Why did I choose to become an engineer? There are countless reasons, but my fascination with technology was the driving force.
Much of my leisure time as a kid was already spent exploring the very same activities that engineers typically delve into, making it a natural fit. Of course, this came after the sobering realization that my height and skillset wouldn’t land me a spot in the NBA.
I recognize that not everyone discovers their life’s work so early on.
With that in mind, I’ll share the multitude of reasons that lured me into the world of engineering. My hope is that my story might inspire you to consider this path, or perhaps steer you in a different direction.
#1 Childhood fascination with science and technology
As a kid, I was captivated by the world of science and technology. Science fiction books were my go-to, especially those that explored space travel with sleek, futuristic spacecraft that could journey from one end of the galaxy to the other.
As I immersed myself in these stories, my imagination took me on a wild ride through a wormhole, transporting me to an alternate universe beyond the bounds of everyday reality. I’d often daydream about how amazing it would be to travel through space, armed with all sorts of incredible high-tech gadgets.
In short, I was obsessed with space.
I also delved into science books, fascinated by the reasons and mechanisms behind how things worked in the world. At one point, I was so engaged with space that I dreamed of becoming a NASA astronaut more than anything else in the world. When I was nine or ten, my dad and I would set up a large telescope in our backyard, staring up at the night sky for hours on end. I was awestruck and humbled by the vastness of the cosmos.
My dad also dabbled in hands-on work, fixing all sorts of things from TVs and computers to AC units and beyond. Watching him, I became fascinated with getting my hands dirty and learning how things worked on a deeper level. I soon realized that hands-on work was a crucial aspect of engineering, and this realization played a key role in guiding me toward this field.
#2 Mastery of mathematics
Thanks to my dad, who always emphasized the importance of math education, I excelled in my classes from a young age. In fact, I often found myself already knowing the material before the teacher even had a chance to explain it!
But math wasn’t just a subject for me – it was a tool that helped me develop an analytical mind, a crucial cornerstone of engineering thinking. I quickly realized that math was the key to unlocking complex problems and tackling challenging obstacles.
And when I combined my math skills with my fascination for science and technology, it was clear to me that engineering was the perfect career choice. Sure, some people might think that engineers spend all day crunching numbers, but the truth is that math plays a much deeper role in shaping the way you think and approach problem-solving.
#3 Captivated by electricity and magnetism
From a young age, I’ve always loved designing things. As a teenager, I found myself drawn to hands-on work, tinkering with circuits and various mechanical parts of machines. Like my dad before me, I’d often take things apart to see what was inside and figure out how they worked. Sometimes, I even repaired equipment myself.
But it was circuits and electricity that really captured my imagination. To me, electricity was a mystifying natural power, and I was instantly hooked. Even to this day, electricity and magnetism fill me with a sense of awe.
It was this fascination that ultimately led me to pursue a career in electrical engineering. As I discovered more about engineering, I realized that the way I thought was the same way that engineers thought. It was a natural fit, and I knew that engineering was the right choice for me.
Important Note: Most practicing engineers had the foundation of an engineering mindset growing up, and thus, approach problems in a certain way. You can further nurture this mindset by learning from my following resources:
#4 The joy of engineering work
Now, I know what you might be thinking – when I say that engineering work is “fun,” I’m not talking about waterslides or carnival rides. But trust me when I say that engineering can be just as exhilarating!
For me, engineering work is like watching a thrilling blockbuster movie. I’m captivated by the process of problem-solving and discovery, and I love the feeling of building something new and exciting. It doesn’t matter what I’m building – whether it’s a complex machine or a simple Lego structure – the feeling of creating something from scratch is always great.
It’s like being a treasure hunter, scouring an island in search of buried treasure. The pursuit fills me with excitement and intrigue, and I’m always eager to uncover the next engineering solution.
And for as long as I can remember, I’ve loved solving puzzles in video games. One of my favorites was the Water Temple in Zelda Ocarina of Time, where you had to raise and lower the water levels to progress through the temple. It’s no surprise to me that many engineers grow up playing video games – after all, engineering is just one big puzzle waiting to be solved!
#5 Leaving a dent in the world
Back in 1985, during a riveting Playboy interview, Steve Jobs passionately proclaimed:
“At Apple, people are putting in 18-hour days. We attract a different type of person — a person who doesn’t want to wait five or 10 years to have someone take a giant risk on him or her. Someone who really wants to get in a little over his head and make a dent in the universe. We are aware that we are doing something significant. We’re here at the beginning of it and we’re able to shape how it goes. Everyone here has the sense that right now is one of those moments when we are influencing the future.”
