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Why did you decide to become an engineer?
10

Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Why did you decide to become an engineer?

(OP)
Why did you decide to become an engineer and what was the biggest misconception that you had about what an engineer does before working in the profession?

For me I started taking automechanics at community college and realized quickly that I didn't need to pay someone to teach me how to repair cars. I also wanted to know how engines were designed but didn't know that mechanical engineering was what I needed to study until already in college.

I thought that the work done my most engineers in industry couldn't be completed without the knowledge gained in school.  

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

i started as a young boy learning how machines/engines functioned/operated - farm machinery, etc..  I took my dad lawn-mower apart and he got really mad because he had to put it back together (dad not too mechanically inclined).  Upon graduating high-school, I learned much while in USN working in boiler/engine rooms.  Had enough of USN, so I worked as a boilermaker for a few years before realizing that the kind of life I wanted to have could not be supported at current income.  So, I pursued college and have never looked back.  I also suppose i was spurred further into ME as an uncle had 4 engineering degrees (finally obtained a PhD in ME).

as far as misconception, none really to write of as my college classes and past work experience closely coincide with current professional activities.

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Natural mechanical and technical inclination at a young age, along with naturally interested in science, math, and especially anything that had to do with machines, cars, planes, rockets and the like.
I started building model rockets when I was 10. Loved it, until I started getting into the nitro cars when I was 12. I studied every little piece as I love it so much. I remember trying to calculate the max speed by counting the teeth of the 2 speed gear box when I was 13. I didn't know if that's how you would do it as I was never taught it, but it made sense...haha (turns out it can be a way). I still occasionally build these little machines, 3 engineering degrees later.
Closed the deal as I was also constantly top in math and science classes.

Do what you enjoy, that's what matters. What the above indicates is that I love the field, that's all.

cheers

peace
Fe

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I was into shortwave radios back in high school (this was the early 60's so we're talking radios which 'glowed-in-the-dark') and I started to take correspondence courses in electronics and radio theory (we lived in a small town so the high school had nothing like this) with the intention of becoming an Electrical Engineer.  The problem was that when I started Engineering school in 1965 I was expecting more 'electronics' that what was being offered.  After a year of Delta and 'Y' circuits and phasing transformers, and a summer working as a mechanical draftsman which allowed me to watch both Mechanical and Electrical Engineers working in the real word, upon returning to school in the fall I decided to switch to Mechanical and never looked back.  Over the years I've dabbled in electronics as a hobby (I've still got radios which 'glow-in-the-dark') but Machine Design became much more rewarding as a career and which of course was the foundation for my current position at Siemens PLM Software working in the R&D group developing our mainline CAD products.

As for was I ever disappointed about anything, since I had the opportunity to work summers (and even during a 2 year break between my 2nd and 3rd year when I got married) for a multi-national company manufacturing capital machinery for the food and chemical processing industries, this allowed me to not only get a head start on my career (I was given 25 months employment credit when I started full time in 1971 after graduation) I was also able to demonstrate my skills and capabilities to my future bosses while still working as a sort of unofficial co-op, so that when I did join the company full time there was no need for a probationary period so I was able to start on big projects immediately.

I wouldn't trade my technical education or experience for anything although I do tend to look at everything without as much wonder and awe as most other people do as I either already know how and why something works the way that it does, or else I know enough to spend the rest of my time trying to figure out how it does work.  Of course the downside is that you're always thinking that some 'idiot' designed whatever it was that you're looking at and that you could have always done a better job yourself winky smile

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Design Solutions
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
http://www.siemens.com/plm
http://www.plmworld.com/museum/

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I enjoyed and excelled in maths and physics right from the start.  The education system kind of funnelled me into engineering, without really knowing what it was about.

My first "job" involved spending 3 months at Acton Technical College, learning metalwork and other cerebral things. I really questioned whether I had done the right thing.

However, a few years later I had some University education going on and some really fascinating work placements.

I can't really imagine doing anything else these days.  When a new car comes out, I want to know what's under the hood.  And it's quite likely that I know the people involved.


 

- Steve
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I don't recall deciding to be an engineer, I just ended up following the path. I grew up with the obligatory 'nack' syndrome and my father suggested I persue engineering which I never realised even existed as a job (at the time I wanted to persue being a computer games tester, cracking idea that would have turned out as).

