At some point, either before or during college, you'll need to put thought into what KIND of engineer you want to be. There are dozens of fields and subfields in engineering, from aerospace and chemical to nuclear and mining. Each field offers different kinds of work and job possibilities. Do your research. Be aware of the possible fields outside of the major areas of electronic, mechanical, civil, and chemical engineering. You might want to think about what fields will be hiring. At the moment, it looks like renewal resources and energy have a bright future and will create lots of high-income jobs. But the future can be unpredictable. Think also about what gets you excited. Do you like to write code in your spare time? Maybe computer engineering is a good choice for you. Like tinkering? You could be a great mechanical engineer. Keep in mind that your field can affect where you eventually live and work. For instance, many chemical and petrochemical engineering jobs are near oil and natural gas deposits. As an aerospace engineer you might have to move to the major industry hubs in Texas or Florida. Engineering is split into four main fields or disciplines: civil, chemical, electrical, and mechanical. Each of these disciplines is split again into all sorts of subfields. In deciding on your major and field, take a close look at each of the four. For example, civil engineers create the built environment of modern civilization, i.e. bridges, roads, airports, energy systems, etc. They might also be involved in mining, transit, or traffic engineering, or in designing a better car door or more durable road surface. Chemical engineers deal with materials and material processes the production, transport, and transformation of materials. In this field you might work for the petro or energy industry or develop new processes to make polymers or drugs. Chemical engineers do much of their work in labs. Mechanical engineers get products from idea to the marketplace. They use physics and math to understand all the forces that go into a product and its production and try to find the best way to build it and prevent failures. Electrical engineers apply physics and the math of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism to electrical systems and processes. They might design electrical components, build communications networks, or work for computer or utilities companies. There are countless subfields within the four big disciplines, as well. A chemical engineer can also be a paper engineer, for example, involved in the processes that turn raw materials into paper and ink. A mechanical engineer can be a marine or aerospace engineer, designing ships, planes, or spacecraft. There are even subfields that "engineer" people. Industrial engineers study how people work, using modeling and time-studies to make processes more efficient and productive. One of the most important things you can do to cement your field in college is to complete an internship. One or more internships will look good to employers in the private sphere. They will also give you a first-hand taste of the field, letting you see whether or not it is really for you. Start early. Internships are competitive. Visit your college's career and internship center to find out about opportunities. Put together a resume and copies of your college transcripts for applications. Think about your interests and possible locations. Are you willing to take an internship in an area outside of your ideal focus? Are you willing to move for the summer? Cultivate relationships with professors. Network and get to know your instructors. Employers may ask for one or two professional references and you will need their support. Let's reiterate: internships in engineering are HUGE. In fact, one just might start your career. About 80% of employers see them as a source for full-time hires.
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One-sentence summary -- Choose a major. Know the major engineering disciplines. Remember other subfields, too! Get an internship.

Clubs can be a great place to meet new people. You're more likely to make friends with people who share your interests and passions. Try joining a club related to an activity you love. Do you love books? Join a book club. Are you an avid sports fan? Try joining a local football or softball league. You can go to a local community center and see what types of clubs they offer. You can also look for clubs online through sites like MeetUp. Check out alumni events for your high school, college, sorority, fraternity, etc. Make a habit of putting yourself out there in public. You never know who may become a friend. The random stranger you meet on the subway or the person you strike up a conversation with in a bar bathroom may become a lifelong pal. Try to be more social. If someone starts talking to you, talk back. Obviously, if you feel uncomfortable with someone, disengage, but try to give new interactions a chance. If you meet someone interesting at, say, a coffee shop, try exchanging numbers or social media profiles. You can get together with this person later for a drink or coffee. Consider trying to talk to one new person every time you go out. This small goal can help build comfort with meeting new people as you practice over time. Try, too, attending events with a social component such as lectures or town hall meetings with group/public participation. This can increase your chances of finding someone you have interests in common with. If you want to meet people, put yourself out there. Work on saying "Yes" more. You will end up making friends if you agree to be social more often. If a co-worker invites you to a party, go. Even if you feel lukewarm about this co-worker, you never know what could happen. There could be someone fun and interesting at the party who you become friends with. Try saying "yes" to Facebook invitations. You may not know the friend of a friend who invited you to their birthday party, but you may meet people there. This is also an opportunity to get to know an existing acquaintance more. If you're having trouble meeting new people, try reaching out to family. It can sometimes be hard to be friends with siblings, cousins, and other family members when growing up, as rivalries and arguments get in the way; however, many people find close friends in family members later in life. If you and a sibling or cousin live in the same town, try making plans more often. The two of you may find you get along great as friends in adulthood. Many people form strong bonds of friendship with family members. As you get older, you may find a sibling or a cousin becomes a best friend. Is there a coffee shop you love or a bar you enjoy? Try becoming a regular. Many people end up making friends simply by hanging out at a bar or coffee shop. Eventually, you'll get to know the staff and other patrons. Don't be shy about going out alone. Many people enjoy having a drink or a cup of coffee on their own once in awhile. Bring a book or a laptop if that makes you feel more comfortable, just be mindful to make conversation with people and appear approachable.
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One-sentence summary -- Join a club. Reach out to others when you go out. Say "Yes" to more activities. Make friends with family members. Become a regular somewhere.

Press Ctrl+A to select all.
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One-sentence summary --
Select all the text you want double-spaced. Go to Format > Paragraph . Click the Line Spacing drop-down box and select the desired spacing. Click OK.