r/Engineers

Hi, I’m in my early 20s and currently in my final year of my bachelor’s degree in mechatronics. I’ve always done really well academically, mostly getting As in subjects like physics, mechanics, control theory, maths etc. But now that we’re getting into more hands-on projects involving PLCs, pneumatics, programming and actual engineering applications, I’m starting to feel like a complete fraud.

The thing is, I’m really good at studying. Give me a textbook, lectures and an exam, and I’ll probably do well. But I’m starting to realise how much general technical knowledge I lack outside of what we’ve specifically been taught.

Like, I recently had to look up what a CPU actually does and how Ethernet works… You know, the kind of stuff that people who have been interested in technology since they were 15 seem to just KNOW. And it’s honestly so embarrassing because how am I supposed to become an engineer when I don’t even know these things??

I feel like I know what I’ve been taught, but nothing beyond that. And when we start working on something new, I don’t have that background knowledge or intuition that some of my classmates seem to have. I just feel so stupid sometimes.
And here’s the part I’m almost embarrassed to admit: I’m not even THAT passionate about engineering. I don’t spend my free time watching tech reviews, building robots or researching random technical stuff for fun. I don’t particularly want to spend hours troubleshooting something just because I find it fascinating. I want to understand what I’m doing, do a good job, make things work and then go home.

It genuinely bothers me that I’m like this. I wish I was one of those people who are naturally curious about everything technical, who can take something apart and immediately start wondering how it works. Instead, I feel like I’m just someone who’s good at following instructions and passing exams.

And I know engineering isn’t just about knowing random technical facts, but I can’t help wondering whether I’m missing something fundamental. Like, is there a certain mindset or natural curiosity you’re supposed to have to actually be good at this?

I’m starting to feel like I’ve spent years becoming a really good student rather than becoming an engineer. And now that graduation is getting closer, I’m honestly terrified that I’ll enter the workforce and everyone will realise I don’t know what I’m doing.
The worst part is that I don’t even know what I’d rather do. I don’t have some other passion I’m secretly dreaming of pursuing. I just wish I could be genuinely passionate about something.

So I guess my question is, can someone like me actually become a good engineer? Are there any engineers here who weren’t particularly passionate about technology during university, but still ended up enjoying their careers? Or is this a sign that I’ve chosen the wrong field?

I’d really appreciate honest answers, even if they’re not what I want to hear.

ح اخلص اول سنة هندسة ولسه محتارة اي تخصص ادخل

بعيدا عن المشاعر والاهتمامات ، حابة اركز اكثر على مستقبل القسم بحيث ما يكون فيه تكدس وظيفي مستقبلا او يستبدل بالذكاء الاصطناعي

اذا احد عنده إجابة يفيدني

I’m a high school senior applying to colleges soon, and I’m considering majoring in industrial engineering.

Originally, I planned to study computer science and become a software engineer. But after looking into the job market, seeing the changes happening with AI, and talking with people working in software, I’ve become concerned about competition and what entry-level opportunities might look like when I graduate.

After spending hours researching other options, industrial engineering stood out to me, especially the curriculum and the broad range of options. That said, most of what I know comes from Google searches, so I’d really appreciate perspectives from people actually working in the field.

My stats: 4.0 gpa, rank1, multiple summer programs and internships (tech related)

So, apart from the courses we all learn as electrical engineering students in the university, I have no other skills whatsoever and about to graduate....I'm wondering what kind of skills I can start learning and what to do after graduation in this economy. I'm literally lost rn and literally need help.

I have a background in CAD softwares , and I recently started learning ntop but is it even worth it or its already way too expensive that not many companies would even get its license??

Hi, do you have some tips for preparation to this 90min interview? Company is Boehringer Ingelheim. Thanks :)

I graduated with my Bachelors in EE in December of 2024. For about a year after graduation, I was studying for my NERC RC exam, which I failed with a 66% in September 2025. After taking the exam I applied for 100+ jobs before I was finally hired as a Distribution Technician in March 2026. The Technician job was a contract job that was supposed to last until December 2026, but I was blindsided this past Monday by being let go. Ive applied for 10+ jobs since Tuesday. I see all of these engineering jobs, even entry level ones that require 0 years of experience require experience in all of these CAD software's (AutoCAD 3D electrical, Revit, Microstation, PLSS-CAD, PLSS-Tower, etc). When I look on these CAD companies websites to see how much they cost for a subscription to try and self teach, they cost thousands of dollars to subscribe too. My university never offered any classes that I can think of that taught you how to use the CAD programs. How am I supposed to learn and gain experience with these programs if I can't get an entry level job that is willing to teach me how to use it, or pay a reasonable price for a subscription to try and teach myself? I want to work in the Power industry, but I'm also open to manufacturing engineering (especially for electric vehicles), and engineering jobs in the defense industry. I'm worried going back to school for a masters might be my only option, but I dred the thought of having to go through engineering school again as I was only an average student. Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you!

