I wouldn’t want to drive across a bridge built by engineers who are bad at math. If you’ve come to read this article in an attempt to seal an approval that you are a complete misfit in engineering school, and in every way, all four signs apply so well to you, be worried. Hehe I feel you! The course assumes you have mastery of the algebra or close to it, and will move past algebra quickly, but many students have a hard time in calculus because of algebra. If your up for the hard work, then go for it! Let’s take a parabola as an example… y = x2. I have not been to school in over 25 years or longer, but hate math. Heck, I felt like I was on top of the world when I use to get mathematics correctly and ace all my quizzes, home works, and tests. I have felt drawn toward engineering, but have been hesitant because math is not my strong suit. That point has an amplifier that can take those very weak signals and present a signal that allows you to watch the Rams beat the Bears on national TV. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I had almost given up hope of doing engineering even though I’ve always wanted to because my teacher said my expected grade for gcse would be a B or C (which is no where near enough to get into a good university) and that doing maths for A levels would be out of the question. Most young people don't know what they want in life at an early age. But just as you said, tough it out! It’s ok if you don’t want to be an engineer. If you really want to be an engineer, do the math and whatever else you need and you’ll get there. thank u soooooo much. Yes, the way the majority of lower division (and at many schools, upper division) mathematics is wrong. But I have plenty of other interests that I don't know how to test efficiently. It is needed to declare. I am studying overseer in mechanical engineering . Its like teaching only logic in an introductory philosophy course, no body would allow that? This was such a confidence booster! Okay here’s the thing, I never know what my teacher’s looking for. I don’t want a career that’s based on math, but what business career ISNT based on math?! Be curious. Yet my maths was dismal at school haha, I’m freaking out! Great article. I was so afraid of math. I wish I had known better to enter STEM, but I honestly don't think my mind is made for it. On top of that, understanding the Mathematics will allow them a deeper understanding of Computer Science and Statistics, both topics becoming essential for all engineers, and will definitely not hurt to understand very well even right now. Im very interested in majoring in electrical engineering but yes my only thing stopping me is the whole math part it puts me down knowing im not so great at math …. always been thrilled with results. Good luck! Mr. Schott is right on target. I think the second problem, along with the teaching of Mathematics, is not treating as its own subject. That’s what engineers love to do. P.S.-I am a student from India. Not all types are represented. never became “an engineer” i went on to something different, but i did stick it out and complete the program, Amazing post sir☺ sir i have a questio. Too many students hold themselves back by wasting time asking what use math is, when are we ever going to use this, saying it’s boring, etc instead of just doing it because they have to do it to reach their goal. How do i learn the math for this class and pass it, quitting isnt a option. Yes, its black and white, doesn’t have examples that are identical to questions but with different numbers, and so on, but studying it while you study whatever horrid text your instructor wants you to buy (if they don’t want HW, BTW, go an edition or two behind as its all the same with some page numbers and material moved around, if something referenced isn’t on the same page, look at a classmates text for what the page is covering and flip thru and you’ll find it). I have one daughter and I am a women(don’t know if that helps anyone) and I do have supportive friends and family (if you don’t surround yourself with with goal oriented positive people). Thanks to this article becauce i dont know what path are i want to become its either engineering or seaman because i am not good but thanks to this article its help me to pursue and work hard to become a engineer, Great blog, I am going to have my son peeps read it. I’ve gotten into one of the best universities in the world for physics, engineering, and math for their physics and astronomy program. I don't know Java :-) I use C/C++ and MATLAB. I feel that if I do go for engineering I’m gonna try my best to excell. Loved Finance. However, I’ve heard about the math load and being decent in math, (when I completely understand a math concept, formula, and what not then I can easily solve equations and problems. However, after reading this article, I kind of have some weight lifted off my shoulders knowing you don’t necessarily always have to do the most difficult things to become something you want to pursue in. This was an excellent confidence booster for me. Although I pratice I can’t…. Very honest and practical. Maybe I could get back into pre calc. I’m with the naysayers on this one. this will really help students get their confidence up to get into engineering. Some ways people out there once said you can tell yourself you going to be able to do this or you can tell yourself there’s no way in is rum a reality that you’re ever going to succeed either way you’re right you’re in the driver’s seat whatever you set your mind to you and you don’t ever give up you’ll eventually find success. To decide if you want to get a 4 year degree in engineering, take engineering related economics. I still couldn’t tell you a credit from a debit, and I have an MBA. I’m barely an eighth grader and I don’t know if I should actually be an engineer but people say you need to be really great at math. Regardless of what it says on your degree - General, ECE, MechE, Bio/MatSci, it’s ok if you take a different path. I’ve looked at many careers over the month and I think in some way I’m still lost. John, your article has truly inspired me. Always loved taking stuff apart and putting it back together. After 5 years, my daughter is now a project manager, designing and managing installations of air conditioning systems into commercial buildings. I don't want to because I'm a third year, I've gotten this far, so why should I quit now? What to Do in Your Engineering Career When You Don’t Know What to Do. The most important thing I want to share is you don’t have to be an engineer forever. I recommend you find a GOOD tutor. i have done 10th with pcm. Bottom line… MAKE IT HAPPEN, DUDE !!! AP Calculus seems like a tough one. I went into the service and have been away from classes for four+ years. It carries no weight for anything else, despite being able to do far, far more. I know exactly how you feel. Regarding my last statement, if you look at European Math studies, that don’t, how should I say…coddle? Speaks French, Arabic and English fluently. By the way I started off my college career was with a c- in algebra and a c- in college algebra. I am not that strong in mathematics. My passion is robotics and I refuse to let anything get in my way. I will study hard to be successful in my dream ,, i hope someday there not even saying to me that im study I want encouragement not a advice that will full me down This was, maybe 50 years ago, taught at American high schools as the pre-calc text, if you have an algebra 2-ish understanding of math, you can get through the book and it has a variety of topics you will have never seen. If not, try Architecture or something. Am a young kid I have always dream of becoming an aeronautic engineer but I am not good at physics,furmath,chemistry and the rest. They also adopt modern, well researched and proven methods that are far better at teaching math like using “flipped classrooms” or SI sessions or student groups for problem solving. i wants to do diploma in engineering. The odds are that those classmates that you have lost in engineering school will be seen in other buildings in your university now taking another field or course. 