The general perception of engineering is that it completely relies on math and science. When people consider it as an academic and professional path, they often consider questions such as, “Am I good at math?” or, “Did I enjoy chemistry?” For the most part, these are valuable questions to ask. After all, every branch of engineering involves math and science in different ways. This can be a restrictive way to look at the profession, however. While expertise in math and science is important, design is a major component of engineering as well. And while familiarizing yourself with formulas and practicing sample problems often results in higher grades on exams, it is not the only component required to succeed academically. All forms of art and creativity, including creative writing, visual art, music, and physical or textile art, can make you a better engineer.
Communication skills are one of the most important skills one can have as an engineer. It’s clear to see—most job postings that students come across while securing a co-op list a good ability to communicate as a requirement. Almost all engineers work in teams and alongside other employees who are not engineers; even if your calculations have perfect accuracy, a lack of good communication can be the fatal flaw that destroys a project. In your academic life, managing group projects and writing reports are tasks that students face starting from the first year. A lack of reading comprehension can also be the reason you miss key information in an exam question. Creative writing, which could even include reading or writing an article in the Iron Warrior, is a perfect way to improve your mastery of language in all aspects of life.
As mentioned, design is one of the core pillars of engineering. Creativity is essential for good design. Problem solving and out-of-the-box thinking are two aspects that are valuable for the “Brainstorming” stage of the Engineering Design Process. While there are time-tested, reliable solutions to some of the issues engineers deal with today, improvement and innovation is still a major factor in the field. Every invention, from the first light bulb to the modern electric car, required some degree of creativity. Artists utilize this skill when, for example, conveying themes in their paintings or while coming up with new ways to embroider an image, which strengthens the ability to think critically in other contexts as well.
What may be the most important benefit of art and creative work is that it builds perseverance. Art, like any skill, requires practice. It can be frustrating to spend hours on an artistic endeavor and still be unsatisfied with the result. The most experienced artist can sometimes compare themselves to others and feel that they aren’t “good enough”. In order to improve one’s art, it’s important to learn to deal with these feelings and continue to practice regardless. The same can be said for engineering. All engineers come across failure eventually, whether that means failing an exam or being stuck on a seemingly impossible section of code, but learning from those setbacks is an important stepping stone towards the road to success. After all, how can someone ever improve if they are always perfect?
Creative outlets are also an excellent way to deal with stress, especially if the focus is not on producing a perfect work of art, but on using art as a form of self-expression. Even if mistakes are made, treat them as part of the experience and don’t linger on them as you continue to express yourself creatively. Having a good work-life balance prevents burnout and helps a person reset and recharge, which is especially important when your schedule is busy with classes and assignments. So, the next time you see a paintbrush, a block of clay, or even a pencil and some scrap paper, pick it up and see what you can make with it. It may benefit you in more ways than you realize!
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