Engineering: Myth vs. Fact

Setting it Straight

MYTH: Engineers sit in a cubicle all day by themselves.

FACT: Engineering is by its very nature a collaborative endeavor. Teamwork, information sharing, communication are all keys to success. In fact, those engineers who can improve communication of the group are highly sought after by companies.

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MYTH: People who want to study engineering have had programming experience in high school. They’re the kids who were taking apart computers at the age of 8. I’m the only one without programming experience so I shouldn’t be an engineer.

FACT: No experience is necessary to be an engineering student! Some students do have lots of programming experience but many do not. More important than programming experience is interest learning a new way of looking at and solving problems.

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MYTH: I want a job that’s flexible and where I can make a difference. I don’t want to be stuck in a lab with other engineers.

FACT: A huge variety of work experiences are available to engineers both in and out of an office. Engineering students say that’s what they like best about studying engineering, it gives you the tools to do so many things and the ability to really see how you can make a difference in people’s lives. Improving water filtration systems, making cars safer and preventing neck injuries are just a few ways you can make a difference as an engineer.