If you’re a prospective college student with a knack for tinkering, you’re in luck.
In today’s technology-laced economy, the demand for engineers has never been higher, as companies are doing all they can to add young, innovative people to their staff.
There are several ways that you, as a student in high school, can develop your passion and use it in the future.
Whether you just want to play around with gadgets or become a professional, here are a few ways you can grow as an engineer, even while you’re still in high school.
Check Out Your Library
You may not have a car to drive to the store or money to buy the things in it, but books don’t have to cost you a thing except time.
Libraries, whether it’s the one down the street or the one at your school, are a great way to obtain knowledge, because:
A library card is free
You can check out several books at a time
You can put holds on books you plan to read in the future
Checking out books is free, as long as they are returned on time
In addition to the book selection, libraries have a host of other resources for use, including:
Computers
Media, such as DVD’s and tapes
Public events
If you want to learn more about engineering, consider staying after school or traveling to a library near you.
Surf the Web
Since you’ve arrived at this page, you probably already know that there’s a wealth of information to be found online.
There are several sources you can use to get ideas, experiment, or simply broaden your engineering knowledge. They include:
Wikipedia
YouTube
MIT OpenCourseWare
Sites specifically dedicated to engineering
These sites have tons of content on them dedicated to helping budding engineers like yourself discover the things they love.
If you have your own computer, you might find you enjoy looking through these things in your free time.
If you don’t have your own computer, remember that your local library probably has one for you to use.
Take the Right Classes
More than likely, your school allows you to have some influence on what your course schedule looks like.
Many classes are offered at the high school level that directly apply to engineering. A few of these might be:
Physics (including Honors and AP) Pre-Calculus
Calculus AB
Algebra
Geometry
Some schools might even have a specific engineering class, which would obviously be something worth having a look at.
You already have to spend a bunch of time in school, so why not spend it working towards the thing you love?
Make the most of the opportunities your school is giving you.
Ask About Joining a Club
Extra-curricular activities are one of the best resources available for high school students.
The subject matter can encompass things that normal classes don’t or can focus more intensely on specific parts of classes you like.
Other advantages of after school clubs include:
An environment that allows you to work at your own pace
No “passing” or “failing,” meaning a less pressured, more fun atmosphere
Hands-on experience, such as building your own contraptions
Being surrounded by people who share your passion
Smaller groups, meaning your club’s supervisor can spend more one-on-one time with you
Some clubs also have competitions, which offer a way for you to challenge yourself while having fun. Some things might cost money, like:
Club fees
Materials
Travel to and from events
However, if you are truly passionate about engineering, the experience will be worth every penny.
Ask your friends and teachers if there’s an engineering club you can be a part of, and if there isn’t one, why not make your own?
Try It for Yourself
There is no substitute for hands-on experience when it comes to learning new things.
All the books, videos, and lessons in the world pale in comparison.
It is important for you to know what engineering feels like – not just what it is.
Even if there is no club to join at your school, you can still get some field time. Things you can do include:
Building simple robots
Computer programming
Helping your parents build furniture and/or install appliances
Assisting with vehicle maintenance
Of course, some of these activities can be hazardous, so it is important that you do them with appropriate supervision.
Not only can these activities be fun, but their products can prove useful as well – and engineering is all about pragmatism.
Conclusion: Becoming a Better Engineer
Whether you just enjoy the discipline or wish to make it your career, there is ample opportunity for you to develop your engineering passion in high school. You might:
Discover a specific branch of engineering that you like more than the others
Find out about new disciplines that you didn’t know existed before
Realize that you actually don’t enjoy engineering as much as you thought you did
No matter what, trying new things and gaining experience can only help you. You have all the time in the world right now, so use it wisely and find whatever it is that makes you happy.
Written by JASON PATEL, Former Career Ambassador at the George Washington University and Founder, Transizion.