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Engineering Myths

Think engineering is for geeks?

Think again!

Fact: In spite of engineering being a well-known, prestigious profession, many people have a lot of misconceptions about studying engineering.

Fact: I’m going to bust these myths.

Myth: Engineering is for geeks.

Fact: Huh. Would you call Leonardo Da Vinci a geek? How about Archimedes? Or Dilbert?


Well, maybe. But truth be told, engineering isn’t a pure geek squad. There are many fields in engineering, and while some may sound a bit nerdish, others are really really awesome. How about being an earthquake or wind engineer and finding ways to combat natural disasters? Or a genetic engineer, manipulating the very genes of organisms to solve world hunger? Even plain old mechanical engineers can build really cool machines! And hey, if that’s not cool enough for you, become a sound engineer and get involved in the music, video game, or entertainment industries. How cool would that be?

Myth: Girls aren’t welcome.

Fact: Girls are more than welcome, and in fact many engineering faculties may allow girls in even if their grades aren’t perfect, because female undergraduate enrollment is declining. Women may still represent a minority, but the number of professional females in the field is actually on the rise. And come on, these days, women can do everything men can do, and it’s not uncommon at all to see working mother and stay-at-home fathers. If you’re a girl and you like math and science but also want to express some creativity, become an engineer and show those chauvinists who’s boss.

Myth: Engineers have no soft skills. They have no teamwork/communication/leadership skills.

Fact: These days, engineers work in teams more than ever, so they have to develop good people skills. And not only that- every project needs a leader, so engineers need great leadership skills to make it in today’s world. Matter of fact, you can’t get anywhere without great soft skills, and schools know that- you’ll be taught to think logically yet creatively, you’ll work in teams in several courses, and you’ll deliver presentations. Don’t be afraid that if you become an engineer you won’t be able to develop transferable skills, it’s really the other way around.

So, are you convinced yet?

Engineering is a smart choice!

Adapted from “What’s Really Behind Those Engineering Myths?” by John R. Platt, at http://s2b.experience.com/alumnus/article?channel_id=engineering&source_page=home&article_id=article_1183997516343

Photo Credits:
- Ghostbuster, by tinyfroglet
- Sad girl, by allspice1

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