When you think of engineers, you may picture building massive infrastructure like bridges or entire cities. The reality is that this is a career that spans a wide range of disciplines.
Many universities have programs that connect students with engineering internships. Some employers, such as Airbus, also run 12-month industrial placements.
Education Requirements
Engineers use their skills to solve technical problems and design, build and maintain things, from espresso machines to nuclear power plants. They often have to work with other people and adhere to strict deadlines, so it’s important for them to be able to communicate complex information in easy-to-understand terms.
Most engineers start their careers with a bachelor’s degree in their engineering specialty. They may then continue their education by earning a master’s degree in the field to gain advanced knowledge and skills or pursue a doctorate in engineering for a career in research and academia.
When it comes to undergraduate programs, engineers should look for schools that are accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). The ABET seal indicates that the school’s engineering program meets the highest standards in the industry.
Engineering degrees typically require students to take a wide range of courses, including math, science, physics, computer-assisted design and engineering, fluid mechanics, and electrical circuits. In addition, students should also complete a capstone course, which is used to help prepare them for their engineering career.
While you don’t necessarily have to love math to be an engineer, it’s a must-have skill. You must be able to think critically and structurally about the problems you encounter. In addition, you must be able to handle stress well and work long hours under tight deadlines.
Degree Requirements
Engineering is considered the frontline of our world’s challenges and engineers are highly sought after. As a result, it requires many years of dedicated training and the ability to be resilient in the face of adversity. It is a career choice for those who are naturally curious, inquisitive and love to solve problems.
Depending on the field, engineering degrees have various admission requirements. Most require a high school diploma, standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, and specific courses that are needed for your chosen engineering discipline. These introductory courses include math, science and engineering fundamentals, physics, chemistry, biology, drafting and design technology, electrical circuits, mechanical systems and more.
The best engineers are also constantly committed to professional development and have a desire to stay on the cutting edge of their discipline. In addition, they have good communication skills, both verbally and in writing. Engineering teams often work with people from other departments, so the ability to communicate effectively and translate technical topics into layman terms is a valuable skill for engineers.
A good engineer is resourceful and inventive, which means that they will come up with creative solutions to problems that may not have been considered or tried before. They are usually not afraid to take risks, but these must be calculated and well-thought-out. They also know how to prioritize and delegate tasks, which is essential in a time-constrained environment.
Employment Requirements
Engineers work on a variety of projects and issues, and the specific career path can vary significantly depending on specialty. However, most engineers are responsible for using scientific fields in order to create solutions that help solve problems or build things, such as buildings, cars, espresso machines, and more. Engineers are also required to follow a certain set of laws, regulations, and standards in their work.
Most engineers begin their careers with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. They then work as an engineer in training or engineering intern for several years. This helps them gain the skills they need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
After passing the FE exam, engineers can apply to become licensed professional engineers in their chosen discipline. Some engineers choose to complete a master’s or doctorate program to open up research opportunities.
Throughout their career, engineers must be able to think critically and logically. They must be able to find creative ways to solve problems and they need to be able to communicate their ideas effectively. Additionally, they must be able to pay attention to detail as even the smallest mistakes can have significant consequences. Finally, engineers are often required to be on call, which can be stressful at times.
Salary
Engineers play a crucial role in the future of our planet and its inhabitants. Their work is behind every day products, from cars to zippers and airports. Whether you’re interested in creating the physical foundations of our world or you want to help solve the problems that humanity is facing, there are many career paths to choose from with an engineering degree.
The field of engineering is diverse and can be overwhelming for a new graduate. Understanding your personal background and goals can help you narrow down the options and determine the field that best suits your skills and interests. Choosing the right field can also help you avoid spending time and money on unnecessary education.
While it is not required for all engineering positions, a master’s or doctorate degree is usually needed to advance in the industry. These degrees offer more in-depth training and can help you gain specialized knowledge in your chosen field of engineering. They can also add credibility to your professional career.
Once you’ve earned a degree, it’s time to start looking for a job. Monster can help you find a position that matches your qualifications and skills. Register to get started and create a profile that you can use to respond to job ads. You can even upload your resume to our database so that companies can find you.