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How to Write the “Why Computer Science?” Essay

What’s covered:, what is the purpose of the “why computer science” essay, elements of a good computer science essay, computer science essay example, where to get your essay edited.

You will encounter many essay prompts as you start applying to schools, but if you are intent on majoring in computer science or a related field, you will come across the “ Why Computer Science? ” essay archetype. It’s important that you know the importance behind this prompt and what constitutes a good response in order to make your essay stand out.

For more information on writing essays, check out CollegeVine’s extensive essay guides that include everything from general tips, to essay examples, to essay breakdowns that will help you write the essays for over 100 schools.

Colleges ask you to write a “ Why Computer Science? ” essay so you may communicate your passion for computer science, and demonstrate how it aligns with your personal and professional goals. Admissions committees want to see that you have a deep interest and commitment to the field, and that you have a vision for how a degree in computer science will propel your future aspirations.

The essay provides an opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants. It’s your chance to showcase your understanding of the discipline, your experiences that sparked or deepened your interest in the field, and your ambitions for future study and career. You can detail how a computer science degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to make a meaningful contribution in this rapidly evolving field.

A well-crafted “ Why Computer Science? ” essay not only convinces the admissions committee of your enthusiasm and commitment to computer science, but also provides a glimpse of your ability to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively—essential skills for a  computer scientist.

The essay also gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the specific computer science program at the college or university you are applying to. You can discuss how the program’s resources, faculty, curriculum, and culture align with your academic interests and career goals. A strong “ Why Computer Science? ” essay shows that you have done your research, and that you are applying to the program not just because you want to study computer science, but because you believe that this particular program is the best fit for you.

Writing an effective “ Why Computer Science ?” essay often requires a blend of two popular college essay archetypes: “ Why This Major? ” and “ Why This College? “.

Explain “Why This Major?”

The “ Why This Major? ” essay is an opportunity for you to dig deep into your motivations and passions for studying Computer Science. It’s about sharing your ‘origin story’ of how your interest in Computer Science took root and blossomed. This part of your essay could recount an early experience with coding, a compelling Computer Science class you took, or a personal project that sparked your fascination.

What was the journey that led you to this major? Was it a particular incident, or did your interest evolve over time? Did you participate in related activities, like coding clubs, online courses, hackathons, or internships?

Importantly, this essay should also shed light on your future aspirations. How does your interest in Computer Science connect to your career goals? What kind of problems do you hope to solve with your degree?

The key for a strong “ Why This Major? ” essay is to make the reader understand your connection to the subject. This is done through explaining your fascination and love for computer science. What emotions do you feel when you are coding? How does it make you feel when you figure out the solution after hours of trying? What aspects of your personality shine when you are coding? 

By addressing these questions, you can effectively demonstrate a deep, personal, and genuine connection with the major.

Emphasize “Why This College?”

The “ Why This College? ” component of the essay demonstrates your understanding of the specific university and its Computer Science program. This is where you show that you’ve done your homework about the college, and you know what resources it has to support your academic journey.

What unique opportunities does the university offer for Computer Science students? Are there particular courses, professors, research opportunities, or clubs that align with your interests? Perhaps there’s a study abroad program or an industry partnership that could give you a unique learning experience. Maybe the university has a particular teaching methodology that resonates with you.

Also, think about the larger university community. What aspects of the campus culture, community, location, or extracurricular opportunities enhance your interest in this college? Remember, this is not about general praises but about specific features that align with your goals. How will these resources and opportunities help you explore your interests further and achieve your career goals? How does the university’s vision and mission resonate with your own values and career aspirations?

It’s important when discussing the school’s resources that you always draw a connection between the opportunity and yourself. For example, don’t tell us you want to work with X professor because of their work pioneering regenerative AI. Go a step further and say because of your goal to develop AI surgeons for remote communities, learning how to strengthen AI feedback loops from X professor would bring you one step closer to achieving your dream.

By articulating your thoughts on these aspects, you demonstrate a strong alignment between the college and your academic goals, enhancing your appeal as a prospective student.

Demonstrate a Deep Understanding of Computer Science

As with a traditional “ Why This Major? ” essay, you must exhibit a deep and clear understanding of computer science. Discuss specific areas within the field that pique your interest and why. This could range from artificial intelligence to software development, or from data science to cybersecurity. 

What’s important is to not just boast and say “ I have a strong grasp on cybersecurity ”, but instead use your knowledge to show your readers your passion: “ After being bombarded with cyber attack after cyber attack, I explained to my grandparents the concept of end-to-end encryption and how phishing was not the same as a peaceful afternoon on a lake. ”

Make it Fun!

