"She loves math and science (and is good at it), but she has never been the type to take things apart or build them. "
- She reminds me a lot about myself. Math and sciences were very easy for me, glided thru. Engineerig was not my choice, but my father’s, he was an engineer. Fine, no prblem academically at college, still gliding thru. But working in engineering field was a huge problem, I hated it with all my heart, felt like fish out of water. I never liked technology, still do not. I cannot remember which button to push for what, it is pointless, I do not like to be connected 100% of the time by carrying cell with me.
Anyway, after about 11 years working, I said enough is enough, I have only one life and I better enjoy it. Went back to school and got into CS, whoch was MY first choice way back in HS, should have not listened to my father. Loved it right away, got the job after CC and never looked back. Various employers paid for the rest of my education. And here I am a Computer Programmer (positions have different names) with over 30 years in IT and job still feels very rewarding.
I am just saying that engineering is NOT just love of math and science, it is incredible obsession with technology (that my H. engineer has), that I simply did not have it and still do not.
It is great that your D. wants to try. But if it is possible, she should intern at engineering firm and see how she feels there. She may still love it, or, unfortunately hate it like me. She should stay flexible and be open to other careers.Do not wait for almost 2 decades like me.