What Kind Of Jobs Can I Do With My Degree In Engineering?
Engineering involves the application of the principles of science and mathematics in developing economical solutions to technical problems. Being a field of science, Engineering is a broad term which consists of many areas of specialization such as chemical, biomedical, aeronautics, bio systems, civil, electrical and mechanical, etc…This list is not an exhaustive one as there are many areas such as health, environment and marine that require the expertise of an engineer.
A bachelor degree in engineering is required for any entry level position in the job market. The exact nature of the job and the kind of employers you should start looking at really depending in your specialization or major. Below are some of the most common questions we get around what kind of jobs or what exactly one can do with an engineering degree. Let’s take a look at the various scenarios based on your specialization
What Can I Do With A Degree In Aerospace Engineering?
This discipline involves specialization in aeronautics, mass transportation and environment pollution, space technologies and medical science. Here is a look at the areas in which you could obtain employment
- Propulsion
- Mechanics of fluids
- Thermodynamics
- Structures and Acoustics
- Celestial Mechanics
- Control and Guidance
The government is the largest employer of engineers specializing in aerospace. Let`s take a look at a list of prospective employers
- Federal Government departments – NASA and Defense
- Commercial airlines
- Aircraft and space vehicle industries
- Manufacturers of communication equipments
- Engineering companies
You will have to be good in communication and be willing to work in team. Also, it is necessary to be informed about the federal funding for space and defence programs.
What Can I Do With A Degree In Biomedical Engineering?
Biomedical engineering involves a combination of the human anatomy and engineering. This form of engineering involves development and maintenance of healthcare and medical equipments and systems. If you are interested in joining medical school then a graduate degree in biomedical engineering works to your advantage.
You could obtain a job in the following areas
- Bioengineering including- Design, development and manufacturing
- Medical Engineering including- Materials and instrumentation, diagnostic or therapeutic devices, artificial organs and medical equipments.
- Rehabilitation engineering
- Bio-environmental engineering
The employers who require your expertise in the field of biomedical engineering are
- Manufacturing companies dealing in medical and surgical devices
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Federal government-Regulatory agencies, Administration of Veterans, National Institutes of Health and NASA
- Educational and medical institution`s research facilities
What Can I Do With A Degree In Chemical Engineering?
This is a combination of chemistry and engineering. You will be better placed to find a good job and position if you have acquired relevant experience during your college internship. It is recommended to look at an internship position that is directly related to your major and your interests. Your employment options or areas that you should be looking at with a chemical engineering degree are as follows
- Administration
- Design and Construction – Project engineering, Control systems, Field engineering and Process engineering
- Operations and production
- Waste and Environmental Management
- Design and Development
Typical employers looking to hire the the services of a chemical engineer are
- Independent research institutes and consulting organizations
- Chemical industry including-Agricultural chemicals, plastics, industrial chemicals, pharmaceutical and cosmetic, food processing, petroleum, atomic energy and environment
- Federal government-Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency
- Manufacturing plants producing automobiles, air planes, paper and textile, microelectronics, metals, rubber, food and beverages
What Can I Do With A Degree In Civil Engineering?
Civil engineering has a lot to do with construction of structures and buildings. As a civil engineer you will work individuals from various fields.
A lot of work takes place outdoors and you have to be able to work in large teams, in difficult environments and construction workers. It is extremely important that you are able to visual three dimensional objects. You will have to be organized and interact and give out instruction to site workers. This in turn requires you to have excellent inter personal skills, communication and leadership qualities.
The areas that require the expertise of a civil engineer are-
- Structures and buildings
- Urban and Community Planning
- Construction
- Environmental
- Water Resources and Geotechnical
- Transportation and Pipeline
- Photogrammetry, Survey and Mapping
Organizations or businesses involved in civil engineering or looking to hire civil engineers are
- Construction companies
- Engineering or architectural companies
- Utility companies and Railroads
- Oil industry
- Telecommunications business
- Manufacturing companies
- Consulting firms
- Government agencies
Please note that some states require licensing or registration of civil engineers.
What Can I Do With A Degree In Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering deals with high speed equipments and technologies, wireless mode of communication and exploring the outer space, as well. This field of engineering has helped to revolutionize medical treatments and diagnosis.
The areas that require your expertise are as follows
- Power Electronics and Systems
- Communications and Electronics
- Control Systems
- Digital Signal Processing
- Microelectronics
- Image Processing and Robotics
- Computer Engineering and Computer Vision
- Plasma Engineering
Industries and organizations that require the expertise are as follows
- Aeronautical companies
- Automotive companies
- Petrochemicals
- Electronics and electrical utilities
- Machine tool manufacturing companies
- Mining and metallurgy
- Federal Government- armed forces, department of defence, NASA and bureau of standards, etc…
- Water and waste products
A job in the field of electrical engineering requires you to have the capacity to acquire and understand detailed information and be able to communicate in both written and verbal mode.
What Can I Do With A Degree In Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical Engineering involves elements of technology, design and development. Mechanical engineering aims to provide technological advancement in automobiles, jet planes, refrigeration and thermodynamics.
Below is a detailed look at some of the areas that require the expertise of a mechanical engineer
- Jet Engines and rockets
- Steam Power Plant and internal combustion engines
- Energy utilization
- Thermodynamics
- Control and instrumentation
- Mechanical Design
- Manufacturing or Production
- Robotics
Employers looking to hire mechanical engineers include the following industries and organizations
- Automotive industry,
- Aerospace industry and military laboratories
- Electronic industries
- Nuclear power stations
- Petrochemical industries
- Steam based electric power stations
- Farm equipment manufacturing companies
- Consumer product manufacturing companies
Besides the above fields there are various areas that an engineer can specialize in. They include the environment, nuclear energy, engineering sciences and mechanics material sciences and engineering. The government agencies and departments, mining industries, nuclear power plant and industries involved in manufacture require the services and expertise of those specialized in all these fields of engineering. The opportunities are endless!
Bear in mind that a graduate degree in engineering secures jobs in industries, government departments and business enterprises. Further, a degree in engineering also acts as a pedestal and many opt to continue their education with a management degree.
An internship, research experience or part-time jobs go a long way in securing lucrative job opportunities. Also, interaction with the careers department in your college or university is advisable as they will have the latest details and information regarding career tracks, internship opportunities, placement opportunities, job fairs and employers.
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