Pre-university Career Preparation -- Getting Started

Engineers and the important work they do impact our everyday lives. They work on all types of projects and create all sorts of groundbreaking technologies that enable us to live, work, and play more effectively, ultimately impacting society in countless ways.

From the roads we drive on, to the computers and Internet service providers we use; the buildings we live and work in; the MP3 players we listen to; and the satellite TV we watch - every aspect of our daily lives has been touched by an engineer.

In high school, students interested in an engineering career should consider taking courses in:

algebra
geometry
trigonometry
physics
chemistry
calculus
computers
electronics
engineering design
business
writing
public speaking

The most successful engineers know more than how to create new technologies -- they also how to effectively communicate with others. Engineers generally work closely with teams of other engineers, management, and/or clientele throughout the development of a product or technology. It is essential that engineering students work on building strong interpersonal, writing, and communications skills before entering the workplace.

As with building any career, networking is key. To hone your networking skills, consider taking an active role in extracurricular engineering projects and competitions. These activities are a great way to become familiar with engineering concepts and to network with educators, engineers, and fellow students.

Engineers who participate in student projects and competitions are happy to speak with you about their overall experience, providing answers to questions such as:

why did they decide to become an engineer?

what university did they attended and what classes did they take?

how did they get to where they are today?

Some projects/competitions are:

Visit the IEEE Student Concourse for more helpful information, including Student Career FAQs.