Students make the mistake of thinking their college essays have to be serious and hyper-professional. While you don’t want to be throwing around slang and want to present yourself in a positive light, you shouldn’t feel like you’re not allowed to have fun with your essay. Let your personality shine and crack a few jokes.

You can, and should, also get creative with your essay. A great way to do this in a computer science essay is to incorporate lines of code or write the essay like you are writing out code. 

Now we will go over a real “ Why Computer Science? ” essay a student submitted and explore what the essay did well, and where there is room for improvement.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized.

I held my breath and hit RUN. Yes! A plump white cat jumped out and began to catch the falling pizzas. Although my Fat Cat project seems simple now, it was the beginning of an enthusiastic passion for computer science. Four years and thousands of hours of programming later, that passion has grown into an intense desire to explore how computer science can serve society. Every day, surrounded by technology that can recognize my face and recommend scarily-specific ads, I’m reminded of Uncle Ben’s advice to a young Spiderman: “with great power comes great responsibility”. Likewise, the need to ensure digital equality has skyrocketed with AI’s far-reaching presence in society; and I believe that digital fairness starts with equality in education.

The unique use of threads at the College of Computing perfectly matches my interests in AI and its potential use in education; the path of combined threads on Intelligence and People gives me the rare opportunity to delve deep into both areas. I’m particularly intrigued by the rich sets of both knowledge-based and data-driven intelligence courses, as I believe AI should not only show correlation of events, but also provide insight for why they occur.

In my four years as an enthusiastic online English tutor, I’ve worked hard to help students overcome both financial and technological obstacles in hopes of bringing quality education to people from diverse backgrounds. For this reason, I’m extremely excited by the many courses in the People thread that focus on education and human-centered technology. I’d love to explore how to integrate AI technology into the teaching process to make education more available, affordable, and effective for people everywhere. And with the innumerable opportunities that Georgia Tech has to offer, I know that I will be able to go further here than anywhere else.

What the Essay Did Well 

This essay perfectly accomplishes the two key parts of a “ Why Computer Science? ” essay: answering “ Why This Major? ” and “ Why This College? ”. Not to mention, we get a lot of insight into this student and what they care about beyond computer science, and a fun hook at the beginning.

Starting with the “ Why This Major? ” aspect of the response, this essay demonstrates what got the student into computer science, why they are passionate about the subject, and what their goals are. They show us their introduction to the world of CS with an engaging hook: “I held my breath and hit RUN. Yes! A plump white cat jumped out and began to catch the falling pizzas. ” We then see this is a core passion because they spent “ Four years and thousands of hours ,” coding.

The student shows us why they care about AI with the sentence, “ Every day, surrounded by technology that can recognize my face and recommend scarily-specific ads ,” which makes the topic personal by demonstrating their fear at AI’s capabilities. But, rather than let panic overwhelm them, the student calls upon Spiderman and tells us their goal of establishing digital equality through education. This provides a great basis for the rest of the essay, as it thoroughly explains the students motivations and goals, and demonstrates their appreciation for interdisciplinary topics.

Then, the essay shifts into answering “ Why This College? ”, which it does very well by honing in on a unique facet of Georgia Tech’s College of Computing: threads. This is a great example of how to provide depth to the school resources you mention. The student describes the two threads and not only why the combination is important to them, but how their previous experiences (i.e. online English tutor) correlate to the values of the thread: “ For this reason, I’m extremely excited by the many courses in the People thread that focus on education and human-centered technology. ”

What Could Be Improved

This essay does a good job covering the basics of the prompt, but it could be elevated with more nuance and detail. The biggest thing missing from this essay is a strong core to tie everything together. What do we mean by that? We want to see a common theme, anecdote, or motivation that is weaved throughout the entire essay to connect everything. Take the Spiderman quote for example. If this was expanded, it could have been the perfect core for this essay.

Underlying this student’s interest in AI is a passion for social justice, so they could have used the quote about power and responsibility to talk about existing injustices with AI and how once they have the power to create AI they will act responsibly and help affected communities. They are clearly passionate about equality of education, but there is a disconnect between education and AI that comes from a lack of detail. To strengthen the core of the essay, this student needs to include real-world examples of how AI is fostering inequities in education. This takes their essay from theoretical to practical.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a novice trying your hand at college application essays, the review and editing process is crucial. A fresh set of eyes can provide valuable insights into the clarity, coherence, and impact of your writing. Our free Peer Essay Review tool offers a unique platform to get your essay reviewed by another student. Peer reviews can often uncover gaps, provide new insights or enhance the clarity of your essay, making your arguments more compelling. The best part? You can return the favor by reviewing other students’ essays, which is a great way to hone your own writing and critical thinking skills.

