Engineering Career Guide

Introduction

Engineering is a rewarding and challenging career that offers a wide range of opportunities. Engineers use their skills to design, build, and maintain our world’s infrastructure, from bridges to buildings to medical devices. They are also responsible for developing new technologies that improve our lives, such as self-driving cars and renewable energy sources.

If you’re interested in a career in engineering, there are a few things you should know. First, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited university. Second, you’ll need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Third, you’ll need to gain experience working under a licensed engineer. Once you’ve met these requirements, you can apply for a Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Types of Engineering

There are many different types of engineering, each with its own unique focus. Some of the most common types of engineering include:

Civil engineering: Civil engineers design and build bridges, buildings, dams, and other infrastructure.
Chemical engineering: Chemical engineers design and operate chemical plants, which produce a wide range of products, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and plastics.
Computer engineering: Computer engineers design and build computers and other electronic devices.
Electrical engineering: Electrical engineers design and build electrical systems, such as power plants, lighting systems, and telecommunications networks.
Industrial engineering: Industrial engineers design and improve production systems, such as factories and warehouses.
Mechanical engineering: Mechanical engineers design and build machines, such as engines, robots, and medical devices.
Materials engineering: Materials engineers develop and test new materials, such as plastics, metals, and ceramics.

Education and Training

To become an engineer, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited university. The ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredits engineering programs in the United States. When choosing an engineering program, it’s important to make sure that it is accredited by the ABET.

Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The FE exam is a national exam that tests your basic engineering knowledge. Once you’ve passed the FE exam, you’ll be able to apply for an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) license. An EIT license allows you to practice engineering under the supervision of a licensed engineer.

After you’ve gained experience working under a licensed engineer, you can apply for a Professional Engineer (PE) license. A PE license allows you to practice engineering independently.

Career Opportunities

Engineers are in high demand in a wide range of industries. Some of the most common industries for engineers include:

Aerospace
Automotive
Chemical
Computer hardware
Construction
Defense
Electrical power
Electronics
Energy
Environmental
Healthcare
Manufacturing
Materials
Mechanical
Mining
Nuclear
Oil and gas
Pharmaceutical
Robotics
Software
Telecommunications
Transportation

Engineers can also work in academia, government, and non-profit organizations.

Salary and Benefits

Engineers earn a good salary and benefits package. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for engineers was $100,910 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $56,380, and the highest 10 percent of earners made more than $160,340.

In addition to their salary, engineers typically receive a benefits package that includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

Conclusion

Engineering is a rewarding and challenging career that offers a wide range of opportunities. If you have a strong interest in math and science, and you’re looking for a career that will make a difference in the world, then engineering may be the right choice for you.