Preparing For the Challenge
The engineer has a strong science, mathematics and technology background and is a team leader. Engineers plan, design and supervise engineering projects from concept to completion.
An engineering technologist translates the engineer's designs into systems and projects while the engineering technician collects and analyzes data, develops design layouts, inspects work, checks and repairs equipment and prepares reports for the engineering team.
Preparing for the Challenge
Engineers solve problems by relying on their creative and academic skills. You should enjoy problem solving and be challenged by the effort it requires!
While in high school you should take:
- Algebra I & II
- Trigonometry
- Biology
- Physics
- Social Studies (3 units)
- Fine Arts/Humanities (1-2 units)
- Computer Programming or Computer Applications
- Geometry
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- English (4 units)
- Foreign Languages (2-3 units)
For engineering, Advanced Placement or Honors level courses are recommended. Combined scores of 1100 (SAT) or 20 (ACT) should be your goal.
Engineering technologists need to meet the same general high school requirements, but Advanced Placement and Honors courses are not necessary. The engineering technician should have algebra and geometry and two years of science. Drafting or computer applications or similar technical courses are also recommended for the potential engineering technician.
Colleges seek "well-rounded" students...Extracurricular activities, such as MATHCOUNTS at the junior high school level or JETS activities at the high school level, and part-time or summer jobs help.
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