Aerospace engineering is the study of the design, development,
and production of air and spacecraft. This engineering discipline is often
divided between those who pursue careers on the aeronautical side and those
working on space craft. Both air and space vehicles contain complex subsystems
that require specialists from many engineering groups such as electrical,
mechanical, and computer engineering. Careers in engineering present
challenging positions and career opportunities across a variety of industries.Upon
deciding to pursue an engineering career path, one must choose among the
different types of engineering specialties such as aerospace, civil,
electrical, and chemical engineering. The aerospace engineering specialty
features assignments that are literally out of this world.
Definition And Nature Of The Work For
Aerospace Engineers
Aerospace engineering is the study of the
design, development, and production of air and spacecraft. This engineering
discipline is often divided between those who pursue careers on the
aeronautical side and those working on space craft. Both air and space vehicles
contain complex subsystems that require specialists from many engineering
groups such as electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering.
However, the broad knowledge of air and space
craft possessed by aerospace engineers best equips them to serve as systems
engineers or engineering project managers on most aerospace projects. Aerospace
engineers functioning as systems engineers or engineering project managers on
projects manage aerospace development and upgrade efforts from an enterprise
perspective.
Aerospace Engineer Schools
A Day In The Life Of An Aerospace Engineer
Junior level aerospace engineers use their
knowledge of aerospace theory gained through a relevant educational background
to work as consultants for aerospace companies. Since the aerospace industry is
a mature one, there are not a lot of drastically innovative designs to learn at
a rapid pace as with other information technology projects.
Junior consultants who have the foundational
elements of aerospace vehicle development and have learned the unique elements
of specific vehicles pertaining to their client's project make valuable
contributions to the team relatively quickly.
As they gain more real world experience, these
aerospace engineers receive greater job responsibilities and opportunities for
career advancement. Mid-level aerospace engineers usually serve as systems
engineers while senior-level aerospace engineers find themselves working as
engineering managers or project managers.
Aerospace vehicles contain many subsystems,
and it is the job of aerospace engineers working as managers to be expertly
familiar with the functions of all subsystems. Some common vehicle components
include the engine, system propulsion, avionics, computer control system, and
air and space craft structure. These aerospace engineers oversee the upgrades
to these subsystems and assess the risks or benefits to the overall system.
Becoming An Aerospace Engineer
To become an aerospace engineer, one must earn
an engineering degree from an accredited university. There are three types of
aerospace degree programs available including undergraduate, graduate, and
doctorate programs. To work as a junior-level aerospace engineer, one must
start by earning an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is an
example of a highly ranked school offering undergraduate degrees in aerospace
engineering. As their name implies, Embry-Riddle's degree program is aircraft
focused and not spacecraft centric.
The University of Southern California is also
a top ranked aerospace engineering degree program provider, and its
undergraduate courses include both air and space studies.
Aerospace engineers looking for a career edge
typically embark upon graduate and doctoral studies. Georgia Institute of
Technology and Wichita State University have two of the top aerospace
engineering advanced degree programs in the country; Wichita State University
is also famous for the amount of research funding it has secured for its
graduate students, doctoral candidates, and professors.
Aerospace Engineering Employment & Outlook
Although aerospace engineering is an exciting
career field, those wishing to enter the industry expect strong competition for
positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job
growth for this engineering specialty is only projected to rise at a rate of
five percent over the next seven years. This specialty lags behind other
engineering disciplines in job growth by six percent and is well under the
national average growth rate for jobs in other industries.
Typical Aerospace Engineer Salary
Aerospace engineering salaries depend upon
many factors including experience, industry segment, job location, and
educational credentials. Senior-level aerospace engineers obviously command
higher salaries than their junior-level counterparts. Additionally, aerospace
engineers that work on defense systems that require security clearances often
have higher salaries than those simply working on commercial aircraft upgrades.
These engineers working in the defense
industry also experience a greater amount of job security while their
colleagues who work on commercial aircraft worry about manufacturing jobs being
sent overseas. According to the BLS, the average annual salary earned by an
aerospace engineer in 2010 was $97,480.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Even though the experts expect slow growth in
this career field, career advancement opportunities still exist for those with
the right skills. According to BLS, aerospace engineers that set themselves
apart from the rest are the ones who have modeling and simulation skills in
addition to a standard aerospace engineering background. The aerospace industry
mainly conducts upgrades of its original air and space craft, and these
upgrades require extensive testing to make sure that improvements work as
expected and when implemented no original functionality is lost. Most
engineering and information technology organizations now rely heavily on
modeling and simulation and computer based testing as a cost-effective way to
test their systems. Aerospace engineers who know how to use these collaborative
test tools save their organizations time and budget on projects.Career tips for
all aerospace engineers are to keep skills fresh and relevant through continued
education and training and to network with other professionals by joining the
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics an aerospace professional association
Agricultural engineering is also known as biological
engineering, and it covers subjects from aquaculture (raising food sources that
thrive in water), to land farming and forestry. These engineers also develop befouls,
plan animal environments, and find better food processing methods. Often they
work in offices, but they are also outdoors and traveling to worksites where
they oversee equipment function in agricultural settings, and assure that
government regulations are met.
Automotive engineering is one of the most exciting, challenging
and rewarding careers. Whenever a customer drives a new vehicle off a
dealership lot, he or she is taking with them the technical expertise of many
engineers, but in particular, the automotive engineer. Automotive engineers
research, design and develop vehicles and their subsystems. They work with
sophisticated technologies to create products that thrill the senses and bring
the freedom of mobility to the world. Automotive Engineer Careers
What is an Automotive Engineer?
Automotive engineering is one of the most exciting, challenging
and rewarding careers. Whenever a customer drives a new vehicle off a
dealership lot, he or she is taking with them the technical expertise of many
engineers, but in particular, the automotive engineer. Automotive engineers
research, design and develop vehicles and their subsystems. They work with
sophisticated technologies to create products that thrill the senses and bring
the freedom of mobility to the world.
What Do Automotive Engineers Do?
Automotive engineers are concerned with the development of
passenger cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles or off-road vehicles. They do one or
more of the following:
Design new products or modify existing ones
Troubleshoot and solve engineering problems
Plan and design manufacturing processes
Automotive engineers must apply their engineering skills in a
commercial way because their innovations and solutions must be effective and
profitable. Their typical responsibilities include:
Researching, designing, developing and producing vehicles and
components
Preparing cost estimates and design specifications
Preparing plans and drawings
Analyzing energy, environmental and safety aspects of the
planned project
Predicting vehicle or component behavior under different
conditions using computerized models
Developing testing procedures
Investigating product failures
Analyzing, interpreting and condensing technical data into
reports or presentations
Supervise technical staff
Working closely with other types of engineers, such as civil,
electrical, aerospace, chemical and industrial
Working with professionals from other occupational fields, such
as marketing and legal Automotive
Engineer Schools
Qualifications
Any pre-engineering student should have a strong background in
advanced calculus, physics and chemistry to succeed at the collegiate level.
Good grades and a high level of hands-on experience at the undergraduate level
are important to landing a job after graduation. Because vehicles today are
designed and developed in a virtual world and are basically “computers on
wheels,” it is a real advantage to have a strong appreciation of computer
science.
In addition to academic qualifications, the automotive engineer
should have:
An avid interest in motor vehicle engineering
Solid analytical skills and an creative approach to problem
solving
A thorough understanding of technical concepts and federal
safety standards and laws Excellent oral and written communication skills
The ability to prioritize and plan effectively
The ability to stay within a budget and meet deadlines
Soft skills, such as the ability to work in teams to solve
problems
The ability to work independently
Degrees and Specialties
Very few universities and colleges in the United States offer
bachelor’s degrees in automotive engineering. Consequently, many students go
into mechanical engineering because automotive engineering is a specialty of
mechanical engineering and much of the coursework is the same. However, there
are some mechanical engineering schools that offer undergraduate courses that
cover diesel engine theory, automotive electronics and automotive power
systems.