For a more professional touch, consider getting your essay reviewed by a college admissions expert . CollegeVine advisors have years of experience helping students refine their writing and successfully apply to top-tier schools. They can provide specific advice on how to showcase your strengths, address any weaknesses, and generally present yourself in the best possible light.

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Why Choose a Career in Computer Engineering?

• Your Skills

Choosing a career in engineering means having to choose between the many different sectors and practices. The plus side is there is so many, your skills will always be needed. Engineering can be both an exciting and challenging career to choose, but the benefits that come with it are worth pursuing.  Have you always been interested in a career in computer engineering or are you wondering where your skills may take you? If you are looking into this sector then there is so much to be excited about and if you are looking to re-train in a new profession, this could be the one for you and let me tell you why.

What is computer engineering?

Computer engineering is a sector that combines electrical engineering with computer science. Computer engineers can do many things, including designing, developing systems and even working with robotics and AI. It covers multiple sectors including electrical and even healthcare. This sector can help you pursue a career that really makes a difference.

Technology is always evolving, and we need STEM professionals in all of the following fields:

• Software engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Computer engineering
• Systems engineering

And so many more! Much like other engineering sectors, there can be something for everyone and there is still a skills shortage so many employers are constantly looking for engineers like you to fill the gaps in their workforce.

Why computer engineering?

There is constant innovation – Technology is forever changing, there are new ideas, updates to existing technology and standards are being constantly updated. There is always something to do and always someone that needs to be doing it. Because things are constantly changing, there is always opportunity to learn and update your skills as well. Long story short, you would never be bored or fed up with doing the same thing. It requires skill and the want to learn.

Skills are needed – One advantage of a computer-based engineering career, is that engineers are always in demand. Companies need engineers like you to do the work, find the problems and create solutions. Engineers that are trained in this sector are extremely valuable and it’s likely to stay this way for a long time.

The skills you will learn are adaptable – The skills you will learn throughout your computer engineering career are fully adaptable. There will always be room for you to progress and improve yourself as a professional and if you choose to change career, your skills are highly sought after and transferable.

Opportunity to work anywhere – The great thing about computer technology is that it allows us to work and connect to people from pretty much anywhere. This career can be very mobile, so whether you want to work in an office, at home or in a shared space, this option may be open to you. Computer based careers in engineering can be very convenient, they are always on and an be anywhere. Meaning, it can open you up to a lot of flexible working arrangements.

What roles could you do?

As mentioned above, there are a lot of different jobs and opportunities a career in computer engineering could bring you.

• Hardware Systems – Engineers responsible for the development of a number of products. This could be anything from game consoles, phones to automotive systems.
• Robotics – A career in robotics can lead you to doing a whole different range of things day-to-day. From designing and developing robotic prototypes to ensuring that they run safely. A job in this sector can be interesting and bring a lot of new innovation. They are always looking for people with new and great ideas. Definitely a job for someone creative.
• Network security – This career means you are likely to protect systems from cyber threats. You work with other engineers to secure their network security and prevent threats from happening again. There can be a lot of trial and error, so good for someone with problem-solving skills.
• Software engineering – Software engineers develop, design and test applications that they use or have built. This can include working on products like online games, computer applications and even network control systems. There is a lot to choose from!

This of course, is only a handful of the things you can choose if you want a career in computer engineering. There is a world of opportunities out there, you just have to take your pick.

How to become a computer engineer?

Most employers will be looking for someone with a degree level of education. Some employers look for candidates with a degree in computer engineering, but this is very broad. However, with the relevant skills, there is always a chance of re-training so there is no need to worry if computer engineering is a new interest to you. Re-training, upskilling and transferable skills are all viable options when changing career.

It’s not all about the degrees though. There are apprenticeship schemes and if you just don’t think university is for you, you don’t need to rule anything out. Have a look and see what is on offer.

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• Back to Basics Guide
• New skills to learn in 2022

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Why Pursue a BSE in Computer Engineering?

Computer engineering emphasizes both an understanding of physical costs and complexity management of large systems. Computer Engineers are the engineers who can identify the necessary physical costs associated with performing powerful, high-level computational tasks.