When I asked my careers advisor at school, she suggested I take Maths, IT and Chemistry as A-Levels, she thought it horrendous that my father 'wanted' me to study Physics. I did fairly bad in GCSE maths and they wouldnt let me study it at A-level, so I found a college who said their engineering course is accepted by the particular university I wanted to attend. 2 years down the line I discover it isn't but I somehow talked them around anyway. Its a wonder I ever made it.

So I got shoved down the route by my father really, I'm glad he did, my own ignorance at the time would have led me to something really stupid.

Biggest misconception - Engineers and salespeople dont have anything to do with eachother.

Will
Sheffield UK
Designer of machine tools - user of modified screws

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Kind of like most above, mechanical inclination, always fooling with electricity and mechanical devices.  One interesting thing, when I was about 12 or 13 I got a age appropriate book on engineering for Christmas.  The chapter I remember most was about the steam turbines in the SS United States.  And now I work at Newport News Shipbuilding, the builder of the SS United States.

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

3
Too squeamish to be a doctor, not diligent enough about flossing to be a dentist.  Heard all the astronaut jobs were taken.


The biggest misconception?  That it'd be mostly technical, with no mention of politics or budgets...

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I'm not sure I started out with any engineering interest, but my father took a network management position in a different state shortly before my 8th birthday (not his field before that, he just took some classes in his spare time).  I was given a little blinky LED project, the kind you solder yourself, with 12 or so components on a PCB silkscreened with an R2D2 look-alike.  I was hooked, so I define that as my decision to become an engineer.

A boatload of Heathkit trainer kits, three degrees, and a smattering of coffee later, I'm now a practicing engineer.

Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

....well that's a good question....

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

You could almost flip[ the question.

What would you have ended up being if not an engineer?

- Steve
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

48 hours from starting as a physics major, I switched to engineering.  Seemed a better fit for my career path at the time (navy).

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I like Mr168 asnwer the best.

I'm a tad different than most.  I was highly mechanically disinclined as a child (actuall, still am), but but was a stand out student in the sciences.  I thought I was going to be a chemistry major in college, but then my chemistry teacher told me about his college roommate that had been in materials science and it sounded cool to me.

Additionally, if I majored in an engineering program, I didn't have to take any more foreign language classes (I would have if I had gone into chemistry).   

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Quote:


What would you have ended up being if not an engineer?

A History professor, but Engineering looked like it paid better winky smile

While in Engineering school I had to take 15 elective credits of humanities or social studies, but only 12 credits could be in any one area of study.  So I took 4 history classes and one psychology class.  I'll admit that long term, what I learned in the psychology class was probably more valuable, but I enjoyed the history classes more and besides, I think it's important for people to have a perspective on the world around them and a study of history helps to provide that.  Later on I discovered that there have been a lot of books written on the history of engineering and technology as well as the impact that these have had on society and the world in general, so in the end there was an intersection of sorts in my professional versus personal interests.  And besides, as I've traveled the world (am up to 30 countries visited) I'm always looking for the local museums, many of which have dedicated sections on technology.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Design Solutions
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
http://www.siemens.com/plm
http://www.plmworld.com/museum/

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

My high school and college summer jobs REALLY made me sure that I didn't want to be a 40 year old flipping burgers, bagging groceries or driving a forklift - just to mention a few.  I met way too many guys/gals just doing that!!  And I knew it wasn't for me.

Plus I was pretty good with a wrench and enjoyed building things.  So after much grinding and gnashing of teeth - I graduated with a BSCE specializing in structural.  So that's what I do.  Also have a "minor" in computer science - so I do some of that too.  I always figured if I had to do the same problem more than once a week - I would just write a program to solve it for me.  Has worked out pretty well.

Just remember your first two years will be just about the same for any engineering discipline.  But you will get exposure to just about all of them.  Then you need to make your decision.  Sort of started out as an AE - then the Apollo program shut down leaving all kinds of AEs looking for jobs.  So switched to SE.

Good Luck and have fun.