At the master’s degree and Phd levels, students can concentrate
on specific areas, such as:
Automotive mechanical functions
Automotive systems studies
Hybrid electric cars
Students should choose a graduate engineering program that will
not only enhance their education but will also help them to lead, innovate and
manage in a global economy. Automotive engineers with graduate degrees are in
high demand by automotive manufacturers and suppliers.
Jobs and Compensation
Currently, the cities with the highest paying automotive
engineering jobs are Auburn Hills, Michigan and Detroit, Michigan. The states
with the heaviest concentration of automotive engineers are Michigan,
California and Texas.
According to the Society of Automotive Engineers International
(SAE), the average total cash compensation for automotive engineers in 2012 was
$117,600. This was about a ten percent jump from 2010. The SAE also reported
that the 25th to 75th percentile range of total cash compensation for
automotive engineers 2011 was $83,500 to $134,200. The salary range for
automotive engineering jobs in the most popular industries are:
Automotive Manufacturing $54,000 – $96,000
Original Equipment Manufacturing $50,000 – $89,000
Systems & Components Manufacturing $51,000 – $92,000
Engine Manufacturing $50,000 – $91,000
Associations
The SAE and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers are
wonderful sources of information about the latest industry news, events,
conferences and seminars. Additionally, these organizations offer great
opportunities to meet with recruiters from leading automotive companies and
network with other automotive engineers.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Over time, automotive engineers can enter senior-level
management positions within their companies. Some gain the experience and
expertise to open their own consulting engineering firms. Others take sales
positions in automobile companies because they already possess the technical
knowledge. Those with master's degrees or PhDs teach and share their
experiences with college engineering students.
Is Automotive Engineering
Right For You?
Ask yourself the following questions in evaluating your
potential to become an automotive engineer:
Are you interested in motor vehicles and how they work?
Are you a natural problem solver?
Do you communicate well with others and work productively in a
team environment?
Are you comfortable leading and motivating others?
Are you able to multi-task and meet deadlines?
Are you willing to constantly learn new things?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, and you do not
struggle in math and science, then you should consider pursuing a career in
automotive engineering.
Biomedical engineers work with a combination of biology,
medicine and engineering. They are trained to analyze and design solutions that
will improve patient care. They are the professionals behind sophisticated
medical equipment like MRIs and microscopic surgical machines. Biomedical
engineers are also responsible for research and development of medical
innovations like artificial organs and prosthesis. Biomedical Engineer Careers
Definition and Nature of Work
Biomedical engineers work with a combination of biology,
medicine and engineering. They are trained to analyze and design solutions that
will improve patient care. They are the professionals behind sophisticated
medical equipment like MRIs and microscopic surgical machines.
Biomedical engineers are also responsible for research and
development of medical innovations like artificial organs and prosthesis.
Biomedical engineers install, maintain and repair or provide
technical support for medical machines and equipment. They make sure that they
are always running at peak efficiency and won’t compromise patients’ lives.
They generally work with medical scientists, life scientists and
chemists. They take part in research to develop and implement biomedical
equipment. Biomedical engineers also ensure that personnel in charge of the
machine know how to use and care for it.
A Day in the Life of Biomedical Engineers
Biomedical engineers can work in many different industries. They
may work in hospitals, research laboratories and even manufacturing facilities.
They also work in commercial offices if they are asked to deliver customer
support service and make business decisions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 23
percent of these professionals worked in medical equipment and supply
manufacturing as of 2010. About 19 percent worked in scientific research
services, 14 percent were employed in medicine and pharmaceutical manufacturing
and 11 percent had jobs at colleges and universities. Around 7 percent worked in
general medical hospitals according to the BLS. Biomedical engineers work with
the health team, patients and other professionals in the medical and
engineering fields. Most of them work full time at 40 hours per week. However,
they may work longer hours in order to accommodate patients’, co-workers’ and
clients’ needs.
Biomedical Engineer Schools
Becoming a Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree
in biomedical engineering. Another route is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in
another engineering field and get a graduate degree in biomedical engineering.
They can also get a job through training in the field. However, they have to
make sure they only enroll in ABET accredited programs. Aspiring biomedical
engineering students can start preparing as early as high school. They should
take as many math and science courses as they can such as calculus, physics,
chemistry and biology. Mechanical drawing, drafting and computer programming
courses are also valuable. ABET programs also include internships and co-ops.
Biomedical Engineer Employment and Outlook
The BLS reports that employment for biomedical engineers will
grow at 62 percent from 2010 to 2020. This means the number of jobs will
increase from 15,700 to 25,400 in a decade. The 9,700 difference over a
ten-year period may appear small because biomedical engineering is an emerging
field. Nevertheless, biomedical engineers will be more in demand than those in
other engineering specialties that are projected to decline in the coming
years. The aging population triggers this demand. As more and more people grow
old, they will need additional medical equipment like hip and knee replacements
and machines to keep them healthy and monitor their well being. The rise of
medical advancements also increases the number of people who are taking
advantage of these as prescribed by physicians. Biomedical engineers who
consistently seek further training and education will become more attractive to
employers.CNNMoney.com listed a career as a Biomedical Engineer as the #1 Best
Job in America for 2012.
Typical Biomedical Engineer Salary
According to the BLS, biomedical engineers earned as much as
$81,540 in 2010. The top ten percent earners make more than $126,990 while the
bottom ten percent earned less than $49,690. Among the highest paying
industries include scientific research and development services where employers
pay as much as $88,330 in median annual salaries. Pharmaceutical and medicine
manufacturing companies offer $88,330 on average. This is then followed by
medical equipment and supplies manufacturing firms, colleges and universities
and general and medical hospitals that pay $81,150, $68,070 and $59,010
respectively. Biomedical engineers with a master’s degree increase their
chances of commanding a larger salary than those with just a bachelor’s degree.
Career Advancement
Biomedical engineers who obtain a graduate degree may land a job
that will let them supervise and handle a research team. They may get
additional training and education from dental and medical schools where they
can earn more credentials. Doing so will allow them to find an area where they
can specialize in. Alternatively, they may get a law degree and become patent
attorneys.
Is this career right for you?
Biomedical engineers should have excellent analytical skills.
This is because they need to analyze their clients’ and patient’s needs before
they can create the right medical equipment and machines. In addition, they
should have good communication skills as they have to work with other
professionals. With this, it is essential that aspiring biomedical engineers
are able to assess themselves before deciding on getting into this field.
Experts recommend starting preparations during high school and
getting as much training in a related field as possible. In addition, they
should get into internship programs. Doing so will allow them to discover the
real challenges of being a biomedical engineer.
Chemical engineers utilize their knowledge of the physical world
to manipulate the interactions of individual atoms and molecules. Their talents
are generally employed in the research and development of new materials and are
critical to numerous fields including nanotechnology, energy storage, and
computing. Often working alongside other engineers in interdisciplinary teams
to solve humanity's greatest problems, chemical engineers are guaranteed to
remain key leaders in securing our future prosperity whether on this planet or
any other. Chemical Engineer Careers
What is a Chemical Engineer?
Chemical engineers utilize their knowledge of the physical world
to manipulate the interactions of individual atoms and molecules.
Their talents are generally employed in the research and
development of new materials and are critical to numerous fields including
nanotechnology, energy storage, and computing. Often working alongside other
engineers in interdisciplinary teams to solve humanity's greatest problems,
chemical engineers are guaranteed to remain key leaders in securing our future
prosperity whether on this planet or any other.
What does a Chemical Engineer do?
The job of a chemical engineer centers on the design and
implementation of systems and processes that control and direct how an
individual atom interacts with another. They apply the discoveries made by
chemists to build groundbreaking materials with atomic precision. So precise
are they that they have recently developed the capability to construct a
nano-scale car the width of a single DNA molecule. As a chemical engineer, you
will likely spend the majority of your time in an office or laboratory
designing and refining the mathematical models behind the materials and methods
you develop while occasionally spending time on-site overseeing production or
solving problems.
