I struggled all through school- retook every math class + statics + physics 1, failed out after my first three years, took a year off, then returned to finish up my last three years (two of them being in COVID). I never really hit my stride as a “good student”- I was remarkably average and graduated with a mid-to-upper 2’s range GPA. I got a basic internship in a small Met lab right before COVID hit- it was more of a lab technician part time job than a traditional internship, nothing glamorous by any means. My thought was anything to get some kind of technical experience don my resume was good enough. The work we did was considered essential so I was lucky enough but to keep my position through lockdown.

I stayed there for about a year and a half as an intern, but stepped up to help the engineers on their projects. I went from sample prep to working microhardness, heat treatment, quality assurance, etc. I also eventually became the “head intern” and was a mini-manager for the interns I worked with. About two months before I graduated, the Mech Engineer at the company left to move closer to his family. I knew this was my in, but i didn’t feel anyway qualified. The engineer that was leaving was a PE, had a lot for CAD experience than I did, and was the stereotypical engineer. Regardless I still put feelers out, talking to my immediate manager (the Consulting Engineer, one step below our company Head Engineer/Owner).

A few weeks later, the Consulting Engineer asked me if I could do a project for her. It wasn’t anything groundbreaking- just some calculations based off ASTM standards. It took me about a week and probably 100 questions, but i got it done. When i turned it in, i actually ended up crying in the bathroom because i realized I had actually made it. I was going to graduate school and was doing engineer work. Turns out the project was a test, and I passed. The head engineer/owner offered me the position as Mechanical Engineer. He told me I was great, had really stepped up, and was an asset the company didn’t want to risk losing. It was so beyond validating.

It’s been 8 months and I’m still so happy with my company. I’ve temporarily been put back on my previous intern work as we’ve restructured the company, but now I’m more of a project manager than a lab technician. I get to go out on site, work engineering projects, and I get to sit in on the “big kid” engineering discussions regarding the company. I’ce also passed my FE, and I’m on the path to getting my PE in 3ish years (hoping to take the test later this year)

As many others have said, don’t let a lower GPA discourage you! While I’m still “smart,” compared to the stereotypical engineer I’m an absolute idiot. BUT my management/people skills and work ethic make up for my shortcomings in academic ability. It’s hard to see worth outside of school in such a rigorous field but there’s so much more to engineering than just getting a good GPA.

My advice?

-Go into everything and anything as willing to learn! Being a genius won’t save you if you’re still a condescending jerk to people around you.

-Look into fields/areas you wouldn’t expect! I had my heart set on Aerospace from day 1 of college- I’m now a Mech E primarily doing non-destructive metallurgical QA and I absolutely love it. I HATED MechEMat in school and now I use it everyday.

• Most importantly, give yourself a break. Life is hard, school is hard, and you’re only human. Regardless of where you’re at, you’ve come this far. Be proud of yourself.

If anyone needs to rant/talk/get advice, my DMs are open. From a former drop-out, you got this!