Not everyone who becomes an engineer starts out knowing that engineering is the right path. Many students discover their interest through the way they think, approach challenges and solve problems. If you enjoy figuring out how things work, breaking down complex ideas or improving systems, you may already have the mindset of an engineer.
Explore 12 common signs that engineering could be a great fit, plus how an undergraduate engineering program could help you turn those instincts into a rewarding career.
What Does It Mean to “Think Like an Engineer”?
The field of engineering is rooted in scientific principles and advanced math concepts, often appealing to students who excel in those subject areas. Yet the reality is that engineering extends beyond academic strengths. Successful engineers utilize critical thinking, innovation and problem-solving skills. To be successful, then, you should strive to adopt an engineering mindset.
12 Signs You Might Think Like an Engineer
With this in mind, you may be asking yourself: Do I think like an engineer? Use the following sections as a self-reflection tool to explore some of the leading engineering personality traits and ultimately help decide if this is the right pathway for you.
Here are some signs you should study engineering:
1. You Enjoy Solving Puzzles and Problems
Whether you spend your free time working jigsaw puzzles or start every day with the hottest word game of the moment, the enjoyment derived from solving those problems may make you well-suited to the most in-demand engineering roles. Engineers thrive on challenges that require logical thinking and persistence, so those puzzles may be more than just a way to pass the time but rather the building blocks for various types of engineering careers.
2. You’re Curious About How Things Work
Do you ever find yourself taking apart a household object simply to learn how to put it all back together again? That natural sense of curiosity and unrelenting drive to figure out how something works could indicate that you should be considering a career in engineering. Curiosity is one of the leading engineering personality traits, serving as the driving force behind engineering thinking.
3. You Like Breaking Big Problems Into Smaller Pieces
For some people, complex issues are daunting. They don’t quite know where to start, so they are more prone to walk away from the challenge and focus on smaller tasks. Great engineers, on the other hand, actually enjoy the process of breaking larger problems down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Foundational to engineering is simplifying complexity. Therefore, if you have the ability to take something that seems insurmountable and transform it into an achievable project, you could be well-suited to this area of study.
4. You Look for Better, More Efficient Solutions
There’s almost always a way to make manufacturing processes faster and more streamlined. From perfecting your routine before you head out the door in the morning to developing an efficient study schedule, you have a knack for improving the process. Optimization is a core part of engineering across all disciplines, so when this is your strong suit, you will be able to readily acclimate to this dynamic and evolving industry.
5. You’re Comfortable Learning From Mistakes
On the surface, mistakes can seem like failures, and for some, this disappointment proves debilitating. However, if you are the type of person who views your mistakes as an opportunity, then you may be more comfortable navigating the challenges that frequently arise in the engineering field. Trial, error and iteration are essential to engineering success, meaning you must be willing to take risks and make mistakes to drive innovation within your discipline.
6. You Enjoy Hands-On Projects
Tinkering with models, working with advanced technology and collaborating with a team can be incredibly rewarding. When you enjoy hands-on projects that involve a bit of problem-solving and ingenuity, you will likely find the daily work in engineering to be fulfilling. Building, testing and experimenting are central to engineering education, and in an engineering degree program, you have plenty of opportunity to complete hands-on assignments with real-world applications.
7. You Like Using Data to Make Decisions
Data-driven insights are the anchor of today’s economy, with business leaders across industries looking to leverage the power of data to make more precise, impactful decisions. You understand that concrete data holds the factual answers people need to solve the most pressing problems they face, and you like strong evidence to back up your own claims. Engineers, too, rely on evidence rather than guesswork in their roles, so this inclination could offer you a natural advantage in this field.
8. You’re Interested in Math and Science (Even If It’s Challenging)
Among the most common misconceptions about engineers is that they all excel in math and science. In reality, engineers can find advanced science and math topics to be challenging. The difference is that they don’t give up when the going gets rough. They are interested in these topics, and that interest in math and science matters more than perfection in most cases. As an engineering major, you can continue to develop your skills through practice.
