by Donat Szotak, 08 Apr 2022
Hi guys! Hope you are all well and not feeling too stressed about the summer exams whether that is A-levels or GCSE. I am preparing myself for a couple of exams! I would just like to explore and share resources, my experience with choosing your GCSEs for engineering. What subjects do you enjoy? – DO NOT GIVE UP ON YOUR INTERESTS! I think one misconception is giving up your passions for pursuing engineering as it’s just physics and maths. I find that I enjoy photography, writing or sports such as tennis or wall climbing. That is one disclaimer I would like to make clear; you do not have to give up on your other passions, it is vital there is a wide range of backgrounds and thinking that you can pull from and be creative to solve problems. I highly encourage you to brainstorm YOU with your name in the middle of the page and your interests surrounding you and everything about you, like sports and hobbies to get an understanding! Which subjects to pick at GCSE? I found a variety of aspects to be very useful that employers were looking for in my experience alongside the physics and maths which was largely filled with imposter syndrome for me – practise is essential, it is OK not to know. My rule of thumb is 2 humanitarian subjects and 2 STEM related just to have a broad variety and options available to you. Product design or sometimes called DT (design and technology) takes engineering principles for manufacturing, design work and not really maths or physics based, but rather to improve hands on skills bringing a product to life. Computer Science also relates very well with the insight as a subject and builds on those logical problem-solving skills alongside programming, which is useful as an inspiration of mine says: Why programming is useful? (Ali Abdal): ‘Why? Two reasons. Firstly, knowing how to code opens up possibilities for business ideas in your mind. It helps you notice problems in day-to-day life that can be solved by technology. And secondly, knowing how to code helps you execute your ideas much, much faster than everyone else’. Why and how you should learn to code (aliabdaal.com) What did I choose? In all honesty, to give you the broadest options within STEM, English language, Maths and Physics are essential and anything else is really just desirable to have e.g. DT, Computer Science, perhaps subjects such as GCSE engineering if your school offers it. But really the rest are your options, I personally chosen History, DT, Art and Design. I would have chosen Computer science instead of History perhaps! Really just make sure to have a look at A-level, vocational or an apprenticeship requirements, to get an idea of what schools are asking for! What extra-curriculars/super-curriculars can I do at secondary? First, what is the difference? – Well, super-curriculars are directly related to the subject of what you want to study and spend time on in your spare time, showing your direct interest in the field. This very much depends on your school. For example, the ‘obvious’ super-curricular clubs that are related may be:
Well, these are activities that are not directly related to the field of your interest and are pretty ‘random’. Now this doesn’t mean do not do extra-curriculars, they are an excellent way to show off the well-rounded individual that you are! These can include anything and demonstrate your wider interests, such as:
How do I know if engineering is really for me? The beauty of it is, we never know what we enjoy, I noticed particular skills that may be a common theme for engineering enthusiasts among my engineering peers and myself:
SpringPod engineering work experience (13+): Engineering Work Experience (springpod.com) Whatever your interests are, it may seem very far off engineering, but you would be surprised how many options there are and need for engineers for the future, examples include:
And everything in between surrounding these 3 main branches, for example, Robotics (which is my choice of degree, combines some aspects of each of those categories! Different engineering fields: Feel free to research any of these that may sound of interest to you! If you are looking to blog and write about your student experiences or find out more on engineering, check my blog out: Blog Website (destinationengineering): MYDESTINATIONENGINNEERING - Home (weebly.com) Thank you! Donat GET IN TOUCH Instagram: Personal Instagram: Donat Szotak (@donnyszotak) • Instagram photos and videos My blog Instagram: @destinationengineering • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn; (5) Donat Szotak | LinkedIn Youtube: (550) Donat Szotak - YouTube
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