"Engineering Dreams, Real Struggles: How to Succeed When It Feels Too Hard"

You want to be an engineer, eh? You see yourself constructing bridges, coming up with computer programs or the next invention that will save lives. But just this minute? You sit and stare at the formulas that do not add up, the projects that seem to overwhelm you and the doubts that secretly say to you, “Perhaps, you were not meant to be like this.”

Now, here is the thing, engineering is not easy, however, all the best things in life are not easy. When you want to quit, know that you are not the only one. The upside? You can most certainly make it. Here’s how:

1. Accept That It’s Supposed to Be Tough

Engineering is not difficult since you are not smart. It is difficult, as it questions your method of thinking, solving problems and learning. It is not about being a genius. It is resilience. All successful engineers at one point felt like failures. It is not an indication to give up, when you are struggling, then it is evidence that you are developing.

2. Break the Mountain into Pebbles

A major oversight? Attempting to do too much, too quickly. An enormous syllabus, complicated formulas, lab reports it is no wonder that it is drowning.

Simplify it:

• Make a daily plan: one problem set, one concept, one chapter.

• Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of studying, 5 minutes of a break).

• Make a big deal about small victories- they provide momentum.

It is a small steps that translate to big victories.

3. Build a Squad of Support

Engineering is not a one-man show. Study groups, classmates, tutors, forums on the Internet, they are your savior.

• Make or be part of a study group (even when you are shy).

• There is no need to be ashamed to ask questions including the so called dumb ones.

• Visual learners should use YouTube, Reddit, Stack Overflow, or Khan Academy.

Intelligent individuals seek assistance. The ones that attain success continue to ask.

4. Remember Your “Why”

          Why have you decided to become an engineer? Did one dream to work at NASA? In order to assist the environment? To develop applications that simplify life?

When it becomes tough, refer back to that reason. Put it in writing. Put it on your wall. Allow it to remind you: There is a reason to this struggle.

5. Take Care of Your Brain (and Body)

Burnout exists- and it is a dream killer. Power your body and your brain:

• Get 7-8 hours of sleep at night.

• Stay hydrated.

• Exercise your body (even 15 minutes counts).

• Feed your brain (nuts, veggies, protein).

You are not a robot, you are a human. And people require care.

6. Learn from Failure, Don’t Fear It

      You will flunk an exam. You will botch a project. You will want to quit. But the fact is this:

• The opposite of success is not failure. It is the way to it.

Each mistake tells you how to do it right the next time. Therefore, embrace it. Learn. Adapt. Grow.

7. Visualize the Finish Line

Just pretend, shut your eyes and imagine: You, with that degree in your hand. You, scoring that job. You, being right to the naysayers - even the one in your own head.

Allow the future to draw you on. It could happen--that is why it is not a mere fantasy.

Final Words: You Got This

When you think that engineering is impossible, it does not mean that you are incapable. It is an indication that you are being stretched to your boundaries- and that is where the change occurs.

You do not have to be an introvert. All you have to do is to persist. Because when you finally make it through the late nights, the parties you miss, the semesters that seem like too much, there is a future that is worth it.

Browse our latest blog : https://www.internationalstudentscenter.com/