9. You Think Creatively, Not Just Logically
Logical thinking is vital in the engineering field, particularly when attempting to solve complex challenges with engineering systems. However, if you have a keen ability to blend that logical thinking with a dose of creativity, then you are focusing on the right academic discipline. Engineers constantly need to think outside the box to develop the most efficient and effective solutions.
10. You Enjoy Teamwork and Collaboration
Are you more likely to consult your friends when navigating a difficult issue? Prefer to participate in group projects in school? You may fit well within an engineering team. Most engineering projects are solved by teams rather than individuals, and professionals who are not hesitant to collaborate, communicate and merge their ideas are better poised to thrive in this field.
“As an undergrad, I loved problem-solving, that’s why engineering was a good fit. What I love most is working with people, helping them work toward their goals.” – Andrew B.
Engineering is often associated with technical skills, but collaboration and communication are equally important in many engineering careers.
11. You Want to Make an Impact on the World
There is something special about working in a discipline where you can see the fruits of your labor and recognize your impact on the world at large. If you know that you want to make a difference, you may find the engineering field to be inviting. Engineers solve real-world problems that affect communities and industries, enabling them to build a career that is both personally and professionally rewarding.
12. You’re Drawn to Careers That Blend Technology and Innovation
As you consider different industries and explore various professional roles, you may find yourself gravitating toward career paths that involve advanced technology and focus primarily on innovation. In that case, consider an engineering major. Undergraduate engineering programs prepare students for a range of disciplines in engineering, where the career opportunities are constantly evolving alongside the latest technology.
If You See Yourself Here, Engineering Might Be a Great Fit
These are just a handful of signs you should study engineering, but don’t worry if you can’t check every box. There is no one-size-fits-all student who is best-suited to the field of engineering. The bottom line: Your interest in the field and your motivation to succeed matter the most. When you know that you have an engineering mindset and are willing to do the work, you could excel in an engineering degree program.
Many Rowan engineering students discovered their interest in the field through the same problem-solving mindset, curiosity and desire to make an impact described above. Explore our Engineering Student Spotlights to see how students across disciplines are developing these skills through hands-on learning, collaboration and real-world experiences.
What You Learn in an Undergraduate Engineering Program
The scope of undergraduate engineering programs varies based on the discipline, but all engineering degrees emphasize problem-solving, teamwork and technical skills. The topics you may cover as an engineering major include mechanics, engineering design, electrical systems, materials development, manufacturing and data analysis. Most engineering majors choose specific concentrations that allow them to specialize in a niche area of the field.
Engineering Disciplines You Can Explore at Rowan University
At Rowan University, you will find a wide range of undergraduate engineering programs for potential engineers. We offer 10 engineering degree programs in key disciplines such as:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Construction Management
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Engineering Entrepreneurship
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Survey Engineering Technology
Engineering master’s degree programs are also available, giving you the opportunity to further your education and even advance into leadership roles.
How Rowan Prepares Students to Think and Work Like Engineers
You might still ask yourself, “Is engineering right for me?” When you know that you are ready to develop an engineering mindset, Rowan University is the perfect place to begin your journey, as many of our students can attest.
Offering flexible degree programs that emphasize hands-on learning, real-world projects, and career readiness, Rowan supports aspiring engineers within a nurturing environment where they can build a strong foundation for furthering their careers.
Explore Undergraduate Engineering Programs at Rowan University
Bring your engineering mindset to Rowan University. The Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering offers several undergraduate engineering programs, allowing you to specialize in a targeted area of engineering that suits your interests and aligns with your career goals. Explore our available majors to discover which program is the best fit for you.
At Rowan, we offer multiple entry points throughout the year, so you can start your journey whenever you are ready.
About Rowan
A top 100 national public research institution, Rowan University offers bachelor’s through doctoral and professional programs in person and online to nearly 25,000 students. The fastest-growing public research institution in the Northeast and among the country’s top 10 fastest-growing, Rowan offers a thriving multidisciplinary environment with a strong emphasis on practical research in health care, engineering, science and business, while ensuring excellence in undergraduate education. Nationally recognized for innovation, high-quality, affordable education and public-private partnerships, Rowan is one of two universities in the U.S. to offer M.D., D.O. and D.V.M. degree programs.