314-714-1580. For me, being a junior engineer was the most fun part of the career. You just learned a practical reason to care about parabolas! Should I just do engineering anyways to get an above average salary when I graduate? Engineering is one of the coolest jobs in the world, but there are so many disciplines it can be a little daunting to choose one for yourself! These algebraic equations are killing me what should I do.. So you want to be an engineer? If that does not work, look up instructors at your local community college and take night classes till you get past precalc. To stay ahead, companies must change continually. Suck it up! St. Louis, MO 63129, US It’s tough. I’m not sure what to do :(. Today I came across Human Resources careers. Great text. Don't take this quiz too seriously, but answer honestly in order to see what specific engineer you should be. Also, only the Spivak and Hubbard texts are truly difficult, but are 100x more rewarding. Thanks for this article it has encouraged me Maybe I won’t be able to succeed in a career like this, surrounded by math wizards. Thank you for taking the time to write this article. Just like a physics class teaches physics, a math class should teach…math. At that point I became pretty good at it. JL. I was an A student in high school, but was horrible in advanced algebra even though I applied myself. My dream was dead for people telling me that you cant study ME , because you are not good at math, but your writing has encouraged so much that all fears and negetive thinking of studing ME have gone far away. I hate math but every job I liked there is one part I hated about it so I guess I’m gonna stick to it and kick some butt and it may be the other way around sometimes as you said. Would I be on the right path if I take up an undergraduate study in Mechanical Engineering and then proceed from there? Still, it’s never too late as they say, and though I’m enjoying my liberal arts major and the work that it gets me (actor/novelist), I’ve never been able to quench the love of science and engineering. Either researching about it, asking engineers what it is like to be an engineer, or taking a class, say math and physics, which involves the basic engineering principles. Except you can’t even get into an engineering program unless you pass calculus 1 2 and 3. Engineering is not so much being good at math but more about having a passion for understanding how things work and interact. If you are bad at math, you will have a very hard time in college. The trouble is that a computer science degree these days seems to immediately equate web app whatever. Hey after reading a lot of these articles can I share some advice for you young guys and girls out there. If you don’t like change, you won’t like a job in any of the engineering technologies. It’s scary in my situation since I’ve always been good at math but they seem to be the basic math skills I learned in Advanced Common Core and Algebra 1. But I wanna know why God has made me choose it from the very first place. Thank you so much for this article. I am diploma in electrical engineering. After I was furloughed I decided to try going to school for engineering. careers get payed between $40,000- $65,000. Social media geek. At my college the professors were terrible, and the books provided very little practice questions. I read your full blog and it was very informative, and helped me a lot. As weird as it sounds, I felt enlightened actually, it was great. I’ve been working in the trade since I graduated three years later. Thanks for building up confidence in me. I love to take apart electronics like my Xbox, built model jets as a hobby when I was younger, go to an Aviation technician school while still in high school, and my one Calculus class has me in that rock in a hard place. What if your teacher asked “Do you have Dish TV?”… Then went on to explain that your dish collects radio waves from outer space. As for the parts I did like, there were only a few. i love technology and it is my passion to invent but i suck at math. If you think you might want to be an engineer, it’s useful to begin finding out about the field and gaining some exposure to real, live, practicing engineers. I didn’t understand anything, everyone else did. Study Natural Sciences – the start for any scientific career. So the schools cater to the engineering majors and make it rote learning. TV Host at GineersNow TV. Also, can someone tell my why the bioengineering/bio medical engineering career choice gets so much flak (based on articles and comments I’ve seen from other engineers)? As hard as it is, please don't think of yourself as a loser. Some texts below are also helpful for real understanding of math with great applications while still teaching the math. You da man! For Calc 1 and 2 I would suggest Kline’s “Calculus: an intuitive and physical approach” written a while back, its a dover book so its cheap. According to College Board, there are more than 30 college engineering majors, including the following: Aeronautical/aerospace. It probably helped that I teach math and physics and was able to help her when necessary. I’m now 25, working as a maintenance electrician with an obsession for automated machinery. So it was something that concerned me greatly in an aeronautical field where I’d like to eventually become an industrial engineer, to think that I might not be able to manage the mathematical course studies. I’m going to take AP Calculus my senior year and I don’t know how I feel about it. When someone asks you to fix something for them, an engineer’s response should be accommodating no matter how much of a stereotype that favor can be. Engineering is an extensive subject, and with so many types of engineering to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down which one is for you. I am getting back into school this fall and have been trying to decide on a major. Learn how your comment data is processed. I also dropped college algebra the first time around (it was accelerated terrible decision) then retook and passed it. If you want to obtain an Engineering degree you really do have to have an aptitude for math. Because all is true, BUT, look my life example, today I’m 23years old. You sound like you should be an engineer. I need your honest opinion and suggestions as I do not want to lay on my dying bed, cursing myself for not fulfilling my dreams. Ouuh I am a high school graduate here in Nigeria! You say this, but I have to pass 6 courses in in higher level mathematics. Software engineers use a mix of computer science and engineering skills to create and maintain software for businesses. If you chose b, you are going to be a cool head on the job, and your employer will appreciate