Questions to Ask Before Declaring An Engineering Major

When choosing a major, it can seem hard to know where to begin. How do you choose what to study? What path should you pursue if you don’t know what your career goals are yet?

The good news is that picking a major is more than just picking a job. By declaring a major, you get to follow your interests and learn how to use them to influence the world. One field of study can lead you down numerous different roads after graduation.

For example, a major in engineering offers several concentration options and an equally lengthy list of career opportunities after graduation.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

If you’re considering whether engineering is a major that may be of interest to you, ask yourself these three questions.

1. WHAT TYPES OF ACTIVITIES DID YOU ENJOY AS A CHILD?

Oftentimes, the activities you loved as a child indicate what you will enjoy in a career. And if your answer has anything to do with playing with LEGOS, building with blocks or solving puzzles, engineering may be of interest to you.

2. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE CLASSES?

Make a list of the classes you have truly enjoyed the past three years. Pay close attention to whether courses in math and science land on your list. As an engineer, both will be a huge asset in your schooling, as well as in your future career.

3. WHAT INTRIGUES YOU MOST ABOUT THE FIELD OF ENGINEERING?

Have you been inspired by a person who shared a story about their career in engineering? Or do you have a desire to create inventions that change the world?

If you aren’t sure why you want to be an engineer, take time to do a little more research. Engineering isn’t for the faint of heart. Uncovering whether or not you have a passion for the field may be the deciding factor in choosing to declare it as your major.

THE TAKEAWAY

The philosopher Confucius once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

When choosing your major, keep in mind the things you love. If pursuing a degree and career in engineering still sounds like it could be a good fit for you, your next step is to find out what kind of engineer you should be. Make plans to talk to engineers who have taken different career paths and explore which types of jobs spark your interest. Soon enough, you’ll find the perfect place for you!