Do you have the skills and aptitude to be an engineer? Obtaining an engineering degree will require rigorous preparation, particularly in math and the sciences. Because the computer has become one of engineering's most important tools, aspiring engineering majors are assumed to be computer literate. Look back through your high school academic records and review your grades in math, chemistry, and physics. Maybe you struggled with one or more of these subjects as a freshman and sophomore, but blossomed in your junior and senior years. In any case, as you decide whether to pursue an engineering career, you must honestly feel very comfortable with math and the sciences. You must also understand that a high grade point average in these subjects will play a big role when colleges or universities review your application for admission as engineering major.
If your grades are not quite up to par, or if you don't feel prepared to commit immediately to the pursuit of an engineering degree, you can take advantage of the numerous engineering technology programs offered by community colleges. You'll learn more about these programs, which give you great flexibility in choosing a career.
Good grades in math and the sciences, and familiarity with computers, are certainly not the sole criteria for choosing a career in civil engineering. This might sound obvious, but the most important question you should ask yourself is, "Am I interested in civil engineering?"
Are you interested in the operation of mechanical or electrical devices? Do you enjoy reading articles in newspapers or magazines about tall buildings, intelligent highway systems, power generation issues, or other subjects with an engineering slant?
Do you follow technical and scientific developments? Do you subscribe to technical or science magazines? Have you visited construction sites or toured manufacturing plants? Have you spoken to civil engineers about the work they do?
In addition to having a strong interest in engineering, you should have the key personality trait mentioned earlier the "hands on, can do" attitude toward problem solving. Here are some questions you can ask yourself: "How good am I in stating problems or describing situations in quantitative terms (using numbers)? Do I enjoy tackling difficult math problems or science experiments? Can I look at a real situation and think of it in abstract terms without becoming confused?" For instance, consider NASA engineers who rely on numerical equations involving speed, gravitation, trajectory, and much other input as they track spacecraft in outer space. In the shoes of a NASA engineer, do you imagine yourself feeling confused and intimidated or challenged and excited by having to rely on advanced mathematical principles to ensure the safety of astronauts and the success of their mission?
One note: Engineers have often been stereotyped as "nerds," or "wonks"; that is, people whose advanced technical skills are dragged down by very poor "people" skills. This stereotype does a great injustice to engineers, among whose ranks are just about every personality type imaginable. It also might give a prospective engineering major the false sense that a good foundation in English and the humanities is not necessary. Don't neglect this part of your education!
In addition to the personal reward of sampling the full range of intellectual disciplines, developing good verbal and written skills along with a liberal arts foundation is a smart career choice. Even before you begin your career, these skills will come in handy when you write term papers, participate in classroom discussions, prepare cover letters for job interviews, and interview with prospective employers. Most people you come in contact with, whether fellow students, professors, bosses, or colleagues, appreciate a good conversationalist, a good listener, a person who seems well rounded, thoughtful, and personable.
As a practicing engineer you will exchange ideas and develop relationships with other engineers, architects, designers, consultants, construction contractors and subcontractors, as well as with project owners, investors, and government officials. You will likely be called upon to share ideas and information with both engineers and non engineers at project meetings, in city hall (perhaps even in the halls of Congress), at symposiums, and in classrooms. Good communications skills, both verbal and written, along with the ability to translate complicated technical information into "layperson's" language, will give you a decisive edge throughout your engineering career.