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

BTW, for the four years that I was in high school I worked as a butcher/meat cutter at a local grocery store and the owner was a guy who used to work as a draftsman at Studebaker before they closed up shop and he encouraged me to look around and to NOT make meat cutting a career but to get out of town and that engineering school was a good choice.  He, along with a family friend who worked at Continental Engine was probably my biggest influencers in terms of telling me the rewards of a technical career.  My father was a heavy equipment operator and had already convinced me that was not a career path he would recommend although he made a good living, but the work was hard and accidents were common (he had two near misses in 30 years).

Now don't get me wrong, having additional skills, like meat cutting, can come in handy.  We save money by buying whole chickens and I cut them up myself (I can still do about two a minute if I really need to winky smile

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Design Solutions
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
http://www.siemens.com/plm
http://www.plmworld.com/museum/

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Good decision, John... my mother was a meat wrapper and my step- father was a butcher, and both suffered greatly from hand/wrist problems as they grew older.  Used to get great deals on steaks and roasts a day or two beyond their sell by date though!

"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

It was destiny, I had nothing to do with it.

Parents were journalists.
Oldest sister was writer/romance novelist.
Next sister got her Ph.D. in Pyschology.
Brother ran a YMCA & then became a massage therapist.

As the fourth of four kids, God gave me all the technical ability.  I had "the knack", just like Dilbert.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmYDgncMhXw
 

TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering
www.bluetechnik.com

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I was always able to fix things where others struggled and even make them better than new or even make things from scratch, especially cars, bikes, boats, trailers, tools etc but also white goods, house wiring, plumbing and general construction.

I found High School Science a breeze and wondered why people had to do extra study to learn something so obvious. Same with Descriptive Geometry (Drafting or Technical Drawing or whatever it was called at the time and place) and even the technical side of Geography.

I always knew I would end up as some sort of scientist and mechanic/engineer.

My school holiday jobs where usually detailing cars or felling trees to clear land.

My first real job was in a dyestuffs and textiles and leather finishing lab. I ended up studying textile technology/engineering and polymer chemistry, initially at trades and eventually at degree level.

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers &
http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm
for site rules
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

What would you have ended up being if not an engineer?

An architect.

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

This will probably sound arrogant, but, even though the general public doesn't view our profession with the respect it deserves, I've always considered engineers to be the best thinkers and problems solvers.  It was like my "cool-kids club".  That being said, I love the profession and wouldn't want to do anything else, with the lofty status in my own mind or not.

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I have noticed that even those who make disparaging remarks and call me a nerd or boffin and compare me to Adrian Monk, or Sheldon from Big Bang Theory or the Nutty Professor, all come to me when they need things fixed so they work properly. They then call me Grisham or Q, for a little while anyways.

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers &
http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm
for site rules
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I just sort fell into it.
I was always been good at drawing as a kid. Had taken drafting class and woodshop throughout Jr High and High School.
Was headed into the USAF when I received a call that Douglas Aircraft wanted to hire me (1985). I took it, forget the military.
I had a good boss at McD that trained me in whatever I wanted to learn.

Chris
SolidWorks 10 SP5.0
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Chris, in 1985 I was also working for McDonnell Douglas, actually McAuto, their software and engineering services division in Cypress (CA) until 1991 when MDC sold the commercial side of that business to EDS.  They still owe me a pension, which I'll start collecting in a bit over a year from now (although the checks will be coming from Boeing).

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Design Solutions
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
http://www.siemens.com/plm
http://www.plmworld.com/museum/

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?


Math and science always came effortlessly in high school, and Dad was an engineer, so I went to college as an engineering major.  

Me home for Xmas break:  "Mom, Dad, I want to major in Philosophy!"

Parents:  "Then you'd better figure out a way to pay your own way though school."

Me:  "Maybe I'll stick with engineering, and get the philosophy degree later on."

Parents:  "Good choice, son.  Pass the stuffing."


 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

It probably helps if you grow up knowing a few engineers.  I grew up in the shadow of Devonport Dockyard, where "engineers" filed metal and fixed ships.  My father sold life assurance, played music and was the town crier.  I had to leave home, big time, to find out what engineering was about.

