Engineering Careers

Responsible for employing approximately 1.4 million professionals in 2004, engineering careers are an integral part of the world’s economy.  These highly trained experts solve daily predicaments using their mathematical and scientific knowledge in order to formulate practical solutions.  There are a number of fields and specialties they may enter.  Common fields include mining, chemical, aerospace, industrial, software, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. 

Mining engineers find, extract, and prepare materials such as gold, iron, coal, and others for use by common industries.  They may be responsible for the design and construction of mines or tunnels, or they may develop new equipment or processes for mineral or metal extractions.  They are held accountable for worker safety, equipment and mine efficiency, as well as environmental regulations and preservation.  Professionals may specialize in a specific material or method of mining. 

Chemical engineers handle the processes involved in producing chemical or biochemical products.  Professionals may be liable for planning, designing, testing, and/or treating chemicals or other necessary equipment.  Chemical engineering may require professionals to specialize by chemical type or industry.  Typical industries produce food, clothing, electronics, energy, and many other products, but all engineers must focus on worker and consumer safety at all times. 

Aerospace engineering is often related to producing aircraft, aircraft engines, propulsion units, guided missiles, space vehicles, etc.  Duties commonly include the construction, renovation, or conversion of existing products.  Professionals may be employed by large firms, commercial airlines, or private industries.  All aerospace engineers are responsible for ensuring safety while developing new equipment and procedures. 

Jobs in engineering tend to be vast, so working conditions and training are varied.  Engineers seeking employment may land positions in which the majority of their time is spent on a factory floor, in an office, out doors, or traveling.  In 2004, the average engineering work week was slightly more than 40 hours, and the majority of professionals were employed as full time associates.  Deadlines and stress are common factors of daily work with all engineering specialties.  Candidates must be efficient, detail oriented, analytical, creative, and possess excellent communication skills. 

Employers generally prefer to hire candidates with a large amount of formal education and experience, but there is always the need for entry level candidates as well.  While educational requirements vary by specialty, most commonly, candidates must obtain a Bachelors degree before entering the engineering work force, and all states require candidates to successfully complete a licensing exam before they are able to register as an engineer.  Experts have projected that the number of qualified engineering candidates will grow and be comparable to the number of available engineering jobs; therefore prospects in future years should remain high.  Due to ever changing technology, candidates who pursue continuing education will have the highest success. 

For more information on engineering careers, please visit the following sites:

• Pafko.com
• The World of Explosives
• South Dakota State University
• National Academy of Engineering
• Denise Goddard and Associates, Inc.

If you would like to find a career in the engineering field or hire qualified professionals that meet your requirements, start your search at iHireEngineering.