• Question: I like engineering and the problems that come with this how would u introduce yourself into the field and other ppl

    Asked by toaster to Helen, Hollie, Matt, Phil, Steve, Sylwia on 7 Mar 2018.
    • Photo: Steve Williams

      Steve Williams answered on 7 Mar 2018:

      First of all you need to think about what branch of engineering you want to get into – mechanical, electronics, heavy electrical, civil, navy, aerodynamics etc. In all cases Maths is the best start point. Most people are naturally better at maths than they think they are. Maths tends to frightened people and that actually makes learning a bit harder – people put up a barrier to maths. I am a Software Engineer which is different from IT which it is often confused with. The opportunity to work in many different industries is possible with Software Engineering as so much of today’s equipment is controlled by software. From washing machines to aircraft and spacecraft.

    • Photo: Hollie Heard

      Hollie Heard answered on 7 Mar 2018:

      Just get involved in as many things as possible! Try everything, read about anything and everything, and go to as many events, courses or activities as you can. It’s here you’ll meet likeminded people and find all sorts of opportunities. You can also start to look into things like work experience as you get older. It’s the same when you’re working, you may meet people through your job, going to scientific events or conferences, giving presentations and taking part in things like this! By trying and continuing to learn about all different branches of enginering you’ll probably find one you enjoy the most and that might be the one you want to study/get a job in. We may seem scary, but every engineer/scientist I’ve met has always been friendly, helpful and happy to talk to people about what they do, why they do it, and offer as much help as possible.

    • Photo: Sylwia Nikel

      Sylwia Nikel answered on 7 Mar 2018:

      A lot of engineering companies have work experience and apprenticeship programmes. If you already know which branch you are interested the most that’s great! However, if you are still unsure, you should be allowed to try few different branches in one company. I know the one I work in offers, for example, 6 months or a year placement in a different branch that you originally have signed for.
      I would look into signing yourself as well to professional association bodies like, for example, The Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) https://www.cices.org/ or Institute of Mathematics & its Applications https://ima.org.uk/ and sign as either Student or affiliate member.
      Both of the above – work experience/apprenticeship or membership with professional bodies will allow you to learn about the industry but as well will introduce you to the network of people.
      Your school can as well contact the companies directly to organise a visit to the office. I know again from my work there are sometimes a group of students walking around office being shown what the work environment looks like.

Comments