- Steve
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Pat,

Mom and Dad were right, it was a good choice.  I find it much more interesting and useful to be working on problems that have solutions than philosophizing about problems that don't.  

But sometimes, in the wee hours, I still listen for the sound of one hand clapping...





 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

John,
I remember that. I grew up in Cypress, still live there.
I was laid off from Boeing across the street from you two years ago.

Chris
SolidWorks 10 SP5.0
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

When i was young I thought that I wanted to be an architect but then i realised that the real work was done by the engineer. I then steered more towards the civil side as this was more likely to be outdoors but as my first experience was with structural then that was the way my career tended to lead me.

Prior to Uni I contemplated industrial chemistry or IT but I really did not want to be stuck in a lab or chained to a computer.

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I went to school on a full scholarship for philosophy. I couldn't be philosophical about dish washing jobs or mopping lung butter the rest of my life, so I dropped the scholarship and switched to engineering. I understood creep stress already, so it worked out.

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Oh I forgot to answer the second question.

I was under the misconception that my valuable contribution to society would be appreciated. What a laugh that is!

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Lego Technic's thumbsup2

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I wanted to be an engineer since I was a kid but, back when I was kid, girls weren't encouraged to become engineers so I became and drafter/designer/CAD person instead. Then I got a BS in mathematics and got stuck in IT. A few years back, in my 40s, I finally got a degree in engineering, worked for a few years and then headed back to school to get my masters.

At this point if I can't get an engineering career going, I'll probably head into LED lighting design or digital imaging.  

   

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I was exposed to Civil Engineering at a young age - 10 or so - with large Hydroelectric projects, and my father's friends were Civil engineers at the Electric company where he and they worked.  They took me through many places only the operators were able to see, bith in construction and completed.  In fact, I was able to monitor one dam from start to finish.  That spiked my interest.  Nothing like being 3 feet from a 3 foot diameter turbine shaft turning at 1200 rpm.  Talk about whiners!

Plus, I was good at math and conceptual ability in school which didn't hurt.  So, I kinda gravitated there naturally.  While in undergraduate and graduate school, I served as a Civil Engineering intern for four years at the same utility.  Got to see a lot if the inner workings and politics too.   

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I sort of fell into my engineering degree/career.  I started out heading into a physics major, dropped that because I didn't see many careers at the end other than research or teaching and didn't want either of those (ironic, because now teaching physics is high on the list of things to consider if/when I leave my current job).  So I switched into computer science, which I really enjoyed and did well in up until the last class in the linear portion of that track, which I just couldn't grasp (found out later it was at least partly due to being a badly taught class).  At this point having 'wasted' what I considered too much of my four years and still being somewhat uncertain where I really wanted to go, plus reeling from failing the CS class - something which I wasn't used to or prepared for, I switched to what I considered a 'safe' major for both my natural skillset and flexibility in deciding just what I wanted to make of it after graduation - mechanical engineer.

Biggest misconception - I thought that I'd actually be using the various advanced math I learned in the middle years of university.

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I guess everyone has a defining moment in their life, I am not saying this was the ONLY reason I went into engineering, but it got me thinking along those lines.
 
Being of the 'ancient variety' I grew up in the 50's.  One of the biggest events of the year, in a small town, was Halloween.  It afforded me the opportunity to collect way more candy than I needed.   Being 5 years old I took on the responsibility of introducing a young friend of mine to the delights of free candy.
 
She and I circled the block filling our sack with candy.  I though why stop here, there are more houses in the next block.   We ventured on and on, eventually getting several blocks from home.   All was going well and according to plan till we came to one old house.

As we stood on the porch, the door opened and an old man (at five years of age, everyone looks old!) reached his hand out and dropped a hot penny into my little friend's hand.  Of course she began to cry immediately, I didn't know what to do so I took her straight home.

I tearfully explained to her dad (a mechanical engineer) what happened.  He calmly asked if I could find the house again.  I told him I could.  As we walked there together he explained to me what he wanted me to do "Just go up to the door, ring the doorbell then step back".   It all seems reasonable to me.  Everything went as outlined, as I stepped back, he stepped up and grabbed the guy and pulled him out onto the porch.   In no uncertain terms, he 'explained' to him the error of his ways.   Right then and there I knew I wanted to be an engineer!
  
