Engineering applies a variety of skills and competencies to a situation to find a solution to an existing or potential problem. Being able to interpret mathematical equations and understand scientific concepts are just some of the skills engineers use to develop a concept or product.
There are engineers in practically every field, from biomedical and chemical, to mechanical, nuclear, and many other industries. Engineers use problem-solving skills, combined with practical application, to develop innovations that present resolutions to everyday quandaries.
From finding more efficient ways to grow food or extend lives, to creating innovative aircraft or designing new infrastructure, there are hundreds of ways for those in the engineering profession to improve day-to-day life.
If you’re looking for a way to show your creativity and versatility as an engineering manager in any of these disciplines, an online Master of Engineering Management (MEM) can be a great complement to your technical background and an excellent way to set you apart from your peers.
This degree program gives you the tools to develop your managerial background while you use your engineering experience. Additionally, with an online program format, you’re able to immediately integrate the competencies you’re gaining from class into your workplace.
How to Get Into the Engineering Profession
Regardless of the type of engineering, there is a distinct series of steps most people take to enter the field. These steps are designed to cultivate the knowledge and skills to succeed as an engineer, and some steps can help demonstrate engineering talents to prospective employers.
Education Requirements
Aspiring engineers must complete at least a bachelor’s degree. The degree should be obtained from a university accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
While not strictly required, an advanced degree, such as a Master’s of Engineering Management (MEM) degree, offers distinct advantages. An advanced degree can open up new job opportunities and can lead to higher salaries. Also, some senior and managerial engineering positions require advanced education.
Pass the FE Exam
After obtaining a degree, aspiring engineers must then pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. This exam is offered by organizations such as the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
Gain Experience
Those who pass the FE exam are classified as engineer interns (EIs) or engineers-in-training (EITs). Either status grants eligibility to work in engineering. Most aspiring engineers complete four years of on-the-job experience, usually under the supervision of a professional engineer.
Pass the PE Exam
After gaining the necessary experience, aspiring engineers take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Having the right to work as a professional engineer is contingent on a candidate passing the PE exam and meeting other licensing requirements and regulations that vary by state.
Types of Engineers
When considering engineering as a profession, the field offers a wide range of categories to explore. Each of these typically has professional organizations or associations that can provide further insight into how engineering concepts are applied to achieve a field’s singular goals.
Aerospace Engineers
Engineers in the field of aerospace develop aircraft made to travel within and outside the Earth’s atmosphere. This includes developing designs, constructing the aircraft, and testing its functionality. An aerospace engineer deals with sound control, flight-testing, and software development. Other areas may include electronic functioning, dynamics simulations, and risk assessments. An aerospace engineer possesses knowledge and skills in many realms of engineering.
Here are some sources for further information.
- American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA): Provides up-to-date information on new and expanding technology as well as professional development resources.
- Aerospace Corporation: A federally funded research center dedicated to the success of the U.S. governments’ space program.
- IEEE Aerospace and Electronics Systems Society (AESS): An organization that provides workshops, educational tools, and a magazine subscription to its members.
Agricultural Engineers
Agriculture involves a complex relationship between plants, animals, chemicals, and mechanicals. Agricultural engineers look at the entire situation and provide a solution to a dilemma. This can include, for example, implementing a system for efficient crop production. There are opportunities for agricultural engineers to work in management, sales, or production. They may also be more involved in the research aspect of projects. This occupation demands attention to detail and a broad array of knowledge.
Sources for further information include the following:
- American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE): A society that focuses on the advancement of engineering within the agricultural field.
- International Commission of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (CIGR): The mission is to assist in the development of the agricultural engineering field.
Biomedical Engineers
Engineering is executed in the field of medicine to solve problems. Design techniques are implemented to bring about new and life-saving machinery. Diagnostic equipment is also studied and improved upon. Engineering in this field even extends to the study of microscopic systems and cell structure to develop innovations such as artificial DNA. Professionals working within this sector may face philosophical controversy from others and they must be prepared for this aspect.
Here are some sources for more information:
- Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES): Provides published journals, information, and a meeting arena for industry professionals.
