Some days I really wonder why I became an engineer. Why did I think I could compete with other engineers when it comes to pure, engineering intelligence and capability to understand concepts? It’s only now, as I try to learn about what I work on, that I realize that what got me through six years of engineering education was not an innate or intuitive understanding of the way things work; it was simply brute force, rote memorization, and the ability to regurgitate formulas on command.
Days like this make me think I might have been much better off in photography or writing or design. I decided in 9th grade that I would study engineering. I decided early enough that I don’t even know what my backup plan would have been.
Laurie says
I think that means you are meant to be an engineer. I did the same thing as well. I decided that I was going to be a music teacher in 7th grade. No other choices and no back up plans. I have the days where I imagine what it would be like to have a different job. Usually the bad days. But I really can’t imagine doing anything else.
becca says
I think that a lot of times too. But then I figure that 90% of the other engineers in the world are like me… sure, there are ones that have a more intuitive grasp than I do, but I’m sure there are plenty who don’t. And I may have some other talents than those with the intuitive grasp (for instance, seeing the bigger picture, communicating the results, working on a deadline rather than over-analysing problems just because its “fun”)
I can either feel inadequate / imposter-like (which I understand is a very common feeling among people our age). Or you can just do the best job you can with the resources at your disposal.
Jen says
I’ve always been terrible at intuition. I’d say I was probably worse than either of you, Sarah and Becca. I’m still not great. However, studying for quals helped me like I cannot even tell you (despite the outcome). Reading all those textbooks for understanding, really trying to get the fundamentals – it’s amazing what it did for me. I think intuition, like anything else, can be learned.
Leila says
It’s funny you should mention that. I’ve been thinking alot about it. My area is somewhere in the middle between EE and IE and we get alot of flack sometimes for not being “real” engineers. On the other hand, I’m NOT really good at the stuff my co-workers consider “real” engineering. It always made me feel bad until I realized that companies don’t really want a bunch of really technical people. There heads just aren’t in the whole game. I have been a better employee for being able to understand the big picture and still do my little things than being exceptionlly good at something really diffictult that the company needs maybe one a year. It still makes me feel inadequate, but I’m becoming less insecure about it. I think you’re a better engineer then you know because of your well roundedness, your just not at a company that is capable of using you. Just my $0.02. I may be way off base.