<p>If you've only taken math and science classes (and do really well), how do you know what engineers do? State Us/Privates Us seem to be divided into those that teach engineering (with ok other majors) or focused on pure science/liberal arts. How does a kid get experience in H.S. (my kid a Jr.) to know if Eng. is their passion? (vs. pure science or liberal arts.)</p>
<p>You’ve hit the nail on the head. Many times you don’t know what engineering is about in high school unless you know an engineer personally. </p>
<p>Engineering and pure science may have a large overlap but they do have a really different focus. Engineering is applying the knowledge of science to produce a product (be it a bridge, a Mars rover, or whatever). Pure science lacks the product focus, instead focusing on basic principles and ideas.</p>
<p>Engineering careers can have very different elements to them. I was in structural analysis and worked on various NASA projects. Others might focus on design, still others do testing of products.</p>
<p>Some suggestions: </p>
<p>** Is there an engineering person/firm in town that you can ask to visit. Most all areas of the country would have access to some kind of civil engineer. He/she might be a good resource.</p>
<p>** Look for an open house at a local college that offers engineering. The students/professors would be glad to discuss it with you.</p>
<p>** Some companies and most NASA sites have open houses that would be worth attending. Company ones might be restricted to employees and their families (mine did that) but a phone call to their community relations department stating that you child is thinking about career in engineering and would like to visit might get you in.</p>
<p>** Look for colleges that admit you to the school and not just a department. That allows your child to explore the various fields before having to commit to a department (which would then typically be done at the end of your freshman year). Schools that admit to a specific department are also many times difficult to change departments.</p>
<p>I do have many books that discuss many facets about engineering (not just the technical aspects) but I’d have to spend some time to find the ones that I think would give some kind of intro. If you want me to look, reply but I might not get back to it right away.</p>
<p>Speaking of the engineering open house. If by your screen name that means you are in North Carolina, NC State has its engineering open house on March 22nd. I wen’t to it before I came here and I thought it was really helpful. Also, I watched a ton of youtube videos on each of the different professions. Northwestern also has a lot of great videos that talk about each of the different engineering majors.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/openhouse/”>http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/openhouse/</a>
<a href=“http://video.mccormick.northwestern.edu/”>http://video.mccormick.northwestern.edu/</a></p>