Why become an Engineer Engineering as a helping profession Look at slide notes pages for further details and explinations

What is an engineer? Engineers are creative problem-solvers. Engineers make a world of difference. Engineering is essential to our health, happiness, and safety. Engineers help shape the future. engineeringmessages.org

At this point we use one or two motivational videos on engineering to set the stage. We particularly like a few produced by ExxonMobil they can be found at: 04&index=3&list=PLIrXlHj7zayZoEUyYel5zdWKba RkwX6vb 04&index=3&list=PLIrXlHj7zayZoEUyYel5zdWKba RkwX6vb

Why Be An Engineer? Money and job security –Higher salaries than people with bachelor’s degrees in many other fields –Society will always need problem solvers Chance to work with talented people –Engineering is a team effort –Work with people from many backgrounds, cultures and disciplines An undergraduate degree in engineering can lead to almost anything! –Movie industry, industrial plants, food products, field work on national infrastructure (roads, buildings, bridges), cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, computer work, sales –Becoming a medical doctor, lawyer or businesswoman The power to make a difference and even change the world Source: National Academy of Engineering

Why did I become an engineer? I looked into it –Talked to people, attended an engineering camp, spent a summer as an engineering apprentice, read salary surveys I earned it –It starts with course-work in middle school and high school and doing things like BEST, Science Olympiad, and Science Fairs, Engineering Camps –My science fair projects + grades + test scores + extracurricular activities  Full tuition scholarship I am curious and did not want to be locked into doing 1 thing for my whole career

Do you like to solve problems? Do you like to think things through? Do you like to be creative ? Do you like working with people? Do you like working with computers? Do you like working with equipment? Do you like helping people? Do you like to travel? Do you like making money? Why be an engineer (why are you here)? Answering “YES” to any or all of these is a good reason to be an engineer

Why be an engineer (why are you here)? Do you know EXACTLY what you want to do when you graduate? Do you know what you want to do for the next years? Do you want to do the same thing for the next years? If you answered “NO” to any of these Engineering is a great profession

Myths About Being An Engineer You have to be a genius You have to be fantastic at science and amazing at math You have to be boring You can’t have a life and get through engineering school Engineers either work in a petrochemical plant or sit in front of a computer None of these are true Engineering requires hard work and dedication Engineering provides many career options

How to get ready Science Fairs, BEST Robtics, Science Olympiad, Summer Camps etc. Inquiry – Ask Questions Take as much math and science as possible Find role models and mentors Explore online resources such as – – – – – (and student submitted videos on the grand challenges video contest) –

No profession unleashes the spirit of innovation like engineering. From research to real-world applications, engineers constantly discover how to improve our lives by creating bold new solutions that connect science to life in unexpected, forward-thinking ways. Few professions turn so many ideas into so many realities. Few have such a direct and positive effect on people’s everyday lives. We are counting on engineers and their imaginations to help us meet the needs of the 21st century. - Charles Vest President National Academy Of Engineering WE ARE COUNTING ON YOU !