Can I actually make it as an engineer if I’m just good at studying? Be honest.
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.