Computer Engineering trades off some of the depth in mathematical foundations which exists in both Electrical Engineering (EE) and Computer Science (CSCI) such as signal processing, feedback and control, linear systems, learning, and computability in order to promote experiences which connect real system design tradeoffs to mathematical guidance.

Computer Engineering , Electrical Engineering, or Computer and Information Science – Which is Best for Me?

Computer Engineering is a natural path for students interested in embedded and real-time systems, consumer electronics, or computer system design (including architecture, operating systems, distributed systems, compilation and electronic design automation).

Computer Engineering is also a good path for students interested in security, networking, and robotics, though these fields are broad enough that, depending on specific interests, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science might also be good paths. For example, within robotics, strong interests in controls or sensing might be best served in Electrical Engineering, while strong interest in planning and world modeling might be best addressed with a Computer Science focus. If your passion lies in devices, analog circuits, control theory, or signal processing, then Electrical Engineering is a more appropriate major. If your passion lies in computational theory, programming languages, learning, vision, databases, linguistics, bioinformatics, or social networking, then Computer Science is a more appropriate focus.

Download the full program description and guidelines for students considering the CMPE major

Computer Engineering Role Models

As one way to characterize where you might go as a Computer Engineer, we have identified a set of role models* that exemplify the impact of computer engineers in our modern world.

• J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly — Developed ENIAC , the first general-purpose digital computer at Penn and went on to found the first commercial computer company.
• Admiral Grace Murray Hopper — Developed the first compiler for a computer programming language. Hopper was also a lecturer at Penn.
• Fred Brooks — led development and management of IBM System/360 and OS/360, one of the first computer architectures where software could move seemlessly across different computer hardware with a range of performance, cost, and technology points.
• Seymour Cray — father of supercomputing ; founded Cray Research and led the development of vector computers that were the fastest in the world in their time.
• Bob Metcalfe — inventor of Ethernet and founder of 3COM.
• Bob Colwell — led the development of superscalar Pentiums at Intel.
• Steve Jobs — cofounder of Apple and led the development of usable consumer electronics.

*Except as specifically noted, these particular individuals are not associated with Penn.

Meet the Students of CMPE!

PennHacks and Computer Engineering at Penn Uploaded by School of Engineering and Applied Science on 2014-02-12.

You can also browse the profiles for several of our students here .

How to Write the Why This Major Essay + Example

April 26, 2023

Writing the supplemental “Why this major” essay sounds like a cakewalk for approximately 4% of high school seniors—those lucky few who’ve known their purpose since kindergarten. For most, it feels more like a desperate stab at fortune-telling. How should anyone know what major they’ll choose at a school they haven’t yet been invited to attend? (Let alone what career they’d choose after graduating from said unknown institution.) In fact, if these students could flash forward two years, they’d see that a large number of sophomores will still be considering the question a week before they must pick their major.

The reality is, choosing a major often involves a lot more on-site research: visiting the offices of professors, talking to college advisors, testing out intro classes, etc. The “Why this major essay”, on the other hand, is rarely a commitment to a particular major. Rather, it’s a way for admissions officers to determine a) what subject(s) the student is interested in, b) how they’ve pursued this interest already, and c) how they would take advantage of the college’s resources while further developing in their field. Like the why this college essay, the why this major essay ultimately shows admissions officers if the student will be a good fit at their college. Yet here the scope of the essay is more focused. This makes the essay easier to tackle, so long as the student has done their research.

Researching the Why This Major Essay

Whether or not the student has already picked their intended major, it’s essential to do some preliminary research. It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised to hear how many students dash off a why this major essay without ever visiting the college website. Most college websites will be neatly laid out, with an “Academics” page linking to the various majors and minors on offer.

For undecided students, this list of majors will spark ideas. Often, subjects not offered at the high school level simply aren’t on a high schooler’s radar. Less typical liberal arts majors might include Food Studies, Fashion, and Neuroscience. A larger university may have a whole school dedicated to Engineering, with engineering majors ranging from Biomedical Engineering to Civil Engineering. (Students applying to a particular school like this will want to read up on additional guides, such as Preparing for a Top Engineering College .)

Furthermore, students may find that a particular college combines several of their interests into one major. A major in Sustainable Development will require courses on environmental science, economics, and architecture. Some colleges even offer an independent study option, allowing students to combine several disciplines of their choice as they work on a specific senior project.

Once the student has narrowed down their interests to around 1 – 3 majors, they should take notes on any aspects of the programs that appeal to them. These can include the curriculum and courses offered, research taking place in the department, study abroad options, labs, etc. Department websites also provide insight into current and previous students’ thesis work. These notes will make drafting the why this major essay a lot easier, and will provide real evidence that the student is genuinely interested in the program.