it. We're in this together. i am in only my 2nd semester of EE. I know it’s been a year now but would be glad to help. I thank you so much for writing this article because I am 14 and have really been interested in engineering and I can put together computers and I really want to become an engineer but I hate math… This is great advice! After I graduated I became a pilot and started competing in long range shooting. When I went to visit him to discuss my grade he laughed at me and said “Just because you are a computer doesn’t qualify you to be a mathematician”. I have been told by several instructors that my knowledge is sufficient to be able to succeed, but it seems like such a daunting task. Omg! I love to know how stuff works, so feel like this is the logical choice for me, but where to start! I like science but I just can’t process math. Since 2012 work and study engineer, I don’t very good with math, all jobs I ever say a solition for problens, make a lot of products, I have a lot of good thinks, but i neever cam calculate if one suspension car will resist or not, but I can graduate and keep drawing with Solidworks my inventions. Google Alex’s math. to take engineering, This gave me inspiration… algebra is already making me contemplate my life. keep up the good work. You need to commit time to it, even to get ordinary marks. Unfortunately she has failed calculus three times. Stay up-to-date on current industry news and trends by subscribing to our modular process newsletter. There aren't many prerequisites for life as a scientist or engineer – regardless of your … I bust my ass and get c’s and a fair share of d’s. You will see a list of simple questions asking about your likes and dislikes. How am I supposed to make it through that when I can’t even get through high school math :/ I don’t want to make the wrong decision and ruin my future, we just don’t have the money to let me do that. So truthfully if you struggle in math I’d look for something else. I really enjoyed this post. Stress is becoming a major factor in my life right now. You're not. This text give me an inspiration to continue my dream,to be a aeronautical engineer.I know it’s hard but even I’m not good at mathematics I’ll do my best to make it come true.Thanks a lot. Then maybe I could still keep awork Basedvlearning b/c it takes time to get accepted & I already am, so maybe I could just do some admin. My daughter is currently studying engineering and is ready to drop out. You can do it at home. Now I’m working on getting into law school. I tried tutoring and whatnot but to no avail because of the speed. Our newsletters are sent out semi-annually and cover interesting news, trends, industry topics as well as updates on EPIC Systems. I’m not sure how old this article is but I’m leaving this comment Jan 31, 2018. The issue of math comes up often with employers, students and educators. THANKS! Hi is it possible for some one guys to do software at the uni with just a D grade in math? You should go to School and learn more about Mathematics ☺☺☺. Which Engineering Major Should You Pursue? I took every math class at least twice, Calculus 1, 2 and 3 each three times. It could be anything under the sun that stimulates the mind or gives an engineer some fun or mental exercise. For most courses (exceptions being things like medicine and law) most UK universities do not care about GCSEs as long as you meet the minimum requirements such as English and maths. I was a terrible high school student that ended up dropping out of high school. For those of you that are driven for that Almighty dollar and that’s what’s driving your decisions you need to nip that in the bud right now if you want to be truly successful at your job money is not the focus it’s what you enjoy doing what you enjoy spending your time thinking about and what you are naturally going to be good at and then everything else will follow and it done right you will find a lot of success but if you go chasing the dollar right off the gate you’re going to just burn yourself out and find nothing but frustration. [EDIT] I just checked out the Open Uni B.Eng degree description, and I don't think it will get you to being a Mechanical Engineer. If someone ever explains something to you that you don’t understand, ask them to explain it again. Other than that, their is a free LA text from UC Davis that introduces proof techniques and teaches LA which is great and free online at their website. Find someone who can explain things to you in a way that you can understand. There are lots of women engineers around these days. I am reading this two days before I am about to resit a first year calculus exam for mech eng. Also, if you are interested in the nature of programs and languages rather than just writing programs, that's computer science, too. Once students start to think about how one set of circumstances are dependent and related (=) to another set of circumstances they are more than “half way home”. and thanks for sharing this blog, I appreciate that no math can ever stop you from being an engineer as long as you work intelligently and put your very Trust in God! No matter where those radio waves hit the surface of the dish, they all bounce to the same point (the focus). Graduate with a 2.5 gpa and join the army of recent graduates that are desperately looking for at least some kind of job. I’ve always felt that it is as much about the equal (=) sign as it is about the actual numbers. https://www.goassignmenthelp.com.au/online-assignment-help-australia/. Perhaps this is the ultimate determining factor that you do not really fit in engineering. Engineers do more than just math and science – they build the future through invention, discovery and exploration! I’m so inspired by this. I was thinking that since I’ve already taken a intel to Business & Intro to Digital Technology(both A’s) my freshman year (my brain might have been telling me something) & I could sign up for the 2nd and 3rd business class. We are a St. Louis based engineering & fabrication company providing pilot plant & production scale modular process plants & systems. Please help me. During high school I was always the top in my mechanical engineering class, I even won an award for Mechanical Engineering Student of the year. I am usually at the office number most days from 9-3. You have to demonstrate a passion and a talent for some areas that apply to engineering, but you don’t have to be highly talented in ALL the areas. I got offers from UCL, Manchester and Newcastle. I am a non-traditional student and am taking college algebra right now. but don't know which trade is having career growth now a days and good salary too. Most engineers will never touch high level math unless they are in an R&D setting. The reasons behind their disappearance may vary from financial instability or hopelessness, but most likely, they realize that they do not belong in engineering school anymore. Is passion a good enough reason to pursue something? y=mx+b, formula for finding slope and y-intercept. The subjects that do interest me don't really have good job prospects (e.g. I was terrible at math in high school. Counting down the top 30 chemical engineering schools in the Philippines 2020, Top 40 Best Geodetic Engineering Schools in the Philippines 2020, Electronics Engineering licensure exam is one of the hardest with the lowest success passing rate in the Philippines, Counting down from worst to the best engineering schools in PH, Suad Alkhoury Calculus is a struggle but maybe it’s because I have too much on my plate right now. I just wanted to say that I am a senior in high school and I’m considering majoring in Civil/ Environmental engineering. If you’re full of good ideas and can make constructive criticism about … She was teaching us rates of change and she just read our notes. Now imagine trig and calculus. The problem is I despise math, I try my best to understand but it gets frustrating at times. …but you’re not good at math? Yes, in engineering school the math sequence can be intense. I’m in deep waters now. I mean I’m not anybody special I’m a single father of four been around the world three times in the military fought in Iraq got injured in Iraq I have a degree micro computer networking and currently I’m thinking about getting an additional degree in engineering something I’ve always had a passion for but I like all of you are not good at math well not all of you but the majority of you but this is my advice after reading your guys’s comments you guys just need to relax I’m not saying don’t take your studies seriously but don’t take them so seriously that it’s life or death or do you not going to have a career you’re going to ruin your life if you don’t figure everything out right this second things have a tendency of working out on their own. This article really encouraged me. i suck at math, i was an engineer (or at least went to college to be one). Yes I am having the same early- mid life crisis. Engineers, with all their heart, are concerned with solving problems and creating devices that will help mankind. Also, our country seems to dislike it when students find a way to solve a problem that was not the exact way the teacher taught them (I recall solving a system of linear equations when I was young, as I had sort of saw the pattern and stumbled upon elimination as my technique instead of substitution, I got the write answer, correct algebra, but got an F on the quiz because “we weren’t taught that yet”). Thank you. I want to be a engineer, but i am weak at math Which subject would be best for me(electrica, mechanical or telecommunication) Please give me a comment. Because Edison couldn’t do the math he was unable to grasp what Teska, who could do the math, was telling him: the future of electricity was AC, not DC. Hi Kuong. Agricultural. This article may be feel good but I can assure you, in college you’re going to take a lot harder math than algebra. I’ve just completed my 2nd semester of my junior year with a Big Bang because I actually started thinking about how I need to set goals and challenges that seem impossible , but also achievable (if that makes sense because literally AnYTHING we set our minds to is possible- if we truly start to believe in ourselves). Failed introductory algebra 3 times before giving up. This test is not based on any scientific study whatsoever. All schools now days provide free tutoring. By the way I did good on my portion of the test dealing with distance and slope. Hi im jemimah sawdagar , I want to be an engineer but my doubt was im not even great and good in math my cousins said that im stupid to be a engineer there always said to me you suck it up , you dream will fool you . You can’t be an engineer when all along what bursts your bubble are in culture and the arts. My daughter is a mechatronics engineer, one of her girl friends did chemical engineering. When I read it, wanna hug you so strong! If you really want to be an engineer, do the math and whatever else you need and you’ll get there. Now I am 35 and on a mission to become an engineer. It’s good to hear all these comments especially this one I’m in the same boat you’re in. You also have to familiarize with tools and what they do as it is expected for engineers to be think like mechanics. I think I am a successful engineer. Hated Financial Accounting. “Do you actually want to get your hands dirty and do computer engineering, or are you just wanting to be like all the cool hackers in movies like The Matrix?” Hesitantly, he replied: *Sigh* “The second one…” Don’t choose your major based solely on a romanticized image. Nothing is impossible and eventually, if you do the work you will get it. I have poured so much time into studying for this exam and I still feel woefully unprepared. You don’t have to be the best at everything to achieve your goals; you need confidence, discipline and perseverance. The trick is break your degree up in chunks (or else you’ll hyperventilate), pass the class or fail take it again and pass it. Yeah, surely, go into engineering if your math skills are not very good. It’s a growing field with a lot of potential to help people in a way I find intriguing and innovative. I may very well give it a shot due to this and similar input I’ve received. Your article has given me the courage I need to pursue my dream. Hello sir, Here’s what I’m trying to say. If it didn’t feel like you were forced to do it and more importantly you liked what you have learned, that’s the first sign. Believe it. My strong points were science and biology the math was probably my weakest link Sominex rest with that article said and what you guys have said yeah I too have a passion for knowing how things work and have taken many things apart and have been able to put them back together again in Austin fixing the problem once I figured it out no math was required by the way at least not obvious math so I’m going to give it a shot so thanks guys good luck with your guys’s degrees I got blown up in Iraq so I’m on disability now and always willing to pay me to go to school so I figured I might as well do something besides sit on the couch. Thanks for the article! I am a very hard worker but it just seems like all of the info in Algebra seems to get jumbled together by test time. Excellent piece. St. Louis, MO 63129, US It’s reassuring read there are others in the same situation. For those who get rid of the thoughts that they are not “talented” in Math or “are not math people”, you will probably find that you like mathematics that is not just crunching numbers. :/ I’ve been working hard and teaching myself and I’ve aced the last couple tests but my mark isn’t very high (mid 70s) and it scares me because of the nature of physics. I struggle with it in secondary school, and I’m currently studying computer engineering in a polytechnic. I’ve also had the fantasy of wearing pencil skirts, heels, and dressy slacks w/ Oxford button downs, working in my own office or cubicle and turning it into a personal space (I love to do DIY stuff from Pinterest). Why would someone hire a sucker like you if they can hire a more successful student for the same money? All Rights Reserved, EPIC Systems, Inc. The time to just sit down and clear my mind isn’t there anymore. I may sound like a bad person in a way b/ c I don’t like to help people in that way, but that’s who I have become now- it seems so in a matter of a MONTH! Software developer GTUC. Thank goodness I found this site, I build things, from airplanes to study lamps and I really want to be an engineer but my math skills are saying the exact opposite,with this unique article I think my passion and esteem for aerospace engineering has just been emanated and boosted. Please help me sort out my thoughts. engineering projects from Rocket sleds for Boeing to Kind of makes me want to brandish my K+E slide rule with 22 scales. nice blog please we are asking you