Although the above is a true story, it is by no means the only reason I choose my profession; the love of mechanical things and the curiosity of how and why they worked fueled my desire to venture into this field.
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Nice story MechEngr07.
I once got soup from a house whilst trick-or-treating. Never got a not penny.
But I could imagine what we would have done with the penny...... hope he didn't drive a merc.. pipe
  

peace
Fe

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Quote (p14175):

At this point if I can't get an engineering career going, I'll probably head into LED lighting design or digital imaging.
Now you're talking my language :)  Though at this point I'd rather work for someone else for LED design than continue doing it myself, and I haven't worked on an imaging project in years (and sorely miss it).

Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I got along with machines better than with people.

Biggest misconception?  I thought I'd be using all the higher math I took.

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Quote:

I got along with machines better than with people
Beautiful. I always thought of machines as my buddies too pipe

peace
Fe

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

People sometimes ask me why I an so patient when dealing with machines and so impatient when dealing with people.

My std answer is, if a machine is causing you a problem it is always your fault one way or another as it is up to you to fix it or replace it or a component of it with a suitable device. It will always be logical and unemotional and devoid of ulterior motives.

With problems with people the inverse is very often the case.

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers &
http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm
for site rules
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Drove my first bulldozer when I was 7.

Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East - http://www.campbellcivil.com

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

"Biggest misconception?  I thought I'd be using all the higher math I took."

Change jobs then.  I use "higher math" most days.  Indeed my university text books are probably used more now than when they were new.

- Steve
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

JohnRBaker, you said in an earlier posts there have been a lot of good books written on the intersection of engineering and technology. Can you recommend a few good ones you've come across?

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I really wanted to be an astrophysicist.  Then I learned what they did.  The fall back option at the school I went to was engineering.  So I picked it because I liked physics and math.  Always have.  Once I started to study engineering I fell in love with it and decided it was what I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing, to me it isn't work and it still doesn't feel that way.  On the plus side, it pays relatively well and there are always engineering jobs out there no matter where you look.  People love to build even in a bad economy, especially in the nuclear world.

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I took 3 years of architectural drafting in high school, and afterwards went to school for architectural drafting, with the eventual goal of becoming an architect.  Eventually got a job drafting in the construction industry, realized I hated the industry as a whole, and moved into mechanical drafting.

After a few years I realized that the engineers I worked for controlled all the strings, and knew probably less then I did about design.  Unfortunately they had an engineering degree, and therefore could do no wrong, and I was nothing but their CAD secretary.  Do I sound bitter?  So I spent the next 7 years taking night classes to get my BSME. I am still thinking about a career change.  

Biggest misconception?  That engineers take some class that teaches them how to know everything about anything, and that they are never wrong.  I couldn't find that class at my school.  Although I have worked for a few great engineers that I still believe did know everything.   

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I became an engineer for the fame, riches and women... apparently I was a misguided soul.

Actually the current of life just kind of lead me into it.  I didn't know any engineers growing up (was a farm kid) but both my parents pushed education as being needed.  Thought I'd get bored with any trades jobs and didn't see myself as being too artsy.  Engineering sounded interesting and it gave me an extra year to figure out what I wanted to do since the first one was generalized.  After that was hooked.

My misconception was that the math involved would be easy since the high school math was so simple for me.  A couple low grades and a withdrawl corrected that.

As for what I'd be doing if not engineering, maybe teaching I guess or some type of construction management.

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Fame: nope.
Riches: nope (highr than average salary, but not by much).
Women: Find a female engineer and your life will be sweet.

- Steve
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Quote (cksh):

That engineers take some class that teaches them how to know everything about anything, and that they are never wrong.  I couldn't find that class at my school.
You just went to the wrong school... it was 4 credit hours at mine (with a lab) winky smile

Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I think my comment was more about the intersection of History and Engineering.  Unfortunately I'm in Vancouver this week at a conference and as soon as I fly home tomorrow I'm leaving on vacation for two weeks and won't be back in my office until after the 15th of August.  The books I mentioned are all in the bookcase in my office so I won't be able to give you definitive list until I get back.  Please remind me again in a couple of weeks.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Design Solutions
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
http://www.siemens.com/plm
http://www.plmworld.com/museum/

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

""Biggest misconception?  I thought I'd be using all the higher math I took."

