Pursuing a Career in Engineering
Engineering is a broad field that requires strong technical aptitude as well as creativity, problem-solving skills, and the willingness to learn. While IQ tests aim to measure certain cognitive abilities, they tend to have little relevance for the practical skills needed to succeed as an engineer.
Skills and Mindsets For Budding Engineers
More important than IQ are the technical skills, mindsets and hands-on experiences that allow engineers to identify problems and design solutions. Students interested in engineering should:
- Develop strong competencies in math and science
- Learn programming languages like Python, Java or C++
- Join academic clubs like robotics team, Science Olympiad etc.
- Shadow professional engineers to understand the nature of engineering work
- Work on engineering projects that solve real-world problems
- Cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, ethics and persistence
Developing these practical skills and the right engineering mindset, starting from a young age, is the best way to prepare for a career in the field.
Table: Key Skills and Traits For Success as an Engineer
| Technical Skills | Soft Skills | Mindsets |
|---|---|---|
| Math | Communication | Persistence when facing obstacles |
| Science | Collaboration | Willingness to learn |
| Programming | Project management | Creativity and problem-solving |
| Data analysis | Ethics and social responsibility |
Successful Engineers Come From All Backgrounds
Some of the most brilliant engineers have been non-traditional students from non-elite colleges. What unified them was a relentless passion for the work.
So rather than worry about test scores, students should pursue engineering if the problem-solving excites them. Nurture your interests, remain open to challenges, and believe in your potential. Engineers who change the world like building it!
Advice From An Experienced Mentor
I recently spoke to John, a senior aerospace engineer with over 20 years of experience. Here is his advice to new students:
"IQ tests are a very narrow measure and not that relevant for most engineering jobs. Of course you need to be comfortable with math and science concepts, but just as important is being able to work in a team, to visualize and test creative ideas, and to have the grit to solve problems that have never been solved before. Many brilliant scientists struggle as engineers because it requires practical skills beyond just knowledge."
So in summary, while a baseline level of aptitude is essential, excellence in engineering depends much more on passion, diligent effort and a multi-disciplinary skill-set. If you have the drive, intelligence can be built.
I hope this gives a helpful perspective to students considering a career in engineering. Let me know if you have any other questions!