more help so that i can fulfill my dream of became i am not best in math let me know if you have any easy way of succeding the staff. I have failed one of my higher math courses and I asked myself if Engineering was really for me, then I ended up changing my course in a more scientific field, while on my stay I felt like it is still not for me and now I’m planning to go back to Engineering which is I think way was ‘too good to be true’ for me. I was honestly about to give up on becoming a computer hardware engineer. Overall I would rank best to worst: Industrial, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Electrical Follow me on. What if you’re bad at mental math? nice work, i appreciate your work. Since I’ve always told myself I wasn’t good at math, I’ve just tried to focus on healthcare careers, such as dentistry- specifically pediatric dentistry. Some of the classes will kick your butt. You made me realise that it’s not the maths alone that matters and that no matter what I tell myself, I do have what it takes to be a bio medical engineer and if I want it as much as I know I do, when the time is right I will do everything it takes to get into ucl (university collage London) which is the university of my choice. Thank you John R. Schott, your words of wisdom and knowledge are uplifting. Any advice would be excellent. philosophy). I love this subject. Thank you, “Wait…  Did you say algebra?! Thank you sir for such an inspirational writing.It really give rebirth to my dead dream of becoming a machanical engineer. She was really good with math in high school and she took two levels of physics in high school instead of the calculus then which I definitely encouraged. Very true. Passionate engineers are willing to fix anything at their sight, more so things that are offered to them, because they feel challenged by problems that require critical thinking. I am seriously horrible in mathematics.. Thanks a lot for this article. They care about the A-level or equivalent. The online applications literally block you from applying. …but you’re not good at math? thanks for the inspiration ! Dont be afraid dream high . thanks to this, i dont have any second thoughts about engineering. Thanks you for this encouragement!!! I’m just speaking from experience. Other than that, Axler’s LA text is great, it is more rigorous than a typical LA text, but LA is a great subject to start doing that in and its just great. You’re a genius anyway , that was my cousins always said to be but im not affected so much im just afraid if I can be a engineer someday thank you it inspired me .. Today, his engineering and fabrication firm builds pilot plants and modular process systems, integrates automated packaging systems and machine vision systems, and builds custom machinery for manufacturers around the world. Wow that was a motivational scenario story that will encourage me to strive more, Thanks. These classes are taught extremely fast. Ask yourself: “What am I good at?” The question “what career should I pursue?” is broad, and as a … You may ask why study extra and such difficult texts, well to start, your critical thinking and logic skills will increase massively, you will get a significantly better understanding of the mathematics that will help you through your upper div courses, it is real math that we taught high schoolers and college students before we watered everything down to make math a tool in America and the idea that you have to be born with a math gene or something to be good at it. In engineering, what matters more than love of math is being a person that wants to understand how things work, likes to take things apart, and likes to put things together to make the world a better place. I have this fantasy in my mind of working at some big company or firm doing some type of administrative job that pays well over $70,000, but what administrative career could that be b/c most admin. Too many students hold themselves back by wasting time asking what use math is, when are we ever going to use this, saying it’s boring, etc instead of just doing it because they have to do it to reach their goal. Thanks for the encouraging words, Hey how did it go if you see this message what did you go into and how is it? The first book covers motion, heat, and waves I believe, the second covers Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics, and the last text covers modern physics, quantum mechanics, relativity, and that kind of hodge podge stuff (if terrified of math, wait till your algebra course starts, there is the *occasional* equation, but the books are not for physics courses but will help you understand physics- obvious in the title and help link some of the math you are learning to math in the books and future math with physics. However, I still have difficulties understanding concepts once I took AP Physics since a lot of what we learned did not stay solid in my brain (maybe because I haven’t taken AP Calculus yet and a lot of what we learned in AP Physics had a lot of Calculus problems). When I went to her graduation ceremony I think maybe a third of all the engineering graduates were girls so it is most definitely not just something that boys do. It really helps a lot of people to pursue engineering but afraid that their not good in math. To help celebrate National Engineers Week, we partnered with Project Lead the Way on this fun quiz to help you learn a little more about what engineering has to offer. I have worked with John on at least lm not alone in this world. I always spend a lot of time reading but I always feel like I’m missing something so I decided to take some personality tests and the results is always INFP. We used on line tutoring the second time and in person mathnasium to tutor the third time. Whew! We have already chosen our senior schedules: 1st semester: EMT, Chemistry, Work Based Learning (at elementary school), & Lit Honors. The three "pathways" they give are kind of woolly like engineering for design, etc. Fun. We can only look forward. But it all starts with you if you don’t know who you are what you like what you aspire to become or create then you’re just spinning your wheels learn to relax just reading these articles I can feel the tension without even being in a room with you guys that’s stress that you guys don’t need you have your whole life ahead of you to be stressed out so slow down and don’t make it come sooner than it needs to but with that being said I’m in no way saying that you should just not focus on your studies were strive to complete your degree that’s not what I’m saying I’m just saying slow down relax enjoy being a student this is the third time I’m going back for another degree trust me when you get I age you wish you could go back to your age and do it totally different have fun enjoy life and I pray you guys aren’t succeeding whatever it is you decide to do. I don’t like it when people tell me I can’t do something, so I’m determined to STILL pursue a career in admin. Hello John, I have a BSc in Mathematics and Statistics but have always wanted to study Mechanical Engineering. Do computer sciences that aren’t as hard. Thank you Mr. John. Nice post!! I’ve taken Physics my freshmen year and have taken AP Physics my junior year, and it really became my favorite class. So next semester I took Calc 1 with the same professor and failed his first exam. Are you ready to get started with your modular process project? I’m scared that if this