I'm a Canadian mechanical engineering student (mechatronics concentration), graduating in April 2027, and I've been trying to secure a graduate engineering position in the UK for 2027. My wife is British and lives in the UK. I'm planning to relocate there to build our life together, so this isn't just an attempt to find a job abroad. I'm genuinely looking to establish my engineering career in the UK long term. I've made this clear on my CV, stating that I'm eligible for a UK spouse visa and would not require employer sponsorship. I'm also eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme, which offers a much quicker route to the UK and would allow me to work for up to three years. That would cover the duration of most graduate programmes.

I've now submitted over 200 applications to UK graduate engineering programmes and entry-level positions. So far, not a single interview. I've received a few online assessments, but haven't progressed beyond that stage.

What's frustrating is that I thought my industrial experience would make me a reasonably competitive graduate candidate.

I've completed six engineering placements across several major industrial companies that are based in the uk too:

• ExxonMobil : Reliability and maintenance engineering at an oil sands operation in Alberta. Working on maintenance strategies, equipment reliability, failure analysis, SAP maintenance data and asset performance.
• Valero Energy: Mechanical engineering at a petroleum terminal, including pump replacements, P&IDs, equipment modifications, commissioning preparation and maintenance systems.
• Rio Tinto : Reliability, mechanical design, preventive maintenance and process optimisation at a metallurgical facility.
• Kruger: Reliability engineering at a pulp and paper mill, including condition monitoring and shutdown maintenance.

Altogether, I'll have approximately three years of industrial placement experience by graduation.

I'm mainly applying to graduate mechanical engineering, reliability, maintenance, asset management and project engineering positions.

I've tailored my CV to individual vacancies, used a two-page UK-style format and tried to match my experience to the advertised responsibilities.

At this point, I'm struggling to understand why I'm not even getting an initial conversation with recruiters.

I'd really appreciate some honest advice from UK engineers, graduate recruiters or anyone who's been through something similar.

Is my Canadian degree putting me at a disadvantage? Are graduate schemes rejecting applicants who haven't secured UK work authorisation yet? Could having six internships actually be working against me for graduate positions? Or is the UK graduate engineering market simply this competitive?

I genuinely want to understand what I need to change because sending another 200 applications with the same results isn't a strategy.

Thanks to anyone willing to share their experience.

Edit: to those who gave me tips thank you.

To the majority of you fake engineers , miserable, low life, trolls
Here 🖕🏾.

Absolutely disgusting behaviors, classless responses. I thought this page was an engineering page turns out it’s filled with fools

Hi everyone! I'm trying to decide between Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering for my bachelor's degree.

I'm particularly interested in hardware and want to learn how microchips and processors work, including how to design and develop them. However, I'm also concerned about job opportunities after graduation and want to choose a degree that will give me good career prospects.

For these who studying or working in this filed can u give some advise for me.

Im currently in my 2nd year as an electrical engineering degree and considering dropping out an going to school to be an aviation mechanic. I'm okay with the math and physics so far, and I do like challenging things and learning, so I'm not scared that getting the degree will be hard. I really want to work with my hands, I love working engines and grew up learning about them form my parents who are both mechanics. I also had had 2 full time office jobs and I felt that they were mentally draining and I don't like sitting and stairing at computers for that long and I'm worried that if I continue with my degree, that will be my future. I'm wondering what jobs there are that you could do with your hands, and have less computer work involved in them in the field. Should I switch to mechanical? Or should i changed career paths all together?

Going into my masters for Controls at UCLA. My coding has been limited to python, Matlab, and Arduino coding which I know is a simplified C++. How well are GNC engineers expected to know C++?

