I’ve often asked myself the question: what does it truly take to be an engineer? Is it the degree, the university, or something more intangible? As someone who spent a grueling five years through engineering education, I can confidently say it’s a combination of all three and more.
The journey begins, of course, with the first thought of becoming. Yet, for me, it was also an intense desire to write that ER before my name being totally unaware of what it would take out of me.
I can definitely not forget the sleepless nights spent during exams, endless hours dedicated to textbooks, and the constant fear of failing that one deadly project. And then there are the friendships that come with the late-night study sessions, the shared waves of laughter and failures, and the bonds that are formed through the shared experience of academic hardship. These friendships are a lifeline, providing support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging in a demanding and often isolating environment.
But it’s not just about the degree or the university. It’s about the real-life lessons learned along the way. The countless assignments that seemed impossible to finish, the mathematics that defied logic, the late-night study sessions that tested the limits of human endurance and all those important family functions that you sacrifice to be what you want to be.
These experiences shape you, molding you into a problem-solver, a critical thinker, and a resilient individual.
So, what does it take to be an engineer? Well, the answer can vary from person to person. For me, I would say that it takes perseverance, determination, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
It takes the ability to witness and accept the complexities of this career choice, to overcome challenges, and to learn from your mistakes. To feel completely hopeless at a certain time and then rise up like a phoenix out of nowhere with the burning desire to conquer what you’ve started.
The journey demands a passion for solving problems and an attitude that says “Be It!”, “Do It!”, “Never Lose Hope!” and “You Can!”
And perhaps for most of the engineers out there, the question still remains the same! What does it take to be an engineer?
So, what did it take from you to be an engineer?
What does it take to be an engineer?