- The American Society for Healthcare Engineering of the American Hospital Association (ASHE): Focused on the physical environment of the healthcare field.
- Rehabilitative Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA): Focuses on the improvement in the engineering of assistive and rehabilitative technology.
Chemical Engineers
Chemical engineers develop products that are used in many industries. A product, or a combination of products, is transformed until it meets the right specifications. Adhesives, fuels made from vegetation, synthetic textiles, and much more are all the result of chemical engineering. Products are also designed to assist with manufacturing needs. This profession requires excellent math and science skills.
Sources for more information include:
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE): Information and support for chemical engineers.
- Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE): Industry reports, upcoming events, and media involving chemical engineering.
- American Chemical Society (ACS): Provides a networking opportunity as well as an informative venue.
Civil Engineers
The responsibilities of a civil engineer are far-ranging. They can include making sure a structure will be sound, assessing water pathways, laying out roadways, and beyond. In any of these circumstances, every detail must be overseen to ensure the finished project is safe. Civil engineers may work for private corporations or in public positions, such as that of a city planners.
Information sources include:
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ACSE): Advocacy for civil engineers along with career resources.
- Institute of Transportation Engineer(ITE): Member access to new developments within the field and the opportunity to participate in topic-specific awareness programs.
Computer Hardware Engineers
This combined knowledge of electronics and design is what creates the instruments used to control today’s computers. As the industry advances, you can count on technology to continue to grow and evolve. Computer hardware engineers work in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital electronics. They may also pursue careers in circuit analysis or programming.
See these sources for more information:
- Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): Advancements in the computing industry are studied, documented and discussed.
- Computing Research Association (CRA): The advancement of research and education within the area of computers is the main focus of this organization.
- Computer Science and Engineering Society (CSES): An interactive society that promotes growth through sharing.
Electrical Engineers
Lighting and power generation supplies are just some of the areas that involve electrical engineers. Engineers in this field also work with wiring, power control, and even automobiles. They usually focus on power supply itself, though often in relation to power grids or other large-scale electrical supplies.
Information sources include:
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE): A professional organization that focuses on the advancement of electrical and electronic engineering.
- International Association of Engineers (IAENG): Provides publications dealing with upcoming technology, available conferences and workshops.
- Association of Energy Engineers (AEE): Provides member benefits, journals on electrical engineering, and available scholarship awards.
Electronics Engineers
Somewhat different from electrical engineers, electronics engineers focus on smaller-scale items. They design and develop everything from digital phones to global positioning systems, and other handheld or portable electronics. Engineers also work with televisions, microprocessors and occasionally, computers. Processing signals and working with control systems are two typical responsibilities. Circuit testing is regularly performed as well.
Here is a source for more information:
- Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA): Up-to-the-minute information on market research, product trends, and more.
Environmental Engineers
Environmental engineers strive to make our world better by using scientific processes to improve the state of natural resources. Engineering combined with science provides a medium through which natural elements are transformed into cleaner air, healthier water, and less pollution. These principles are carried out in various forms, with the focus remaining on responsible environmental stewardship. Environmental engineers work in the areas of water treatment, land/pollution mitigation, and the management of air quality.
Explore these sources for more information:
- Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP): The goal is to educate on the subject of environmental impact via science.
- Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society (EEGS): A nonprofit that holds an annual meeting and produces a scientific journal, as well as a quarterly newsletter.
- American Academy of Environmental Engineers (AAEE): A group that helps environmental engineering students navigate career choices.
Health and Safety Engineers
Health and safety engineers organize various aspects of safety policies. This is accomplished in an industrial setting, in most cases. At times, they may work with other agencies to implement these strategies. They identify a potential problem and then analyze the various outcomes. Once this is completed, they find a way to circumvent any potential issues. Finally, their plan must be tested and implemented.
These sources can provide more information:
- The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP): A community that creates publications and educational resources to provide further guidance in common and trending safety topics.
- American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): Produces numerous publications featuring updated technical and scientific information.