How does one become a Chemical Engineer?
The process of earning a degree in chemical engineering and
becoming a chemical engineer is fairly intensive relative to other fields. The
chemical engineering program at University of California, Berkeley (considered
among the top institutions for chemical engineering according to USnews.com)
submerges students in mathematics and the physical sciences (physics and
chemistry, specifically) during their first two years then educates those
students in the application of mathematics and the physical sciences in their
final two years.
Many institutions offer cooperative education programs. Similar
to an internship, these programs allow students to earn credit toward their
degree by working on a project alongside professional engineers employed by the
sponsoring company.
Chemical Engineer Schools
What can I expect from a career as a Chemical Engineer?
The field of chemical engineering is very secure, with the
possibility of a very lucrative future awaiting those who are able to establish
a solid career. This field enjoys almost full, full-time employment with
corporate demand for chemical engineers expected to rise by 6% through 2020
according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).Higher than average job
security, combined with a median annual salary of over $90,000 according to the
BLS, makes the life of a chemical engineer very promising. For those engineers
whose work leads them to a truly groundbreaking development, even greater
career opportunities become available should one choose to incorporate; in
2008, one CEO out of every five CEOs in the S&P 500 held a degree in
engineering according to a report conducted by SpencerStuart.com.
How do I know if I want to be a Chemical Engineer?
As with all science-related occupations, there are substantial
intellectual challenges you will be required to overcome. A substantial aspect
of chemical engineering involves analysis and planning. You will be expected to
scrutinize every detail of your work, correcting any errors you discover.
It is also possible that you will be expected to scrutinize
details of your peers' work as well considering both the collaborative and
competitive natures of science. Those who choose to embrace these challenges
often do so because of a unique creativity: the desire to improve upon that
which already exists. The financial benefits they enjoy come second to their
passion to create.
Is there anything available for me as a Chemical Engineer
outside of my employment? Many organizations and associations exclusive to
engineers are available around the world. Well-known organizations based in the
US include:
American Institute of Chemical Engineers
American Chemical Society
National Society of Professional Engineers
Order of the Engineer
Engineers Without Borders
Though there are countless organizations for engineers of all
disciplines around the world.
Civil engineers specialize in road, bridge, buildings and water
supply system design and construction. They supervise and direct construction
teams and work with other engineers. These professionals ensure that every
structure built is environmentally compliant and can withstand earthquakes and
hurricanes. This is especially true in places where these natural calamities
often strike. Civil Engineer Careers
Definition and Nature of Work
Civil engineers specialize in road, bridge, buildings and water
supply system design and construction. They supervise and direct construction
teams and work with other engineers. These professionals ensure that every
structure built is environmentally compliant and can withstand earthquakes and
hurricanes. This is especially true in places where these natural calamities
often strike.
Civil engineers work wherever there is a need for expanding new
structures or transportation systems and geotechnical engineering. They also
hold administrative and supervisory positions.
A Day in the Life of a Civil Engineer
Civil engineers work in the oldest engineering discipline. This
is among the most popular engineering areas of concentration with more than
262,800 professionals employed in the field as of 2010. They usually work in
offices creating designs and structural plans. However, they are also needed to
work at constructions sites.
This is especially true for those who handle projects that
demand their presence at the site to monitor workers and troubleshoot. Many
civil engineers work abroad for larger construction projects. They may be
employed full time for40 hours every week or more. However, they may also work
on an as-needed or contractual basis. With this, they tend to work long hours
to meet deadlines. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),
about 48 percent of civil engineers work in engineering and architectural
firms. In addition, 13 percent are employed in state governments, and 11
percent work for local governments. About five percent hold positions with
non-residential building construction firms and the federal government.
Civil Engineer Schools
Becoming a Civil Engineer
Aspiring civil engineers should complete a bachelor’s degree in
civil engineering or a related specialty. However, they should make sure that
they only enroll in programs that are ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering
and Technology) certified. This is essential in order to qualify to obtain a
license. A bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete. It covers courses
like engineering mechanics, mathematics, statistics and fluid dynamics.
Civil engineering students may specialize in areas like
geotechnical engineering that focuses more on building structures, structural
engineering for dams and bridges and transportation engineering for streets,
highways and everyday systems.
After completing a bachelor’s degree, civil engineering
graduates should take the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination that will
grant them the title of Engineer-in-Training or Civil Engineering Intern if
they pass. Depending on the state, they may need to pass more exams, undergo
training and meet other requirements so that they will be eligible to become a
CE Professional.
Civil Engineer Employment and Outlook
As the population grows and the need to expand structures
increases, more civil engineers are needed. In fact, the BLS reports that there
will be a 19 percent rise in the demand for these professionals from 2010 to
2020. This means an increase from 262,800 to 313,900 jobs. The BLS pointed out
that the aging infrastructure is among the main reasons for this growth. They
are needed to rebuild dams, roads, levees and bridges. Population growth will
also trigger the rising need for civil engineers because water systems need to
be maintained, repaired or expanded. The nation will require more sewage
systems that need these professionals to construct them. Additionally, there
will be an increasing demand for green building. This means more civil
engineers with experience in this area will be very attractive to employers in
the near future.
Typical Civil Engineer Salary
According to the BLS, civil engineers earn as much as $77,560 in
median annual pay. The bottom ten percent make about $50,560 yearly while the top ten
percent earns as much as $119,320.
The federal government employs the largest number of civil
engineers in the country and is the highest paying employer. These jobs pay an
annual median wage of $89,450. This is followed by local governments at
$80,250. Architectural and engineering firms, non-residential building
construction companies and state governments pay civil engineers as much as
$76,620, $76,120 and $74,300 respectively.
Is this career the right one for you?
According to the ASCE, it is best that aspiring civil engineers
take different courses to find out what captures their interest. They may also
complete internship programs in order to get some practical experience.
Professionals in the field suggests that future civil engineers develop solid
written and oral communication skills.
Are there any Civil Engineer Associations?
American Society of Civil Engineers
American Society for Engineering Education
ASM International
Computer Engineers develop and improve the software programs and
hardware that make computers run. Computer Engineers may specialize in either
software or hardware. From operating system software, such as Windows and
Linux, to individual computer programs, such as Photoshop and Microsoft Office,
Software Engineers turn piles of hardware into fully functional computers.
Hardware Engineers develop the hardware of computers, including the
motherboards, graphics and audio cards and drives that are later programmed by
Software Engineers. Computer Engineer Careers
Computer Engineers develop and improve the software programs and
hardware that make computers run. Computer Engineers may specialize in either
software or hardware. From operating system software, such as Windows and
Linux, to individual computer programs, such as Photoshop and Microsoft Office,
Software Engineers turn piles of hardware into fully functional computers.
Hardware Engineers develop the hardware of computers, including the motherboards,
graphics and audio cards and drives that are later programmed by Software
Engineers.
A Day in the Life of a Computer Engineer
Computer Engineers program and maintain games, email programs,
software tools for businesses and schools, operating systems and hardware. When
something isn't working with the email client at work or a bug turns up in the
latest release of a computer operating system, Computer Engineers use their
knowledge of coding and computer frameworks to solve the problem. Computer
Engineers work in a variety of settings from corporate offices to schools and
government laboratories.
Becoming a Computer Engineer
To become a Computer Engineer, you should consider pursuing a
degree in Computer Science or another closely related field. While some
Computer Engineers manage to learn the skills they need to succeed without a
formal education, the vast majority of competition in the work force have
college degrees.
In addition to a formal education, aspiring Computer Engineers
should use their free time to keep up on the latest trends and changes in
software and hardware development. Familiarity with recently developed software
programs, patches, and computer chips is essential because the knowledge base
of the Computer Engineering field is constantly evolving to keep up with new
technologies.
