Navigating College Challenges: Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Your Path
Understanding the Struggles of a Third-Year Student in Engineering
As a third-year Electronics Engineering student, many of us face profound challenges that can sometimes feel overwhelming. The journey through college is rarely linear, and setbacks like lab rejections, resource limitations, and motivation dips are more common than expected. If you’re feeling lost or discouraged, know that you’re not alone—many students grapple with similar hurdles.
The Importance of Hands-On Experience and Resource Constraints
One of the primary reasons I sought involvement in research labs was to gain practical hardware experience. Access to essential equipment, such as oscilloscopes and microcontrollers like Raspberry Pi or ESP32, is vital for building a compelling portfolio. Unfortunately, limited resources—both in my country and on campus—make hands-on experimentation difficult. Secondhand hardware is often not an affordable or accessible option, and campus-funded labs tend to focus on existing projects rather than facilitating individual innovation.
From my perspective, creating tangible devices not only enhances technical skills but also demonstrates real-world competence to future employers or collaborators. Certificates and academic achievements are valuable, but nothing replaces the credibility earned through hands-on creation.
Building Connections and Personal Growth
Another significant motivation for engaging in labs and projects is to foster friendships and collaborative learning. Interacting with peers who share similar passions can ignite motivation, provide fresh perspectives, and open doors to new opportunities. Currently, I find myself listening to others discuss advanced robotics and technology—yet feeling disconnected because I lack the same experience or resources.
Despite spending months consulting with counselors and trusting personal growth, I often feel stagnated. The sense of being a bystander in my own educational journey can be draining. Still, I believe that building relationships and finding community can be catalyst for improvement, even when circumstances seem discouraging.
Gaining Experience Amid Limitations
Practical experience is crucial, but without access to proper hardware, simulations like LTspice, Tinkercad, or Wokwi only provide limited insights. They can’t fully replace real-world testing, and this gap can hinder skill development. I’ve observed that extracurricular organization involvement often plays a role in shaping a strong CV. For students who miss out on such experiences, this can feel like an insurmountable hurdle.
Overcoming these challenges requires creative approaches. Documenting personal projects, participating in online competitions, or collaborating remotely can be alternative ways to build your profile. Remember, many successful engineers started with limited resources—they leveraged