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Beginning engineering jobs usually require a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited program, but in engineering specialties in high demand, physical science or mathematics degree-holders may qualify for some jobs. Engineering bachelor’s degree programs typically are designed to last four years, but many students find that it takes between four and five years to complete their studies. Most engineering degrees are granted in branches such as chemical, mechanical, civil or electrical engineering. In addition to the standard degrees, many colleges offer degrees in engineering technology. These programs prepare students for practical design and production work rather than for jobs that require more theoretical, scientific and mathematical knowledge. Graduate training is essential for engineering faculty positions but is not required for the majority of entry-level engineering jobs. Many engineers obtain a master’s degree to learn new technology, to broaden their education, and to enhance promotion opportunities. Training Beginning engineering graduates usually do routine work under the supervision of experienced engineers and, in larger companies, may also receive formal classroom or seminar-type training. As they gain knowledge and experience, they are assigned more difficult tasks with greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions. Necessary Traits • Engineers should be able to work as part of a team and should have creativity, an analytical mind, and a capacity for detail. • Engineers should be able to express themselves well, both orally and in writing. • The ability to work with mathematics is probably the most important qualification for an engineer. Many personal traits also qualify a person for an engineering career. A person who enters engineering should be: • curious, searching for the "how" and "why" of natural and mechanical things; • intelligent, thinking clearly and using sound judgment; • imaginative, picturing difficult situations and suggesting new ideas or new ways of doing things; • creative, bringing new facts and methods together to solve new problems; • industrious, working hard to complete exacting tasks as quickly as possible; • studious, reading widely and extensively to increase knowledge; • responsible, completing assignments in a dependable way with a minimum of supervision; • communicative,
sharing ideas with others and getting along with people.
Last Updated: 02/16/03 |