Civil Engineer Training and Education
A large percentage of Computer Engineers possess at least a
bachelor's degree in computer science or another related field. Most
entry-level positions in Computer Engineering require a bachelor's degree, and
it is highly recommended that Computer Engineers continue their education
though the master's level to advance their careers. Work experience training is
often required for entry-level Computer Engineers to advance in a company or
other workplace. Computer Engineering students often work on a freelance basis
or pursue paid and unpaid internships while in school to build their resumes
and increase employment opportunities upon graduation.
Computer Engineer Schools
Common majors for this field
Computer Engineering is the most common major for Computer
Engineers. The second most common major for Computer Engineers is Computer
Science. Computer Science takes a more theoretical approach to the information
frameworks and codes that make computers work, while Computer Engineering takes
a more hands-on, applied approach to the same subject matter. Both majors
provide graduates with a solid understanding of computer software and there are
excellent Computer Engineers who majored in each one.
Civil Engineer Employment & Outlook
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that
Computer Hardware Engineer employment will increase by 9% between 2010 and
2020. Computer Software Engineer employment is expected to increase by 12%
between 2010 and 2020 (BSL). The difference in employment outlook between these
two closely related Computer Engineering fields is due to the fact that
software practices and development change at a much faster rate than hardware
practices and development.
Typical Computer Engineer Salary
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates
that Computer Hardware Engineers made an annual median salary of $98,810 in
2010. Software Engineers made a considerably lower salary of $71,380 in 2010
(BLS).
Career Advancement Opportunities
Computer Engineers generally have plenty of opportunities for
career advancement within their workplaces. Pursuit of a graduate degree in
Computer Engineering or a related field can lead to the opportunity to train
and teach other Computer Engineers at a college or university. Many Computer
Engineers choose to start their own engineering firms or work on a freelance
basis as their own bosses.
Is this career the right one for you?
Before deciding if a career in Computer Engineering is right for
you, consider taking some courses in Computer Science or Computer Engineering
in high school or college. Additionally, read as many articles on recent
developments and topics of interest in the field as you can. By studying the
major publications for the Computer Engineering field, you'll gain a better
understanding of the specifics that the job entails. An internship in Computer
Engineering is by far the best way to find out if the career is right for you.
Most internships offer a variety of experiences in both the software and
hardware sides of Computer Engineering.
Drafting and Design Engineering is an exciting career that
allows the engineer to be involved in all stages of the design process, from
conception to presentation of the finished plans. This career requires a
working knowledge of drafting and design principles, material types and
properties, and manufacturing processes. Drafting & Design Engineer
Careers
What is Drafting and Design Engineering?
Drafting and Design Engineering is an exciting career that
allows the engineer to be involved in all stages of the design process, from
conception to presentation of the finished plans. This career requires a
working knowledge of drafting and design principles, material types and
properties, and manufacturing processes.
What Do Drafting and Design Engineers Do?
Drafting and design engineers prepare mechanical or digital
drawings, diagrams or blueprints and/or models of various products or
structures to guide product makers, architects or construction personnel in the
manufacture, implementation or building process. Often using computer-aided
drafting (CAD) and/or computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) software,
drafting and design engineers provide the vital link between design theory and
practical application by translating critical design concepts into workable
plans for tangible, buildable mechanical and architectural end-products.
A Day in the Life of a Drafting and Design Engineer
Drafting and design engineers create the designs and sketch out
the detailed plans for construction projects such as commercial, industrial,
and civil sector structures (buildings, bridges, tunnels and roads) and a wide
variety of manufactured products (automobiles, airplanes, computers and heating
and air conditioning systems, to name but a few).
Becoming a Drafting and Design Engineer
Candidates for this field can either begin by seeking
professional certification as a drafting and design technologist, later moving
on to an engineering degree program, or they can sign up for an Associates or
Bachelors program in drafting and design from the start.
Drafting and Design Engineer Schools
Certification Programs
A list of certified high schools, colleges and technical schools
that offer training programs to prepare drafting and design students for
certification can be found on the American Design Drafting Association/American
Digital Design Association (ADDA) website. The ADDA also offers a professional
certification program that allows drafting and design professionals to
demonstrate their expertise in the field by passing one of the association's
specialized examinations. Candidates are not required to be ADDA members to
complete the testing and qualify for the certificate.
Degree Programs
For those who prefer to enter a degree program from the start,
drafting and design engineering degree programs are also available at many
colleges and universities. Associates, Bachelors, and graduate-level degree
programs offer opportunities for advancement within the field. It is
recommended to look for a degree program that is accredited by ABET.
Preparation and Coursework
In addition to the required engineering courses for your area of
specialization, the following classes can help you prepare for a career as a
drafting and design engineer:
Computer Technology
Computer Graphics
Principles of Design
Technical Drafting
Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)
Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD)
Drafting and Design Engineer Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities are available for drafting and design
engineers in fields such as the following:
Architecture
Business
Electronics
Government
Manufacturing
Mechanics
Medicine
Examples of specific industries requiring the expertise of
drafting and design engineers include the following:
Aeronautics
Automotive
Computer Hardware
Construction
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Information Technology
Medical Equipment
Salaries and Outlook for Drafting and Design Engineering Careers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), simple
drafters earn a median salary of $47,880 per year or a median hourly wage of
$23.02 per hour. Most who earn this level of compensation will hold an
Associates degree. However, because this compensation represents the more
moderate pay scale of drafters in general, those who specialize in both
drafting and design or who qualify as a drafting and design engineer can expect
to earn more. When drafting and design professionals bring these two valuable
skills into the engineering field, they can expect to command more lucrative
compensation — possibly 50 percent more.
Mechanical and civil engineering are two areas in which a
drafting and design engineer can specialize. The BLS lists mechanical
engineering median salaries/wages at $71,160 per year or $37.58 per hour and
civil engineering median salaries/wages at $77,560 per year or $37.29 per hour.
While the BLS predicts that job growth in drafting technology will reach 6
percent between 2010 and 2020, it expects mechanical engineering growth to hit
9 percent and civil engineering growth to hit 19 percent during the same
period.
Is Drafting and Design Engineering for You?
If you are technically oriented, mechanically inclined, good at
mathematics and talented at translating intangible concepts into hands-on
project plans, and you enjoy being involved in the practical application of
complex theoretical principles, you may be well-suited to the drafting and
design engineering field.
Engineering Associations for Drafting and Design Engineers
The following engineering organizations can provide a wealth of
information for anyone interested in drafting and design engineering:
American Design Drafting Association/American Digital Design
Association (ADDA)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Electrical engineers specialize in power supply and generation.
They design, develop, test and supervise electrical equipment manufacturing.
They have also been trained to handle responsibilities like wiring and lighting
installations in buildings, automobiles and aircraft. What is great about being
an electrical engineer is that the training is so extensive that graduates may
land a job in many different industries such as construction, manufacturing and
design. Electrical Engineer Careers
Definition and Nature of Work
Electrical engineers specialize in power supply and generation.
They design, develop, test and supervise electrical equipment manufacturing.
They have also been trained to handle responsibilities like wiring and lighting
installations in buildings, automobiles and aircraft.
What is great about being an electrical engineer is that the
training is so extensive that graduates may land a job in many different
industries such as construction, manufacturing and design.
Moreover, electrical engineers may take part in development and
research as assistants to scientists and other engineers. Many kinds of
electronic equipment from portable music players to GPS devices pass through an
electronic engineer’s hands. They come up with means to use electrical power to
operate a certain product or improve its functions. Among the most challenging
and in-demand tasks for electronic engineers today include developing
construction plans for electrical lighting systems for skyscrapers, designing
remote-controlled race cars and building technology for factories like robots
that can perform welding.
