How to Prepare For a Major (or Career) in Engineering, Math, or Science

This video is for students in high school (or early college) and covers some things you can do to better prepare yourself for a STEM degree or career.

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[yaboinick]

Both Python and C++ are great languages! My advice is that you learn C++ first than python though. Even though C++ is harder than python to grasp at first, you will be able to grasp other languages faster from experiencing C++'s concepts and its syntax as well.


With python, yes it is easy to understand but can be difficult being able to grasp how syntax (formatting of code) works on other languages because of how simple python is! (In a good way).


Just my opinion.

[PK-unol]

If only I prepared more in high school...

[badboy-ezle]

My advice:
1. Be open-minded and ready to change major: what you like in high school may be totally different from what you like in university.

Example: some of my friends joined EE because they thought they liked circuits/electronics/hands-on stuffs in high school, but were overwhelmed when they realized that the other 50% of EE curriculum is in fact quite (signal processing, control theory, electromagnetic waves, etc). Similarly, some people took EE because they like math and physics and wanted the relative job security of EE. But in fact, they would have been happier in theoretical physics/pure math/CS/<insert any major>, perhaps even find a much better job in the field which they enjoy and excel in, rather than being a dispassionate and average engineer.

2. Learn to teach yourself.

Not all professors know how to teach. Some are just awful teachers, whereas others might be too easy/advanced/slow/abstract for your learning pace. You can always learn on your own with your favorite youtube/Coursera videos or textbooks. During my 3rd year EE, I learn all my Information Theory, Channel Coding and Convex Optimization from youtube and Stanford videos, because my professors were going way too fast (they tried to fit 2 semesters of materials in 1 semester!). Nowadays, you can even find graduate/PhD level recorded lectures on youtube, so learning is endless!

[MarkMcDaniel]

I strongly recommend taking as many classes in Community College as you can prior to transferring to a University. C.C. is far cheaper than University per college credit.

[gregw]

You sound like a genius bro with all the math classes you have taken lol I’m an adult student and am just now realizing how piss poor my education was as a kid . I got to college so confused but I’m slowly getting it together

[AnonYmous-cfci]

I'm curious about your take for adults who have been working for more than 10 years, and want to return to university to major in engineering.

[anapoput]

You are doing an amazing job! I don't have enough words to thank you!

[saifsheikh]

I’m glad you linked TheNewBoston ... that guy makes programming so much more easier to understand

[iamanentppersonalitytype]

Thanks for this amazing video this helped me calm down from "major search anxiety"

[jeancarlosrosario]

I am about to start learning Python tomorrow with a book I just bought from eBay called, "learn Python the hard way" I want to learn my first language before I get into college since I'm going to study Electrical Engineer or Computer Engineer(still can't decide). Good video.

[ren_b]

I'm starting my EEE journey this month and I was wondering how can I build myself and my career starting from the first day and this video is GOLD. In fact, the entire channel is really helpful

[nicolashenninger]

Another good video Zach! Simple ideas that work and help make you awesome. I show your videos to my kids because it's so helpful!

[ScorpioRsing]

Really awesome advice. Loving all your videos!

[oldcowbb]

i'm pretty sure the first step is subscribe to this channel

[MrCount]

I am into history but I explore different topics. I like learning everything. Haha

[rizkyryan]

make a video about entrepreneurship in engineering

[kbuilds]

I’m in highschool right now. I advice learning arduino, which only makes u learn c++ syntax, circuitry, and possibly even cad works if u 3d print objects for ur arduino electronics

[fermidirac]

Is mechanical engineering still worth it? Will it be hard to get a job with a mechanical engineering degree? Is software engineering a safer option? I'm interested in the digital realm and the physical realm.

[kensrocketry]

I might change high school since they have grade 10 pre ap science class for grade 9 students there. I love accelerated classes tbh

[caradeenchilada]

Great video !! Could you cover what is the difference between physics engineering and othe engineering careers or physics itself ??