Since I was a kid I have looked at life in a very logical and objective way, just as a scientist or engineer. My parents, industrial engineers whom I have always admired, have always influenced the way I think. Because of this I have always wanted to be an engineer, but it wasn’t until junior year at high school until I had to come to a decision about what I would study in the future. I started analyzing what subjects appealed to me or disinterested me, and it didn’t take me long to realize that all the subjects that I liked (math, physics, chemistry, etc.) were science-related subjects and that my career should likely be oriented towards science and engineering.
Even though my initial interest in engineering came from subjects such as math and sciences, I have learned that, contrary to common belief, engineering isn’t only about learning calculus or science. Instead engineering is about learning new ways in which to apply your knowledge to real-life scenarios such as industrial or corporate problems. My goals and areas of interest in engineering aren’t headed towards discovering new mathematical formulas, or developing new physics or chemistry experiments, they’re headed towards learning how to become a successful businessman, and I think that as an engineer I will be provided all the tools to be able to achieve this goal. This is why I chose to become an industrial engineer. I will be able to appreciate and learn the best from two different worlds. Experience in the world of engineering will give me the tools I need to be able to be a better businessman in a way few other businessmen will be capable of. In the other world, the business world, I will be able to better learn how to apply my knowledge of engineering in different ways so as to more deeply understand the fundamental issues of the company I work for and optimize its production.
I like what you said about the other side of engineers, the one that others don't see and we don't much talk about. I think other people don't understand that side, how the application of the science is what it's all about. I guess that's a useful part of these blogs, even though we are different disciplines, we all share things in common (more then math and science, that is).
ReplyDeleteUnlike you, I always knew I wanted to be an engineer, but it wasn't until Junior year that I really picked an area.
Alfredo,
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, you made a decision based on two strong and logical (yes you are) reasons.
First, you were determined to study something that you were pretty sure you would like. This is important; there's no point in dedicating a big part of your life doing something you don't enjoy.
Second, you thought you should choose something that would make you develop the kind of skills that would be useful for you in the pursuit of your career later on, that is, you planned ahead. And more importantly, you found a motivation to study; you knew the kind of professional you wanted to become.
Apart from that, I think you chose the right field of study. Industrial engineers are very versatile professionals hired, not only by engineering companies but also (perhaps even more) by important business companies, which find in engineers their top-performance and most talented workers of all.