3 answers
Cooper
Student
Haslet, Texas
4
Questions
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How many years of collage and what do you need to become an engineer?
I'm in the 6th grade and would like to know what it takes to become an engineer. #college #career #success
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3 answers
Brian Swain
Director, Customer Experience at Vysk Communications
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Brian’s Answer
I have been an electrical engineer for many years, and I'm happy to answer whatever questions you may have on this topic. Many engineers go to work directly after obtaining a four-year bachelors degree, though quite a few go on to obtain Masters and Ph.D.'s as well. The key skills required to do well in engineering programs are math and science courses. It is, though, also helpful if you begin to get a sense now for what specific type of engineering you might find most appealing. Options include electrical, mechanical, civil, industrial, chemical, and a few others. I would recommend spending a bit of time researching each of these fields and beginning to get a sense for which you find most interesting.
Please keep me posted on your progress.
Brian
Amy Lloyd
Contract Management
30
Answers
Woodbine, Maryland
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Cooper,
There are many types of engineers; civil, electrical, chemical, mechanical, biomedical, construction, etc. They will all require at least a 4 year degree with engineering, in either one of these specific areas, or general engineering as your major. There are some colleges that offer a bachelor/master accelerated program but you can also start with just your BA, and then go on later to get a Masters or Ph.D. My son is in his last semester as a Chemical Engineer. He chose this specific type because of the variety it offered him. One of the great parts of the program he chose was the mandatory Co-Op program. This meant that while he was learning, he was also gaining hands-on experience in his field and getting the chance to explore different paths. He looked at areas like: quality control, research and development, project planning and management. The program is 5 years, and goes year-round. After his freshman year, he worked one semester, then went to school the next. These were all paid jobs, so he also got money for college. He gained both interviewing and work experience. This type of program can be a big help to having a job upon graduation. He has been interviewing and already has a job offer that will start when he graduates in May. The company he chose will pay for him to complete his masters after 2 years of work.
Good luck to you.
There are many types of engineers; civil, electrical, chemical, mechanical, biomedical, construction, etc. They will all require at least a 4 year degree with engineering, in either one of these specific areas, or general engineering as your major. There are some colleges that offer a bachelor/master accelerated program but you can also start with just your BA, and then go on later to get a Masters or Ph.D. My son is in his last semester as a Chemical Engineer. He chose this specific type because of the variety it offered him. One of the great parts of the program he chose was the mandatory Co-Op program. This meant that while he was learning, he was also gaining hands-on experience in his field and getting the chance to explore different paths. He looked at areas like: quality control, research and development, project planning and management. The program is 5 years, and goes year-round. After his freshman year, he worked one semester, then went to school the next. These were all paid jobs, so he also got money for college. He gained both interviewing and work experience. This type of program can be a big help to having a job upon graduation. He has been interviewing and already has a job offer that will start when he graduates in May. The company he chose will pay for him to complete his masters after 2 years of work.
Good luck to you.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6400
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Cooper,
Kick-starting your journey to become an engineer involves a few key steps. First and foremost, you need to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering. This usually requires about 4 years of dedicated college study.
Step 1: Meet the Educational Requirements
Start your engineering journey by securing a bachelor's degree in engineering from a recognized university or college. This is typically a 4-year commitment of full-time study.
Step 2: Pick a Specialization
Engineering is a vast field, offering a range of specializations like mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, and aerospace engineering. It's crucial to pick a specialization that resonates with your interests and career aspirations.
Step 3: Acquire Hands-On Experience
Many engineering courses offer internships or co-op opportunities, providing students with practical experience in the field. This real-world experience is invaluable for honing skills and establishing a professional network.
Step 4: Get Licensed (Optional)
Depending on your chosen engineering field, you might need to secure a Professional Engineer (PE) license. This generally requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, following relevant work experience.
Step 5: Pursue Continuing Education
Given that engineering is a rapidly evolving field, it's essential for engineers to keep up-to-date with technological advancements and industry trends. Continuing education, through workshops, seminars, or advanced degrees, can aid engineers in enhancing their skills and knowledge.
In a nutshell, to become an engineer, you need to complete a bachelor's degree in engineering, which usually takes about 4 years. Selecting a specific engineering specialization, acquiring practical experience, securing licensure if necessary, and pursuing continuing education are also crucial steps towards a successful engineering career.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) - NSPE provides details on licensure requirements for engineers and offers resources for professional growth.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - BLS provides data on the job outlook, salary details, and educational prerequisites for engineers.
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) - ASEE offers insights into engineering education trends and resources for students aiming for careers in engineering.
May God bless you!
JC.
Kick-starting your journey to become an engineer involves a few key steps. First and foremost, you need to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering. This usually requires about 4 years of dedicated college study.
Step 1: Meet the Educational Requirements
Start your engineering journey by securing a bachelor's degree in engineering from a recognized university or college. This is typically a 4-year commitment of full-time study.
Step 2: Pick a Specialization
Engineering is a vast field, offering a range of specializations like mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, and aerospace engineering. It's crucial to pick a specialization that resonates with your interests and career aspirations.
Step 3: Acquire Hands-On Experience
Many engineering courses offer internships or co-op opportunities, providing students with practical experience in the field. This real-world experience is invaluable for honing skills and establishing a professional network.
Step 4: Get Licensed (Optional)
Depending on your chosen engineering field, you might need to secure a Professional Engineer (PE) license. This generally requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, following relevant work experience.
Step 5: Pursue Continuing Education
Given that engineering is a rapidly evolving field, it's essential for engineers to keep up-to-date with technological advancements and industry trends. Continuing education, through workshops, seminars, or advanced degrees, can aid engineers in enhancing their skills and knowledge.
In a nutshell, to become an engineer, you need to complete a bachelor's degree in engineering, which usually takes about 4 years. Selecting a specific engineering specialization, acquiring practical experience, securing licensure if necessary, and pursuing continuing education are also crucial steps towards a successful engineering career.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) - NSPE provides details on licensure requirements for engineers and offers resources for professional growth.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - BLS provides data on the job outlook, salary details, and educational prerequisites for engineers.
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) - ASEE offers insights into engineering education trends and resources for students aiming for careers in engineering.
May God bless you!
JC.