Here are the questions you asked our panel of people who work in the energy sector in Ireland.
- John, Mullingar
Sheila O’Connor (ESB): There are some obvious ones, like the fact that I had done chemistry and physics meant that a lot of the initial material was familiar to me.
However, there are some more unusual ones, like the fact that I had done art, which meant that technical drawing came easier to me. Or computer skills as, despite the fact that you think you are just learning engineering principles, you will need to be able to use a range of computer-aided applications/environments as part of the course.
Ideally you will also have a language. It is a requirement that you would pass a language exam for many engineering courses. However, there is increasing involvement in Europe for many engineering roles, and a second language is a huge positive on your CV.
Elva Bannon (Wavebob):Maths and physics were very useful for the course I took. Chemistry, biology or applied maths may also be needed depending on the course you are interested in.
Check the requirements for the course you are considering and make sure you have the right subjects. There is a huge range of engineering options out there, so there should be something for everyone!
Jasita Lalloo (CPL): Depending on what area of engineering you want to study, subjects such as Chemistry, and Technical Drawing can be useful if you want to go down the Chemical Engineering or Civil Engineering routes respectively.
Applied Maths can be a very useful subject to give a good grounding for most engineering disciplines, as well as Physics. Doing all these “tough” subjects can be difficult for the Leaving Certificate, so I would check what the requirements for your specific course are.
However, subjects such as Applied Maths, Honours Maths and Physics tend to go hand in hand, as the curriculum for these can overlap somewhat.
Louise Stewart (EirGrid): When I studied engineering in college, maths and physics were really important.
However, in addition, strong communications and presentation skills are a real asset in any role, and it’s important to take opportunities to improve whenever they come along – whether it is presentations in college, technical writing courses or communications skills training.
- Martin, Donegal town
Brid Sheehan (Bord Gáis Networks): A lecturer I had in college.
He made me realise that I can take on any challenge, by breaking it down into smaller problems and working them out from there.
That has stood to me in my career since then.
Louise Stewart: Dara Ó Briain. He studied maths and theoretical physics in UCD. I think he disproves the incorrect stereotypes of mathematicians and scientists not having a good sense of humour!
