Persist in Engineering

Engineering persistence is a student staying in an engineering undergraduate major and completing the engineering degree.

In the Fulton Schools of Engineering, we want students to do more than persist, we want you to thrive in engineering. Thriving in engineering means success in both academics and outside the traditional classroom. That is, you belong in engineering and you strongly believe that you are an engineer.

Thriving in engineering requires students to have a growth mindset as they pursue their passion and ambition to become an engineer. Individuals with a growth mindset believe that they can develop their abilities through effort, good strategies, and input from others. Individuals with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities or talents are innate gifts that they have from birth. However, it is important to know that we all have a mix of growth and fixed mindsets. Thus it is necessary to cultivate a spirit of deep engagement in your interests, and not giving up in the face of setbacks.

Having a growth mindset in engineering requires you to seek help from others (peers, near peers, faculty, academic advisors, family, friends, professionals), try new strategies, and learn from setbacks to move forward effectively.  Worry less about how you look to your peers or others. Put more energy into learning. This is easier said than done! It is hard work. Understand your strengths. When you face a challenge or a setback in an academic setting, where you may have received a less than ideal grade, it is easy to compare yourself to your peers, and become insecure, or question your own abilities. Know that you bring your own rich and unique perspective with the diversity of your background, life experiences, and your aspirations. Build on these assets and your own strengths to cultivate a growth mindset behavior.