The creation of new products, performing experiments on state-of-the-art materials and scrutinizing research to find solutions to meet the world’s global technological challenges describes the just a few functions an Engineer carries out.  Engineers play very important roles in our standard of living.  This is so because they are responsible for delivering the simplest of inventions like soap to complex ones like elevators and aircrafts.  Engineers make great use computers in their work to produce and evaluate designs, and also to carry out testing.

There are many engineering disciplines; therefore, if you are interested in becoming an engineer, the first thing to do is decide which discipline you will specialize in based on your interests and talents.  The many branches in the engineering field also have many sub-branches or divisions.  There are several specialties recognized by the Federal Government’s Standard Occupational Classification System that engineers may specialize and seek employment in. Ten of these are:

  1. Aerospace Engineers – deal with the manufacture and testing of all forms of aircraft and missiles.
  2. Agricultural Engineers – design agricultural machinery, equipment and also develop ways to improve all aspects of agriculture.
  3. Biomedical Engineers – develop and design medical equipment and carry out research to design artificial body organs.
  4. Chemical Engineers – employ the principles governing chemistry in order to solve problems involving the manufacture and use of chemicals.
  5. Civil Engineers – construct and supervise roads, airports, tunnels, bridges, water, and buildings among other developments in transportation.
  6. Computer Engineers – manufacture computers and carry out research to find ways of improving the computer industry.
  7. Electrical Engineers – design and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.
  8. Materials Engineer – invent and test materials used in the creation of products like computer chips, plastics, ceramics and air craft wings.
  9. Mechanical Engineers – create and test tools, engines, machines and other mechanical devices.
  10. Nuclear Engineers – develop processes and systems in order to gain benefits from nuclear energy and radiation.  They create plants to generate power.

Engineers usually work in office buildings and labs, while some work at construction and other production sites.  They work a regular 40 hour week but overtime is sometimes necessary.  Earnings are dependent upon the level of education, years of experience, the location and the type of job being carried out.    Engineers also enjoy benefits including paid vacations.

To enter the field of engineering, a bachelor degree is essential along with a superb mathematical foundation.  In addition, strong knowledge of science and excellent written and oral communication skills are necessary.  One has to master mathematical areas such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus.  Science subjects such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics plus a good command of Language arts are required since an engineer will have to communicate problems to people frequently.  Potential engineers should also be equipped with good problem solving skills, computer knowledge and analytical skills.

Engineering employment is expected to rise in the next few years as competitive pressures and technological developments will force companies to employ their expertise.