Change jobs then.  I use "higher math" most days.  Indeed my university text books are probably used more now than when they were new. "

How nice for you?

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

For the high pay and short hours.  Hmmm....could I have been bamboozled? I think after 35 years I'm starting to figure this thing out!!

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Electricity was fascinating.  Math was interesting and a language.  Science was necessary and useful.  I loved seeing the application of math and science in engineering.  I wouldn't have made a good scientist.  Medicine and law seemed too expensive to obtain and seemed to require too much memory work.

What I really wanted to do was act but that was unacceptable, in my family, as a means of making a living.

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I wanted to fly planes (military not civil) or design them, or ideally fly them for a few years and then design them.

Didn't have the aptitude for pilot so...

If I hadn't been an engineer, well ideally pilot, or else something else in the RAF.

As to misconceptions, maybe that not being great at the more analytical/intellectual side of things would hold me back.

Actually I'm still convinced it does/will however my pay doesn't really back up that hypothesis and senior folks keep telling me the sun shines from my proverbial and that I'm not at my full potential.  I don't yet have the balls to tell them I'm pretty sure they're wrong.

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RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Sit down, Ken... that light is hurting my eyes! winky smile

"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
 

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

lacajun:

Actually, acting is perfectly acceptable as a means of making a living, especially in engineering.

How else could I have survived this long in this business?

Regards,

SNORGY.

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Majored in mechanical engineering and now I work in a power plant.  Never had much interest in technical things growing up.  Was good at math and science but I never tinkered with anything...never had enough motivation to disassemble a machine to learn how it worked.  Going to college for engineering was interesting because I learned how to design and build things but I can't say I had any strong passion for it.  I also knew that my job would have a good salary.   

RE: Why did you decide to become an engineer?

Never had any Dilbertian "knack".  But we did a unit on "structures" in school when I was 9, building things from straight pins and soda straws.  (Straight pins are probably not permitted in elementary schools any more.)  My structure held up the most weight hung from it.  Then we were asked to cut straws and repeat the exercise.  I didn't have the terminology, but what was in my head translated to, "Well, if you'd told me redundancy was going to be one of the  criteria, I would have given you a different design."  Then we added thread to our straight pins and soda straws and built suspension bridges.  That got me interested in the big suspension bridges all around where I lived at the time, and I have loved steel structures ever since.

Applied to engineering school through process of elimination:  was good at foreign languages but didn't want to be a French major and at the time didn't know that the field of linguistics existed; was good at math but my mother rightly talked me out of being a math major; had only just started chemistry and had not yet started physics when it was time to apply to college (I decided to leave high school a year early), so I wasn't ready to say I wanted to be a chemistry or phsyics major.  My mother, grandfather, and father were all engineers, so I resisted at first on the grounds of "everyone is an engineer, why would I want to do that?"  Mom tried telling me that most normal people, outside of families like mine, do not think "everyone is an engineer"; at the time I didn't believe her.  But process of elimination prevailed.

Applied to mechanical engineering programs also by process of elimination.  My misconception was that civil engineers mostly did earthwork stuff and I wasn't interested.  Had no background in things electrical, so no EE, and the same logic for not applying to be a chemistry major also applies to ChemE.

The ME thing lasted a semester.  I discovered the existence of linguistics, put that in the back of my mind; discovered computer science and declared that major; continued in my misconception about civil engineering.  I did kind of know that CivE built bridges, but I wanted to build fancy bridges and knew that there weren't that many going up around the world, and besides, more misconception about the very separate disciplines within CivE, I was afraid if I aimed for bridges I'd get sewers and roadbeds.

Declared computer science major.  After a couple of years transferred to linguistics.  That was a logical progression.  I dropped out of a linguistics PhD program for reasons not germane to this discussion, and then had an epiphany:  civil engineers build buildings, too!  If I can't have bridges, I can have skyscrapers.  So I went back to engineering school, this time with a plan in mind for structural engineering.  College is so much easier when you know what you want to do and why.

And then...I built bridges.  Fancy ones even.

Hg

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