Tonight while taking a study break from cramming for a Data Structures and Algorithms exam, I ran across this exceptionally interesting site called BeAnEngineer.com.
The movement is funded by ExxonMobil and supported by an array of various engineering associations and institutions that are pushing for expanded engineering education. The site contains all sorts of information on multiple engineering fields as well as the stories of some of the most famous innovators of our time. I agree wholeheartedly with this mission of advancing the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects in our classrooms early in college careers to give this generation a competitive edge to do something great. One of the most intriguing points this site makes is the push of cooperative education for engineering students while in undergraduate studies. I found my co-op position to be more valuable as a learning experience than any of my classes. Through my structured cooperative education experience, I found out what fields I am really interested in, and I found my love for embedded systems design. This has helped me immensely by allowing me to focus my studies on a directed path that will lead to my eventual success (I hope!). I’ll finish with a quote from the site:
Are you a dreamer? A practical achiever? Or do you just have great ideas? You can #BeAnEngineer in an area that interests you. With the right tools and education, and a dedication to your profession, a bright future in engineering is within reach.
