FIRST for Non-Engineering Students

[Amanda Morrison]

It's not that uncommon to be involved in FIRST but not continue on to an engineering career. While it is certainly the goal that FIRST works toward, they also slip in some great skills along the way (your awards submissions, fundraising, and team marketing are a fantastic example of this). Sometimes students are more interested in those "little extras" than the actual robot. I know I'm not the first to say this, but I will be the loudest - It's okay to feel that way! You certainly aren't alone.

It's okay to be involved with FIRST but have your interests lie in a different part of the team support system. Someone has to raise money for the team, figure out the transportation logistics to and from events, make sure the team is properly clothed, and even pick up the kit of parts. Sometimes this is a "team mom" that does this, but there's a lot of team dads, team engineers, team teachers, and community supporters that make this happen on countless teams as well.

It took me my whole year on a high school team to find my niche, and it wasn't until after I graduated that I realized I wasn't interested in the robots as much as I was interested in the logistics and planning for the team. I managed to translate that realization into a number of positions that include all those little extras in an engineering-rich setting. I assure you, there's a place for you out there - there's certainly something for everyone.

In the meantime, I would still urge you to stay involved with FIRST and don't shy away from the robot just because you believe engineering is not for you. There's still valuable knowledge to be gained in working with an engineering build group, and you don't want to limit your possibilities later in life.

Good luck!