Author: Daniel Ewim (PhD) Post Reviewed by Ambrose Okem (PhD)

Engineering is an exciting yet challenging field. From my time as a student earning my Bachelor’s degree at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) to later completing my PhD at the University of Pretoria, I’ve faced my fair share of struggles and triumphs. Along the way, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that have helped me succeed. If you’re an engineering student, here are five tips that could make a huge difference in your journey.

1. Master the Basics
When I first embarked on my PhD research in heat transfer and condensation at the University of Pretoria, I quickly realized how crucial the basics are. The complex concepts I was exploring were all built upon solid foundations in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. If you don’t get the basics right, it’s hard to move forward, no matter how advanced the material gets. It’s tempting to rush through the fundamental concepts to get to the “exciting” stuff, but trust me, taking the time to understand these principles will make everything else a lot easier. They’re the building blocks of everything you’ll do in engineering.

2. Develop Strong Problem-Solving Skills
During my time teaching at Durban University of Technology, I noticed that the most successful students weren’t necessarily the ones who had the best memory, but those who could break down a problem and think critically. Engineering is all about solving problems. And the ability to step back, break things down, and work through them systematically is key to succeeding. You’ll find that no two problems are the same, and that’s where creativity comes in. Don’t just memorize solutions; try to understand why things work the way they do.
One of the most challenging—and rewarding—experiences I had was the transition to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, everything went virtual. It wasn’t easy to engage students with complex concepts when we couldn’t meet face-to-face. But it taught me a lot about flexibility and how to communicate effectively. We used digital tools to simulate real-world scenarios and solve problems together. It wasn’t ideal, but it really drove home how important it is to adapt, no matter what challenges come your way.

3. Stay Organized and Manage Your Time Effectively
Balancing everything—classes, research, projects—can feel overwhelming. I’ve been there. Whether I was a student at FUTO, part of the LEGACY cohort at Ohio State University, or a lecturer, time management has always been one of the most important skills I’ve had to develop. As an engineering student, there’s always something demanding your attention. That’s why staying organized is crucial. I’d recommend using planners or digital tools to map out your schedule. Break down tasks into smaller steps so they feel more manageable. And most importantly, don’t forget to give yourself a break. Time management isn’t just about keeping busy; it’s about maintaining a balance.

4. Collaborate and Learn from Others
One of the best things I learned during my time in academia was that collaboration makes everyone better. Whether I was working on nanofluidics research at Ohio State University or collaborating with my colleagues in South Africa, I found that sharing ideas and learning from others brought new perspectives that I couldn’t have achieved alone. Engineering isn’t just about individual brilliance; it’s about being part of a team, bringing different skills together, and creating something greater than the sum of its parts. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help or to share your ideas with others. You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn from each other.

5. Embrace Practical Experience
While theory is important, engineering is all about applying what you learn. I remember how, during my time at FUTO, I specialized in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering. The hands-on work I did with cooling systems helped me connect the dots between theory and real-world application. This wasn’t just academic learning—it was practical, and it gave me the solid foundation I needed to later earn my PhD in thermodynamics and heat transfer at the University of Pretoria.

In my previous role as a Field Engineer at Amazon Web Services (AWS), I got to apply what I learned in a big way. At AWS, I supported data centers, solving problems and doing Root Cause Analysis (RCA) when things went wrong with electromechanical equipment. I created Corrective Action Plans (CA), supported infrastructure teams, and led audits on systems like cooling, power distribution, and fire protection. The theoretical knowledge I gained through my degrees directly informed my ability to make improvements in the real world. It was a clear reminder of how valuable hands-on experience is—it’s not enough to just understand the concepts, you need to put them into practice. And that’s when everything really clicks.

Final Thoughts
The journey through engineering is full of challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. From mastering the basics to collaborating with others and getting real-world experience, the skills you develop along the way will lay the foundation for your future. I’ve learned a lot during my time at FUTO, the University of Pretoria, and in my professional career, and I’ve seen firsthand how persistence, time management, and a passion for learning lead to success.

So, keep pushing yourself, stay curious, and remember: The skills you’re building now will shape your future career.