Myths and stereotypes are part of the field of engineering. Some of these stereotypes are possibly familiar to you, such as engineers are all blokes in boiler suits, working in grease and dirt, earning low income, etc. However, it’s not the complete truth!
Engineering is an exciting and forward-thinking field of study that can lead to a rewarding career in various industries. Considering its worldwide scope, it is important to clear some of the unusual opinions associated with this field to encourage students to join the workforce. In this article, we’ve listed some of the most bizarre myths related to studying engineering. If you’re someone who wishes to be an engineer, then this article is for you.
1. Programming Experience In High School Is A Must:
One of the most bizarre myths about engineering is that tech students should have high school programming experience. There are no such criteria for engineers to have expert skills in programming. However, if required, engineers can learn basic electronics and programming skills through available online tools. Hence, engineers don’t need to be programmers. Although some candidates have extensive programming knowledge, the majority do not. Interest in discovering the right solutions to technical problems is more important than programming experience.
2. Engineering Means No Fun:
Another myth associated with studying engineering is that social life ends here. True, engineering takes more studying than other majors, but that does not mean that engineers do not socialize or go out with their peers. Engineers work and research in groups and, contrary to popular belief, often find time to socialize with friends and spend time with families.
3. It’s A Boring Subject:
Engineering is a diverse and exciting career that inspires creative thinking and innovation. Many universities offer various courses with a range of exciting modules to expand students’ learning and equip them with the required skillsets. Like every other field of study, engineers also have the chance to add diversity to their existing knowledge, experience, and skillset. More and more engineering graduates are opting for an MSEE to expand their knowledge in other concentrations. Thus engineering is an exciting subject, not a boring one.
4. Engineers Are Peculiar:
Many people think of engineers as strange and socially inept people who tend to stay at home staring at their machines rather than mingle at social events. Thanks to popular sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory. In the industry, however, there are both introverts and extroverts, as in any career. Perhaps, just because an engineer doesn’t participate in lively discussions doesn’t mean they’re not interested in them.
5. Males Dominate The Engineering Field:
Engineering is, without a doubt, a male-dominated area. However, presently, many female students have already broken the stereotypes by joining STEM fields that were once limited to male students. Like, every other profession, the engineering field is becoming more diverse. The number of women employed in engineering over the last ten years has nearly doubled, from 25,000 to just over 50,000. Engineers come from a range of ethnic backgrounds, and the number of ethnicities continues to increase. According to World Economic Forum, women occupy one in every five top positions in science, technology, math, and engineering.
6. Engineers Can Fix Everything:
Unfortunately, another common myth is that an engineer is a walking encyclopedia to diagnose and fix everything. Engineers aren’t magicians and do not come with an all-in-one diagnosis guide for any technical problem that one might experience. Just because an engineer creates circuits for a living doesn’t mean they can repair your lights.
7. Engineers Have Dull Jobs:
It sounds reasonable, considering if they were creative, they would have selected music or fine-arts as their profession. That’s incorrect! The secret to being innovative is right there in the title – to make! Engineers build goods, services, and processes that have a daily impact on people. Engineers tend to think beyond the box to solve new problems and fulfill consumer needs. They have the immense privilege and obligation of imagining ways to raise the bar of current living standards. Perhaps, the number of effort engineers have to put in even in a tiny task is, of course, commendable.
8. Engineering Is Working Alone:
Engineers don’t sit in a lone room and work all day. Although some engineering positions are mostly desk jobs, most engineers work outside their cubicles on construction sites, laboratories, and factories with several different workers. Perhaps, in most cases, their job roles even include traveling from one place to another. They work together in teams and bounce ideas off each other. People from various engineering disciplines and strengths often make up teams. There’s room for both professionals who love science and technology and those who are super imaginative and have creative ideas!
9. Being An Engineer Doesn’t Pay Very Well:
Like every other profession, the engineers’ pay scale and employment benefits vary from their education level and years of experience. Notably, top engineers enjoy 50% higher salaries as compared to business graduates. Besides, according to the Office of National Statistics, engineers can earn a hefty sum of money. The report further suggested that an average wage of an engineer in the UK is about £40,000 a year, i.e., about £10,000 higher than the national average of £29,588. Besides, NACE predicted that the average graduate would receive $80,000 in the upcoming years. Surprisingly, those in high-ranking positions will gain more than £100,000 a year!
10. Engineers Will Have To Be Engineers Forever:
It might be a surprise that many businesses have employed engineers and engineering graduates for non-engineering positions. They often possess in-demand skills and abilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and numeracy. As a result, engineering graduates are typical in accounting, management consulting, logistics, and even finance and can work in similar positions.
Final Thoughts:
With all of these misconceptions debunked, we intend to give you a deeper understanding of what engineering entails. Remember that in any sector, there are always advantages and disadvantages. Before you pledge to something, make sure to complete your homework by doing a thorough research in the field. Don’t let lousy advice or rumors influence your decision.
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