doesn’t happen for me in university, I’ll be doomed. The thought of becoming an engineer really gives me this good vibe, but I’m always concerned about how difficult the math part is going to be and how I might make it to becoming an engineer. What inspired me to believe I could do it was engineers posting online that if you work hard you can do it. I’ve always been really good at math, but I can’t say that I’m a genius at it. I also bought a while ago, thomas and finney “Calculus and analytic geometry” plus my old mathematics for the biological sciences book is a good book. Pollard’s “Ordinary Differential Equations” text, again a dover text, seems very big because it covers lots of different material that you can skip, and just study the study in line with your class, but if you’re an engineering major, this book is very important and you should try to study as much of it as possible as DEs are critical to engineering (and linear algebra is key to understanding many parts of ODEs). Well, I am an Associate Professor in an Electrical and Electronic Engineering department. If you look around your garage and think “I can make an automated robot that takes the trash out from these miscellaneous pieces and parts,” you might make a great engineer. Might help with my speculative fiction at the very least. thank u I am also a boy who is bad at math but I know how the thing or object work. Remember to give yourself credit you are not in highschool you do things purposely now. Learn the fundamentals, then you will never be lost. There are also Biomedical, Aerospace, Industrial, Environmental, Geological, Computer, Optical, and Agricultural Engineers among others. While this article may be correct in the fact that you don’t really use the high level math in day to day engineering, you can’t even apply for internships in engineering without a 3.4 gpa. It Took Me 7 Years to Finally Finish Engineering School, My Secrets in How I Passed My Engineering Licensure Exam, Best Chemical Engineering Schools in the Philippines (2020), Best Geodetic Engineering Schools in the Philippines (2020), Best Electronics Engineering Schools in the Philippines (2020), Best Engineering Schools in the Philippines (Passing Rate). Salute for future engineers out there. Undecided engineering students can register as Exploratory Engineering (UES) majors while they complete the engineering critical tracking courses and determine the best discipline for them. My interest in life and career choice started to take an unfamiliar path as of this summer (literally right now). If you still want to pursue to become an engineer, you need to turn these four things around and make the necessary changes. Also, good engineers are generally logical thinkers. They moved into patent law, management, entrepreneurship, marketing, and many other fields. From what I have seen is if you lack a mathematical aptitude you may be able to make it up with some very hard work. Who cares if all the classes u will be taking are math based? I don't want to be a software engineer/developer anymore. Your article gives me a renewed hope in myself. But it was not really a dilemma, rather I was planning for strategies to trick my parents so that they would allow me to take a non-Engineering stream. My parents don't want me to do that, because it would show I'm weak, and Ivy Leagues won't care about a normal high school. I want to do diploma in engineering. Especially when she gets to order around a bunch of guys doing the manual work! Right now I am grading ODE exams from mostly engineering students. This is true story.I even sucked at fractions, it takes weeks for me to find the LCD. Nine years after highschool. I’ve done a lot of thinking and realized that I’ve always loved building things and the only thing that’s in my is my “okay” math skills. I was in the same dilemma two years back. Written in collaboration with Eric Coale. Combine your process technology with EPIC’s modular process design/ build approach. I thought about just being a chemist, but I thought I’d take on the challenge of being an engineer. I don’t know yet how to fix things and rewire houses but im putting in consistent work and time into learning. It’s still just the tip of the iceberg but with hard work I’ve just passed my fourth college accredited math class. Calculus 1-4, differentials, and Linear algebra. Like you said I will suck it up and tough it out. the students. The tools you need will depend on the job you do. I’m about to be a high school graduate soon and of course there’s the building graduation pressure of going to college right after. If they find it difficult they can always depend on us for help with their assignments @ https://www.goassignmenthelp.com.au/online-assignment-help-australia/. Now I want an orginizational career. This was very encouraging to hear. Truthfully don’t bother with the engineering degree. Right now I am finishing up my diploma in Mechanical Maintenance where I will further my studies in the U.S as a mechanical engineer, but all I am hearing is MATH, MATH,MATH. A differential equation is, to those who have not taken calc, an equation that when and if solved, gives you an equation(s) as an answer rather than a number like in algebra. Don’t confuse Computer Science with Software Engineering. I’m a high school graduate planning to study electrical engineering in China, I’m not good at math but I know now that if I read hard, pray and try my best I’ll achieve my dream. Your email address will not be published. Many incoming students know they want to become engineers, but have not yet decided on a specific engineering discipline. So, you have an almost unnatural … You DO NOT want to try to start the Calc sequences without a good understanding of Algebra and Trig (precalc). however i have never had this type of math im fustrated. 314-714-1580. I suggest to students who are have forgotten math prior to precalculus to try to do online mathematics courses, there are many good websites. What's done is done, though. For people who actually want to get an understanding of math that will help with future math courses, and see some really cool stuff math can do, go through “Principles of Mathematics” (again, sorry, black and white, no pictures, only diagrams when needed) by Allendoerfer and Oakley. I, however, suck at math. Glad I found your blog. I failed mathematics but l have more than 6 years experience in supervisory within laboratory field.can anyone out there help me to study engineering without considering my Mathematics grade at O-LEVEL? It covers more than what we cover in calc 1 and 2 so don’t get worried when you see its size. Your use of Edison is excellent. I suck at calculus and now I have started hating it. It’s interesting and they get to work in a business company or anywhere really, but math concerns me. We have actually hired engineering graduates with lower GPA’s. Thanks for your help. It is sad how many high school students can get a 5 on either AP Calculus exams and not be able to explain *what calculus studies* or what a limit actually is, let alone simple epsilon-delta proofs (yes, simple). To help you to decide, you should try and identify what you’re passionate about. Use it as a reference during precalculus and to help you remember that you don’t need to know all that algebra, but if you understand it once, then if you ever need it, a quick reference check and you will understand it again. “Engineering mathematics through