Professions are often misunderstood based on the opinions people have regarding them. Engineering is one such profession that has fallen prey to misjudgments countless times. People often drag the field of engineering under labels such as boring, dull, and dry.

Just because engineering deals with science-related subjects and mathematics, often people develop the impression that it can never be fun. However, this isn’t the only myth that people frequently associate with studying for an engineering degree or working in a related profession. Here are some more.

Engineering is not for women

It is shocking that even in the 21st century, people still cling to this notion. As the field deals with many practical and on-site tasks that equipment of varying sizes, people only associate it with men. This stereotypical thinking has prevailed in the past. In reality, there has been a significant development in technology and science through women who pursue engineering.

There have been several female engineers in the past who have won praise for their contribution. When the chief engineer overseeing the Brooklyn Bridge’s construction fell ill, his wife, Emily Roebling – a female engineer – took over the reins and ensured the project’s completion. Marissa Mayer was the first female engineer to join Google. And have you heard of Lillian Gilbreth? She is hailed as the pioneer of industrial engineering and psychology. Similarly, many other advancements have been laid by women in the field of engineering. Hence the association of gender with the domain is rubbish!

Engineers get stuck with one career option only

Often people get the impression that once you become an engineer, you are stuck in the same profession for a lifetime. However, what’s stopping an engineer from learning another skill or pursuing another degree? Nothing!

After a bachelor’s degree, people can choose various career paths into many sub-divisions that your particular engineering field offers. In fact, technological advancements have made acquiring higher education in the field a lot easier. Say you’re an engineer currently working, you can enrol in an MSEE online for better jobs in the market. In fact, many engineers also opt for higher education in other disciplines to broaden their career perspectives. Many companies prefer hiring engineers with additional qualifications because of their unique skill set.

Engineers have boring jobs

Just because engineers study dry and dull courses and have their heads crammed in boring textbooks, it doesn’t mean they end up getting odd jobs. In reality, many engineers land a career in the field of work they truly desire with all their heart’s passion. This automatically allows them to enjoy their time at work. Others get hired for various non-engineering-related jobs that may seem more fun and intriguing. Plus, other than that, many industries and offices have very casual and laid-back workplace environments. Working as an engineer does not always require standing for hours under the sun or fixing wires and machines. Sometimes it’s fun and exciting as well.

Engineers can operate every piece of equipment

If you are an engineer, you must have heard this statement countless times from friends, family, and coworkers. It’s like expecting doctors to provide a cure for every patient regardless of their specialisation. Somehow people have constructed this misconception that engineers can fix and use any piece of equipment. When in reality, we have technicians and operators to do such tasks.

Engineers know why and how a piece of equipment or machinery might be e useful, but fixing and manoeuvring these devices may not always be part of their job responsibility. Many of them might have zero ideas of some other engineering field. For example, a biomedical engineer might not know how the foundation of a particular building is laid. Similarly, not all engineers know how to fix a machine. Some of them merely optimise systems to ensure efficiency.

Engineers are not creative

Engineering is often associated with nerds and geeks. But there is not any hard and fast rule in regards to this. People can be creative irrespective of what they choose to study or the profession they take up. Engineers help to find solutions to real-life problems. Only create minds can help come up with adequate solutions. Most companies and firms appoint engineers based on their academic status and judge the additional skills that include arts, creativity, sports, etc. There are no restrictions in choosing STEM or arts, and you can do both.

Conclusion:

People who pursue engineering as a career are often overshadowed by the myths surrounding the field of engineering. It is essential to realise that every area of study/work comes with its fair share of pros and cons. It is natural for myths to surface, but and debunking them is essential.  Instead of paying attention to false claims, it’s better to do your research before concluding opinions about any field.