I always think about why I was motivated to choose engineering. I enjoyed drafting, math, science, and challenging work in general. Coming from a family with no ties to engineering, I really didn't understand what civil engineering was in high school. I imagine that many of our kids do not fully understand it either, though they are probably encouraged to become an engineer.
Years ago, I was invited by a friend to give a presentation to a group of high school students about civil engineering. It was a broad presentation focused on "what we do and how it looks" with pictures. I don't think we even talked about salaries. I recall executing the presentation with lots of passion and interaction. I believe passion and optimism is contagious; the kids definitely seemed so during and after.
The more we can passionately present and discuss with teenagers about the "big picture" of engineering with pictures, the more we can motivate them to choose this path.
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Jefferson Thao P.E., M.ASCE
Engineering Manager
Thornton CO
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-18-2025 03:25 PM
From: William McAnally
Subject: Motivating Teens to Choose Engineering
What are some good ways to motivate teenagers to choose engineering as a career field? Tell them about high salaries? Helping people? Challenging work?
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William McAnally Ph.D., P.E., BC.CE, BC.NE, F.ASCE
ENGINEER
Columbus MS
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