**Title: **
Hi everyone,
I’m 22 and looking to get into engineering, but I’m starting from scratch and would really appreciate some honest advice from people working in the industry or who have experience with any of these routes.
My background is in healthcare. I studied Adult Nursing at the University of Nottingham for two years, but I’m now looking to change direction and pursue engineering instead.
My qualifications are:
Level 3 BTEC in Health and Social Care
GCSE Maths and English
Two years of university experience studying Adult Nursing
I have no engineering work experience, no A-level Maths or Physics, and no previous engineering qualifications. I’m also not particularly academic and can struggle with traditional exams, so I’m trying to work out which route would give me the best chance of succeeding and getting a decent engineering job.
At the moment, I’m considering three options:
1. Engineering apprenticeship
I’m interested in starting with a Level 3 engineering apprenticeship, potentially in mechanical, electrical, civil, maintenance or manufacturing engineering. I’d like to gain practical experience, earn money while training and work my way up. However, I’m unsure how realistic it is to get an apprenticeship at 22 without relevant experience, and whether I should complete a college course first.
2. BSc Civil Engineering at Nottingham Trent University (NTU)
This is a traditional university degree in a specific engineering discipline. My understanding is that the course is accredited and offers a more established route into civil engineering. The advantages seem to be a recognised qualification, a clear career path and opportunities in construction, infrastructure and consultancy.
My concerns are the maths, physics and exams, as well as the cost of university and whether a degree is worth it compared with earning money and gaining experience through an apprenticeship.
3. BEng Integrated Engineering at NMITE
This degree appeals to me because it focuses on practical, project-based learning and working on real engineering problems. My understanding is that it is IET-accredited and doesn’t rely on traditional exams in the same way as a conventional degree. It also seems suitable for people without A-level Maths or Physics.
The advantages appear to be its practical approach, industry involvement and flexibility to explore different engineering sectors. My concerns are whether employers recognise the degree as readily as a traditional engineering degree, whether it offers equally strong job prospects, and whether its broad nature could make it harder to specialise or compete for certain graduate roles.
I’d really appreciate advice on the following:
Given my background and qualifications, which route would you personally recommend: an apprenticeship, NTU Civil Engineering or NMITE Integrated Engineering?
Is it realistic to get a Level 3 engineering apprenticeship at 22 without any relevant experience, or would I be better off going to university?
How do the employment prospects, starting salaries and long-term career progression compare between these three routes?
Do employers value NMITE’s Integrated Engineering degree as much as a traditional degree from a more established university?
Would I be limiting my options by choosing Civil Engineering at NTU, or is having a clearly defined engineering discipline an advantage when applying for jobs?
Is NMITE’s practical, project-based teaching genuinely beneficial for someone who struggles with exams, or would the maths and technical content still be just as challenging?
How important is professional accreditation when applying for engineering jobs and progressing towards Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status?
Would an apprenticeship give me a better financial and career outcome in the long term because I’d be earning and gaining experience rather than paying for a degree?
With my lack of Maths and Physics experience, what would be the best way to prepare before starting either an apprenticeship or a degree?
My main priority is employability, job security, decent earning potential and long-term progression, rather than choosing a course simply because it sounds interesting.
I’m happy to work hard and learn from the beginning. I just want to make an informed decision and avoid spending several years on a route that doesn’t give me good employment opportunities.
I’d particularly appreciate advice from people who recruit graduate engineers, have studied at NTU or NMITE, or have completed an engineering apprenticeship.
Thanks in advance!

Is it worth to pursue BTECH in civil engineering in 2026 that from a state engineering college in assam ?

If an ME has a preference of working in NYC or Boston, is there a particular specialty/focus that would yield better results in a job search?

I'm looking for some advice from working engineers, engineering technologists, hiring managers, or anyone who has taken an unconventional path into engineering. I'm 25 and originally attended a small college in Kansas for engineering while competing in college track. My situation is strange because I have 149 earned hours / 167 attempted hours, but never actually received the BS in Engineering I was pursuing.

What I've actually taken

Math/science: Calculus I, II and III; Linear Algebra; Differential Equations; Discrete Math; Probability; Inferential Statistics; Physics I & II with labs; Chemistry.

Mechanical/general engineering: Statics, Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Engineering Economics/related coursework, engineering labs, project methods and CAD.

Electrical/computer: Circuits, Electronics, Signals & Systems and Digital Signal Processing, plus exposure to programming and microprocessors.

I also completed my Engineering Capstone Project with an A.