Electrical Engineer Schools
A Day in the Life of an Electrical Engineer
Electronic engineers perform their duties in offices and
laboratories but may also be sent to work sites for supervising and
troubleshooting. This is especially true for those who work in companies that
manufacture complex equipment. They spend about 40 hours per week at work, but
they may work longer than this.
A typical day for an electrical engineer varies depending on
their employer. Those who work for the federal government may handle
responsibilities in areas of research, development and electronic device
evaluation that may cover systems for manufacturing, transportation, aviation
and communication. Electrical engineers use design software and equipment in
their projects.
Becoming an Electrical Engineer
A bachelor’s degree is needed to become an electrical engineer.
This is an area of specialty in the engineering field, and these degrees will
prepare an individual for an entry level job. It is important to start studying
for their chosen career as early as high school.
Aspiring electrical engineers have to take as much math and
science coursework as possible including algebra, calculus and trigonometry.
Drafting courses are also valuable. This is mainly because engineering students
are usually required to do technical drawings. Bachelor’s degrees take four
years to complete and include laboratory, classroom and field work.
Electrical engineers may have to obtain a master’s degree or other
training certifications in order to qualify for research positions. There are
five-year programs that offer both bachelor’s and master’s degrees together.
They should pass the Fundamentals Engineering exam to obtain a license after
the bachelor’s degree and Principles and Practice of Engineering exam after an
internship.
Electronic Engineer Employment and Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there
were about 294,000 electronic engineers employed in 2010. About 14 percent worked
for the federal government, 11 percent were employed with wired
telecommunications carriers and electronic manufacturing firms and 8 percent
held jobs in navigational, electromedical instruments manufacturing,
architectural and engineering related services. The BLS also reports that there
will be slower than average growth for electrical engineers. There is only a 6
percent expected increase in the demands for these professionals from 2010
until 2020. This is mainly because of the decline in the manufacturing industry
where they are mostly employed.
However, there are good projections for electrical engineers who
work on an as-needed basis rather than those who are permanently employed.
Similarly, there is a good future ahead for electrical engineers who specialize
in research and development.
Typical Electrical Engineer Salary
In 2010, electrical engineers earned as much as $84,540 in
median annual wages according to the BLS. The top 10 percent highest earners
received about $128,610 while the bottom 10 percent earners took home about
$54,030. Among the highest paying electrical engineer jobs in industries
employing the largest number of these professionals come from semiconductor and
electronic manufacturing companies.
Employees in these firms usually earn about $92,070 on average.
This was followed by scientific research and development firms that paid
$90,970 in median annual wages. Electrical engineers with a master’s degree or
doctoral degree typically receive higher salaries than those who only obtained
a bachelor’s degree. Like any other engineering career, salary rates depend on
the employer, location, years of experience and educational background.
Career Advancement
Electrical engineers may undergo further training or education
in order to qualify for a position that will enable them to supervise a team of
engineers and technicians. It may also qualify them for management positions.
They can either be program managers or engineering managers. Alternatively,
they can become instructors at universities or colleges.
Is this career the right one for you?
Individuals who wish to become an electrical engineer should
start their preparations as early as high school. They should have exceptional
communication and math skills and be willing to work both indoors and outdoors.
Electrical engineers typically work together with other
engineers and other professionals. With this, they should work comfortably and
efficiently with a team. Experts highly recommend that graduates get into
internship programs. Doing so will allow them to see the real employment world
for electronic engineers.
It is important that electronic engineers enjoy what they are
doing. This career field can be physically and intellectually challenging. This
is why aspiring engineers should be sure about their decision.
Are there any Electrical Engineering Associations?
Institute of American Electrical and Electronics Engineer
Association of Energy Engineers
Association for Facilities Engineering
Environmental engineers use science and engineering principles
to protect and improve the environment. The quality of air, water, and soil is
their primary focus. They seek solutions to water-borne diseases, wastewater
management, and air pollution. They work to improve recycling, waste disposal,
and industrial hygiene. They analyze soil and water samples. They understand
the law as it applies to protecting the environment. Environmental Engineer Careers
What Is an Environmental Engineer?
Without the strong efforts and tireless vision of today's
environmental engineers, tomorrow's atmosphere will not sustain life, as we
know it. Our water and soil will not be clean, and the oceans will be foul.
Environmental engineers use science and engineering principles
to protect and improve the environment. The quality of air, water, and soil is
their primary focus. They seek solutions to water-borne diseases, wastewater
management, and air pollution. They work to improve recycling, waste disposal,
and industrial hygiene. They analyze soil and water samples. They understand
the law as it applies to protecting the environment. These engineers focus on
hydrology—water resources, treatment plants/design, and bioremediation (water
clean-up). They concentrate on global issues, acid rain, climate change, and
causes of ozone depletion.
They create advanced air and water treatment technologies, and
look for sustainable energy sources. Radiation protection and the environmental
effects of new technologies are other priorities.
Environmental Engineer Schools
What Does an Environmental Engineer Do?
Cause-and-effect experts, environmental engineers predict the
consequences of our projects before we dig, reroute, dump, exhaust, flush,
funnel, plant, cut down, or build. Projects that got off the ground without
this tedious management, or those that have run amuck for lack of enforced
guidelines need environmental engineers to bail them out and undo the
unthinkable.
These experts work typical 40-hour weeks in industrial plants,
offices, or labs. It is also common to see them working onsite near water
sources, energy systems, and construction projects. Dealing with serious
environmental issues can also be stressful—the health and welfare of the earth
are not taken lightly.
Environmental engineers write reports and recommendations on
their investigations. They work with scientists, planners, hazardous waste
specialists, and others addressing legal and business connections to
environmental problems.
They monitor environmental improvement programs, inspect
industrial and municipal facilities, develop objectives for proposed projects,
and advise corporate and government agencies of clean-up procedures for
contaminated sites.
They design processes, systems, and equipment to control water,
air, and soil quality, and they manage remediation and clean-up. They prepare
detailed hazardous-waste documents and disposal restriction notifications. They
train others in compliance standards and maintain quality-assurance
documentation.Environmental engineers develop and use programs related to
conservation and management of natural resources. They also provide expert
assistance in database development, network, and regulatory analysis.
Becoming an Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineering studies can lead to a bachelor of
science (B.S.) degree, master's degrees (M.S. and M.Eng.), and a Ph.D. A solid
curriculum can include breadth courses in civil engineering, focus courses for
additional skills in environmental engineering, a science course extending
environmental knowledge, and a design course. The B.S. is a 4-year degree, and
graduate degrees can add 18 months to 5 years additional study. Graduate
studies give students advanced skills to solve existing environmental problems
and avoid creating more. Students gain practical experience from hands-on
laboratory training, and they participate in and conduct research on
environmental problems. Environmental Engineer Employment & Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that
environmental engineer employment should grow by 25% from 2006-2016. Complying
with environmental regulations and developing ways to clean up existing hazards
will require more engineers. Complying with environmental regulations and
developing ways to clean up existing hazards will require more engineers. Prevention
is the new emphasis, but control of existing problems and those expected
because of population growth will also increase demand. Job opportunities are
expected to be good, though a reduction of opportunities could appear as the
result of an economic downturn.
Typical Environmental Engineer's Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics show the 2011 median salary at
$79,050 with a high of $119,560. They also show the highest employment rates
for environmental engineers in the architectural and engineering industry,
followed by management, scientific, and technical consulting services. State
government positions are twice as prevalent as those with local and federal
government are. The highest wages are in the oil and gas extraction industry,
reaching $133,740.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Initial engineering positions do not require an engineering license,
but career advancement demands licensure.
Advancement can be dependent on management and leadership
skills. A master's degree is the stepping-stone there. A Ph.D. opens
opportunities for research, but still involves leadership roles. Money and advancement
come with career growth and added responsibility.
Is this Career the Right One for You?
