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How versatile are engineering degrees?
How versatile are engineering degrees?
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
Engineering degrees can be very flexible, especially if you have a lot of general knowledge in different areas.
The PE (Professional Engineering) certification can help you attain greater flexibility.
I have seen engineers educated in civil engineering, assigned to electrical engineering assignments at regional aircraft manufacuring companies.
So, if the supervisor feels you can do another branch of engineering, it can happen.
The PE (Professional Engineering) certification can help you attain greater flexibility.
I have seen engineers educated in civil engineering, assigned to electrical engineering assignments at regional aircraft manufacuring companies.
So, if the supervisor feels you can do another branch of engineering, it can happen.
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Mike’s Answer
Gary, you hit on a topic I love. An engineering degree will open many doors. I know many people who have an engineering degree but have evolved their careers to work in other jobs. Usually these are in related fields such as managing engineers, project leaders, or sale engineer. But many have gone into totally different fields. I myself have stayed in pure engineering throughout my career and am very happy.
One of my sons wasn't sure what he wanted to study and I told him engineering would give him flexibility. He did get a degree but finally decided he did not want to work in an office. He did field engineering doing environmental cleanup, brewing beer, and music production. He is now working for the US forest Service doing civil engineering. So in the end he is doing engineering but still manages to avoid too much office time. His original degree was in mining engineering, which he never actually worked directly in that field. So you can see that base of engineering gave hime access to many other fields - as he was willing to take the risk to explore the possibilities.
Whatever you initially decide to pursue, don't be afraid of a later pivot to another career if you are not loving it.
One of my sons wasn't sure what he wanted to study and I told him engineering would give him flexibility. He did get a degree but finally decided he did not want to work in an office. He did field engineering doing environmental cleanup, brewing beer, and music production. He is now working for the US forest Service doing civil engineering. So in the end he is doing engineering but still manages to avoid too much office time. His original degree was in mining engineering, which he never actually worked directly in that field. So you can see that base of engineering gave hime access to many other fields - as he was willing to take the risk to explore the possibilities.
Whatever you initially decide to pursue, don't be afraid of a later pivot to another career if you are not loving it.
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi Gary. What a great question!!
In a word....Very. Now for the quick follow up. At the heart of every really good engineer is a problem-solver. I share this because you don't have to have the title of 'Engineer" or have a degree in engineering to be an effective problem-solver. But since your question is around versatility of engineering degrees, I will stick to the task at hand:)
My experience and my opinion shows me that there are formally trained engineers that take on many, many, many different types of jobs and tasks. With regard to the engineering discipline or curricula at different universities, there can be at least 5-6 types of engineering degrees. There are some universities that allow students to dual major in engineering and business or engineering and medicine.
The other totally biased :) answer I will share with you is that there is notable career sustainability for individuals who not only have an engineering background but also bring a strong work ethic and effective collaboration and communication skills. In other words, the engineering degree helps but it does not take the place of individual effort and results-driven success.
Hope you find this answer helpful. Best of luck to you!
In a word....Very. Now for the quick follow up. At the heart of every really good engineer is a problem-solver. I share this because you don't have to have the title of 'Engineer" or have a degree in engineering to be an effective problem-solver. But since your question is around versatility of engineering degrees, I will stick to the task at hand:)
My experience and my opinion shows me that there are formally trained engineers that take on many, many, many different types of jobs and tasks. With regard to the engineering discipline or curricula at different universities, there can be at least 5-6 types of engineering degrees. There are some universities that allow students to dual major in engineering and business or engineering and medicine.
The other totally biased :) answer I will share with you is that there is notable career sustainability for individuals who not only have an engineering background but also bring a strong work ethic and effective collaboration and communication skills. In other words, the engineering degree helps but it does not take the place of individual effort and results-driven success.
Hope you find this answer helpful. Best of luck to you!