Being an engineer is the perfect career choice for those who have a love for science, chemistry and math. As an engineer, you will have critical input for the design of products for companies. You may also work out important equations for a lab or the engineering department of a university. The majority of engineers decide to specialize in a specific type of engineering, such as mechanical engineering or biomedical engineering. Whatever the case, having an engineering degree is the easiest way to ensure a stable career for the rest of one’s life. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become an engineer?” When you want to become an engineer, it is important for you to stay committed to an education plan that will help you pursue this goal.
What’s it like to be an engineer?
The typical engineer works about 40 hours a week for a major company. He or she may work for a company like Dow Chemical. One has a supervisor who assigns certain projects to the engineers of the company. You will also have to meet with other technicians to discuss your progress on your projects. An engineer usually has to attend multiple meetings in a given week. He or she has to meet with supervisors to discuss the status of projects. An engineer may also need to give a presentation to a group of professionals about his or her project. If you succeed in the projects that are given to you by your supervisors, then you may receive a promotion at your company. Engineers are typically promoted to a position that is akin to a “project manager” within a company.
Education Requirements
To become an engineer, it is essential for you to obtain a bachelor’s degree in engineering. You should make sure that a college has a strong engineering program before you attend. You should also make sure that you have a strong background in math and science. You will need to pass very difficult prerequisite courses in order to become an engineer. It is also a good idea to research co-op programs that may be available at a college. When you participate in a co-op, you will gain experience that will benefit you in your future career. You will also be able to gain connections that may help you gain employment upon graduation from an engineering program.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the BLS, the average salary of an engineer can vary from $58,000 to $96,000 a year. The salary that one earns depends on the type of engineer that one becomes. If one is an aerospace engineer, then he or she will earn a significantly greater salary than a mechanical engineer. To gain employment as an engineer, one should apply for open positions at engineering firms and companies. Universities frequently have a lot of open positions for engineers in their science departments. One may also be able to find research positions in the engineering field. It is also a good idea to meet with a counselor from the career services department of a college. A counselor may know of open positions at local engineering firms.
References:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Architecture-and-Engineering/home.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_2301724_become-engineer.html