If you love math and science, there is probably a spot for you
in environmental engineering. If you are passionate about making the earth a
greener place and ensuring the safety of the next generation, you can find
fulfillment in this field. Whether your favorite focus is clean water or more
sustainable ways to harvest and use fossil fuels, you can find meaning in this
career. The rest is gravy.
Are there Environmental Engineering Associations?
Professional organizations and associations give engineers
access to career-planning resources, and keep them up-to-date on their
industry's state of the art. Members can network to find jobs and advance their
careers through such affiliations. Conference opportunities, continuing
education courses, periodicals, insurance, and travel benefits are among other
advantages to membership.
One of those associations is the Association of Environmental
Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP)
Geological engineering involves geology, civil engineering, and
fields such as mining, forestry and geography. These engineers apply earth
sciences to human problems. Specialty areas include geotechnical site studies
of rock and soil slope stability for projects; environmental studies and
planning for construction sites; groundwater studies; hazard investigations;
and finding fossil fuel and mineral deposits. Geological Engineer Careers
Geological engineering involves geology, civil engineering, and
fields such as mining, forestry and geography. These engineers apply earth
sciences to human problems. Specialty areas include geotechnical site studies
of rock and soil slope stability for projects; environmental studies and
planning for construction sites; groundwater studies; hazard investigations;
and finding fossil fuel and mineral deposits. Geological engineers investigate
things that are part of or are made to be part of the earth, including roads,
mines and quarries, dams, petroleum production, railways, building projects,
pipelines, and forestry operations.
They engineer clean-up and environmental assessments where
pollution occurs. They survey for minerals and drinking water; they search for
building material resources, and they map potential landslides and earthquakes.
The variety in this field is enormous.
What do They do?
Many of these specialists consult for engineering or
environmental firms. Many are employed by highway departments, environmental
protection agencies, forest services, and hydro operations. Construction
industries depend on geological engineers to assure the stability of rock and
soil foundations for tunnels, bridges, and high rises. Foundations must
withstand earthquakes, landslides, and all other phenomena which effect the
ground, including permafrost, swamps and bogs.
Geological engineers find better ways to build and manage
landfills. They find safer ways to dispose of toxic chemicals and garbage, and
to manage sewage. They plan excavations and design tunnels. Transportation
infrastructures depend on geological engineers to determine strong terrain and
safe pathways for airports, railways, highways, and even pipelines. These
engineers are heavily employed in energy fields, exploring for more natural
resources (oil, gas, uranium, tar sands, geothermal and coal). They develop
ways to mine hard-to-access resources, and in the least polluting manner. They
are responsible for the safety of pits, reservoirs and mining facilities,
guarding against earthquake damage and environmental risks—even for nuclear
reactors. Groundwater is another geological engineering specialty. Industries
and farms need reliable water sources, sometimes requiring dams or well
drilling. Water supply to hydroelectric dams is regulated by these engineers;
they design dikes and they work at preventing shoreline erosion.
Ore and other metallic mineral deposits (lead, zinc, iron,
nickel, copper) are essential to transportation and construction industries.
Geological engineers discover new sources of minerals, as present supplies
diminish.
Geological Engineer Schools
Becoming a Geological Engineer
A B.S. in geological engineering gives students in-depth studies
in the humanities, economics, and social science. Graduates have the
communications skills to be effective and responsible in meeting the social
needs of their field. A B.S. typically is a 4-year course of study and involves
laboratory work.
Courses include geology, structural geology, marine
paleontology, paleoecology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, mineralogy and
optical mineralogy.
Advanced degrees are needed to pursue careers as environmental,
petroleum and mining geologists. The senior-year capstone experience allows
students to explore the technical facets of their specialties as well as the
business of engineering—teamwork, project management, communications, ethics,
and intellectual property. Teams experience opportunities with real,
client-based projects that tackle problems they are likely to encounter on the
job.
Geological Engineer Employment & Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Mining and
geological engineering positions are expected to increase by 10 percent between
2010 and 2020 for those with bachelor's degrees. This occupation does not
require the numbers of professionals that many other professions employ, but a
growth of 10 percent is about average for all occupations. Typical Geological
Engineer Salary
Geological and mining engineering and sciences have a median
salary of $84,300, and the top 10 percent earn $136,800 (BSL).
Career Advancement Opportunities
Government agencies, both federal and state, employ geological
engineers to develop and enforce environmental standards, and to conduct
research. Post-graduate degrees open opportunities for higher salaries,
research and teaching.
Is This the Right Career for You?
If you were a child who often picked up "special"
rocks, or watched fascinated as creeks followed their course underground and
out again, or as springs bubbled from the ground… If you tunneled in snow
banks, built forts, footbridges or sandcastles… you were literally toying with
geological engineering.
Still, before pursuing geological engineering specifically, it
is a good idea to find your niche discipline—structural, environmental, or
geotechnical engineering, for example.Career-related experience is available
long before graduation, and will help you better understand any field of study.
Through co-op programs, students gain experience interning in their field of
study, and some are paid.
Internships are another great way to put a toe in the water.
Interns perform a broad range of laboratory procedures; they use computers to
figure size distributions and generate plots and statistics; they do field work
at sea, and make geophysical surveys. If these kinds of activities appeal to
the explorer or builder in you, that's a good sign.
Geological Engineer Associations
American Association of Petroleum Geologists
American Geological Institute
American Geophysical Union
Geological Society of America
Marine Engineers are responsible for the design and construction
of seagoing vessels and structures, focusing primarily on their internal
systems. Simply put, they design the onboard electrical, environmental and
propulsion systems aboard everything from oil platforms to cruise ships. Marine
Engineer Careers
What
is a Marine Engineer?
Marine Engineers are responsible for the design and
connstruction of seagoing vessels and structures, focusing primarily on their
internal systems. Simply put, they design the onboard electrical, environmental
and propulsion systems aboard everything from oil platforms to cruise ships.
No environment on Earth is as demanding as the sea. Designing
and building vessels and structures that can withstand the wind, waves and salt
exposure requires special education and experience. The modern world’s global
commerce is largely enabled by the ocean-going technological marvels created by
Marine Engineers. Today’s oceans are
plied by oil and cargo ships that are amazingly huge and complex. The largest
ship ever built, once named Seawise Giant, was over 1500 feet long. Royal
Caribbean International recently launched 2 Oasis class cruise ships, floating
paradises that routinely carry over 5000 happy cruisers on vacation. The Marine
Engineering involved in assuring the safety of the crews and passengers of
these behemoths is challenging and exacting. Marine engineers routinely break
records and create new technology as a normal course of doing business.
Becoming a Marine Engineer
The normal path to becoming a Marine Engineer is to pursue a
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university. Many public and private
colleges offer undergraduate degrees in Marine Engineering, but there are some
schools that specialize in this arena. Marine Engineers are highly involved in
the design and operation of shipboard electrical and environmental systems as
well as power plants, so you’ll take courses in electrical engineering, fluid
dynamics and power production. Moving on to a Master’s Degree in Marine
Engineering will often encompass a broader area of study including Naval
Architecture. Naval Architecture involves the overall structural design of
ships and other vessels.
At the pinnacle of Marine Engineering are professionals who have
earned their Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) in the field. With the complexity
involved in many of these large-scale systems, the sky is the limit.
Marine Engineer Schools
A Day in the Life of a Marine Engineer
Based on the performance specifications of the vessel, marine
engineers design the propulsion system to deliver the power required. They also
design the steering system, heating, cooling and ventilation systems and
hydraulics for the ship. If the job is a retrofit, the marine engineer studies
the current plans before designing the new systems. Once marine engineers know
what equipment is to be installed and where each duct, machine and power source
is to be located, they prepare detailed plans. They create layouts and
schematics, determine the work schedule and prepare a cost estimate for
approval by management.
