How to Become an Engineer: What to Do While You’re Still in High School

Engineer on job site working with heavy equipment
December 20, 2023 7 min read Liaison

Taking the right academic steps while still in high school can make it easier to achieve your goal of earning an engineering degree and becoming a professional engineer.

Key Takeaways

Taking the most challenging STEM classes in high school may increase your chance of being accepted to your first-choice engineering program.

In addition to taking technical courses, you should also work on developing important "soft skills," including writing, teamwork, and presentation skills.

Getting a head start by planning your engineering school search while still in high school can help can you make well-informed decisions, reduce stress, and focus on potential career pathways.

Consider engaging in extracurricular activities that are specific to engineering or STEM studies, such as after-school or weekend engineering exploration programs, career fairs, and science competitions.

So, you think you want to become an engineer? Take the right steps in high school!

Regardless of what engineering specialization you think you might want to pursue during your undergraduate studies, there are several key steps you should take while still in high school to build a solid academic foundation that will allow you to make a smooth transition into your engineering education and career.

What is an Engineer?

Engineers are professionals who apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, development, and implemention of solutions to real-world problems. Engineers are problem solvers who leverage creativity, technical knowledge, and analytical thinking to identify efficient ways to address challenges across various industries. They work in fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, software, and chemical engineering, among others. Engineering involves creating systems, structures, and products that improve society, from designing safer bridges and airplanes to developing more advanced software and medical devices.

Engineers also work in professions including digital technologies, energy solutions, and sustainable development, helping to shape infrastructure, transportation, communication systems, and even healthcare advancements. Engineering jobs often require collaboration with other professionals, such as architects, scientists, and project managers, to ensure the successful implementation and ongoing success of projects.

To excel in their roles, engineers must be adaptable and avid lifelong learners dedicated to keeping up with technological advances and changes in their field. As a result, they can have a profound impact on the safety, efficiency, and quality of life in communities around the world.

Focus on Academics

The academic choices you make in high school will have a direct impact on your ability to be accepted by — and successfully enroll in — an engineering program. Engineering education heavily relies on mathematics and science as well as your ability to think critically and approach problems from different angles.

When choosing your high school classes, always look to take the most challenging courses available (i.e., AP, IB, Dual Enrollment). Taking the highest-level courses will provide you with a more demanding, college-level curriculum and will also demonstrate your commitment to rigorous coursework.

In addition, it may potentially allow you to earn college credits that will give you more flexibility in your undergraduate studies. As you make your course selections, be sure to speak with your teachers and keep the following guidelines in mind.

Student ponders career as engineer

Source: Pexels

Steps to Becoming an Engineer

The process of becoming an engineer typically begins with a strong educational foundation, followed by gaining relevant experience and licensure. The steps include:

  1. Completing High School: It is crucial to start building a foundation in high school in subjects like math and science, which are essential for success in engineering.
  2. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering: A bachelor's degree in engineering typically takes four years to complete and involves coursework in areas such as calculus, physics, and specialized studies related to your chosen field.
  3. Gaining Practical Experience: Internships or cooperative education programs allow students to get hands-on experiences in the field that apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, enabling them to have a competitive edge in the job market.
  4. Obtaining Licensure: While not all engineering jobs require licenses, becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) can open doors to greater career opportunities. To become licensed, you must pass exams and have a history of relevant work experience.
  5. Pursuing Continuing Education: Engineering-related fields are constantly evolving, so staying updated with the latest technologies and practices is key to success. That's why many engineers chose to pursue additional certifications or advanced degrees to specialize further.

Best High School Courses if You Want to Become an Engineer

  • Mathematics Engineering is math-intensive to its core, so a strong foundation in mathematics is essential. You should consider taking advanced math courses such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. These courses will help you develop the problem-solving skills essential for engineering.
  • Science There are two key science fields for prospective engineers: chemistry and physics. Chemistry is key to understanding chemical engineering and materials science, while physics provides insight into the laws of nature and mechanics, which are central to many engineering disciplines. Other science courses like biology and earth science or environmental science are also great choices for creating a solid science foundation — especially if you choose to study biomedical engineering or environmental engineering.
  • Computer Science With the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, computer programming and computer science are becoming increasingly important in engineering fields. Learning programming languages like Python or Java will provide you with a significant advantage when you start your engineering studies, especially if you decide to focus on areas like software engineering, computer engineering, or data science.
  • Engineering-related Electives Your high school may also allow you to sign up for electives related to engineering. More high schools than ever are offering STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) electives such as robotics, CAD (Computer-Aided Design), and engineering design. You should consider these courses carefully, as they offer early insights into what engineering is like and the choices you can make in the future.