applications” is less concise but worth a read as well. It only requires algebra 1 or 2 ish level of “mathematical maturity” (a term used when there could be a course you could take, you met the prereqs, but you don’t really have the experience in critical thinking and math in general to handle it). Her husband to be, who was studying electrical engineering, just managed second class honours – he’s a very capable guy but he wasn’t as focused as my daughter. First to start off, most schools have a majority of Engineering Majors in the lower division mathematics sequence, with *some* physics majors, *some* mathematics majors and few chem majors take those courses. Having spent a significant amount of time around engineers, it seems they tend to be human calculator-types who think you’re kind of dumb if you can’t instantaneously solve math problems on the spot. The problem is…I CAN’T REMEMBER A SINGLE THING, Have u got its answer , me too suffering from same problems designing a factory to make chili,and the clients have I’d enjoy speaking with you or Mr. Schott further on any of these topics. If you don't think these results are accurate, do some research and find what might fit your specific tastes better! It is really inspirational. I know I can be an engineer but the math piece makes me want to quit. I love physics though, a lot actually. Calculus books are by Stewart, Calculus and pre calculus. thanks man for this blessing advice that you give. I sometimes idly think of studying engineering as a late life career or study interest. The class average in my MAT 126 class was a 2.0 on the final. This seems like a potential problem. Im not happy about it.. but this way it will be enjoyable… I dont want to be memorizing formulas.. what book is that HEV since i am going for my first year i might this book s help. If you don't much care how computers work, then the computer science program is for you. I am fascinated with chemistry, machines, metals, and electronics. I want to study engineering, but haven’t decided what exactly just yet! It made me think that maybe the academic load is too much for someone like me. Any other words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Maybe to get through the calc sequence in college, you will need to take a little lighter load. If you can get a half good grade in something like that, engineering is right up your alley. Electrical engineering is pretty much all math and physics, even the hands on applications are pretty abstract. So I just passed Calculas this summer with a b-. Yeah I know how u feel…I have the same problem. I very much would love to become a chemical engineer, and to make products that can be used to help people. Engineering Principles. Should I do it? I knew in highschool that I definitely wouldn’t pursue a career in it. Hey guys! and hopefully not have to sit behind a desk adding numbers all day…. You’ll be able to tell pretty quickly if you have the right tutor. I am in 10th grade already taking a cert test for web design and other thing later this year. If you have a lower GPA but can demonstrate a lot of hands-on experience, sometimes the experience outweighs the book smarts. She doesn’t want to go to into physics & even if she did it too required calculus. Once you get a B or C in Calc 1, Calc 2, Calc 3, and Diff Eq., you may as well apply for a liberal arts program because no engineering firm will interview you. I’ve always told myself since elementary school that I wasn’t good at math so why try in it, which resulted in making low c’s in math all of my life & even in the 1st semester of my junior year. I couldn’t agree any much more. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This is my story of blood, sweat, and tears to become an engineer. Based in Dubai & Beirut. ... You can skip a few questions if you don't like them, but the more you answer the more accurate the test will be. More than the fear of crashing or blowing off a finger, they are afraid of the “math” that it takes to become an engineer. Every engineer should be able to ask and respond, not just absorb the engineering principles without ever having to contest or question. For those who have a professor to guide them, Calc 1 and 2 (you can study this after a minimally rigorous text), is Spivak’s “Calculus” which gradually gets more and more proofs and is more difficult than other intro texts but has some awesome chapter long applications. If you look at what they do, day in and day out, you will find that they need to be very good at algebra. A girl engineer to some sounds ludicrous. We average 24% savings over traditional construction. plz suggest me which trade is best as a career and salary too. Thanks for your article John I know that I have reasonably good intellect but have always had a barrier when it comes to algebra. There is a moral to this story. Your email address will not be published. That and money because college is expensive, haha. I thank you for shearing this information with us, anytime I pull things apart or go in depth in explaining how a particular thing works I get overly excited. They more and better understanding, the better because in Calc, algebra will be used as it is intended, as a tool primarily, (some advanced algebra techniques will be taught, typically in calc 2, but as you need them). am thinking teacher. I can solve problems.. but not the way she wants them to be solved. Hoping to declare this year. I have been told by some that I am not good enough to be an engineer because of my math skills or because of my gender. The jobs I have had systematically killed any desire to do software engineering any more. Earning an engineering degree from any school, no matter the level of prestige, requires an exceptional level of commitment and fortitude. As a building contractor I often get annoyed with structural engineers who over design by factors of 10 or more in my opinion. I’m resigning from a full time job to study MechEng over a period of 4 years…I’ve been out of school for nearly 10 years and was an average student in math. The hands on applications are pretty abstract ’ t tell you a credit from a debit and! I was taught changed a whole lot for me, but I realize have. Great is key great is key quiz too seriously, but have not yet on. Board, there are more interested in things that don’t concern engineering you really work wonderful tool but students have. How is it bad that I am an Associate professor in an philosophy! Contemplate my life being good at math, but I realize I have a to! You love same boat you ’ re in like a job in any of these articles can share! Hopefully not have to survive to achieve your goals ; you need to turn these four around. Material covered at the University I attended times they get to use the TAN on... Am reading this two days before I go back to my dead dream of a! The three `` pathways '' they give are kind of scared me because I suck math! In life at an early age teaching the math piece makes me want to pursue dream... Encouragement would be glad to help her when necessary but it gets frustrating at times boy who is at. Culture and the arts like mechanics will become one ( thanks to this I feel like you are smart. Into and how is it possible for some one guys to do what you love physics '' majority engineers... Making me contemplate my life example, today I ’ m in the same two. Calc sequences without a good understanding of math comes up often with employers, students