Engineering careers

Have you always wondered how things are constructed? Do you like to take machines apart and then put them back together? Did you adore Legos as a kid? 

If you answered yes to any of those questions, then maybe engineering is the major for you. Engineers are responsible for designing anything from sneakers to roller coasters!

Engineering can be a challenging major that takes enormous amounts of time and effort. Ken Withers, vice president of college relations at RCC College of Technology, says, “Engineering students have heavy schedules—usually over 25 hours per week of classes and even for some as many as 40 hours per week of classes (including labs) plus 20 or more hours of studying outside of classes.”

Undergraduate engineering programs include classes in physics, chemistry, computing, mathematics and introductory engineering courses, such as design, for the first year. Students in their second years generally take more advanced mathematics and introductory engineering courses. The third and fourth years usually concentrate on a specific area of engineering, when students take more advanced engineering sciences and design.

Students’ final year could consist of a design thesis, advanced and specialized engineering courses, engineering electives and many opportunities to participate in team-based projects.

Marc Rosen, professor and dean at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), says, “Many facets of the program are interdependent, with fundamental courses followed by advanced topics.” Students also take classes in complementary studies such as economics, liberal studies, collaborative leadership, ethics, law and professionalism, technical communications and the impact of science and technology on society.

There are all sorts of engineering concentrations. You can concentrate on software, biomedical, mechanical, robotic, electrical, computer, automotive, nuclear, energy systems, chemical or manufacturing engineering, for example.

“Engineering is broad and includes humanities and a strong focus on ensuring activities are a benefit to society, ethically appropriate and environmentally appropriate,” Rosen says. “Engineering is one of the main creators of wealth in our economy, and thus contributes strongly to our standard of living.”

In the book 145 Things to be When You Grow Up, by Jodi Weiss and Russell Kahn, a sample of engineering majors are described as follows:

Aerospace engineers are responsible for creating, developing and testing aircraft and missiles. They also develop new ways to improve space exploration and aviation and oversee the manufacturing of products they create.

Chemical engineers figure out how to develop the products that chemists invent in labs. They come up with safe, efficient and practical methods to manufacture chemicals, fuel, food or environmental products and take part in all the stages of manufacturing.

Electrical engineers create, develop, test and improve electronics. They are the brains behind the electronic devices you use every day, such as televisions and stereos. Electrical engineers work in teams to design and implement new products used in homes, hospitals and other areas.

Mechanical engineers design and develop machines, tools and other mechanical devices, such as engines and elevators. Apart from machines that we rely on in our daily lives, mechanical engineers also design machinery that is used in manufacturing and agriculture.

Civil engineers design and create everything from bridges to sewer systems for cities. Before civil engineers build anything, they check out the land, review plans and decide how much money and resources will be needed for each job. Civil engineers also set schedules, hire staff and order building materials. When a project is complete, civil engineers make sure that everything works properly.

Robotics engineers develop and create robots that are used for everything from operating machinery to flying to other planets. A robotics engineer’s focus might be to create technology that helps robots think for themselves.

Jeff Gomach, a chemical engineering major from the University of Dayton, offers a word of advice to high school students thinking about majoring in chemical engineering: “The path isn’t easy, but the rewards are enormous. If you enjoy chemistry and physics, this may be a unique application of the two that offers you an entirely new perspective on the world. Be prepared to work hard, and get

involved in engineering societies that can help you gain experience early.”

If you desire a major that gives you the freedom of creativity and lets your imagination run wild, engineering may be just the thing for you!

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN ROBOTS?
If you’re interested in robotics engineering, check out the FIRST program, a robot-building competition for high school students. “Each team raises money for their entry fee and then receives a kit full of parts, including 16 motors,” says Mark Breadner, a director of FIRST. “Teams have six weeks to design and build a robot that meets the challenge. Three hundred teams get to go to the worldwide finals, where the race is on for the most effective robot. This is proof that engineering jobs, such as robotics, have all sorts of career opportunities. Each FIRST team needs people involved in programming, mechanical engineering, system design, animation and even documentation, public relations and Web site upkeep.” Visit www.USFirst.org to get involved.

Colleen Wright is an intern for The Next Step Magazine.

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