Top 5 misconceptions about engineering from high school students

The University of Akron's College of Engineering asked local science and engineering teachers what common misconceptions about engineering they hear most often from their students. Here is what they had to say.  

You have to be really smart, especially in math, to be an engineer.

Diane Vrobel, a science teacher at Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, says “There are math-phobic students that are afraid to try engineering. They believe there is a lot of math involved so they are hesitant to try.”

The reality is, math is an important part of an engineering student’s curriculum. But – you do not need to be a math genius. You just need to put in the time and work. Students who struggle with math can still succeed.

“All engineering disciplines, like the ones offered at UA – biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, corrosion, electrical, mechanical – require strong math skills,” says Dr. Joan Carletta, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies and professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “But I have seen many students achieve their dream of becoming an engineer, even with less-than-stellar high school math scores. The key is persistence and determination. Seeing their passion for engineering and watching them succeed is truly inspiring!”

Teacher takeaway: Students interested in engineering do not need to be math or science superstars to be successful engineers, but they do need to work hard to make it through the curriculum.

Engineers sit behind a computer all day.

The field of engineering is as diverse as they come. Depending on an engineer’s specialization, they may work in a manufacturing plant where they design car engines, alongside architects engineering new buildings, or with scientists in a lab creating new medical devices.

“I hear students tell me that ‘engineering is boring’ ” says Vrobel. “We are working hard to change their view, but that is their initial take.”

Let us be clear – there are some engineering jobs that require sitting at a desk. Design engineers typically work on solving problems by designing new and improved products, like new faucets at Moen that provide better flow, for example. They spend their time working at their desk, but also testing their products, meeting with members of R&D and marketing teams as well as giving presentations. As with any career, the engineer is in charge of what their career path looks like. If working outside an office makes students swoon with excitement, those are the engineering jobs they should pursue.

Teacher takeaway: Tell your students that not all engineers sit behind desks. Many work right where the action is – busy highways, innovative laboratories, huge manufacturing centers.

Women cannot be engineers.

Tell that to Cara Adams, Chief Engineer at Bridgestone America Motorsports and University of Akron alum, as well as the many other brilliant female engineers in the industry. Women can and should become engineers in this exciting, growing field! While it is true that women are underrepresented in engineering (According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 16% of all engineers are women), their presence continues to grow.

"Many women have the perception that all engineers work with machines and tools which may not interest them," says Heidi Cressman, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at UA's College of Engineering. “While it is true many engineers do this type of work, most engineers improve existing products or invent new ones. There is an incredible opportunity for women to develop solutions to make life easier for others." 

Many female engineers are motivated by the idea that they can make a difference. At UA, 50% of biomedical engineering students are female, as are the students on our Engineering Service Design Team. This team solves problems for community organizations and people, like building an adaptive fishing pole for a boy with special needs.

Teacher takeaway: Encourage young women who love science, math, and helping others to consider engineering.   

Engineers are nerds.

A common misconception is that engineers have pocket protectors, limited social skills, and that most are loners. This is false!

“Engineering is a broad and diverse field and many different types of people are needed to develop innovative solutions, including social butterflies and outgoing personalities,” says Cressman.

On campus, student engineers socialize with fellow students on design teams, travel across the country with their classmates to attend design competitions, and regularly give presentations to members of industry. Engineers can be more serious than the average student, and certainly are hardworking, both which are positive elements to the oft-stigmatized “nerd” label. To be a successful engineer, people-skills are critical, as is working on teams and giving presentations. Engineers rarely work alone.

“They are some of the most hardworking students here, but also the most fun-loving,” Cressman says with a wink.

Some of the coolest engineering jobs we have heard of in recent years include Rollercoaster Engineer, Skatepark Engineer, Lego Engineer, and Food Engineer.

Teacher takeaway: Engineers are not any one thing. Encourage your students to embrace their “inner nerd.” Being smart is cool (so is designing race cars and sending people to space).

Engineers are not creative.

Engineering is one of the most underrepresented creative fields out there. A key component of an engineer’s work is design –coming up with ideas to help solve the world’s problems.

Take those who appreciate or love art, for example. The ability to visualize things in three dimensions is a great gift to have when you are working on an engineering design and need to figure out how to fix something.   

Case in point, UA engineering students recently rose to meet a community need for free summer activities to beat the heat in public parks in Akron. As a team, they designed and built the splash pads and collaborated with local artist Mac Love on the final product. This summer, the pads will be placed at two Akron area locations and hooked up to city water for the community to enjoy.

Teacher takeaway: Educate your students as to the range of jobs within the engineering industry. Provide them with creative engineering problem solving activities, like those found here.