Structuring the Why This Major Essay, Part A

Structurally, the “Why this major?” essay hinges on two complementary parts. These two halves don’t need to be equally weighted in words. Yet, they are equally valuable in forming a cohesive argument.

In part A, students describe their history with the specific subject they’ve chosen. Anecdotes provide an easy way in. A why this major engineering essay may begin with a student describing the time they fixed the science class aquarium by restructuring valves connecting to the water tank.

Next, the student should show how this interest turned into a full-fledged passion. Examples here could include specific units in high school classes, books they’ve read, internships, etc. Try to choose moments and details that together shape a journey.

Structuring the Why This Major Essay, Part B

This second part of the “Why this major?” essay is all about the future. The student must link their developed interest to their chosen major. Then, returning to their research notes, the student will show why the school they’re applying to will be unique in providing a relevant and resourceful education in that arena. Though most aspects of a program are worth mentioning, it’s best to avoid naming specific professors. Faculty can vary annually, and even tenured professors go on sabbatical.

A natural final step in Part B involves describing how the chosen major will lead to the student’s desired career. It’s normal for students to feel a bit baffled here. But remember, this essay is not a promise. Rather, talking about potential career paths will demonstrate that the student has some awareness and practical knowledge of the field, as well as some idealism about what they might accomplish in it. Look again at the department website for articles and links to alumni news for inspiration.

Make it personal, and passionate. No matter what major a student chooses, admissions officers will be impressed by a student who has taken their education into their own hands in order to pursue their interest to its fullest.

Focus in on specificity. Admissions officers will remember a student interested in mutations in indigenous tropical plants, though they may forget a student who’s simply interested in botany. Detail will also make the essay more articulate.

Common Mistakes and Lingering Questions

As mentioned above, not doing the research before writing a “Why this major?” essay can lead to serious mistakes. Imagine submitting an essay about why you intend to major in International Politics, only to learn that the college’s major is called Global Politics and Economics. Here are some other common mistakes:

1) Not committing fully to any idea. Students who shy away from definitively selecting a major may do so out of a sense of honesty. Perhaps they don’t feel it’s right to wax on about Medieval Studies when they’re also interested in Historical Preservation. While trying to give both subjects a fair chance, the student can come across as only lukewarm for both. Colleges may pass over an applicant they see as apathetic. (Plus, colleges see students’ evolution as being in their best interest, and won’t hold it against you if you change your mind.) So, throw yourself fully into one major, or both, just make sure the excitement comes through. And, consider mentioning how your second or third interest may become your minor.

2) Parroting the website. Admissions officers know what their website says. That’s their job. Students who find themselves copying or paraphrasing the website can adapt this information to themselves by answering the question, how would I take advantage of this particular feature?

3) Picking the wrong major. Students may feel pressured to pick a major that is perceived to be lucrative, or one that is less popular because they believe it gives them a statistically higher chance of getting accepted. While an applicant’s desired field of study is weighed in the admission process , attempting to “game the system” very rarely ends in success. Ultimately, choosing a major that genuinely aligns with one’s interests and accomplishments is almost always the way to go. (For more on this question, check out Should I Declare a Major on My College Application ?)

Sample Why This Major Essay Prompts

While the Common App Prompts ask for fairly lengthy responses, the why this major essay works to complement the main essay, and can be pretty short. Short essays around 100 words will require a cursory nod to each eventful moment in the student’s life that has led them to choose their major. Medium-sized essays (250-400 words) will allow the student to sharpen each experience with more detail.

Let’s take a look at several examples:

Purdue University asks students to “Respond in 100 words or fewer. Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected.” The brevity of the prompt invites the writer to be straightforward and concise in kind.

Students applying to Princeton as B.S.E. degree applicants will find that the “why this major” engineering prompt is equally straightforward. However, it asks for more specificity. It reads: “Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton. Include any of your experiences in or exposure to engineering, and how you think the programs offered at the University suit your particular interests. (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)”

Why This Major Essay Example

Lastly, let’s see how one engineering student answered both Purdue and Princeton’s why this major essay/why this major essay engineering prompts. You’ll notice that the student recycled various information, but condensed and adapted the essay the second time around.

Why This Major Essay Engineering: Princeton

I read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig while learning to drive. Afterward, I hoped my mom’s Volvo would break down so I could put the engine back together, as I had with a lawn mower. I love rebuilding things to understand each part. In Electronics, I wrote code to make a robot move, yet was left dissatisfied.

