Engineering Career Guidance

What is Engineering?

Engineering is the application of scientific and mathematical principles to the design, construction, and operation of structures, machines, and systems.

Engineers use their knowledge of science and mathematics to solve problems and create new solutions. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, transportation, and energy.

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:

Aerospace engineering: Designs, builds, and tests aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft.
Biomedical engineering: Applies engineering principles to the design and development of medical devices and treatments.
Chemical engineering: Designs and operates chemical plants and processes.
Civil engineering: Designs and builds infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, and buildings.
Computer engineering: Designs and builds computer systems and networks.
Electrical engineering: Designs and builds electrical systems and devices.
Industrial engineering: Improves the efficiency and productivity of industrial processes.
Materials engineering: Develops and tests new materials for use in engineering applications.
Mechanical engineering: Designs and builds machines and mechanical systems.
Nuclear engineering: Designs and operates nuclear reactors and power plants.
Software engineering: Designs and develops software systems.

Education and Training

To become an engineer, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited university. Some engineering programs also offer master’s and doctoral degrees.

In addition to your formal education, you will also need to gain practical experience through internships and co-ops. This experience will help you to develop the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful engineer.

Career Outlook

The job outlook for engineers is bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of engineers will grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029.

The BLS also projects that the median annual salary for engineers will be $100,930 in May 2019. The top 10% of earners will earn more than $162,280 per year.

How to Get Started

If you are interested in a career in engineering, there are a few things you can do to get started:

Take math and science courses in high school. This will give you a strong foundation for engineering studies.
Join extracurricular activities that are related to engineering. This will help you to develop your skills and interests.
Talk to engineers. Learn about their work and what it takes to be successful.
Visit engineering schools. This will give you a chance to see what engineering programs are like and meet with faculty and students.

Conclusion

Engineering is a rewarding career that offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the world. If you are interested in a career in engineering, there are many resources available to help you get started.

With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your engineering dreams.