Is There an Engineer Inside You?: A Comprehensive Guide to Career Decisions in Engineering

My daughter is considering majoring in engineering but her high school doesn't offer any classes or information about it. This book has been very revealing to her and me regarding careers in engineering. It is written by a woman too so it includes her experiences in a male dominated field.

I am not an engineer, not have I ever --even for one brief shining moment-- entertained the notion of becoming one. However, in my chosen profession as a science teaching methods educator I have had the opportunity to work with professors from the College of Engineering at my university in a collaborative effort to integrate the best instructional strategies from my area, the College of Education, with the best problem solving techniques and knowledge from their college. In an attempt to better understand the world from their perspective I picked up a copy of Celeste Baine's IS THERE AN ENGINEER INSIDE YOU? I thoroughly enjoyed it and truly gained a new appreciation for this field. This book is written at a level which can easily be understood by a lay person, and it is both engaging and entertaining. Even a non-engineering type like me can appreciate her wonderful anecdotes along with her insightful observations about her field. This book is more than just a comprehensive guide to career decisions in engineering; it is an informative, reader-friendly reference to the entire field. With exhaustive research Baine has put together a composite handbook on engineering --complete with descriptive analysis of 25 branches of engineering, several available non-traditional opportunities, and resources for those who are even thinking about getting interested in some aspect of this fast emerging and diversifying job market. Baine accomplished something no one heretofore has been able to do; she had me thinking, "Hey, maybe I'd like to be an engineer!" Even if it was only for a moment . . .

This is a "must have" book for anyone considering an engineering career. The book provides insights on what engineering is and what engineers do in a wide variety of engineering fields. It is very well written and easy to read. Feature Articles that highlight many of the sections are especially interesting. They provide a personal look at the engineering life and add a historical perspective. Information on engineering camps, high school preparation for students interested in engineering, and what to expect in college when you enter an engineering program is especially valuable. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wonders what exactly it is that engineers do and whether or not they would like doing it. School counselors will also find the book very useful.