Engineers?

[Kawaiikneko]

Hey guys! =] Wellll I'm going into my junior year and I'm starting to get more serious about this whole college search and what I want to major in... and I'm really leaning towards doing something in engineering. Looking at the types of engineering, so far I'm interested in chemical, aerospace, and maaaybe computer engineering... But I really need to start getting more information on all of it. So! Is anyone on here an engineer? As a high school student, what classes would you suggest I take now to start getting ready for it?

[Mithrandir]

I majored in computer science, but I considered physics and a few other majors.

I'd say you'd better take math at least through calculus. All those majors will require it. If you have access to something like Discrete Math or Math Analysis, I would take those, too. I would also recommend you take at least Physics, Chemistry, Biology and some kind of intro to computers (science or programming).

You don't have to declare your major right away when you get to college, and it's a good idea to leave your options open. You may want to take a few classes from each major at a junior college (two or three from each) and find out what you like best.

[Puritan]

Join the dark side! I'm a Nuclear Engineer, and I've really enjoyed my academic career as an Engineer, it's challenging but rewarding, both academically and career wise (from what I've seen and heard). Plus the more women engineers the better, there are far too few around here....

Ahem, anyway, as for classes I would echo Mithrandir. The more math and science you take the better, AP classes are great for dealing with some of the intro weed-out courses, and I would suggest at least some foreign language experience. It can prove useful in college (many force you to take a least a couple semesters of a foreign language), and high-school work can generate retro credits (i.e. pass an advanced class get credit for all the classes before it) once you reach college. Computer experience is really important too, it will prove invaluable once in college. Also, once at college the idea of getting experience in a number of different fields is important, it'll help you decide what you really want to do. Some colleges offer intro to engineering courses that help introduce you to the diciplines, and I would highly recommend such a class if your future college offers one.

[soul alive]

As Mithrandir said, you don't have to decide right away. But from seeing friends go through switching majors, it's a good idea to get familiar with elements of everything you're interested in; so that when you do decide, you don't have to re-take classes or end up taking longer to get through school. Taking classes now that relate to your potential major(s) will really help.

I'm an architecture major - not an engineer, but I had some of the same basic requirements. I had thought about becoming an astronomer, but after asking astronomy students/professors about what classes I should take and discovering that advanced math was a huge factor, I decided against it (upper level math and I don't get along). For architecture, I was required to take two semesters of physics in college, and having taken physics in high school helped A LOT.

Colleges are happy to talk with potential students. Even if you aren't sure of what college you are going to, visit a couple and talk with engineering professors about what their recomendations for classes to take in high school are. For example, I talked to architecture professors in high school, and they recomended taking art in high school, which I did, and I had a pretty big leg up on many of my classmates who had not taken art in high school.

And as was also said earlier, if your high school offers classes for college credit, or AP classes, TAKE THEM!!! I can not stress enough how wonderful it was to have english, math, and humanities requirements out of the way.

[Kawaiikneko]

Wow, thanks alot you guys! It looks like I'm on the right track courses-wise... But, yeah, thanks for the advice.

Out of curiosity, is it a very competitive field, or are there lots of jobs available?

[Puritan]

Depends on the major. I got snapped up almost immediately, I know that Chemical Engineering is similar, but that Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineers (unless specialized in a very useful area) are often a dime a dozen. I'd suggest doing some research to figure out what's useful in your field and getting knowledge in one of those areas to help you find a job. If you pick a good major and make sure to get experience through research at your school and internships, you will have a much easier time finding a job.

[Warrior4Christ]

*raises hand* I'm doing computer systems engineering.

I'm guessing the system is vastly different here, but for what it's worth, it was necessary to take Maths Studies, Specialist Maths, and Physics in high school. And you do need to choose your exact stream of engineering you want when you choose a uni course, but you can always switch to a different one.

Computer engineering is heavily based on electrical engineering. But I like it.

[Technomancer]

Aside from what everyone else has already said, you should also look into any technical electives. This would cover things like electronics, welding, mechanics and so forth. Good practical skills are always worthwhile for an engineer.

Since you have some time, you'll be able to explore your courses and decide on what you really like to do. Take your time and see what's going on. Some universities also have a common first year, which can also be valuable since it gives you a slightly closer look at the different departments.

[ClosetOtaku]

I have a Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering (as well as having a Chemical Engineer for a roomate two years during undergrad -- which is why I never went in that direction...).

I note your engineering interests (chemical, aerospace, computer) are very diverse -- my advice would be to pursue the underlying field that you find most appealing, rather than 'engineering' in general, because you're likely to be doing a lot of it.

I echo the recommendations on math and electives, but more importantly I'd find some people who are actually working at each of the above disciplines. Look for aerospace engineers at Boeing, computer engineers at Intel, and chemical engineers at McDonald's. (Just kidding.) But seriously, you may wish to talk to some people who are employed in these fields to get a better idea of what you want.

And don't chase the employment numbers too much. Do what you enjoy doing. You only need one job.

[Sammy Boy]

Discrete Maths is kind of unusual, but quite useful in its own way. You just need to think differently to get it.

I think Aerospace sounds like fun, though I wouldn't know.

[Kawaiikneko]

I have a Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering (as well as having a Chemical Engineer for a roomate two years during undergrad -- which is why I never went in that direction...).

I note your engineering interests (chemical, aerospace, computer) are very diverse -- my advice would be to pursue the underlying field that you find most appealing, rather than 'engineering' in general, because you're likely to be doing a lot of it.

I echo the recommendations on math and electives, but more importantly I'd find some people who are actually working at each of the above disciplines. Look for aerospace engineers at Boeing, computer engineers at Intel, and chemical engineers at McDonald's. (Just kidding.) But seriously, you may wish to talk to some people who are employed in these fields to get a better idea of what you want.

And don't chase the employment numbers too much. Do what you enjoy doing. You only need one job.

Haha yeah, I'm gonna focus on getting into college before choosing my life career. Plus I won't really know what I like the best til I try some of it out. XD And my friend's dad, brother, and uncle are all engineers in the fields I'm interested in, so I might talk to them sometime about what they do.