Engineering
Your Career Options

What you see is what you get? Not in this career! — There is no such thing as a ‘typical' engineer!
Many people never realize the diversity of opportunity someone with an engineering degree has before them. For example, who would have ever imagined all of the following people had training in engineering:

• Scott Adams - Cartoonist & creator of "Dilbert"
• Leonardo DaVinci - Florentine Artist, one of the great masters of the High Renaissance
• Alfred Hitchcock - Director/Producer of many psychological thriller films
• Herbie Hancock - Jazz Musician
• Hedy Lamar - Famous 1940s actress, designed the device that speeds satellite communications
• Montel Williams - Author of inspirational books & host of popular syndicated TV show
• Bonnie Dunbar - NASA astronaut

What do these people have in common? All have trained to be problem solvers, who love to take on a challenge and devise ways to create bigger, better, faster objects, systems, or processes. In fact, engineers have been credited to be the shapers of progress and life as we know it.

So, who should consider a career in engineering? Anyone who: loves challenging work, wants a variety of job opportunities, enjoys intellectual development, seeks job security & prestige, seeks work that directly impacts society, and wishes for chances to couple creative thinking with technology and science. Do any of these qualities match your goals and abilities? Read on to discover how to invest your time, talents, and interests in an engineering education that could lead to a creative and fulfilling life.

Selecting the Right Tools — What comprises the ‘right' university program?
If you have been talking to someone with an engineering degree you have probably heard the advice "You are going to have to study more & harder that you ever had!" Don't let a comment like that deter you. In fact, there are a number of different ways an engineering degree can be earned. The trick is to ask the right questions and do a little thinking about your own talents as well as your motivation. The American Society of Engineering Education breaks down the educational categories this way*:

University: A cluster of colleges operating under a single administration. The engineering school is one of several specialty colleges. Universities often have a strong emphasis on research and offer a wide range of majors and a diverse student body.

Four-year college: Usually smaller and doesn't put as much emphasis on research. Typically, engineering programs at colleges feature a strong liberal arts component.

Institute of technology or polytechnic institute: Focuses primarily on engineering and the sciences. Many schools are renowned for their engineering programs; however, if you're not certain that engineering is for you, you may want to attend an institution that offers a wider range of studies, providing the flexibility to switch majors without having to transfer to another institution.

U.S. military academy: (Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Military, &/or Naval Academies) Offers engineering programs at minimal cost to students. In return, students agree to serve, upon graduation, a specified term of service in the armed forces.

Two-year college or community college: "Many engineering graduates started their engineering studies at a community college and then transferred to a four-year institution to complete their B.S. degree in engineering. You may find that a community college is a place which will provide you with a more supportive environment in which to mature and develop before transferring to a four-year institution." - From Studying Engineering: A Road Map to a Rewarding Career, by Raymond B. Landis (Discovery Press, 1995)

* From: http://www.asee.org/precollege/finding.cfm#type

Good Design — Courses required for an engineering degree
Picking a career when you are just finishing high school can be overwhelming and scary. Who wants to make a lifetime commitment when they are only 17 or 18 years old? Actually, what many prospective engineering students do not realize is that the core courses for most first-year engineering programs are very similar to that of many other math, science, or computer majors. Most programs have students take classes that augment their baseline math and science skill-set. Following completion of these courses, students then select their engineering program.

During the first year, expect to take classes in Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering Problem Solving (usually involving computers, writing papers, and collaborative teams). Although the topics for first year students may be the same, the approach to instruction will vary from institution to institution. The best way to decide what is important for you is to reflect on how you learned in high school, and consider if you prefer the theoretical approach (such as studying books) to practical experience (hands-on work). You will also want to think about whether you wish to have a specialized degree versus an interdisciplinary (or general) engineering degree. By examining your preferences first, then looking for programs that match your profile, you will find the college selection process to be quite manageable.

No matter what your personal preferences are, an important element to also look for in a degree program is whether a program has been accredited through the Accreditation Board of Engineering Technology (ABET). Having the designation of ABET means a program follows national guidelines for quality in its teaching, curriculum, facilities, and institutional commitment. While an ABET degree cannot promise employment, many employers and graduate schools look favorably upon graduates from such programs. However, it is important to note that not all non-ABET accredited programs are poor choices. It may mean that the institution is offering a new program that has not had a first class of graduates, that it is an innovative approach that may not fit into ABET's rigid program constraints, or a program has simply not sought ABET accreditation.

While a program's national reputation is important, your satisfaction within the institution can ultimately drive your success. Read about an institution's academic environment as well as its campus resources and campus activities. Whenever possible, make a visit to the campus. The better you see and believe that you fit into a program, the better you are likely to do in your studies.

Simulation Training — Applying classroom knowledge
There are multiple ways to explore engineering in different environments. Breaking out of the traditional mode of classroom instruction, engineering education has embraced new venues for students to practice and explore the nuances of the profession. ASEE lists the following special programs as ones worth examining:

• Internship and co-op programs that provide industry experience while often offering paid opportunities.

• Foreign study programs that will lend insight to today's global market.

• Dual-degree programs with other majors, such as business. Programs like this encourage students to pursue multiple intellectual interests.

• Research opportunities not only provide hands-on experience but can also open doors to graduate school.

As you can see, plenty of opportunities exist for a student to experiment and ultimately find their niche in the world of engineering. Decide which of these special programs are most important to you and use that information in your selection criteria.

Exercising Your Options — Career opportunities
There is no shortage of interesting career opportunities for those who invest the time in an engineering degree. Students who are imaginative and creative may enjoy design engineering. Perhaps research is more your style, and then a career as a test engineer is worth considering. Individuals who enjoy organizing and persuading others can look to opportunities in industrial sales or field service engineering. Coupling an interest in politics with an education in technology and science can open doorways to those interested in establishing national policy. Those with an entrepreneurial preference can find success in consulting, manufacturing, construction &/or technical management by combining their academic training with business savvy. And because requisite undergraduate engineering courses are heavy in technology and analytic thinking, many engineering undergrads easily move on to graduate programs in law, medicine, or many other fields.

With a degree in engineering, your career choices really are endless! Just remember to take your time when looking at potential programs and never feel you need to give up on your interests for the sake of an engineering degree. Work with the program you are enrolled in and communicate your aspirations. Recognize the diversity of educational options available and take full advantage of them. Approaching your education in this manner will provide a plethora of unique ways to combine your talents, interests, and goals into a successful career as an engineer!

Editorial provided by Cheryl A. Paul, Associate Director of College Component/EXCEL University of Pittsburgh Engineering Career Access Program (PECAP) School of Engineering: Office of Diversity.