First-year students as interviewers: Uncovering what it means to be an engineer

A lack of understanding about engineering and its applications limits the number of undergraduates entering and persisting in engineering majors. Connecting students with practicing engineers is one way to address these problems. Research suggests this connection will help students become engineers rather than simply learn engineering skills. In this study, first-year engineering students interviewed practicing engineers as part of their technical communication course. Interviews were conducted either in-person or online through MentorNet. Students reported that the experience improved their understanding of engineering skills, values and ways of thinking. Students valued the direction the interviews gave them in their education and the advice the engineers gave them about practice. Students generally reported the interview as being the best part of the course, with some saying it was the best part of the semester or year. Both in-person and online interviews resulted in significant, reported learning outcomes for students. Results suggest that including interviews as part of first-year student curriculum in engineering will significantly improve student motivation and understanding of engineering practice.