samantha
What is so important about engineering?
#engineering #career #school
4 answers
Christopher Rutledge
Christopher’s Answer
Samantha,
Your question is direct and to the point and I like it :)
I am an Electrical Engineer. I like finding solutions to problems. And sometimes, I go looking for a problem to solve. One of the ways that I happened to apply my tools is to develop...Strength Training programs for young athletes. (out of left field, huh?) You might think it strange. But the tools you learn as an engineer apply to everything in everyday life...from driving, to cooking, to computing, to communications and the list goes on. But my hobby is the aforementioned strength training. I found that the early work in a couple of courses called Statics and Dynamics led me to observe and develop methodologies to enhance the preparation of young athletes. I made a quick observation of present training techniques and came up with my own. My day job is that of a typical engineer. I have patents. I program computers at times. I manage teams through solutions as well. I have designed and built facilities, communication systems and high performance networks. But I have also strength trained State Champions, All Americans and even an athlete that just went very highly in the first round of the National Football League draft last week.
Every day is a new opportunity to help others (or yourself) solve a problem. Being an engineer provides one with such a rich palette of tools to accomplish that problem solving goal for anything in everyday life. If you have the interest, the passion for solving problems and a natural curiosity about you...then I'd say go for it...it'll be challenging at times but oh so rewarding. And to have the skills to help others? I think that's kind of important in my book. Thank you so much for your question.
Peter Sturtevant
Peter’s Answer
WOW, Samantha, you have asked a very broad question. It would take a BOOK to adequately answer your question. As a career Civil Engineer (40+ years), let know distill things down for you.
Every wonder where the water from your tap or bathtub comes from?
What happens to the water that flows down a drain or is flushed down a toilet?
How do I get to school, the shopping center, the beach, my grandmother in Florida, etc.?
Is that bridge I am about to cross safe? How about that big dam up the river valley?
How did the tallest building in my town or city (or just about any building, for that matter) get constructed?
These are some the issues that Civil Engineers deal with every day.
And I have not mentioned the things that Mechanical, Biomedical, Computer, Electrical, Industrial or many other types of engineers deal with.
In a nutshell, Samantha, engineers make the modern world possible.
I spent many decades working primarily in Water Resources. I helped solve lots of environmental problems, provided new sources of water supply and cleaned up restores dozens of streams and rivers for fish habitat. I had a very satisfying career and earned good money. Engineering is a very sought-after profession. If you have an interest in math and/or science and enjoy tacking problems, I highly recommend this profession for you.
Good Luck, Pete Sturtevant, PE
Peter recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Engineering is an essential discipline that has a profound impact on our contemporary world. It spans an array of specializations, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, aerospace, and biomedical engineering, to name a few. The significance of engineering lies in its ability to propel technological progress, spark innovation, tackle intricate challenges, and enhance the living standards for individuals and communities.
One of the key reasons why engineering is so crucial is its role in advancing technology. Engineers are the masterminds behind the design and creation of new technologies that have revolutionized numerous sectors. They've been instrumental in everything from the invention of the steam engine during the Industrial Revolution to the creation of today's smartphones and renewable energy systems, thereby propelling progress and enhancing efficiency in countless ways.
Additionally, engineering is the powerhouse of innovation. Engineers are equipped with the ability to think critically and creatively, enabling them to devise innovative solutions to complex issues. They employ scientific theories and mathematical principles to design and create new products, systems, and processes that boost productivity and efficiency. Thanks to their innovative mindset, engineers have given birth to groundbreaking technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, and biotechnology.
Engineering also plays a pivotal role in addressing complex societal challenges. Engineers are problem solvers who tackle everything from creating sustainable infrastructure to inventing life-saving medical devices. For instance, civil engineers design bridges, roads, and buildings that can resist natural disasters and promote sustainable development. Biomedical engineers, on the other hand, create medical equipment and prosthetics that enhance patient care. By leveraging their knowledge and skills, engineers play a crucial role in finding solutions to urgent global issues like climate change, pollution, healthcare accessibility, and transportation.
Moreover, engineering enhances the quality of life for individuals and communities. Engineers design products and systems that add convenience, safety, and comfort to our everyday lives. From efficient transportation systems to global communication networks, engineering has revolutionized the way we live and interact with the world. Plus, engineers work on projects that promote sustainability and environmental conservation, ensuring a brighter future for the coming generations.
To sum up, engineering is vital for a myriad of reasons. It propels technological advancements, stimulates innovation, addresses complex challenges, and improves the quality of life for individuals and communities. Through their expertise and creativity, engineers play a pivotal role in shaping our world and making it a better place for future generations.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
1. National Academy of Engineering (www.nae.edu)
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) School of Engineering (engineering.mit.edu)
3. American Society of Civil Engineers (www.asce.org)
Joshua Chan
Joshua’s Answer
To have the World Wide Web enabled, with the questions and answers here stored in a server, and the notebook we use to write our questions, all of this is enabled by engineers of various fields.
Imagine before all of this is enabled, we won't be able to ask questions and getting people from around the world to advice.