For some context on the transcript, I earned an A in Thermodynamics, A in Statics, eventually an A in DSP, B in Fluid Mechanics and A in capstone My GPA ended around 2.7, with a mix of strong grades in core engineering courses and some retakes. I went through a period where I fell into depression and let my priorities get out of order. I was putting athletics and my relationship ahead of school and stopped giving my education the attention it required. My priorities are very different now.

What I've been doing outside school

I’ve kept working on engineering and technical projects independently. My portfolio includes 2D/3D CAD work, assemblies, system layouts, mechanical/electrical/HVAC drawings, diagrams, and documentation. I’ve also been teaching myself industrial automation—PLC basics, ladder logic, I/O, sensors, interlocks—and focusing on how CAD and controls fit together when designing systems.

On the software side, I’ve built a strong foundation in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, Git, and data automation. Most of my programming experience comes from self‑directed projects: building data pipelines, working with APIs and databases, doing statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and automating real‑world workflows. These projects required designing, debugging, and improving full working systems on my own.

One example is D.A.S. (Documentation Automation System)—a local-first contractor documentation tool I’m building in Python. It takes field notes, extracts structured info, stores jobs in SQLite, and generates organized PDF reports. I’ve been developing it with Jupyter and local AI models instead of relying on cloud APIs.

Overall, I’m interested in roles that blend engineering, software, automation, controls, and systems rather than sticking strictly to one traditional discipline.

I've also experimented with data/predictive-modeling projects using APIs, automated data collection, data pipelines and analysis. So, my interests have gradually moved toward the intersection of electrical systems + controls/automation + programming + hands-on engineering.

My degree problem is my previous college evaluated me for their BS Electrical Engineering at the Surprise, Arizona campus.

With everything I've already completed, the advisor estimated that I'd still need roughly 18 additional courses / four semesters because it's specifically an electrical/electronic curriculum.

That means relocating from Texas to Arizona and spending roughly another two years finishing the BSEE. (which id hope it could be 100% online)

The other route I'm seriously considering is an Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology BSET, particularly a program that will accept substantially more of my existing credits.

I'm especially interested in controls/automation, PLCs, manufacturing, testing, electronics, semiconductor equipment and similar work, so I'm wondering whether a BSET actually fits my intended career better than I'm giving it credit for.

I'm also considering a third possibility: sending my transcript to several other BSEE/engineering programs and seeing whether someone evaluates my existing engineering credits more favorably.

My Question then becomes.

If you were looking at this background from an engineering/hiring perspective and the economy of course, I'd really appreciate opinions on a few things:

1. Would you spend another four semesters getting the BSEE, or would a good BSET be a reasonable choice given the coursework I already have?
2. How limiting is a BSET in the real world?
3. Are there engineering careers I'm overlooking that fit this mix of coursework especially well? I have a weird combination of mechanical fundamentals, electrical/electronics, math, CAD and programming, and I'd rather build around that than throw it away.
4. What certifications would actually add value to this background? I've been looking at PLC/controls training, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, SolidWorks/AutoCAD, Six Sigma, IPC electronics certifications, etc., but I don't want to collect random certificates just to put logos on a resume.
5. What positions would you apply for right now while finishing the degree?
6. And finally, would you shop this transcript around to other engineering schools before committing to either the four-semester BSEE or BSET?

I'm not expecting the 149 credits to magically equal a degree, and I know my GPA makes transferring more complicated. I'm mainly trying to avoid making another expensive decision without understanding what gives me the best long-term return.

I'm willing to put another couple years into this if that's genuinely the best move. I just don't want to spend two more years repeating material or chasing a particular degree title if there's a better way to use the engineering education and skills I've already built.

I would like to study primevera and reframe my career as planning engineer. I'm mechanical engineering graduate working in a warehouse

I’m a relatively new engineer currently working in controls/systems engineering, and I’m curious to hear from engineers who live in Charlotte or have worked here before.
I already have a job, so I’m not looking for job leads or anything like that. I’m genuinely just curious about people’s experiences.
How do you like Charlotte as an engineer? Do you think it’s a good city to build a long-term engineering career in? How does the engineering environment compare to other cities you’ve worked in?
I’d also love to know what type of engineering you do and whether you’ve found Charlotte to be a place you’d stay long term.
I’m especially interested in hearing from controls, automation, electrical, computer, or systems engineers, but all engineering disciplines are welcome!