The Results
When we combine appealing messages with engineering role models student interest in engineering increases, especially among historically underrepresented groups.
A few other findings point to the fact that we have a lot of work to do as today’s students:
- Don’t know what engineering is.
- Think they aren’t smart enough to be an engineer.
- Don’t like math and believe engineering requires a lot of math.
- Believes everyone needs a four-year degree to work in the engineering field.
Where to start?
When we change how we talk about engineering, we can change what students think about engineering. Here are 5 messages you can share with students in your life:
1. Engineering is Open to Everyone
Engineering teams are made up of several different positions―specialists and technicians with two-year degrees to technologists with four-year bachelor’s and professional engineers—that work collaboratively to invent, design, and create things that matter.
2. Earn a Big Salary.
Engineers, technicians, and technologists earn a lot of respect and a lot of money! Even the starting salary for entry-level jobs is impressive. Engineering may be your path to financial freedom.
3. Make a Difference.
Everywhere you look you’ll see examples of engineering having a positive effect on everyday life. Things like cleaning up ocean garbage, developing sustainable and clean energy sources, and redesigning highways and roadways to reduce accidents.
4. Be a Creative Problem Solver.
Engineering is a great outlet for the imagination—the perfect field for independent thinkers. Creative problem-solving will take you into uncharted territory, and your colleagues’ ideas will expose you to different ways of thinking. Be prepared to be fascinated and to have your talents stretched in ways you never expected.
5. Work in Teams.
Engineering takes teamwork, and engineers work with all kinds of people inside and outside the field. Whether they’re designers or architects, doctors or entrepreneurs, engineers are surrounded by smart, inspiring people.
Other things you can do: