<p>I was wondering if should be an engineer.
I am a senior in high school
You see I am very curious and I like to know how things work.
I like to be into the theory of something but I also won't like it isn't at least a little useful. I am very good at math and also at science.
I love all types of science; physics and math in particular.
I can grasp concepts quite quickly and am very analytical.
However I am not very hands-on or into tinkering.
Well I kind of like to tinker I just don't have a junkyard in my garage.
I still like to be practical though.
Also...
I am very introverted
I also like the abstract as well as the future a lot.
I love the new.
I like to be imaginative.
I value reason and intellect.
I like to keep options open
I some times go with my gut yet I don't assume things.
My family doubts my ability to be an engineering student.Mainly because I am not a hands on tinkerer.I do like to know how things work and am very as well.I just don't have a junkyard and take things apart all the time.I also took a look at an article saying that the main skills are structural visualization(I am pretty good at that) and Math/Analytical Reasoning and (very good at that!) </p>
<p>You could do one of the more theoretical engineering fields if you're not much of a hands-on person. A lot of what you said are good traits to have in an engineer, except you said you were introverted. Contrary to many conceptions of engineers, you will have to have good people skills to be successful. You'll need that in just about anything you do, so it's something I recommend you work on until you're comfortable around others.</p>
<p>i agree............when u go to college join as many clubs as you can handle.........you'll naturally become more gregarious by the time you graduate...........and also try and make friends,lots of friends........</p>
<p>not being that great with your hands doesn't really matter all that much. all engineering fields have their theoretical side and their more practical sides, but i would a good grasp of the theoretical aspects of engineering is more important for your education, and then the hands-on when you get to work. in either case its not like the company will make you fix a car or anything.</p>
<p>I saw you wrote "I like to keep my options open" and I think Engineering is one of the best majors to do this. You can do almost anything with an engineering degree including law or medical school (with some additional coursework). I have known people with engineering degrees in almost all careers.</p>
<p>The "look nside your self" response is very misleading.</p>
<p>BS-Bachelor of Science
MS-Masters of Science</p>
<p>Of course in college you have a BS(4-5 years), MS(2-3 years) and a PHd(~5 years).
With a BS in engineering you will not be required to build or develop things.
A lot of the work yo do when you receive a BS is basically checking other people's engineering, and using a computer program (everything is computerized these days) to solve a problem.</p>
<p>An MS will allow you to actually develop products. For instance if there is a new computer chip or engine coming out, you will have the possibility of design to increase the efficiency of the product, or develope methods to avoids problems.
With a BS you will take the drawings and implement what hey want in a computer program.</p>
<p>With a Phd you get to develop the technologies conceptually. For example, "You could make this thing faster by replacing these circuits with x,y,z." And you can teach universities.</p>
<p>If you like creativity, a BS in engineering is not enough.</p>
<p>I'm not so sure its that cut and dried. All depends on the the company you work for and what their expectations are, along with a hundred other factors. No way your responsibilities are so closely tied to the level of your education! I don't buy your line of reasoning here, Muer.</p>
<p>I would agree with eng_dude. It's not so tied to education. You can do design work with a BS and actually develop products. It just depends on the company. Of course you will have more opportunities with an advanced degree.</p>
<p>The example I gave of designing computer chips is true. I had a classmate at LSU who graduated with a 4.0 and had a Teaching Assistant who did his Master's at USC and his PhD at Louisiana State University. The Teaching Assistant told me the dude with the 4.0 could only become a test engineer. Design was left to the people with advanced degrees. Its that cut and dry. Listen.
With a Bachelors Degree, later on you could rise to a manager position that's about it, thats your ceiling. And for all those who question my claim without basis.
Answer this: Why is it that companies pay for exployees to get their Master's if it doesnt matter?
It matters alot. If you want real engineering set your goals on an advanced degree by doing research, knowing professors so they can write recommendations, get involved with summer research etc.</p>