<p>I want to become an Engineer but am not sure what it entails. I am a fairly shy person and would classify myself as an introvert. I know I know, shame on me. </p>
<p>I would love the hands on aspect of Engineering and I find it very interesting. However, growing up I have never been much of a builder. Sometimes I am interested in finding out how things work but its not like as a child, I was constantly taking toys apart to learn how they function. </p>
<p>Also, does being an Engineer require you to basically be a manager for the people you work with? With my personality, I'm not sure I would make a good manager. I don't like telling people what to do. </p>
<p>I am mostly interested in Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering. </p>
<p>I actually just graduated this May with a B.S. in Mathematics. I am having the hardest time getting my foot in the door with this degree since its become an “advanced degree field”. Anyway, after a lot of thinking, I feel as though I want to pursue Engineering. </p>
<p>However, it’s not that I feel I cant conquer the academic side of Engineering. What I would ultimately fail at, is the constant presentations, leading meetings, etc. I get very anxious in these situations. I’m not exactly a social butterfly. </p>
<p>You don’t have to be a manager but a degree in math can get you easier to an engineering graduate program. Engineers don’t like presentations either and those that do are probably project managers.</p>
<p>If you like to fix things, then I think you are an engineering candidate (I’ve worked 32 years as and engineer, and took the time to get my PE license, go me).</p>
<p>Yes, presentations are not a things most “real engineers” like to do.</p>
<p>You can be an engineer without hands-on (think EE).</p>
<p>If you like things that you can’t see, then look to EE, or ChemE
If you don’t like things that move but you can see: CE
If you like things that you can see, and move, and fly: AE
If you like things that move (but don’t care it they also fly) ME</p>
<p>I also think if you work for a small firm you don’t have to do presentations so much and more hands on experience. The downside is the benefits aren’t as great as large company.</p>
<p>Okay thanks! I guess I would like to work for a smaller firm then (because I want to be more hands on). I want to be an Engineer that does a lot of field work. I actually thought about becoming an Electrical Engineering Tech because they are almost completely hands on. However, I’m not sure it would make sense to go back for an Associates in EET after I already have a BS in Math. Right? Im sure the pay is wayyy worse but it’s probably less stressful too. I dont know.</p>
<p>That said, you WILL be expected to give presentations at some point in your career, even if you’re not a project manager. Perhaps not straight away, but eventually you will take on more responsibility on projects and need to give status updates, discuss a design or the results of a test, contribute to forums or conferences, etc. To most engineering students this sounds intimidating, and it certainly is when you first have to present your work in front of other professionals. Rest assured though, it does get more comfortable over time.</p>
<p>Not to scare you or anything, but this is just reality. It doesn’t matter how technical you want to be (in hopes to avoid presentations), at some point you will need to present something.</p>
<p>@ajg100, there’s no shame in being introverted. Just 'cause blowhard extroverts like myself sometimes suck up all the oxygen, there’s lots of evidence that introverts probably bring more real firepower to a group dynamic.</p>
<p>Most people don’t realize that Albert Einstein, Bill Gates and Warren Buffet all are (or were in AE’s case) very introverted.</p>
<p>Give the book below a read and watch her Ted Talk. It will change your perception of your “flaw”</p>
<p>From my experience at professional engineering meetings, I would say there are more introverted engineers than extroverted! The exceptions really stand out. Usually, we sit around trying to think of what to say. There I am, usually the only, or one of a couple, women in the room. Talk about awkward! I wish I were an extrovert, but I’m not.</p>
<p>Okay, thanks for all the advice. I’m definitely not gonna let silly fears hold me back from a career that I might love. Even if it means getting out of my comfort zone a little. Hopefully it gets better cause not gonna lie, it freaks me the H out. </p>
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