As the work progresses, marine engineers may conduct periodic
inspections or tests to catch any issues as soon as possible. They ensure that
design specifications are being followed, monitor the project budget and
prepare status reports for clients or managers. Although most of a marine
engineer's work can be performed in an office, there are times when sea trials
are part of the job. Marine engineers may spend time aboard ship to test how
the vessel performs or to gather information for maintenance or an upcoming
retrofit. Engineers who specialize in offshore drilling may spend some time on
the oil rig to supervise maintenance or repair efforts involving the rig's
mechanical systems.
Marine Engineer Employment Outlook and Salary
According to the US Government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects earn an average annual salary of $84,850.
However, the top 10% of the career field pulls in a healthy $145,790 annually.
Demand for Marine Engineers is expected to continue growing
about as fast as the national average for all careers. New fields like
alternative energy from wind and tides combine with traditional ship design and
oil platform work to generate a healthy demand for professional Marine
Engineers.
The demand is expected to be fueled by a combination of factors.
First, many existing vessels may need to be retrofitted to comply with new
regulations involving pollution and emissions standards. As oil companies
continue to move offshore to drill, marine engineers will also be needed to
design and service these rigs. Marine engineers will be needed to work on
offshore energy sources, such as wind turbines. However, as marine engineering
is a relatively small field, the numerical change is only expected to be about
1,000 new jobs.
Career advancement usually follows with experience in the field.
You’ll normally start off focusing on specific systems, and move on to more
complex applications as you increase your experience and education. There are
many opportunities operating systems in their native maritime environment, but
if life at sea isn’t for you, there are many office-based jobs where skills
like Computer Aided Design (CAD) come into play.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Marine engineers can advance into supervisory or management
positions with experience. Typically, the USCG licenses can help marine
engineers move up; as the level of license increases, responsibilities normally
increase. Some marine engineers move into sales, using their technical
knowledge to help clients plan and execute projects.
Is Marine Engineering the right career for you?
Like any engineering field, Marine Engineering requires a strong
background in math and science. Pursuing and engineering degree is a serious
commitment and is not to be taken lightly.
Along with math and science skills, you’ll probably do well if
you’re fascinated by the ocean and the engineering involved with in harnessing
the power of the sea. Not all Marine Engineers work safely behind a desk
designing systems. If you don’t think you ever want to spend time on a ship or
other off-shore structure, you might think about a different career choice.
However, if ships and the sea call to you, this is a rewarding profession
worthy of consideration.
Marine Engineering Associations
Compared to some other engineering fields, Marine Engineering is
a small and highly focused profession. However, there are opportunities for
robust professional development and camaraderie. Probably the largest
international group in this field is the Society of Naval Architects and Marine
Engineers . With membership around 8500, this organization is focused on their
stated mission “to advance the art, science, and practice of naval
architecture, shipbuilding and marine engineering.”
Mechanical engineering is the study of motion, energy and force.
The mechanical engineer seeks to control these elements by using a combination
of material, human and economic resources to develop mechanical solutions that
help satisfy the needs and wants of society. Mechanical Engineer Careers
What
is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineering is the study of motion, energy and force.
The mechanical engineer seeks to control these elements by using a combination
of material, human and economic resources to develop mechanical solutions that
help satisfy the needs and wants of society.
What Do Mechanical Engineers Do?
Some of the most common job functions of a mechanical engineer
are:
Product Design:
Designing products ranging from biomedical devices to internal
combustion engines to fuel-efficient motor vehicles, motors and appliances.
Research and Development:
Researching new ideas and solutions that satisfy society’s
demands or improving or expanding older ideas and solutions.
Manufacturing:
Designing and building the machines that mass produce consumer
products. Of prime importance is designing and building machines that improve
operating efficiency.
Systems Management:
Managing the operations of a large system, such as a
manufacturing facility or a power plant.
Energy:
Planning how energy is created, stored and moved in industries
that produce and deliver electrical power, such as natural gas, oil and
alternative energy.
In most of these areas, the mechanical engineer’s goal is to
harness or create energy in machines such as boilers, air conditioners and
refrigeration equipment. Product design is about designing and manufacturing tangible
products, such as engines, personal computers and dishwashers.
Mechanical engineers must be comfortable making decisions. They
decide the size, material and shape of every part of a machine or mechanical
device. Some decisions are critical to human life, such as those concerning the
safety features of an industrial machine or a consumer product.
Mechanical Engineer Schools
High School Preparation
Mechanical engineering requires a solid foundation in
mathematics, science and language arts. Prospective engineering students should
enroll in high school algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus courses.
Chemistry, biology and physics should also be taken.
Additionally, students should strive to develop strong oral and
written communications skills, as they are important to achieving success in
mechanical engineering studies. Courses in computer-aided drafting can help
students understand the practicalities of engineering projects.
Mechanical Engineering Coursework and Training
Most mechanical engineers will be required to complete a
bachelors in mechanical engineering. At the college or university level,
mechanical engineering majors take courses in advanced mathematics, calculus,
chemistry, and physics. After finishing these fundamental courses, students
take engineering courses in:
Materials Sciences
Manufacturing Processes
Thermodynamics
Heat Transfer
Fluid Dynamics
Mechanical and Structural Design
Kinematics and Dynamics of Machinery
Instruments and Controls
Advanced computer programming
Students should try to land a paid or unpaid engineering
internship. An internship can help the student understand the "real
world" of engineering and apply the theories and principles that were
taught in the classroom. An internship can also help the student determine his
or her professional preferences, strengths and weaknesses. Once again, because
good oral and written communication skills are essential to a successful career
in mechanical engineering, the student should not neglect the liberal arts and
humanities. Moreover, because many large industrial companies that employ
mechanical engineers are international, a second language can be invaluable.
Salaries and Trends in Mechanical Engineering Careers
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), employment
in the field is expected to grow about nine percent over the next decade,
bringing along 21,300 new positions. Additionally, many openings will result
from the natural replacement of workers who transfer to other occupations or
retire.
In 2011, mechanical engineers earned an average salary of
$79,230 (BLS). The best-paid engineers earned about $119,950; the lowest-paid
earned less than $51,340. Industries that paid the highest annual mean wage
include:
Lessors of real estate ($119,380)
Oil and gas extraction ($108,520)
Bakeries and tortilla manufacturing ($103,880)
Fields like biotechnology, materials science and nanotechnology
are expected to create job opportunities for mechanical engineers. In
particular, medical biotechnology is becoming more attractive to mechanical
engineers who specialize in design mechanics.This area involves the design of
prosthetic devices and artificial organs. Mechanical engineers work with
medical doctors to design and develop these products that will withstand stress
and be compatible with the human body.
Is Mechanical Engineering Right For You?
Ask yourself these questions to help you evaluate your potential
future as a mechanical engineering major:
Do you struggle in math and science? If the answer is “yes,” then
choose another college major.
Are you naturally curious about how things work? Do you take
things apart and put them back them back together? This is a natural trait of a
mechanical engineer.
Do you enjoy discovering new or better ways to do things? If so,
mechanical engineering may be the right path for you. Can you process visual
information and create mental images of objects that are yet to be developed?
These abilities are critical to engineering, especially in the area of product
design. Do people trust your decisions? If so, then you have demonstrated the
ability to make rational decisions, a necessary requirement for the mechanical
engineer. The following trade associations are great sources of information
about the field of mechanical engineering:
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers
Society of Automotive Engineers
Society of Black Engineers
Society of Women Engineers
Petroleum engineers specialize in designing and developing
technology and methods for digging the earth’s surface to extract oil and gas.
They find means to obtain either natural gas or crude oil from the ground. In
addition, petroleum engineers explore and discover new techniques to extract
oil and gas from older wells all over the world. Petroleum Engineer
Careers
Definition and Nature of Work
Petroleum engineers specialize in designing and developing
technology and methods for digging the earth’s surface to extract oil and gas.
They find means to obtain either natural gas or crude oil from the ground. In
addition, petroleum engineers explore and discover new techniques to extract
oil and gas from older wells all over the world. Petroleum engineers typically
work with geologists. They are both essential in the field. Petroleum engineers
plan and supervise the drilling operations after the potential drill site has
been determined. They ensure that the methods used provide maximum profitable
recovery.
