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What
is an engineer?
Engineers are problem-solvers.
They use math and science along
with skills in communications,
critical thinking, creativity,
and management to find practical
solutions that will benefit
people or society. They design,
create, build, improve, and
invent everything from airplane
engines and cellphones to skyscrapers
and space suits.
Are you a future engineer?
Engineering is about being creative
and solving problems. It involves
judgment, taking risks, working
in teams, and facing exciting
challenges.
Check
out our list of engineering
disciplines and see if your
interests match up with engineering
careers.
What
can I do as an engineer?
If you study engineering, you'll
have lots of options of what
to do, and where to do it. Engineers
work all over the world, in
big and small cities, rural
communities, even on the polar
caps. Some work in offices or
classrooms, others in factories
or research labs; some work
outdoors and a few work in outer
space! Some engineers go into
medicine, law, business management,
or policy.
Engineers
are involved in making the wonders
of the future a reality. Engineers
are the first to develop or
try out new technologies, like
a flying car or an undersea
house. As an engineer, you could
design and build real or virtual
reality amusement parks, or
discover a new material that
can mend broken bones or a medicine
to cure cancer.
Engineering
is a well-paid career, and there
is ample opportunity for advancement.
In the spring of 2000, the average
starting salary for an engineer
with a bachelor's (4-5 year)
degree ranged from $36,000 to
$50,000. This is much higher
than salaries for graduates
with bachelor's degrees in many
other fields.
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Engineers
work with other talented people.
As an engineer you may be working
on projects with experts in
many different fields and people
from different backgrounds.
In solving a problem, every
member of the team brings in
expertise, whether practical,
technical, or creative. As an
engineer, you might be working
on a team to:
 Develop
the equipment for a heart transplant
with surgeons, nurses, and hospital
managers
 Launch
a new car with accountants,
market researchers, salespeople,
public relations experts, manufacturers,
and suppliers
 Build
a bridge in a foreign country
with shipping agents, customs
officers, local transport company
representatives, and government
inspectors
 Prepare
specifications for a new microwave
ovenwith cooks,
catering specialists, Health
and Safety officers, and homeowners
 Design
a satellite for weather forecasting
with scientists, meteorologists,
space experts, and reliability
analysts
What
kind of education will I need
to be an engineer?
Becoming an engineer requires
a college degree. To prepare
yourself, you'll need a well-rounded
education that includes lots
of math and science, along with
communications, history, literature,
and the arts. Taking these kinds
of classes in high school will
open the doors to a college
education and great opportunities
in the future.
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