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A recent survey conducted by the UCLA Higher Education Research Institute, eight percent of students studying in the first year plan  on majoring in engineering and one third of the freshmen plan on continuing studies in engineering and science. According to Bernard M. Gordon Engineering Leadership Program, MIT director Edward Crawley, every undergraduate engineering student who aspires for a career must be aware of certain aspects.

Do a research to find out everything about the person who inspires you. It is then possible to copy their unique traits and formula for success in your career.

Students must gain as much experiential learning as possible by participating in everything possible. When the time comes to show your employer your achievements, you will then have enough to stand above the rest of them who will have nothing but their academics to show. Applying knowledge also enhances your interpersonal and communication skills.

According to Edward Crawley, in order to be a leader, apart from what you know, whom you know is equally important. Realize the value of networking by acquainting yourself with speakers by attending their lectures on your campus.

He says that though you can effectively connect through e-mail and other social media tools such as LinkedIn, nothing can be as good as face to face traditional meeting.

Team work is always appreciated and enjoyable too. Whatever you may be doing including writing a school paper, participating in a sporting event or creating something for your science project, learn effective team work. This will help you to a great extent with your career where you will definitely be required to work in teams.

Irrespective of whether you are officially leading a team or not, make sure you are a leader in whatever you do. Whatever position you are in the organization, you can influence the way of working of those around you and the manner in which they take decisions. Be noticed as a leader which is a great step forward in your career.

Ask the members of your team, professors and group leaders for feedback on your job and constantly strive for perfection in your leadership and communication skills. One of the most important aspects for a successful career is to know how to best give and receive constructive criticism.

Learn all aspects of a business. If you want to be successful in your career, it is not enough to be just technically proficient. You must be well versed with every aspect of business including negotiating contracts, read organization charts, understand P&L and every other function that an engineer must know. You can join a couple of business courses and it will definitely be worth the effort.

Develop a network of professionals, family and friends who can help you decide on your career course. This way you will have a solid contact base who can effectively guide you in making important career decisions. Ask them for guidance periodically by keeping in touch with them and providing them with periodic updates.