Finally, make sure you improve your communication aptitude, which encompasses both your writing and presentation skills. Yes, engineering is primarily focused on your technical ability — but being able to communicate complex ideas to technical and non-technical audiences will be essential to your long-term academic and professional success.

Engineer Education Requirements

Most entry-level engineering jobs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. Depending on the field of study, coursework may include calculus, differential equations, physics, chemistry, and highly specialized classes. For example, civil engineers are likely study topics such as fluid mechanics and structural analysis, while software engineers may focus on coding, algorithms, and data structures.

Receiving accreditation from a recognized body, such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), is another important part of the process. This ensures your education met industry standards and provided the knowledge and skills necessary to become a licensed professional. Some engineers may also pursue a master's degree to gain additional training that can provide a competitive edge in the job market.

Tips for Getting an Engineering Degree

Earning an engineering degree requires a significant investment of time and resources, but several strategies can help students succeed:

  1. Stay Organized and Manage Your Time Effectively: Engineering programs require demanding coursework and related experience. Creating a schedule, prioritizing tasks, and staying organized will help you stay on top of deadlines and exams.
  2. Seek Help If You Need it: Don't be shy about asking for help when necessary. Take advantage of professors’ office hours, study groups, and tutoring services offered by your university.
  3. Participate in Extracurricular Activities: Getting involved with engineering clubs and related extracurricular activities can help you apply what you learn in class to real-world workplace scenarios. These activities also provide opportunities to create career-enhancing networks with peers and professionals in your field.
  4. Secure Internships: The practical experience you can gain in internships not only provides valuable hands-on experience but also improves your employability after graduation. Many employers prefer hiring graduates who have already completed some work in their field.
  5. Make the Most of Campus Resources: Most universities offer academic support, career counseling, and additional resources specifically tailored to engineering students. Be sure to take advantage of them while you can.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Engineer?

It typically takes anywhere from four to eight years to become an engineer, depending on your chosen field and level of education. A bachelor’s degree in engineering generally takes four years to complete, yet students who participate in cooperative education programs, internships, or dual-degree programs might need more time. While more time consuming, these experiences can provide valuable practical skills that often make graduates more employable.

Pursuing professional licensure requires additional steps after earning your degree. Becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) can take another four to six years, during which time you'll need work experience and pass the required exams. Engineers who want to specialize in advanced fields, such as biomedical engineering or aerospace engineering, often pursue a master’s or doctoral degree, a process which can take an additional two to four years.

Although the time frame to become an engineer can vary depending on your career goals and academic choices, engineering has proven to be a rewarding field with numerous opportunities for growth and advancement.

Choosing the Right Engineering Degree

Choosing the right engineering degree to achieve your goals is a significant decision that will shape your career path. Engineering offers a wide array of specializations, from mechanical and aerospace engineering to biomedical and chemical engineering. Choose wisely. For example, if you are passionate about solving mechanical problems, a mechanical engineering degree may be the right choice. On the other hand, if you are interested in coding and technology, computer or software engineering could be more suitable.

It’s also important to evaluate the job market. Some fields, including computer engineering, are experiencing rapid growth due to technological advancements. Others, like civil engineering, support the ongoing demand for the maintenance
and development of critical infrastructure. Understanding industry trends and future demand for certain types of careers can help guide your decision.

You also need to seriously consider whether you want to specialize in a niche area of engineering, such as biomedical engineering. Finding employment in such fields often requires additional coursework or certifications, but the decision to specialize can lead to higher-paying and more unique job opportunities.

Remember, too, that the flexibility of your degree program is another factor to consider. Some universities offer interdisciplinary programs that allow you to combine engineering with fields like business or environmental studies, while others may only offer more traditional programs.

Your decision to pursue an engineering degree is a testament to your thirst for knowledge and desire to make a difference in the world. Engineers are known for making a plan that will provide actionable steps to be successful. In much the same way, you need to plan on taking appropriate and manageable steps so that you can reach your goal of becoming an engineer. That begins with thoughtful high school course selection and thorough college research.

Taking the right courses, beginning your college search early, and evaluating institutions based on key factors will put you on a path to a bright future.

FAQ

A bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline is generally a prerequisite to becoming an engineer. However, earning a master's degree in engineering may open the door to more lucrative jobs during your career.

It takes most undergraduate students four years of full-time study to earn an engineering degree.

Generally speaking, you need a bachelor's degree to become an engineer, but that's not always the case. For example, not all software engineers have a degree in that field.

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