I’d begun to see how our climate crisis is caused by greenhouse gases, a byproduct of technology. I felt deceived by misconceived notions of “progress,” by cars and engines. Only when building an Arduino-based automated watering system to measure moisture in our school garden did I realize how technology might fix our mistakes. A complex watering system might reforest our planet, though it would be an immense undertaking. As Pirsig wrote: “Steel can be any shape you want if you are skilled enough, and any shape but the one you want if you are not.”

I wish to major in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Princeton University to develop the skills necessary to design technologies that will restore our planet’s balance. I’m inspired by the recent laser-based sensing drone developed by Princeton researchers, which can pinpoint greenhouse gas leaks. With a concentration in Energy and the Environment, I would learn about remote methane sensors using chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy. I plan to develop an independent project on vapor isotope analyzers. After obtaining my B.S.E., I hope to improve the water cycles in urban environments.

Why This Major Essay Engineering: Purdue

While building an Arduino-based automated watering system for my school garden to measure moisture, I realized that human technology does not only destroy environments, but can work to reverse the effects of climate change. Majoring in Multidisciplinary Engineering with a Humanitarian Engineering Concentration at Purdue University would enable me to explore and combine various engineering disciplines in order to design technology that engenders sustainable living solutions for our species while supporting biodiversity on the planet. I plan to construct my own vapor isotope analyzer as my thesis to study and ultimately improve the water cycle of urban environments.

Why this Major Essay – Additional Resources

Looking for advice on other aspects of the college essay writing process? You may also find the following blogs to be of interest:

• How to Write the Overcoming Challenges Essay
• 2023-24 Common App Essay Prompts
• Check out over 50 school-specific supplemental prompts and tips
• College Essay

Kaylen Baker

With a BA in Literary Studies from Middlebury College, an MFA in Fiction from Columbia University, and a Master’s in Translation from Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, Kaylen has been working with students on their writing for over five years. Previously, Kaylen taught a fiction course for high school students as part of Columbia Artists/Teachers, and served as an English Language Assistant for the French National Department of Education. Kaylen is an experienced writer/translator whose work has been featured in Los Angeles Review, Hybrid, San Francisco Bay Guardian, France Today, and Honolulu Weekly, among others.

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Why I Am Studying Engineering Essay

Engineering is an area of study that has transformed the lives of humans in this world since nearly all things that make life worth living, from leisure activities to medical treatment, require aspects of this field of study. Because it adds value by means of realization of the technological progress, it has a major impact in the day-to-day lives of the majority of us.

In a limited period, it has transformed the way we have been looking at things in the past and it is inevitably going to shape our future for years to come as the world continues to advance in knowledge and science. Engineers belong to one of the respected professions in the world today and I want to part of this awesome team.

Engineering has been my passion since the days I was a child. When I was on holiday, I used to pay a visit to my uncle, who is an electrical engineer. He could teach me advances in technology and I was usually enthusiastic to hear more from him. My parents introduced me to computers at the tender age of five.

From then, my love for electronics has been blossoming year after year. My choice to enroll in this engineering class is not a shock to those who know me, as some of them have mockingly referred to me as “the engineer.” Studying engineering will also give me the flexibility and choice I need as I pursue my education.

This field of study offers several choices that are all exciting and are in high demand in the job market; therefore, this is a great choice that I have made since it will open up many paths for the future. In addition, since engineering trends have greatly benefited the society, I want to part of these team who strive to make life comfortable for everybody.

Enrolling in this class has several advantages to me. First, I will benefit from intellectual growth. Since studying this course will compel me to work on several transferable skills, it will enable me to grow and improve my ways of thinking. Moreover, I will learn different topics apart from engineering per se; therefore, having more useful skills will further develop my problem-solving and critical reasoning as a person.

Second, every person likes a good challenge, to some degree, as life would lack meaning if there were no challenges to be tackled. Engineering is a challenge since I will encounter fascinating problems that need my creativity and logical reasoning in solving. In the real world, challenges do not have the correct answer, thus the engineering challenge will adequately equip me for this.

Although I intend to learn more about engineering in this class, I know some things about the subject. Engineering, as the technical improvement of products by finding the solution to complicated technological problems, entails the knowledge of mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience and study, and this knowledge is what is being applied with judgment and creativity in the technical improvement of products.

