What I Wish I Knew Before engineering school

For many, choosing to study engineering in university represents a gateway to a stable job and a lucrative career. For me, as a young woman, it also carried the thrill of challenging the status quo. But looking back now—years after graduating and gaining real-world experience—I realize there were several things I didn’t consider before selecting an engineering degree.

“You Can Always Change Later”—Or So I Thought

I remember my parents and their friends—most of whom worked in healthcare, banking, and other traditional fields—assuring me: “Pick any course for your first degree. You can always change later.”

Engineering sounded exciting. I was drawn to the tangible nature of the work—building things, solving real problems, leaving a mark. And let’s face it, entering a male-dominated field seemed like an empowering move. After browsing through course catalogs and university brochures, I chose mining engineering. I thought, If I decide to become a doctor later, I can always pivot.

But that "you can always change" narrative didn’t fully capture the weight of that initial choice—or its consequences.

The Limits of a Specialized Degree

At the height of an industry downturn, I began to think more critically about the future. My job wasn’t threatened, but I felt uncertain. I returned to school—not because I was forced to, but because I realized how narrowly focused my original degree was. If the mining industry didn’t recover, I’d be left hanging.

I chose to study a broader, more versatile field of engineering. Even now, I’m still assessing the full value of that decision. But I know this much: versatility matters.

Understand What Drives the Industry

If you’re eyeing a career in mining (or any industry, really), it’s essential to understand the forces that drive it. During my national service, gold prices plummeted—right around the time I was looking for my first job. That’s when I learned a hard truth: when commodity prices fall, profit margins shrink. And when margins shrink, jobs disappear.

You can be a top performer, but if the industry isn’t thriving, opportunities dry up. That’s not something I’d considered as a student.

Qualifications vs. Experience

Here’s another lesson: degrees don’t automatically translate into job readiness.

Employers hire you for what you can do, not what you’re qualified to do. In engineering, tangible skills trump theoretical knowledge. If someone has two years of hands-on experience and you spent that same time earning a higher qualification, they might be more attractive to employers—especially in practical roles.

Perfecting your craft matters. Be intentional about gaining real-world experience as early and as often as possible.

Start With a Goal

If you're at the start of your journey—choosing a program, a school, or even a career path—begin with a goal. What do you want your life to look like after graduation? Connect with that vision. Even if you change direction later, that original goal will give you a reference point to recalibrate.

Final Thoughts

After engineering school and a few years in multi-disciplinary roles, here’s where I stand:

I don’t regret studying engineering—but that’s partly luck. I had no clear understanding of what engineering really entailed, especially in the Ghanaian context. I stumbled into it and made it work.

If I had the chance to do it over, I wouldn’t choose the same program. Not because I didn’t enjoy it, but because I’d be more intentional. I’d choose something broader, more flexible, and more aligned with the life I envision for myself.

So to every young woman standing where I once stood—on the brink of choosing—ask the hard questions now. Your future self will thank you.