Why Industrial Engineering? by Brianna

Why Industrial Engineering? by Brianna - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

The question “What personal experiences led you to select your chosen major?” Has been well thought out over years in my lifetime. When I was young, I had many professions I wanted to pursue and never really found one that suited me the most. I went on through middle school in which I learned that math was the subject I was naturally good at. Math made me happy, and when it came to a project in middle school honors math class, I chose the occupation of a mechanical engineer.

This was the spark of interest in engineering. I had learned so much about mechanical engineering and that is what I had planned to do for the rest of my middle school and high school career. The gathering of information such as: schooling, housing, job opportunities, and more really pushed me further into the engineering path. Many of my peers around me decided to go into the medical field, and I felt left out as it was not common for a girl to want to become an engineer. Though, I am one of the few who enjoy the work and strive to solve problems.

This year-my senior year of high school-I talked over with some workers in this profession, and I learned what an industrial engineer was. After hearing this was an occupation, it instantly fit in with my personality and interests. I discussed this job with career counselors, friends, and family members and they said that the job “fit like a glove” to my personality and my character. So, conclusively I have decided to become an engineer (specifically industrial) all because of a job project I had in the 8th grade. Looking back now, I would have never decided to even look into this subject. Though, I remember looking up “jobs that have a lot of math” and the spark began. Now, I do not regret my decision and I hope to major in this field and succeed in the job I get after.