I also know that engineers work through the application of the concept of modularity, that is, splitting a big problem into a set of smaller problems, for developing engineering designs so as to minimize the chances of not achieving anything.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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IvyPanda . 2023. "Why I Am Studying Engineering." November 1, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/why-i-am-studying-engineering/.

1. IvyPanda . "Why I Am Studying Engineering." November 1, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/why-i-am-studying-engineering/.

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IvyPanda . "Why I Am Studying Engineering." November 1, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/why-i-am-studying-engineering/.

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Why Engineering? Essay Example

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For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated by how things work. When I was growing up, I dismantled so many household appliances trying to figure out how they worked. Obtaining a degree in mechanical engineering will help me understand the function and use of many mechanical devices. This training will also give me the knowledge needed to design and create new mechanical devices that someday may improve the lives of people around the world. So, choosing mechanical engineering was an easy choice that I was able to make alone. I believe that engineering is superior to all other majors. Becoming a medical doctor is still the most prestigious job to have in my community, but I believe engineering is the most rewarding. Along with any major there will be hardships. There will be times when designs fail. Nonetheless, I believe this field is more innovative than any other because I have the opportunity to create and design mechanical devices that could possibly be used all around the world. I believe that engineering has a great impact on society because it offers great opportunities for designing devices and services that could save lives. Young people who become engineers are great role models for others in their communities. There has been a dramatic shift in the UAE to becoming a global producer in the areas of innovative technology. There are many benefits to becoming an engineer: variety of career choices, prestige, challenging work, satisfaction, and financial stability are just a few. There are also many advantages of becoming an engineer. For example, the skills acquired on the job can be used in everyday life. People who are engineers can build and fix their own devices when they malfunction.  Finally, I believe that engineering has a great future. I believe engineers will be able to solve some of the great challenges we are destined to face in the future. For example, I believe engineers will be able to make solar energy more economical and provide energy from fusion.

UAE Engineers and Business Majors

In order for the UAE to obtain a position as a world leader in technology, it must take a competitive edge in innovative technology.  According to Rani, 2000, “Technology outside this country has more than doubled and to close the gap between the UAE and other countries, the UAE must generate the largest high-technology output” (Rani, 2000). Because The UAE is looking to reach this goal, there is definitely a need for more qualified engineers. From 1991-2000, the number of students who enrolled in engineering programs declined from 8.5 percent to 5.5 percent (Rani, 2000). The potential engineering majors declining caused great alarm in the UAE, which prompted the formation of the organization that assists graduates in finding jobs. The vast majority of engineering degrees are issued to men in the UAE, but there is an increasing number of women who are choosing the major. About 19 percent of engineering degrees issued in the UAE are to women (Rani, 2000). Currently, there are more than 200 outreach programs that are designed to implement the increase of students majoring in engineering. Most of these programs have a great track record of encouraging students to build a foundation suitable for engineering. These programs aim to entice children to do well in subjects like math and science (Rani, 2000). There is a great need for more engineers in UAE. However, there are several barriers that prevent students from majoring in engineering. One is the fact that engineering is gender identified early. Students are taught that only males do well in math and science. The other fact is that many students lack confidence in their math and science abilities because those subjects have been stereotyped as being difficulty. Despite the many barriers, a growing number of students in the UAE are pursuing engineering degrees.

Engineering professionals are in high demands because the region has placed more focus on construction and infrastructure. As a result, companies are competing to hire the best trained engineers possible. This competition will lead to an increase in engineers’ salary in the region. UAE is known for resorts and lodging. It ranks number 31 among 134 other countries in competitiveness (UAE, 2010-2012). It is also the fifth largest oil producer in the world(UAE, 2010-2012)..  At UAE, engineering and business management are the most popular majors. However, the engineering numbers outweigh the business because engineering majors can be sponsored by UAE organizations and companies that will fund their educational expenses and offer them a job after graduation(UAE, 2010-2012).

In 2012, UAE graduated 1,500 students who were engineering major and 715 who were business majors. It can be inferred that the larger number of engineering graduates is due to the job program they offer. The job market in the UAE is open to graduates with science, technology, and engineering. These graduates will find work in the manufacturing and energy industries. According to statistics, engineering graduates are33 percent more likely to find a job in UAE than business majors. The average UAE graduate is between the ages of 22-24 and grosses about 41,000 tax free dollars a year(UAE, 2010-2012).