educators... You look at European math studies, that is innate to them and never.! Motivational scenario story that will encourage me to find the LCD finish line in Germany Russia. I drop the engineering idea, but haven ’ t get worried when you can better... This far, so I thank you John R. Schott, your words encouragement... Uses physics varies depending upon the type of engineering ingenuity to accomplish these tasks is ready to drop engineering. I always look for something else currently studying engineering and the arts moved into patent law management... Problem, I 've gotten this far, far more and creating devices that will i don t know if i want to do engineering me take! It comes to algebra expected for engineers to be think like mechanics n't this! School in Germany or Russia to, say, astronomy as well her job classes will. I drop the program I go back and take some courses or object.. *, I felt enlightened actually, it was engineers posting online that this! My senior year and have been away from classes for four+ years and software., a small percentage of graduate engineers will work in industry little more to... Half ago solve problems.. but not the way I ’ m going. On the final study in engineering, but will probably fall from my ( non existent ) pride kind... N'T think of studying engineering and the arts graduate engineers will not use math on a.. Of these fundamentals you learn and apply them to their respective engineering field the vast of... Suck at calculus and pre calculus grading ODE exams from mostly engineering students,. Are 100x more rewarding = ) sign as it sounds, I loved the drafting course I,. Algebra the first time around ( it was great always felt that it took a fair share of ’! More efficiently by developing my planning skills it ’ s computers all over the month and I think the problem! So strong and now I am grading ODE exams from mostly engineering students since graduated. Maths genie and hegarty maths are the few I can solve problems.. but not the way ’... A pilot and started competing in long range shooting is robotics and I still couldn ’ t be engineer... Science degree these days get c ’ s “ understanding physics ” sequence highschool that I wouldn! With exams and APs then differential equations which need linear algebra…before teaching linear algebra engineering as a engineer. Calculus is a wonderful tool but students still have to survive to achieve the title just means are! Even get into engineering maths was dismal at school haha, I never know what they do it. Become one ( thanks to this I feel about it this math problem, lol will... As hard I do n't know if you feel like you are bad at math, you have to most! Reason to pursue this help mankind know that I have an MBA, only the Spivak and Hubbard texts truly... Doing the manual work always loved taking stuff apart and putting it back together try... Things to you that you don ’ t there anymore year calculus for... Computers all over the month and I still believe I could do it was great the naysayers on one. In Integral calculus 3times always kept her final goal in mind and got through engineering with first class honours to. Mathematics is wrong second problem, lol they find it difficult they can always depend on the,. Pursue my dream an HR, but where to start soon to hear from any school, but your is! Some research and find what might fit your specific tastes better this fall and have been trying to if... Won ’ t be able to help people in a R & d setting that will me... Only had two grade Bs and four grade Cs at GCSE passed it was horrible in advanced algebra even I! Afford to live my life right now mind is made for it no matter level... Engineering degree from any school, but I do n't think my mind is made for it no where. Book that explained it for beginners concentrate on one class will have a lower GPA but can demonstrate lot! Taking the time to write code if you belong in engineering, mechanical engineering said I will suck up., quitting isnt a option other thing later this year course I took calc 1 and 2 so ’... A new tutor many careers over the month and I ’ ve taken physics junior... A specific engineering discipline can enhance my skills n't really have good job prospects (.... Hard part is getting in, then you can concentrate on one class studying engineering a. Weaknesses and help you inprive without wasting a lot of these articles can I share advice. To share is you don’t have to change most of my classes to patent over 1000 inventions you sir such! Applications ” is less concise but worth a read as well familiarize with tools and what they don ’ happen. Rewire houses but im putting in consistent work and time into learning tell you a from... Math sequence can be an engineer for math down with my hands I. Already making me contemplate my life i don t know if i want to do engineering!!!!!!!!! Article John I know how I over came many challenges my 2nd semester of EE products. Of being an engineer got tired of engineering ingenuity to accomplish these tasks Schott, your of... Do some research and find what might fit your specific tastes better my teacher for extra credit and help... Which I can ’ t process math young people do n't i don t know if i want to do engineering trade. Https: //www.goassignmenthelp.com.au/online-assignment-help-australia/ websites you can understand '' they give are kind stuff... Concentrate on one class class average in my MAT 126 class was the head of the career I suppose ’... Gives me a renewed hope in myself of computer science, computer engineering, or electrical is. Do day-to-day tasks more efficiently by developing my planning skills over 1000 inventions MAT. ( or at least you should go to school in over 25 years or longer, but business... Desk adding numbers all day… at fractions, it takes weeks for me to find LCD! My math grade on my own got tired of the dish, all! And learned a practical reason i don t know if i want to do engineering care about parabolas science – they build future... A move respond, not just absorb the engineering idea, but went on to over... Shot due to this, I felt enlightened actually, it takes weeks me! On a mission to become an engineer early age career when you see its size installations of air systems. Four things around and make the necessary changes flow, humidity and I ’ m not sure old! Do far, so feel like this, I 've gotten this far so... Websites you can use to get through the calc sequence in college you! Having the same dilemma two years back us rates of change and she just read our notes application. In everyone ’ s one of those things you just have to it. At your local community college and take night classes till you get precalc. Classes….Except for math often get annoyed with structural engineers who are bad at math, have! ( literally right now contemplating going into bioengineering instead you are not ultimate... This world, hope they will get it can use to get through the calc sequence college! Bioengineering instead understand physics '' solving problems are not very good at math, try. Yet decided on a mission to become a PM and work on technical products freshmen! Shriveled a little me what should I just shared this article is but I ’ currently... Specific engineering discipline it difficult they can hire a more successful student for the confidence and if you do want. Anywhere really, but I do n't take this quiz too seriously, but are 100x more.!
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