## [Engineering might not be what you think it is!](/spotlight/why-engineering/engineering-might-not-be-what-you-think) "*UBC Engineering is an amazing place to start your future."* ![Engineering students use their creativity to transform our world ](/sites/default/files/styles/max_480w/public/spotlight-images/2023-06/2023-04-10__Design%20%26%20Innovation%20Day_Edward%20Chang_unrestrictred_Z62_1525.jpg.webp?itok=RS3U5hds) ## Share- [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F"e= "Share on Facebook") - [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https%3A%2F%2F&text=:%20https%3A%2F%2F "Tweet") - [ ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F&title=&summary=&source=https%3A%2F%2F "Share on LinkedIn") - [ ](mailto:?subject=&body=:%20https%3A%2F%2F "Send email") There are definitely some misconceptions out there when it comes to what engineering is all about – whether that’s how engineers are depicted in popular media or comments your friends make when you say you’re interested in engineering. Let’s take a look at some of the common myths about engineering and engineers. ## **Myth: Engineers aren’t creative** ## **Fact: Engineers use their creativity to transform our world** Engineers use their creativity and imagination to develop innovative solutions to transform our world. Almost every single element of our built environment and technology is a result of the creativity of engineers. After all, there are no off-the-shelf solutions when you’re designing [a new biomedical device](/spotlight/research-in-action/john-madden-biomedical-robotics "John Madden – Biomedical Robotics"), coming up with a [remediation strategy for a contaminated site](https://engineering.ubc.ca/spotlight/student-project/groundwater-remediation-giant-mine), testing out a low-tech way to [purify water](https://engineering.ubc.ca/spotlight/research-in-action/madjid-mohseni-water-systems), or designing [error-resilient computer systems](https://engineering.ubc.ca/spotlight/student-project/hardware-and-software-biofeedback-for-physiotherapy). [Image ![John Madden – Biomedical Robotics](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2023-06/1.png.webp?itok=iWM8eVpz) ](/spotlight/research-in-action/john-madden-biomedical-robotics "John Madden – Biomedical Robotics") ### [Advancing research to repair spinal cord](/spotlight/research-in-action/john-madden-biomedical-robotics "John Madden – Biomedical Robotics") Dr. John Madden's research project is working on spinal cord repair by finding ways to encourage the regrowth and reconnection of the damaged area’s axons. [Image ![Groundwater remediation at Giant Mine](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2023-06/3.png.webp?itok=wX3PFGcm) ](/spotlight/student-project/groundwater-remediation-giant-mine "Groundwater remediation at Giant Mine") ### [Groundwater remediation at Giant Mine](/spotlight/student-project/groundwater-remediation-giant-mine "Groundwater remediation at Giant Mine") Environmental Engineering students designed a strategy to treat the groundwater that's contaminated with dissolved arsenic to ensure safe water to Yellowknife Bay. [Image ![Madjid Mohseni - Water Systems](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2023-06/2.png.webp?itok=5HVoW2fc) ](/spotlight/research-in-action/madjid-mohseni-water-systems "Madjid Mohseni - Water Systems") ### [Effective water pollution control and treatment](/spotlight/research-in-action/madjid-mohseni-water-systems "Madjid Mohseni - Water Systems") Dr. Madjid Mohsen is developing water treatment solutions that are effective and simple to help Indigenous and rural communities access safe drinking water. Read more about how engineering is one of the most versatile and innovative programs. [Engineering is a versatile degree](/spotlight/why-engineering/why-engineering-most-versatile-undergraduate-degree "Why engineering is the most versatile undergraduate degree") ![Student projects](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/2023-06/2023-04-10__Design%20%26%20Innovation%20Day_Martin%20Dee_unrestrictred_MDZ_2067.JPG.webp?itok=_PuNpiCp) ## ***Myth: Engineers are isolated introverts*** ## ***Fact: Engineers contribute to and lead collaborative teams*** No matter what kind of engineer you are, you will undoubtedly be part of a team [collaborating to solve complex projects](https://engineering.ubc.ca/spotlight/student-project/using-algae-to-sequester-carbon-and-produce-astaxanthin-and-fertilizer), improve a process or make something work better and more efficiently. As a UBC Engineering student, you’ll start working on group projects in your [first-year engineering courses](https://engineering.ubc.ca/programs/undergraduate/foundation-year) to help you build your communication and teamwork skills. At the end of your degree, your [capstone project](https://engineering.ubc.ca/student-project-spotlights) is an incredible opportunity for you and your fellow students to work directly with an industry partner on a real-world problem. [foundation year](/programs/undergraduate/foundation-year "Foundation Year") [student project spotlights](/student-project-spotlights "Student Project Spotlights") ## ***Myth: Engineering students don’t have time for anything but classwork*** ## ***Fact: Simply not true!