Industrial Engineers
An industrial engineer is responsible for making sure things are running as smoothly as possible. They go over production schedules, assess output levels, and strategize means to make improvements. They watch operations with a close eye and then convey their findings to decision-makers. This job requires focus and the ability to look at the overall picture. Industrial engineers are also referred to as manufacturing specialists, engineering managers, and production engineers.
Information sources include:
- The International Society of Logistics (SOLE): Offers more than 90 chapters worldwide; continues its quest to enhance logistics through various means.
- Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE): A nonprofit association that supports efforts to improve industrial engineering through various resources and training opportunities.
Marine Engineers
The job of a marine engineer focuses on ships, boats, submarines, and other water vessels, and also includes offshore and coastal structures. Knowledge of mathematics, design, and computing is essential. Time management and critical thinking are important skills in this position.
See these sources for more information:
- The Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (SNAME): Focused on the advancement of naval architecture while providing a resource of information and education.
- The Marine Engineers’ Blogger Association (D1MEBA): Blogging community sharing the latest news and vital information from the marine engineering field.
- Aviation & Marine Engineers Association (AMEA): A unionized association dedicated to marine and power engineers.
Materials Engineers
Materials engineers have many titles. They are also called test engineers, process engineers, research engineers, and materials branch chiefs. Job responsibilities include brainstorming ideas for materials uses and then implementing those ideas. Strategic development is one of the first steps, followed by testing.
Here are some sources to augment your knowledge of the field:
- ASM International: Offers continuously updated information for materials specialists practicing in the field, curated by an association of materials engineers and scientists.
- Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE): With 50 student chapters and 39 professional chapters worldwide, it provides information on materials engineering’s diverse applications as well as being a forum for the exchange of ideas.
- The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS): A society that encourages member participation among materials engineers.
Mechanical Engineers
Responsible for designing and testing mechanical equipment, these engineers read blueprints, fix equipment malfunctions, and coordinate production methods. Mechanical engineers work with machinery such as laser Doppler anemometers, cold forming presses, and wafer dicing saws. Teamwork is important for engineers in these positions.
Information sources include:
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): Founded in 1880, promotes collaboration among disciplines and develops codes and standards.
- Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IME): An international organization that offers continuing education and promotes the impact of engineering on society.
Nuclear Engineers
This job carries with it the weight of handling nuclear elements to create, distribute, and apply energy. Element development is one of the key facets of this position. Researching, preparing, and testing are some of a nuclear engineer’s main tasks. Other positions include resident inspector, critical safety engineer, and generation engineer.
Information sources in this field include:
- American Nuclear Society (ANS): Created to give scientists and engineers in the nuclear field a platform to discuss new developments.
- European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN): Promotes development in the nuclear industry via a host of accessible resources.
Petroleum Engineers
These engineers work with hydrocarbons such as natural gas and crude oil, including resource extraction, spill recovery, and equipment modification. Knowledge of chemistry, physics, and economics is equally important. Petroleum engineers must also possess complex problem-solving abilities.
Here are some sources for further information:
- Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): A leading resource for technological information within the petroleum industry.
- Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI): Providing statistics, data, and information to members and associates.
Explore a Future in Engineering
While engineering has many branches, it is rooted in a singular foundation: to improve daily life through structures, machines, and engines. These efforts might involve an innovative new electronic device, a dynamic means of transportation, protecting the planet, or keeping people safe. This makes engineering as a profession a challenging and rewarding career path.
The Ohio University online Master of Engineering Management degree can help you develop the foundation for an advanced career in the field. Our program focuses on leadership and management skills and their direct relationship to engineering process improvement, project management, effective communication, and innovative solutions.
Learn how we can help prepare you to be a leader in the engineering field.
Recommended Reading
Engineering Management Career: What to Expect
Engineering Trends for Managers
Leadership in Engineering: Why Is It So Important?
Sources:
Indeed, How to Become an Engineer
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, Licensure
National Society of Professional Engineers, How to Get Licensed
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Aerospace Engineers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Agricultural Engineers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Chemical Engineers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Civil Engineers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Hardware Engineers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Electrical and Electronics Engineers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Environmental Engineers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Health and Safety Engineers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Industrial Engineers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Materials Engineers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mechanical Engineers