A Day in the Life of a Petroleum Engineer
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were
about 30,200 petroleum engineers employed in the country as of 2010. They
usually work in laboratories or offices. However, they also have to work in
drilling sites or gas and oil exploration and production sites. Petroleum
engineers may also have to work in other countries. They install, monitor,
supervise and maintain work sites.
Petroleum engineers are expected to work full time up to as much
as 50 to 60 hours every week. This is especially true when they are onsite.
They typically work in shifts or rotation such as 84 hours on duty and 84 hours
off. Petroleum engineers also create computer simulations in order to predict
the natural gas and petroleum flow in an oil field.
Petroleum Engineer Schools
Becoming a Petroleum Engineer
A bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering is necessary to
land an entry level position. Petroleum engineering is among the areas of
specialty in engineering. Programs usually take four years to complete. There
are universities that offer five year programs that automatically grant
students a master’s degree. Most employers prefer applicants who have work
experience.
With this, it is best that graduates earn academic credit from
cooperative engineering programs before applying for a job. Individuals who
want higher level positions need to complete additional training and education.
In the U.S., trainees must obtain a license to become a professional engineer.
Once the bachelor’s degree is complete, graduates may take the Fundamentals of
Engineering exam.
Passers will be given the title of Engineer Interns or Engineers
in Training. Completing this phase will qualify them to taking the Principles
and Practice of Engineering exam. Depending on the state’s requirement, they
may have to undergo further training to keep their license.
Petroleum Employment and Outlook
The job and employment outlook for petroleum engineers is quite
good. The BLS reports that the demand for these professionals is expected to
increase by about 17 percent from 2010 to 2020. This means growth from 30,200
to 35,300 jobs. However, changes in oil prices could also affect employment
growth.
If oil prices rise, the need for companies to hire more
petroleum engineers will also increase. This is because companies will have to
adopt more complex operations. They may have to drill deeper and find other
areas where oil and gas are abundant.
In addition, the BLS pointed out that many petroleum engineers
are going to retire. There will also be a growing need for petroleum engineers
to work in an as-needed basis. Experienced engineers will become more
attractive to bigger companies.
Petroleum Engineer Salary
In 2010, the BLS reported that a petroleum engineer’s mean
annual wage was about $114,080. The Society of Petroleum Engineers also
reported that there was a five percent increase in the median annual wage from
2009 to 2010. The top highest earners received about $166,400 while the lowest
percentile earned around $63,480. Meanwhile, the highest paying industry for
petroleum engineers is oil and gas extraction that offers a median annual pay
of $123,410. This is followed by petroleum and coal products manufacturing and
mining support at $113,930 and $94,080 respectively.
Is the career the right one for you?
Before deciding on becoming a petroleum engineer, individuals
should assess their skills and capabilities. This is because petroleum
engineering is both intellectually and physically challenging. Petroleum
engineers should possess excellent analytical skills that they can use to
assess difficult drilling plans, potential problems and their solutions. They
should also be creative as they have to design methods to effectively extract
oil and gas in the most profitable way. Exceptional math skills are equally
important. Experts highly recommend that graduates get into internship programs
to be able to understand the nature of the career. Doing so will allow them to
see what professional petroleum engineers do. They will learn how to work with
other industry professionals like geologists and geophysicists.
Software engineers are
specialists who are in charge of the testing, design, development and
maintenance of computer software for business and personal use. They apply the
principles of mathematics, engineering and computer science in creating
managing software. These professionals are responsible for programming
computers to make them operate as they should. Definition and Nature of
Work Software engineers are specialists who are in charge of the testing,
design, development and maintenance of computer software for business and
personal use.
They apply the
principles of mathematics, engineering and computer science in creating
managing software. These professionals are responsible for programming
computers to make them operate as they should. Engineers focused on developing
system software are involved in creating the systems and software that make
computers work. These are primarily the operating systems for computers used in
businesses or at home. Programming software involves debugging, maintenance and
support of computer programs. Application software involves the design of
computer programs and applications. This includes word processors and
commercial software that is sold to consumers. A Day in the Life of Software
Engineers Software engineering is a practical, intuitive, creative and
analytical field. Engineers come up with ways of improving computer systems to
generate quality use of the technology. This work includes tests, prototypes
and evaluations of software and computer systems. Professionals deal with
developing of web applications, managing systems information as well as finding
solutions to user-specific problems. This career involves the use of a
systematic code structure that is needed to map out the software. An
understanding of programming languages is one of the most basic requirements in
this line of work. It is highly stylized for computer programming and
engineering. The code is very specific. Any error will result in unwanted
changes in the system. Software engineers use this code to write system
programs. It includes line by line instructions to tell the software what to
do. Software engineers have to analyze user needs in software systems in order
to determine the areas that require development. They make use of technical
testing tools in figuring out the best quality upgrades for the software they
work on and come up with package systems and customized applications.
Maintenance is also an important part of the job. Professionals are expected to
be able to work with fellow engineers. They will form part of a software team
to manage work efficiently. Working as a team will allow these professionals to
pull together resources and ideas to come up with more options and solutions in
the development and modification process. These engineers usually work in
offices or laboratories.Software engineers may have different areas of focus.
Some tend to work on software development while there are other people who
prefer to concentrate on system design. Some will focus on medical software.
Game design is also growing in popularity. All of these professionals work
using the same software engineering principles.
Software Engineer
Schools
Becoming a Software
Engineer
Software engineering
is a career that will require applicants to have a specific skill set. The
ability to program computers and experience with computer systems is a
requirement. Critical thinking is also involved as well as management techniques
and extensive technical knowledge.Earning a degree in software engineering is a
good place to start if you are serious about a career in this field. Those with
a formal education in any field related to the subject are highly preferred by
employers. It is helpful for a job application to show a level of mastery in
their line of work. This list includes some of the degrees that will be helpful
to gaining the necessary skills and information for a career in software
engineering.
Common Majors and
Certifications:
Applied Science
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Information Systems
Information Technology
Mathematics
Software Engineering
Courses like this will
normally take four years of full-time education. Colleges and universities will
usually help graduates with internships and work placements. This will serve as
a necessary foundation for a career in software engineering.
Software Engineer
Salary and Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS) divides the software engineering profession into systems
software engineering and applications software engineering. As of 2009, the
estimated median annual wage for systems software engineers was $96,620. Those
in this specialty could earn between $59,600 and $139,930 per year. The median
hourly wage was $46.45 with engineers earning as much as $67.28 per hour.
Employers that hired the most systems software engineers were computer systems
design companies, software publishers and manufacturers of computer and
peripheral equipment. As of 2008, the median annual salary for applications
software engineers was $87,900 with specialists earning from less than $53,720
a year up to more than $128,870 according to the BLS. By the hour, the median
wage was $42.26. Those in this field of software engineering received between
$25.83 and $61.95 an hour.Just like systems software engineers, the top
industries that employed applications software engineers were computer systems
design firms and software publishers. A large percentage of these specialists
also went on to management positions.
Is this career right
for you?
It is important for
those interested in software engineering to decide on the aspect of the field
they want to focus on. All of them apply the same principles of software
engineering, but the concentration will vary. Specialization is important for
making the most out of a software engineering career. This is an Association
for Computing Machinery interest group for software engineers. They hold forums
where specialists and professionals related to the career come together to
discuss new developments and analyze existing practices in the field. Their
mission is to find ways to improve software engineering through interaction
among communities concerned with the topic. The group also hopes to further the
development of software engineering as a profession.
Transaction Processing
Performance CouncilThis is a non-profit organization for software engineers, market
researchers, consultants and other professionals. They hold conferences to
discuss issues pertaining to computer systems performance. The council posts
findings and evaluations on their website.
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