*** Yes, engineering students have a heavy course load with lots of labs. But one thing you will quickly learn is how to manage your time. Engineering students are experts at getting things done. Many UBC Engineering students compete in athletics, [start a business venture](https://engineering.ubc.ca/student-experience/entrepreneurship), work part-time, take part in [design teams](https://teams.engineering.ubc.ca/the-teams/) and [clubs](https://www.ams.ubc.ca/student-life/clubs/), and much more. [Image ![Zahra Asadi Commits to Promote Diversity in Engineering through Co-op and Work Learn Opportunities](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2023-06/3_0.png.webp?itok=i2mvLrdd) ](/spotlight/student/engineering-change-womans-commitment-to-promote-diversity-in-engineering-through "Engineering Change: A Woman's Commitment to Promote Diversity in Engineering through Co-op and Work Learn Opportunities") ### [Zahra Asadi](/spotlight/student/engineering-change-womans-commitment-to-promote-diversity-in-engineering-through "Engineering Change: A Woman's Commitment to Promote Diversity in Engineering through Co-op and Work Learn Opportunities") Zahra co-oped at Microsoft, Deloitte, Scotiabank, etc. She wanted to prove that anyone, regardless of gender, can excel in engineering. [Image ![Award-winning entrepreneur Miklos Sunario is integrating his passion for education and technology](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2023-06/2_0.png.webp?itok=QpcwGa58) ](/spotlight/student/award-winning-entrepreneur-miklos-sunario-integrating-his-passion-for-education "Award-winning entrepreneur Miklos Sunario is integrating his passion for education and technology") ### [Miklos Sunario](/spotlight/student/award-winning-entrepreneur-miklos-sunario-integrating-his-passion-for-education "Award-winning entrepreneur Miklos Sunario is integrating his passion for education and technology") Miklos, a co-founder of EduBeyond, uses technology to address education disparities, particularly for students from low-income families. [Image ![Phoebe Cheung says An engineering degree is more than just the academics](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2023-06/1_0.png.webp?itok=aVHAxTSF) ](/spotlight/student/engineering-degree-more-than-just-academics "An engineering degree is more than just the academics") ### [Phoebe Cheung](/spotlight/student/engineering-degree-more-than-just-academics "An engineering degree is more than just the academics") Phoebe used to be part of the UBC AeroDesign team to design and build aircraft. To her, an engineering degree is more than just the academics. [Student Clubs](https://www.ams.ubc.ca/student-life/clubs/) [entrepreneurship resources](https://engineering.ubc.ca/student-experience/entrepreneurship) [Engineering Design Teams](https://teams.engineering.ubc.ca/the-teams/) ![Women in engineering](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/2023-06/2023-04-10__Design%20%26%20Innovation%20Day_Martin%20Dee_unrestrictred_MDZ_2343_0.JPG.webp?itok=KDVBndVq) ## ***Myth: Engineers are stuck at a desk...or in a lab or in the field*** ## ***Fact: Engineers aren’t stuck anywhere they don’t want to be!*** Depending on your role, you may be working at a desk, on the floor of a manufacturing facility, on a construction site, in a remote community advising on water filtration, in a lab testing new materials for biomedical purposes…the list goes on! Over the course of your degree, you’ll be exposed to the wide range of work you can do as an engineer and the [many workplaces](https://engineering.ubc.ca/spotlight/student/rocking-to-career-in-geological-engineering) you can do it. Choosing [co-op](https://coop.apsc.ubc.ca/prospective-students/) can be a great way to test out different kinds of positions and organizations to see what appeals to you most. Read more about [how co-op can set you up for success](https://engineering.ubc.ca/spotlight/why-engineering/why-co-op-launch-your-career-while-still-student). [co-op program](https://coop.apsc.ubc.ca/prospective-students/) [how co-op can set you up for success](https://engineering.ubc.ca/spotlight/why-engineering/why-co-op-launch-your-career-while-still-student) ## ***Myth: Engineers are all the same*** ## ***Fact: Engineers are a very diverse bunch*** Engineering is a diverse profession. About 30 per cent of UBC Engineering students are women, and the number is growing every year. Students at UBC are from an incredible range of ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds. Many [international students](https://engineering.ubc.ca/international-student-experience) also choose UBC Engineering. The diversity of the student body – and the profession as a whole – is absolutely essential for bringing together the multiple perspectives needed to solve challenging problems. [Image ![Tanya Raja moved from Singapore to attend UBC. It’s opened up a world of opportunities.](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2023-06/1_1.png.webp?itok=l8AWq5Fh) ](/spotlight/student/tanya-raja-moved-singapore-to-attend-ubc-its-opened-world-of-opportunities "Tanya Raja moved from Singapore to attend UBC. It’s opened up a world of opportunities.") ### [Tanya Raja ](/spotlight/student/tanya-raja-moved-singapore-to-attend-ubc-its-opened-world-of-opportunities "Tanya Raja moved from Singapore to attend UBC. It’s opened up a world of opportunities.") Tanya moved from Singapore to attend UBC Engineering. She says it has opened up a world of opportunities for her. Image ![International student Samuel Thiak says his UBC courses prepared him well for challenging co-op positions.](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2023-06/3_1.png.webp?itok=K2atVQmX) ### [Samuel Thiak](/spotlight/student/award-winning-entrepreneur-miklos-sunario-integrating-his-passion-for-education "Award-winning entrepreneur Miklos Sunario is integrating his passion for education and technology") Growing up in a refugee camp in Kenya inspired Samuel's interests in sustainability and engineering. [Image ![Ash Tyagi is thriving in UBC’s civil engineering program](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2023-06/Untitled%20design.png.webp?itok=pqOtlOHz) ](/spotlight/student/after-immigrating-to-canada-completing-diploma-and-working-engineering "After immigrating to Canada, completing a diploma and working as an engineering technologist, Ash Tyagi is thriving in UBC’s civil engineering program") ### [Ash Tyagi](/spotlight/student/after-immigrating-to-canada-completing-diploma-and-working-engineering "After immigrating to Canada, completing a diploma and working as an engineering technologist, Ash Tyagi is thriving in UBC’s civil engineering program") After immigrating to Canada and working as an engineering technologist, Ash is thriving in civil engineering program. [More international student experiences](https://engineering.ubc.ca/international-student-experience) ![Engineers are problem-solvers](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/2023-06/2023-04-10__Design%20%26%20Innovation%20Day_Martin%20Dee_unrestrictred_MDZ_2588.JPG.webp?itok=UVwLhKHm) ## ***Myth: You need to be a math and coding whiz to be an engineer*** ## ***Fact: If you like to solve problems, you’ll be a great engineer*** One common stereotype is that engineers are obsessed with math and coding. While engineers do need a certain level of competency in these areas, more important is a sense of curiosity and interest in solving problems. Remember: these are learned skills, and you’ll have lots of practice in your courses to develop your skills in critical thinking and problem-solving. Want to find out if you are on track for meeting UBC Engineering’s eligibility requirements? Check out our page on [How to Apply](https://engineering.ubc.ca/admissions/undergraduate/how-to-apply) to learn more. [How to Apply](https://engineering.ubc.ca/admissions/undergraduate/how-to-apply) ## ***Myth: Engineers focus on boring details*** ## ***Fact: Engineers are changing the world!*** Engineers are essential to creating a better future for people, our communities and the planet. > As [Dr. James Olsen](https://apsc.ubc.ca/profile/james-olson), the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science, has said engineering could be for you “if you want to develop life-saving technology, to build sustainable infrastructure or to create new highly impactful technology – if you want to positively impact the climate or improve society. [UBC Applied Science Strategic Plan](https://apsc.ubc.ca/our-plan-in-action) ## ***Fact: UBC Engineering is an amazing place to start your future*** In Maclean’s University Rankings 2023, UBC Engineering took top place for the [best engineering program in Canada](https://engineering.ubc.ca/news/2022/ubc-engineering-tops-canadian-university-rankings) based on its program reputation and research reputation. Why not [join us](https://engineering.ubc.ca/future-students) and help put the stereotypes to rest? [best engineering program in Canada](https://engineering.ubc.ca/news/2022/ubc-engineering-tops-canadian-university-rankings) - [Why Engineering?](/spotlight-type/why-engineering "Why Engineering?") - [Behind the Career](/topics/behind-career "Behind the Career") - [Engineering](/topics/engineering "Engineering") - [Student Experience](/topics/student-experience "Student Experience")