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What is it like being an Engineer?

I am thinking about becoming an engineer when I'm older and wanted to know a little more about it.

--> Would you advise me to choose it as a career?

--> What sort of work do you get up to?

13 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    I would definately advise you to train as an engineer.

    I have found it a rewarding career that has kept me happy and solvent for the last 25 years.

    I currently work as a train systems engineer, which involves fixing trains under warranty, as and when they fail.

    You can study mechanical or electrical engineering or a mixture of both and most train operating companies are keen to take on new talent.

    Go for it.

  • 1 decade ago

    I'm not yet an engineer but I'm only a year away from that reality so I'll give your question a shot.

    After 3 1/2 years in university doing mechanical engineering I must say, as any engineering students or engineers would, that engineering is a very demanding course. It demands complete devotion of your time and power. You really NEED to like the subjects. Love it if you can! If these years have taught me anything it would be that engineers are tough people doing tough work! It's all about passion and responsibility. As a mech eng you would be up to tasks dealing with structures or systems in dynamic conditions (meaning they're in motion as you see them). A civil eng deals with the same things in a static condition (meaning they're actually standing still). These are the two fields I see that need clarification...the rest pretty much describe themselves; computer, electrical, chemical, etc.

    Also think about occupational hazard as you gather your thoughts for the big decision! Engineering is a challenging field of work...it'll drive you to your limits...physically and mentally. Do appreciate the risk and the responsibility that come with the profession.

    Hope my answer helps...the world still needs more engineers!

    Robert Goddard said: Engineers create reality out of dreams...and engineers are the world's greatest dreamers.

  • 1 decade ago

    I love blowing the whistle as we pass roads...

    Oh.... that kind of engineer...

    It can be fun. It requires constant learning or a switch to management to make the salary grow (you can become obsolete if you don't keep learning). It can be very mundane: you need to redesign that bolt for this year's model hood latch...

    I would concentrate on something you love - if you don't like messin' with stuff in your selected career you won't like digging into the details that engineering requires.

    I've been at it a while and sometimes the time flies by so fast it makes my head spin. I've traveled all over the world. I've seen some amazing things and been in really cool situations. I have had fun. Your mileage may vary.

  • 1 decade ago

    There are many different kinds of engineers; electrical, mechanical, chemical, civil, to name the most common. And many different catagories within each kind. But the principle activity of any kind of engineer is to design things. This requires a good mind coupled with a good education; a BS degree as a minimum.

    Whether you should choose it as a career depends upon your abilities and your interests. Talk to your guidance counselor. Take aptitude tests. You'll need to be good at math.

    As for the work, it varies depending upon the field. You could find yourself making mechanical drawings, writing specifications, commissioning new installations, debugging problems, assisting technicians with tough problems, interfacing with customers, etc.

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    There are many different types of engineers.

    Aerospace engineers design airplanes, helicopters, rockets, and find ways of improving the existing materials They work at places like Boeing.

    Chemical engineers develop new chemical processes at manufacturing plants. They work at places like DuPont.

    Civil engineers build structures, such as bridges. Actually, they design the structures. They usually work for engineering firms.

    Electrical engineers design electrical systems. They work very closely with computers and IT in various industries.

    Environmental engineers ensure that manufacturers stay in compliance with environmental regulations. They work in various industries, such as food, chemicals, consulting, etc.

    Mechanical engineers develop new materials. They work in the automotive industry.

    Industrial engineers make sure that the infrastructure of their plant is functioning at capacity. They work in various industries.

    In school, you study a lot of math and science. You actually use some of it when you are in the work force. The course work is very hard, because it changes the way that you think. You have to be completely dedicated to your major, as it will drain the life out of you. But that's school. It gets easier in the real world.

    Source(s): I love being an engineer!
  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    If you're thinking of becoming a Civil Engineer make sure you are prepared to be flexible in where you live, and the hours you work. Very rewarding in career terms, but not so good financially compared to other professions, such as doctors, lawyers, etc, but better than average.

  • 1 decade ago

    i'm thinking of becoming one myself. I think you have 2 be good at maths and physics and that kinda thing. You can earn a lot of money, if you've been a field long enough, but there r different types of engineer. There's one 4 robots or u could become a civil engineer or a nuclear engineeer. Look it up on google

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Yes I would,I work as an engineer building jet engine's and I enjoy it

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Its ok , but you dont want to be stuck in a factory.

    Maybe something like a communications engineer, out and about, but whatever , make sure you dont get stuck in factory work .. it sucks.

  • 1 decade ago

    what kind of engineer? there are so many i think you need to give a bit more info.

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