Eighth-Grader Plans to Be an Engineer

I think it is fantastic that at such an early age you are thinking about your future and about possible careers. And engineering is a great field. What interests you about engineering — and how much do you know about careers in engineering?

You are in a great position to learn more about the field while building a big support base if you follow some of my advice. I assume that you must know at least one person who is an engineer. If so, start there. If not, then ask your parents, friends, and teachers if they know someone in the engineering field. Once you have identified at least one person who works as an engineer, approach him/her professionally and ask for an informational interview — and perhaps a chance to also do a job shadowing. If you have great rapport with this person, you could consider asking him/her for names of other people in the engineering field that might also be willing to meet with you. Before you know it, you will have a wealth of information about all types of engineers (and there are aeronautical, chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, nuclear, petroleum, as well as others) — and a great network to get advice about colleges, internships, and jobs.

Wait! One more thing. As I advise all my younger students, do not panic if in the next four years before you even get to college if your interests change dramatically. There are so many jobs and careers out there — and will be even more in the eight years or so before you finish college and are ready to start yours — so learn as much as you can about engineering, but be prepared to be flexible and open to other options.

Check out this section of Quintessential Careers for links to job and career sites related to engineering: Jobs in Architecture, Building, Construction, Engineering.