I’m interested in studying engineering. What can you tell me?

Let's hear some other perspectives

Nevrus Kaja

Student, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering,University of Michigan, Dearborn

“I know that many people are motivated to go into computer engineering because they will earn high salaries, but in my opinion, it should be more about passion for the subject than a desire to make money.”Read the Full Interview

Paul Huter

Student, Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering,University of Alabama

“An attentiveness to detail is the most important trait a student in an aerospace engineering program can possess. Since the aircraft and spacecraft that aerospace engineers design could fail with even minor flaws in their design or construction, students of aerospace engineering cannot afford to overlook small details.”Read the Full Interview

David Probst

Professor of Electrical Engineering,Southeast Missouri State University

“Good engineering students have determination and tenacity. They should not believe the stereotypes presented by The Big Bang Theory on TV which characterize engineers as bumbling. In reality engineers take their work very seriously. ”Read the Full Interview

What exactly is an engineer?

Let's hear some other perspectives

Jay Carroll

Mechanical Engineer,Norfolk Southern Corporation

“I most enjoy the sense of fulfillment I get from being a mechanical engineer. Looking back after completing a project and knowing that what has been built is a direct result of my design is a great feeling. I think that it is fascinating to see something go from a draft on a computer to a paper and then watch the equipment or the machinery build it from start to finish.”Read the Full Interview

Chris Nickerson

Licensed Structural Engineer,Pacific Telecom Services

“An engineer needs to be comfortable communicating with colleagues and customers in the field, especially if they want to advance in their career.”Read the Full Interview

Brent Giles

Industrial Engineer,Norfolk Southern Corporation

“The thing I like most about my job is that it is not routine. I work on a variety of projects, and there is constant change. It is also very rewarding to see the projects I work on make a big difference in the bottom line of the business.”Read the Full Interview

How do I know if engineering would be a good fit for me?

Here is a quick quiz to help you decide if you have the personality it takes to succeed as an engineer. Rate, on a scale from 1 to 5, how well each of the following statements describes you.

I am curious about the way that machines work.

Engineers explore the basic components of structures, systems and machines to determine how to improve them. If you like to take apart or build machines, you may like engineering.

I enjoy completing hands-on tasks more than thinking about theories.

Engineers work directly with the projects that they design. If you would prefer to work in an office rather than in a laboratory or on a construction site, you may not enjoy engineering.

I like to solve problems and puzzles.

Engineers use mathematics and science to solve complex problems. If you are frustrated by complicated problems, engineering is not a good career choice for you.

I am comfortable working with numbers.

Engineers use advanced mathematics to plan and execute projects. You must be confident applying mathematical skills to solve problems if you want to be an engineer.

I can think in unconventional ways.

Engineers create new solutions and products that no one has considered before. A creative mind will help you to look at problems in new ways and devise innovative answers.

I pay close attention to detail.

Engineers must consider factors like budget, safety and design as they draft project blueprints. Small errors can derail an entire project, so you will struggle in engineering if you are not detail-oriented.

I work well in a group.

Most engineering projects require that many people work together to find a solution. If you dislike collaborating with your peers, you may not fit into an engineering department well.

I like to use technology in my daily life.

Engineers use computers to create and analyze designs and to simulate how a product will work. Engineering may be a good field for you if are interested in practical ways to use technology.

I am patient and I do not give up easily.

Few engineering problems are solved on the first attempt. If you want to work in engineering, you must be willing to learn from your mistakes and to try other solutions.

I communicate clearly and effectively.

Engineers communicate with other engineering professionals, manufacturers and the public. You must be able to write accurate specifications and speak plainly about technical matters.

By my assessment, a career in engineering is probably not a good fit for your personality.

By my assessment, although a career in engineering may not be an ideal fit for your personality, if you are willing to adapt in a few areas, you can still find success in the field. Please see the list to the right for information on the areas that you may need to work on.

By my assessment, your personality is a good fit for a career in engineering. Scroll through our site to gain valuable insight into what it will take you to earn the necessary credentials.

Is there anything else I should consider in deciding if engineering is the right choice for me?

Continuing Education

You can find an engineering job with just a bachelors degree, but keeping up with your education will require lifelong effort. Engineers must continually update their education since technology advances rapidly and you will not remain competitive as a job candidate if your knowledge and skills become outdated. You can earn continuing education credits by attending conferences and seminars, taking college courses or participating in on-site training programs. Many employers offer programs to help their engineers stay current in the field, but you can also pursue continuing education on your own.

What professions can I choose from?

Engineering is an extremely broad field that offers job opportunities in many specialized areas. Some common types of engineers are:

What is the job outlook for engineers?

• Aerospace engineers are expected to see 10% employment growth, resulting in 300 new positions, as new spacecraft and aircraft designs are produced.
• Chemical engineers are predicted to experience a 2% decline in employment from 31,700 to about 31,000 positions. However, there should be opportunities for chemical engineers in biotechnology.
• Civil engineers should see a 24% growth in employment as the population increases and infrastructure needs to be improved. Job opportunities will increase from 278,400 positions to about 345,900.
• Electrical engineers are expected to see a slight employment growth of 2%. Positions in this field will be limited by international competition. About 304,600 electrical engineering jobs are projected.
• Environmental engineers are predicted to see a 31% employment increase as companies attempt to prevent environmental problems rather than control them after they occur. The number of jobs should increase from 54,300 to about 70,900.
• Industrial engineers should experience 14% growth as companies seek to make processes more efficient in order to reduce cost and waste. Jobs will increase from 214,800 to approximately 245,300.
• Mechanical engineers are expected to see 6% growth from 238,700 jobs to 253,100 as manufacturers try to improve their products. Mechanical engineering skills can also be applied to other engineering specialties like biotechnology and nanotechnology.

Average Salary Growth 2006 - 2011

Salary By Percentile

How long would it take me to become an engineer?

The most common route to becoming an entry-level engineer is to earn a bachelors degree, which typically takes 4 years. However, if you choose to become a professionally licensed engineer, you will have to gain at least 4 years of work experience as an engineer in training before you are eligible to take the Professional Engineer exam.

What can I expect to learn while pursuing engineering?

As you pursue your engineering degree, you will gain certain knowledge and skills that are specific to your concentration. However, students in any engineering program will learn the following:

What academic levels are available in the field of engineering?

Engineering credentials are available at nearly every level, but some degrees are more valuable than others. You generally need a bachelors degree to become an engineer, but you can also earn associates, masters and doctoral degrees as well as graduate certificates.

Select the degree level you are interested in:

What else should I keep in mind when considering studying engineering?

Professional Engineering Licensure

Many civil, mechanical and chemical engineers choose to become professionally licensed, which is necessary if you want to offer your engineering skills directly to the public. But you must meet certain qualifications before you are eligible to earn your Professional Engineer (PE) license. First, you must graduate from a bachelors degree program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Next, you must gain at least 4 years of professional work experience. Finally, you need to pass your state engineering exam.

The PE exam is often taken in 2 parts so that recent bachelors degree graduates can begin the licensing process right away. You can take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam as soon as you finish school. When you pass, you will be considered an Engineer In Training. And after you gain 4 years of work experience, you can take the second part of the exam, which is called the Principles and Practice of Engineering.

For additional information on studying engineering, select a category to find answers

What are some other resources that can help me learn more about pursuing a degree or certificate in engineering?

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology

American Academy of Environmental Engineers

American Institute of Chemical Engineers

American Society for Engineering Education

American Society of Civil Engineers

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

American Society of Safety Engineers

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Institute of Industrial Engineers

National Society of Professional Engineers