His words, no matter how you interpret them, resonate deeply. The idea of leaving a dent in the universe became a guiding force in my life, instilling a greater sense of purpose.
Throughout my formative years, I drew inspiration from a myriad of sources – from sports stars to inventors, engineers, and mathematicians. But one individual, in particular, left an indelible mark on my heart and mind: Nikola Tesla!
Discovering his incredible achievements and the impact he had on the world was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Tesla’s extensive engineering education and his seamless blend of engineering and science in his work underscored the shared traits between engineers and scientists.
But I digress.
These trailblazing figures collectively nudged me toward pursuing engineering. I believed I could make a difference in the world through my work – more specifically, by improving people’s lives with my designs.
Important Note: Don’t pursue engineering for external recognition. In other words, don’t try to make an impact on the world solely for validation.
This pursuit is hollow when your heart isn’t genuinely invested in your work for selfless reasons. Moreover, leaving a legacy after death is a fruitless pursuit. This idealogy aligns with my conveyer belt analogy of life.
#6 A flexible career path
As a high school senior on the cusp of choosing my major, I peered deeply into the future. I envisioned what I wanted to be doing 10, and then 20, years down the line. Naturally, engineering emerged as the obvious answer.
But I craved more. I yearned to dabble in entrepreneurship and immerse myself in a variety of industries. I didn’t want to be tethered to one specific field – a trap that can ensnare you if you’re not careful.
Ultimately, engineering emerged as the perfect fit for me, offering an array of advantages:
- Minimal student loan debt
- A relatively short duration of formal education
- Tremendous flexibility to pivot between diverse roles and industries
- Enhanced analytical thinking
- Lower risk of being pigeonholed compared to careers like a Medical Doctor
And, you know what? Even in a worst-case scenario, engineering served as an excellent, comfortable fallback plan.
#7 Great pay, stability, and job security
Let me be real with you: when I decided to pursue engineering, it wasn’t just about the pay, stability, and job security. Sure, those are all great perks, but they weren’t my sole focus. I wanted something more – something that would ignite my passion and keep me engaged.
As an average engineer, you can earn a comfortable middle-class income. But if you want to go beyond average and make some serious money, you need to be exceptional – a 10x engineer. These are the people who are earning $500k or more!
But here’s the thing – you don’t have to be an engineer to make a substantial income. With the right mindset and a bit of business acumen, you can excel in any field. However, if you’re truly passionate about engineering, then you’re in the right place.
Now, I won’t lie – the competition is fierce. With globalization and artificial intelligence rapidly advancing, you need to stay ahead of the game. But if you’re genuinely interested in engineering, you won’t see it as a chore. You’ll see it as a challenge – a chance to make a real difference in the world.
Important Note: I wouldn’t advise pursuing engineering solely for monetary gain. You’ll burn out and fail to maximize your career potential.
A genuine interest in engineering, even a modest one, enables you to grow and excel as an engineer. Only then can you effectively pursue substantial earnings.
Another option is to work as an engineer for a few years before transitioning to the business side of the industry.
“Why did I choose to become an engineer” wrap up
From a young age, I was captivated by the idea of becoming an engineer, or at the very least, engaging in activities that engineers typically undertake.
Embarking on the path toward engineering, I stumbled upon an eye-opening revelation. I’ve come to understand that engineering isn’t defined by a degree or a series of letters trailing your name.
Instead, it’s about the relentless pursuit of solutions to problems. This can be accomplished on a colossal, billion-dollar project site or within the cozy basement of your parents’ home. What truly matters is the unyielding passion for your craft, fueled by countless late nights spent fervently working to unravel a hairy problem.
Perhaps the problem you tackle will one day revolutionize the world, or maybe it simply satisfies a deep-rooted curiosity. Regardless, a curious mind is an undeniable force to be reckoned with. As Albert Einstein so wisely stated,
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”
Why did you choose to become an engineer? Would you change anything about your career choice, with what you know now?
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Koosha started Engineer Calcs in 2020 to help people better understand the engineering and construction industry, and to discuss various science and engineering-related topics to make people think. He has been working in the engineering and tech industry in California for over 15 years now and is a licensed professional electrical engineer, and also has various entrepreneurial pursuits.
Koosha has an extensive background in the design and specification of electrical systems with areas of expertise including power generation, transmission, distribution, instrumentation and controls, and water distribution and pumping as well as alternative energy (wind, solar, geothermal, and storage).
Koosha is most interested in engineering innovations, the cosmos, our history and future, sports, and fitness.