Family Structure

In the United Arab Emirates, the man is considered the breadwinner of the family. The man is expected to provide for his family. Male family members are even expected to provide for unmarried sisters or widowed mothers.  Nonetheless, gender roles are changing in the UAE.  For example: “Traditionally, religious, social, and cultural norms in the UAE have dictated the position of women. Under this tradition, girls were socialized into nurturing roles of mother and wife, rather than encouraged to develop careers. While this has changed remarkably, with women now being encouraged to obtain higher education before marriage, there remain other issues that restrict women’s labor market choices”(Al-Awad, Elhiraika, 2002).  Women have started working outside the home. Polygamy is also affecting the family structure. One report found that men living in some villages of Emirates had more than 23 other people to take care of financially(Al-Awad, Elhiraika, 2002)  . Also, 25 percent of male students at UAE reported that their fathers had 2 or more wives(Al-Awad, Elhiraika, 2002).  .  Consequently, many women of polygamy relationships are allowed to work in order to provide for large families. There are several factors that have effect on the male gender gap in the United Arab Emirates. For example:

“Despite their low education levels, unemployment rates for males are still much lower than for females. The question often asked then is, “If men are finding opportunities in the labor force, why educational inequality is problematic?” There are two reasons: first, males matter in terms of enhancing economic competitiveness, and second, there are social gains from educating males that benefit all who live in UAE” (Salama & Hana, 2010  )

Female students out number male students 6 to 1 in the UAE; however, males outnumber females in the workforce nearly 12 to 1(UAE, 2010-2012). So, many women are attending colleges and receiving degrees, but a large portion of those women are not hired due to social stereotypes. This is also true for females in business management. There are a number of regulations that are intended to limit the number of business opportunities for women ( Al-Awad & Elhiraika, 2002 ). For example, one requirement for a trade license in UAE is a contract of a rental business premises. So, female business graduates who are working from home have limited exposure to possible business prospects. With the number of students graduating in both engineering and business, the number business graduates will suffice for the demand of UAE. However, with the large number of engineering graduates will not suffice for the demand of UAE. Although women are just as capable of completing jobs, many are refused hire due to stereotypes place upon them.

Giving Back

Although statistics show that 85 percent of Arabic born graduates tend to give back to their communities in some way(Al-Awad & Elhiraika, 2002). Astoundingly, women are 22 percent more like to help with non-profit programs( Women for Women, 2012). One such organization is “Women for Women International” This non-profit organization supports women from war torn regions not only in the Arabic regions, but around the world. This program assists with financial and emotional help, skills training, women right’s education, and starting small businesses.  Since 1993, there have been over 407 thousand women to serve or donate to this cause( Women for Women, 2012). More than 60 percent of those women have been of Arabic descent( Women for Women, 2012). The goal of this organization is to help women change from the victim to an active member of their society. They believe that with the help of educated women around the world they can eradicate the maltreatment of women in male dominated societies. They want women to have equal participation in any events that deal with their health, well-being, and economic independence. A woman for Women has been in operation in Iraq since 2003 and has helped more than 6, 500 women( Women for Women, 2012). Of those 6, 500, 92 percent report an improvement in their economic situation, 88 percent report improvement in their physical and mental health, 90 percent say that they are now participating in household decisions, and 87 percent reported that they voted in recent local or national elections( Women for Women, 2012).. In 2012, Women for Women had collected a total of $29, 922, 354 dollars in contributions and donations.( Women for Women, 2012).

Recommendations

Engineering and business management are culturally biased profession s. UAE. Reports show that women score better than their male counterparts, they are also more likely to attend college, yet they are very less likely to be hired in male dominated societies. Nonetheless, I believe that engineering is the best field to go into. All non-profit organizations must have some type of building or dwelling to function out of. Consequently, they will need an engineer to get that facility up and running. The UAE is a very wealthy region; therefore, many new structures will be going up. Tourism is also one of the most beneficial business ventures in the UAE. Consequently, I believe there will be equal work opportunities for both engineers and business managers. Actually, I believe that the two can work successfully together.

References    

Al-Awad, Mouawiya & Adam B. Elhiraika (2002). Skills, gender, nationality, and income inequality in the united arab emirates. Journal of Social Affairs, 19 (76).

Mohamed Salama and Hana A R (2010) ‘Green buildings and sustainable construction in the United Arab Emirates.’ Association of Researchers in Construction Management ., 1397-1405

Rani, G. (2000). Measuring change in students’ attitudes toward science over time: An application of latent variable growth modeling. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 9(3), 213-225.

UAE University. (2002-2003). Institutional Research Unit, Statistical Year Book. Women For Women International (2012). Annual Report.

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Study — Why I Decided To Study Electrical & Computer Engineering

Why I Decided to Study Electrical & Computer Engineering

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