Engineering Careers
How to Become an Engineer
Are you a practical-minded person with an interest in how things work? Engineers solve technical problems using scientific and mathematical principles. A career in engineering can offer you good job opportunities and a high salary. Of the many different engineering specialties, the largest numbers of engineers work as civil, mechanical, industrial, electrical, and electronics engineers.
Civil engineering career
Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, airports, and water supply and sewage systems. In their work, they must consider construction cost, expected lifetime of projects, government regulations, and environmental hazards.
Mechanical engineering career
To become licensed to offer engineering services to the public, you must earn a degree from an ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.) accredited program, obtain 4 years of relevant work experience, and pass a state examination.
Industrial engineering career
Industrial engineers optimize ways to produce products, services, and distribution systems. To do this, they identify the most efficient ways to utilize manpower, machines, materials, information, and energy. The tools of an industrial engineer's trade include mathematical methods and models, financial planning, and cost analysis.
Electrical engineering career
Electrical engineers design and supervise the manufacturing processes for electrical equipment. Electrical engineering has traditionally been associated with power systems and electrical equipment manufacturing.
Electronic engineering career
Electronics engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electronic equipment. Typically, they work with communication, entertainment, navigation, control, and signal processing systems.
Engineering management career
Engineers who move into management may supervise other engineers, direct industrial operations, or manage research and development teams. These managers are technically proficiency, but they're also well versed in finance, marketing, operations management, and other areas of business management.
Degree Programs and Training for the Engineering Career
To land an entry-level job as an engineer, you'll probably need a bachelor's degree. Engineering degrees are usually specialized in areas such as civil, mechanical, industrial, electrical, and electronics engineering.
There are several alternatives to a 4-year bachelor's degree in engineering. Some engineering schools admit students who have completed a course of study at 2-year colleges. Others allow students who have completed 3 years in a liberal arts program to complete an engineering degree in 2 additional years. There are also 5-year master's degree programs, as well as 5-and 6-year cooperative programs that include paid work experience in addition to the standard engineering curriculum.
To move into management, you can earn a master's degree in engineering management (MEM) or business administration (MBA). Engineers who want to manage in a technical area often prefer to earn an MEM, whereas those who move into areas such as marketing, human resources, or sales may choose an MBA program.
Engineering Career Certification and Licensing
To become licensed to offer engineering services to the public, you must earn a degree from an ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.) accredited program, obtain 4 years of relevant work experience, and pass a state examination.
Engineers' Earnings
Engineers are among the highest paid workers who hold bachelor's degrees. Average starting salaries in the various engineering specialties range from $48,000 to $61,000 for engineers with bachelor's degrees. In 2006, the median salaries for engineers in various disciplines ranged from $66,000 to $98,000.
In 2006, the median salary for engineering managers was $105,000.
Engineers' Employment Outlook
Employment opportunities for engineers are good. Growth in employment of engineers in the specialties of biomedical, civil, environmental, and industrial engineering, is expected to be especially high.
Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.