Engineers use skills learned from math and science in order to create efficient solutions to technical issues. They can be considered "applied scientists," in that they use scientific discoveries to solve commercial or social problems.
In many cases, engineers are heavily involved in the development of products. During this process, they would use scientific methods to solve problems regarding the function, efficiency, reliability, and safety of the product. They may also determine how to improve the process of creating or using a product. Engineers are often most involved in design, but may play a crucial part in maintenance, production, and testing as well. Nearly all modern engineers use computers in their daily activities in order to efficiently organize and analyze data.
Engineers tend to be highly specialized in most cases, although engineers with enough general skills to work effectively with others are typically more successful. Engineers may focus on architecture, electronics, software, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering. They may also be more general and act as managers of other engineers. There are many other areas of specialization, and many sub-disciplines as well.
If you are interested in finding out more about a day in the life of an architect or engineer, check out:
A day in the life of an architect
A day in the life of an engineer
Schools and Certification for Engineering:
Nearly all engineers have earned at least a bachelor's degree. Graduates with a degree in science or mathematics may qualify for engineering jobs, especially if the field has potential commercial applications. Most engineering degrees are either mechanical, electronic, or civil. Engineers with a background in one field may qualify for work in a related field. Engineers have a fair amount of flexibility in which field they can work within.
Engineering degrees require education in physical and life science, mathematics, and their targeted field of expertise. They will typically also require education in less closely related fields such as the social sciences and humanities. Computer and lab classes are also often required, and are helpful even if they are not.
Some colleges offer two to four year engineering and technology programs. These are not the same as engineering degrees. In many cases, they qualify for the same jobs, but they are typically viewed as being between an engineer and a technician.
Engineers who work for the public are required to obtain a license. The license typically includes a degree from an ABET accredited engineering program, a state examination, and four years of work experience.
Individuals with an engineering degree typically start out working together with more experienced engineers. Larger companies may have additional training programs. Engineers can go on to become more specialized, or they may become more general and take on managerial positions. Some move on to sales, where their intimate knowledge of the products can prove beneficial.
Job Prospects in Engineering:
Over 1.5 million people are employed as engineers. Growth in the industry is about average, but job opportunities are good because the skills necessary to become an engineer are fairly rare. Some specializations have especially promising opportunity. Areas that are likely to see the most growth include engineers in the biomedical, civil, environmental, industrial, mining, geological, and petroleum industries.
Income can vary quite dramatically depending on specialty. Engineers tend to earn some of the highest salaries for people starting work immediately after earning a bachelor's degree. Engineers have some of the highest starting salaries of any field. Because such an extensive education is required in order to become an engineer, and in order to focus an engineer’s time as much as possible, there are many related support positions. Often right below an engineer is an engineering technology graduate, usually the graduate of a specialized four-year degree program. These programs usually focus more on practical design and production. While graduates may be employed in similar entry-level positions to traditional engineers, they are not eligible to register as professional engineers.
Another support position is that of an engineering technician. Almost all engineering technicians have a two-year Associate degree and, like engineers and engineering technology graduates, they specialize in a specific discipline. Training is available at technical institutes, community colleges and similar institutes, and certification, while not required, can be an asset when looking for a job.
Some related careers include positions such as computer-aided drafting (CAD) technicians, also known as drafters, who work with the engineers to draw out the designs and blueprints. Surveyors, who establish and confirm legal boundaries, also offer vital support for environmental and civil engineering projects.