Problem solving. Ha Ha. That's what engineers are trained to do.
I often use this description:
From the first calculus problem solved on the first day as a freshman in a baccalaureate degree program, to the last problem of the last advanced undergraduate elective in the 4th or 5th year of that program, one works hundreds, maybe thousands of problems.
One may never see a problem like those in their life again.
BUT, what they've done is train their mind in the problem-solving process.
It's actually kind of simple:
First: Define just exactly what IS the problem?
Second: Don't try to solve the problem. Just gather all the information you can about the problem.
Third: Identify alternative ways to solve the problem.
Fourth: Evaluate each and all of the alternatives.
Fifth: Pick the best one (solution).
No matter what one does for the rest of their lives, this foundational process will serve well.
Remember, the CEO of ExxonMobil who went on to become Secretary of State, is a civil engineer. He is one of many examples.
An advanced engineering degree without the Bachelor's degree in engineering (not engineering technology) is functionally worth very little.
The Dean of the college of engineering my first term addressed all the freshman engineering students. You may have heard this one before. He said to 'look at the person on your left, and the person on your right. Two of you won't be here at the end of the year.'
No one said it was going to be easy.
But if one focuses and applies oneself and works/studies really hard, the benefits will far far outweigh the costs over the rest of one's life.
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Karl Sieg P.E., M.ASCE
Sieg & Associates Inc
Venice FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-22-2021 10:36 AM
From: Vito Rotondi
Subject: In your opinion, what should every first year engineering student learn about engineering?
Problem solving
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Vito Rotondi P.E., M.ASCE
Westmont IL
Original Message:
Sent: 02-05-2021 03:01 AM
From: Dima Hassanieh
Subject: In your opinion, what should every first year engineering student learn about engineering?
It is very important what freshman university students think of engineering. It is in their first semester that they grasp the knowledge of what is coming their way. What do you think are three/four key components that every engineer should be taught? For example, the engineering design process is a basic skill that in my opinion students should learn.
What do you think ?
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Dima Hassanieh A.M.ASCE
CEE Labs Assistant Manager
American University of Beirut
Beirut
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