Engineering Career Pathways

Introduction

Engineering is a broad field that offers a wide variety of career paths. From designing and building bridges to developing new medical technologies, engineers play a vital role in our society. If you’re interested in a career in engineering, there are many different paths you can take.

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 infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, and buildings.
* **Mechanical engineering:** Mechanical engineers design and build machines, such as cars, airplanes, and robots.
* **Electrical engineering:** Electrical engineers design and build electrical systems, such as power plants, lighting systems, and communication systems.
* **Chemical engineering:** Chemical engineers design and build processes for producing chemicals and other materials.
* **Computer engineering:** Computer engineers design and build computer systems, such as computers, laptops, and smartphones.
* **Biomedical engineering:** Biomedical engineers design and build medical devices and technologies, such as prosthetics, pacemakers, and imaging systems.

Education

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 coursework, you will also need to complete an internship or co-op program. This will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of engineering.

Career Paths

Once you have earned your engineering degree, you can choose from a variety of career paths. Some of the most common career paths for engineers include:

* **Design engineer:** Design engineers develop and design products and systems.
* **Project engineer:** Project engineers manage engineering projects from start to finish.
* **Research engineer:** Research engineers conduct research and develop new technologies.
* **Sales engineer:** Sales engineers sell engineering products and services.
* **Technical writer:** Technical writers create documentation for engineering products and systems.

Salary

The salary for engineers varies depending on their experience, education, and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for engineers was $91,010 in May 2020.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for engineers is expected to be good over the next few years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for engineers will grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030.

Conclusion

Engineering is a rewarding career that offers a wide variety of opportunities. If you’re interested in a career in engineering, there are many different paths you can take. With a strong education and a commitment to hard work, you can achieve your engineering career goals.