Engineering Career Requirements
Education
Engineering is a highly technical field, so most engineering jobs require a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited university. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or doctorate, depending on the position.
The most common engineering degrees are:
- Aerospace engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Computer engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Industrial engineering
- Materials science engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Nuclear engineering
Skills
In addition to a strong educational foundation, engineers also need a variety of skills to be successful in their careers. These skills include:
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Computer skills
- Creative thinking skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork skills
Experience
Most engineering jobs require some experience before you can be hired. This experience can be gained through internships, co-ops, or research projects.
Internships and co-ops are great ways to get hands-on experience in engineering. They allow you to work on real-world projects and learn from experienced engineers.
Research projects are another good way to gain experience in engineering. They allow you to work on your own research projects and learn about the latest advances in engineering.
Certifications
Certifications are not required for all engineering jobs, but they can be helpful in demonstrating your skills and knowledge.
There are a variety of engineering certifications available, including:
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) certification
- Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) certification
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification
Career Outlook
The job outlook for engineers is expected to be good over the next few years. The demand for engineers is expected to grow as the economy continues to grow and new technologies are developed.
The median annual salary for engineers was $91,010 in May 2021. The top 10% of earners made more than $162,190, while the bottom 10% earned less than $56,310.
Conclusion
Engineering is a rewarding career that offers a variety of opportunities. If you have a strong interest in math, science, and technology, then engineering may be the right career for you.
