Q: What is "engineering"?
A: Engineering is a discipline that applies scientific and mathematical principles to design, create, and maintain systems, structures, and devices. It involves problem-solving, innovation, and practical application of knowledge to develop solutions that address societal and technical challenges. Engineers work across various fields, including government, medical labs, technology, and more to improve and shape the world around us.
Q: What types of engineers are there?
A: At UBC, there are 14 engineering undergraduate programs. These are: biomedical, chemical, chemical and biological, civil, computer, electrical, engineering physics, geological, integrated, manufacturing, materials, mechanical, and mining. Each discipline approaches different types of engineering challenges and you can choose one that aligns best with your interests.
Q: What do engineers do?
A: Broadly speaking, engineers are responsible for solving practical problems through design and analysis. It’s difficult to concretely define any specifics because engineering is applicable to so many fields; however, generally the day-to-day tasks of an engineer may include meeting with clients, supervising workers, and presenting their work to others. Tasks that fall on the technical side of engineering are more specific to each discipline and include things such as writing code, testing materials, and developing design regulations.
Q: How do I know if I should choose engineering?
A: Consider choosing engineering if you have a strong interest in science and math and enjoy solving complex problems. If you are fascinated by the idea of designing and creating innovative solutions that can impact society and technology, engineering might be the right choice for you.
Q: Is engineering as tough as they say it is?
A: Engineering can be challenging, but the difficulty varies depending on the field and your personal strengths and interests. Some find it tough due to complex math and science, while others thrive in this environment. Success often depends on dedication and effective study habits. Engineering is a lot of work, but it’s possible as you have to put in that equal amount of effort to succeed.
Q: What industries can you work in as an engineer?
A: Any! Engineers can work with various innovations, ranging from aircrafts and bridges to healthcare and chemicals and more. Engineers are critical in designing, building and maintaining systems and structure in these and many other industries. They play a vital role in technology advancements and problem-solving.
Q: What if I am not the best at math/science, can I still succeed in engineering?
A: While math and physics are important in engineering, a combination of these strategies and a passion for the field can lead to success, even if you're not the best at these subjects. You can excel by finding a specialization that suits your strengths, studying effectively, developing problem-solving skills, collaborating with others, and gaining practical experience.
Q: What skills are important for success in engineering?
A: Essential engineering skills include math proficiency, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and project management. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial for collaborating on complex projects. Attention to detail, project management skills, and adaptability are essential to ensure precise and efficient results. Engineers also need a strong ethical foundation to prioritize safety and consider the environmental impact of their work.
Q: What is the difference between science and engineering?
A: Science explores the “why” and “how” of natural phenomena to expand our understanding, while engineering applies scientific knowledge to create practical, innovative solutions to address specific challenges in the real world. Science and engineering often complement each other, with scientific discoveries forming the foundation for many engineering innovations.
Q: What is Co-op?
A: The co-op program in engineering, as offered at the UBC, integrates classroom learning with practical work experience. It provides students with up to 20 months of paid work experience, opportunities to network with industry professionals, and up to 12 months of work credit towards Engineer in Training (EIT) status. Students also benefit from job-search skill development, a competitive advantage in job applications, and the possibility to work in various locations, both in Canada and globally, enhancing their engineering education.
Q: What are design teams?
A: A design team at the UBC consists of current students who collaborate to design and potentially prototype devices or products, often with a focus on gaining practical design, competition, teamwork, and leadership experience. These teams represent UBC Engineering in regional, national, or international competitions, and there are currently 35 teams, ranging from automotive to civil teams. Design teams are highly competitive but the majority of them look for applicants that are passionate and enthusiastic to learn and develop new skills.
Q: What is the work-life balance as an engineering student and as a professional engineer?
A: Work-life balance for engineering students can be challenging, especially during the undergraduate years, with heavy workloads and academic demands. As a student, everything may seem very overwhelming, but by developing good habits and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, the stress you feel as a student gets manageable and you will enjoy your time more often. Professional engineers' work-life balance varies throughout their career with more control and flexibility typically in their mid to senior positions. Achieving a balanced life as an engineer depends on factors like the specific engineering field, job type, and individual choices.
Q: How is the community in engineering?
A: The student community in engineering is characterized by a strong sense of friendship and shared experiences due to the common challenges and the rigorous coursework students face. While imposter syndrome can be a common issue, surrounding yourself with a supportive community of peers helps mitigate such feelings and grows personal and academic growth.
Q: How stable is engineering?
A: Engineering is considered a stable career due to high demand, global relevance, and resilience to economic fluctuations. Job security and opportunities for advancement are strong incentives for those pursuing engineering professions.
Q: Is it normal to finish your engineering degree in 4 years?
A: Completing an engineering degree in four years is the standard, but there's no one-size-fits-all approach, and it gets stigmatized a lot for those who take longer. Extending the degree to include co-op or internship experiences can provide valuable real-world work skills, and involvement in clubs and design teams can offer practical experience and networking opportunities. Even if your reason for extending your degree is to ease the academic burden that an engineering student faces, that itself is a significant enough reason. Each student's academic journey is unique, and it's important to make decisions based on individual needs and career goals rather than conforming to a rigid timeline.
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