Are you interested in exploring a career as an engineer? If so, you have a variety of pathways to success in the field.
You might choose the engineering science that most interests you, the types of products you want to work with, or the materials you are knowledgeable about to determine which career path to follow. Understanding the educational requirements and skills needed to excel can be beneficial as well.
Use the following information to explore the pathways to success in the engineering field.
Civil Engineering
A civil engineer designs, develops, and builds products. Examples include engines, machines, and tools.
Typical job duties of a civil engineer include:
- Using software to create product designs
- Testing design prototypes to determine whether they work as intended
- Analyzing test results to adjust the design specifications as needed
- Ensuring the products are properly installed and maintained
The educational requirements to become a civil engineer include a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, civil engineering technology, or a similar specialty. The degree program must be approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) so the engineer can earn a professional engineer (PE) license. Certain civil engineering jobs require a master’s degree as well.
Mechanical Engineering
A mechanical engineer researches, designs, develops, builds, and tests mechanical and thermal sensors and devices. Examples include tools, engines, and machines.
Typical job duties of a mechanical engineer include:
- Using analysis and computer-aided design to design or redesign mechanical or thermal devices or subsystems
- Developing and testing a prototype of the device or system designed
- Analyzing the prototype test results to modify the design as needed
- Overseeing the manufacturing process for the device
- Investigating equipment failures or difficulties
- Diagnosing faulty operations and recommending solutions
The educational requirements to become a mechanical engineer include a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology from an ABET-approved program. Certain electrical engineering jobs require a master’s degree as well.
Electrical Engineering
An electrical engineer designs, develops, and tests the electrical systems used in products. This professional finds the best ways to use electrical power in products.
Typical job duties of an electrical engineer include:
- Using calculations to develop and construct products
- Creating specifications to construct, manufacture, and install a product
- Testing products to ensure they meet the production criteria
- Investigating and resolving product issues
The educational requirements to become an electrical engineer include a bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronics engineering or electrical engineering technology from an ABET-approved program. Certain electrical engineering jobs require a master’s degree as well.
Software Engineering
A software engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software applications. This professional uses programming languages to build software solutions for end users.
Typical job duties of a software engineer include:
- Designing and maintaining software systems
- Writing and testing code
- Evaluating and testing software programs
- Optimizing software for speed and scalability
- Consulting with security specialists, clients, and other stakeholders
- Presenting new software features to stakeholders and internal customers
The educational requirements to become a software engineer include a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related ABET-approved program. Certain software engineering jobs require a master’s degree as well.
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