What if you could learn a new career without spending decades earning your way there? With the right amount of education and experience, you could be thriving in your chosen profession. Here are a few options that might interest you.
What Is Engineering?
An engineering discipline is a subset of the broader scientific and mathematical disciplines that involve designing, conducting, and analysis of experiments, as well as formulation of theories to explain observations. Engineering generally covers four areas: mechanical, electrical, civil, and computer engineering.
How To Get Started
There are so many different types of engineering that it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. If you’re interested in learning more about engineering options, here are a couple of options to consider.
1. Engineering undergraduate programs: If you’re ready to get your degree in engineering, there are a variety of undergraduate programs available. Some of the most popular undergraduate engineering programs include mechanical engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, and computer engineering. Depending on your interests and skills, there may be a program that is perfect for you.
2. Online courses: If you’re not ready to commit to a full-time program, online courses may be a good option for you. Online courses offer flexibility and convenience, and they can help you learn more about engineering if you don’t have the time or resources to attend a class in person. There are also online courses available that focus on specific areas of engineering, such as aeronautics or manufacturing.
3. Vocational skills: Many universities provide on-campus or off-campus vocational skills training for students aspiring to become engineers. Before you join such programs, it’s important to know where you’d like your career path to take you; meeting with a counselor can help you decide. While this skill training will not necessarily lead to a career in engineering, it can help you establish the connections that take some time to develop once you’re working in an engineering field.
4. Apprenticeship: The Association of University Programs in Apprenticeship discourages signing a binding contract, however, more and more colleges and university programs are starting apprenticeships modeled after western Europe’s craft apprenticeship movement. In general, an apprenticeship program is designed for students who want to gain select workplace skills without getting an accredited degree. Some of these include welding, construction operations, software programming, or medical assisting. Graduates of technical programs do remain employable throughout their careers, however; it’s still essential that you maintain skill levels and study from good scholarship resources recognized by regulated professions.
How Studying Engineering Can Help You
Engineering is a discipline that helps people make things work. Whether you’re interested in developing new technologies, fixing problems on sites and vehicles, or creating something wholly new, studying engineering can help you achieve your goals.
Benefits of Engineering
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in engineering, you’ll likely find that there are a number of benefits to doing so. Some of the more notable benefits of studying engineering include:
• Earning a high salary: Engineering jobs usually pay very well, which is an attractive factor for many people. Depending on your qualifications and experience, you can potentially make up to $100,000 or more per year.
• Having a wide range of career options: Engineering allows you to work with a variety of different technologies and industries, which means that you’re likely to have multiple career options open to you after completing your training. This is especially true if you choose to specialize in one area of engineering.
• Possibility of working in exciting and innovative fields: Engineers are often tasked with developing new solutions and technologies, which gives them a unique perspective on the world. This makes them well-suited for positions in industries such as technology, architecture, medical research, and manufacturing.
Career Paths In The Engineering Field
Interested in engineering? There are a number of career paths you can follow in the engineering field. Some popular options include working as a designer, engineer, scientist, or manager. Here are a few examples of each:
Designer: Designers work on projects that involve creating prototypes or models of products. They use their creativity and technical skills to come up with new ideas and solutions. Typical occupations for designers include product designers, industrial designers, and graphic designers.
Engineer: Engineers design, build, test, and maintain physical systems. They use their technical knowledge and skills to create products that meet customer needs. Typical occupations for engineers include mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and software engineers.
Scientist: Scientists conduct research in order to find solutions to problems. They use their knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, and other disciplines to develop new theories and insights. Typical occupations for scientists include biologists, chemists, physicists, and mathematicians.
Manager: Managers oversee the work of other engineers and scientists in order to produce quality products or services. This occupation requires mastery and likely a higher level of education. If you are interested in pursuing management roles, it would be beneficial to get a master’s of engineering management online. Managers use their business skills to plan projects and manage resources wisely. Typical occupations for managers include principals of engineering firms, assistant directors of R &D projects, and engineering project directors.
Engineer: Engineers design and develop products under the direction of managers. Typical occupations for engineers include consulting engineers, construction engineers, electrical and mechanical engineers, mechanical design engineers, production engineers, marketing managers (industrial), and computer software developers in the computer field.
Flight Engineer: Flight (or airplane) mechanics repair and maintain the engine system(s) of an aircraft used in air travel. Typical occupations for flight engineers include maintenance technicians.
Engineering is a field that can be incredibly rewarding but also incredibly challenging. Depending on your interests and skills, you may have the opportunity to work on some amazing projects or design systems that change the world for the better. If you’re interested in engineering and haven’t considered it yet as a possible career path, take a look at some of the options available to you. And if you’re already an engineer, keep reading for some tips on how to make your skills even more valuable to employers.
