Tips for Students

Find out what you can do now to begin reaching your dreams

Can you see yourself:

• Building robots?
• Managing the production of a new wonder drug?
• Developing a new product being sold in stores everywhere?
• Writing the programs for a cool computer game?
• Working to save the environment?
• Designing the next generation of automobiles or aircraft?

If you can imagine working in any of these or any other engineering career, keep your ambitions alive by:

• Learning what steps to take while you’re still in school
• Developing the personal habits necessary to succeed

Steps to take

• Step 1: Realize that education will be your foundation for success
• Step 2: Work hard in your math and science classes. When you do, doors of opportunity will open for you in high school, college and life. Check out the recommended high school classes for a career in engineering.

Personal habits
But studies alone are not enough. You must:

• Make a personal commitment to succeed in school
• Manage your time well
• Prioritize, and then do the most important things first
• Follow through and finish everything you start
• Concentrate and focus on what’s at hand
• Learn how to work well with others

Your path to an engineering career begins here!

1. Dream. Imagine your future
2. Think about what interests you. What do you like to do? What do you dislike doing?
3. Discover your talents. What are you good at? What accomplishments are you proud of?
4. Research. This Web site is a good first step. Based on what you’ve learned here, start a Web search using key words such as “engineering” or “mechanical engineering.” And don’t forget to visit Web Links on this site.
5. Seek help. Talk to your parents, counselors and friends. If some of your neighbors are engineers, talk to them. Tell them your interests, and then listen to what they have to say.

Source: “School to Careers,” Iowa Public Television, www.careers.iptv.org