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How to build a career in engineering ?
How to build a career in engineering
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Jerry’s Answer
Daniel,
You build an engineering career by doing the project you are assigned by your employer. While working on your project you need to research and study similar projects. What you learn then can be applied to your project and added to your knowledge base.
Don't be surprised that what you "learned" in the classroom doesn't much apply to your project - thus, research will be needed for you to succeed. You need to do the same for the next project you are assigned. Each new project will add to your personal knowledge base.
The other thing you will need to learn is how to work with others - hopefully you will be working with a team - so learn from them. Ask questions and add their knowledge and experience to yours. Introduce yourself to the workers around you (make the first step - don't wait to be introduced). Strive to become the team leader.
Plan to become a Professional Engineer - Engineer in Training - then the professional exam. Take the exams as soon as you can. I waited for five years to take the EIT exam - very hard to remember engineering basics. From experience, your personal billing rate $$ normally doubles when you are a Professional Engineer. A whole lot of opportunities open up when you are a Professional Engineer.
Hope this helps. Congratulations on becoming an engineer.
Jerry L. Van Norman, PE, FPE, LEED AP
You build an engineering career by doing the project you are assigned by your employer. While working on your project you need to research and study similar projects. What you learn then can be applied to your project and added to your knowledge base.
Don't be surprised that what you "learned" in the classroom doesn't much apply to your project - thus, research will be needed for you to succeed. You need to do the same for the next project you are assigned. Each new project will add to your personal knowledge base.
The other thing you will need to learn is how to work with others - hopefully you will be working with a team - so learn from them. Ask questions and add their knowledge and experience to yours. Introduce yourself to the workers around you (make the first step - don't wait to be introduced). Strive to become the team leader.
Plan to become a Professional Engineer - Engineer in Training - then the professional exam. Take the exams as soon as you can. I waited for five years to take the EIT exam - very hard to remember engineering basics. From experience, your personal billing rate $$ normally doubles when you are a Professional Engineer. A whole lot of opportunities open up when you are a Professional Engineer.
Hope this helps. Congratulations on becoming an engineer.
Jerry L. Van Norman, PE, FPE, LEED AP
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Hi Daniel!
I double majored in Biomedical and Computer Engineering. Both of these fields are a little different than the more traditional engineering career paths (such as Mechanical/Civil/Environmental Engineering). I would say that the first thing you should decide is what type of engineering career you would like to have. The career paths can vary greatly depending on what you would like to focus on.
If you choose to become a Mechanical/Civil/Environmental Engineer, look to land an entry level engineer position out of school. Once in that job, you can study for your Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. This is the first exam to pass in order to become a "Professional Engineer." After a few years of experience in the field, you can follow up with the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to be certified as a Professional Engineer. This certification usually comes with a raise and/or a title bump in your career!
If you choose a different field, like Biomedical or Computer Engineering, your career path is up to you! I personally chose to go into Consulting to get exposed to many different industries/companies/roles. I still consider myself an engineer, even though I don't have a traditional engineering job. Having a degree with "engineering" in the title will open up many opportunities for you as they are the most in demand majors to hire in both the technical and business fields!
I double majored in Biomedical and Computer Engineering. Both of these fields are a little different than the more traditional engineering career paths (such as Mechanical/Civil/Environmental Engineering). I would say that the first thing you should decide is what type of engineering career you would like to have. The career paths can vary greatly depending on what you would like to focus on.
If you choose to become a Mechanical/Civil/Environmental Engineer, look to land an entry level engineer position out of school. Once in that job, you can study for your Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. This is the first exam to pass in order to become a "Professional Engineer." After a few years of experience in the field, you can follow up with the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to be certified as a Professional Engineer. This certification usually comes with a raise and/or a title bump in your career!
If you choose a different field, like Biomedical or Computer Engineering, your career path is up to you! I personally chose to go into Consulting to get exposed to many different industries/companies/roles. I still consider myself an engineer, even though I don't have a traditional engineering job. Having a degree with "engineering" in the title will open up many opportunities for you as they are the most in demand majors to hire in both the technical and business fields!
Updated
Yesenia’s Answer
Greetings, dear Daniel. Building a career in engineering involves a combination of education, practical skills and continued professional development. Here are some key steps to help you build a successful career in this field: Identify your Interest: Determine which branch of engineering you are most passionate about. Engineering is a broad field that includes disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, chemistry, among others.
Academic Training: Obtain a solid engineering education. This usually requires a college degree in the engineering discipline of your choice.
Technical Skills Development: In addition to theory, focus on developing practical and technical skills. Participate in laboratories, projects and internships during your studies.
Business and Soft Skills: Develop soft skills such as communication, leadership and project management. These are essential to advance your career.
Continuing Education: Stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends in your field. Consider pursuing additional certifications or graduate school.
Work Experience: Gain relevant work experience. Look for job opportunities that allow you to apply what you learn and gain practical experience.
Professional Network: Build a network of contacts in the industry. Attend conferences, seminars, and join professional associations.
Innovation: Be innovative and constantly look for new ideas that can add value to your work and the business in general.
Featured Resume: Make sure your resume reflects your experience and accomplishments clearly and effectively.
Prepare for the Future: Maintain a long-term vision of your career and set clear goals for your professional development.
Remember that engineering is a career that evolves rapidly, so adaptability and continuous learning will be your best allies on this path. Success in your engineering career! Fondly. Yesenia
Academic Training: Obtain a solid engineering education. This usually requires a college degree in the engineering discipline of your choice.
Technical Skills Development: In addition to theory, focus on developing practical and technical skills. Participate in laboratories, projects and internships during your studies.
Business and Soft Skills: Develop soft skills such as communication, leadership and project management. These are essential to advance your career.
Continuing Education: Stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends in your field. Consider pursuing additional certifications or graduate school.
Work Experience: Gain relevant work experience. Look for job opportunities that allow you to apply what you learn and gain practical experience.
Professional Network: Build a network of contacts in the industry. Attend conferences, seminars, and join professional associations.
Innovation: Be innovative and constantly look for new ideas that can add value to your work and the business in general.
Featured Resume: Make sure your resume reflects your experience and accomplishments clearly and effectively.
Prepare for the Future: Maintain a long-term vision of your career and set clear goals for your professional development.
Remember that engineering is a career that evolves rapidly, so adaptability and continuous learning will be your best allies on this path. Success in your engineering career! Fondly. Yesenia