. You would have an opportunity to try it first to make sure this is what you want to do in your life.
      It’s hard to make a decision about rest of your life when you are young and I believe trying it out before is a great option.

    • Photo: Hollie Heard

      Hollie Heard answered on 13 Mar 2018:

      I totally agree with Sylwia that if you can, work experience or visiting some different companies now is a great way of seeing what types of engineering are out there and learning about all the different job options. It’s always best to keep your options open so doing a varied set of GCSEs and A-levels stops helps you do that, (although maths and science are generally helpful for all different types of engineering). There;s lots of different options for getting into engineering; apprenticeships, going to straight into work, or doing a degree. If you look into the options you’ll probably find one that you prefer. I’d also recommend that you just get involved in any activities that you can find in you local area, look into some of the institutes and see what courses/events they offer, and read anything and everything you can! As with any career it can be tough at times, but as long as you remember why you wanted to do it in the first place and keep your passion going you’ll get through those times and end up working in a really rewarding and interesting field. Is there a certain type of engineer you’d like to be?

    • Photo: Helen O'Brien

      Helen O'Brien answered on 14 Mar 2018:

      The route I took is to study maths and science at A-level, and then study engineering at University. It is quite hard to know exactly what engineering is, as it is not a subject at school, so talking to engineering and getting work experience is a great way to find out if it really is what you think it is.
      Also find out what taster courses/opportunities are available at universities to see what it is really like before making decision.

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