8 Career Options for Engineering Degree Holders

Are you a problem solver and enjoy building things? If yes, then a career in engineering is definitely worth considering. Engineering graduates have the skill level and proficiency in certain topics or software that make them attractive to most employers.

This article will discuss what engineering is and what you need to do to become an engineer. We will also discuss the common career options for engineering degree holders.

What is engineering?

Engineering is a scientific discipline that uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry principles to develop solutions to real-world problems. It is a creative process involving applying science, technology, and mathematics to design and build structures and systems for various purposes. Engineers use their expertise to build and maintain machines, structures, and infrastructure to meet the needs of society.

What do you need to become an engineer?

A bachelor’s degree in engineering is the minimum requirement to become an engineer. To be successful, aspiring engineers must also demonstrate strong problem-solving and analytical skills. They must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, essential for working in teams or with clients. Depending on their enrolled program, they may also need to complete laboratory or fieldwork as part of their course.

If you’re a working professional who wishes to get ahead in your career, you can also pursue an Online Masters Degree in Engineering Management that offers a comprehensive curriculum covering engineering principles, project management, and leadership that you can continue alongside your job. This program helps engineers to stay ahead of the competition and provides them with the skills necessary to become effective managers.

Common Career Options for Engineering Degree Holders

Engineering graduates have a wide range of career options. Here are some of the most common ones:

Software engineer

Software engineers design, develop, and test computer programs and software. They use programming languages like C++, Java, or Python to create applications, websites, and operating systems. Software engineers are in high demand in many industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology. The average salary for a software engineer is around $92,000 per year.

Educational requirements to become a software engineer include a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field.

Civil engineer

Civil engineers are responsible for designing, constructing, and managing construction projects. They work on projects involving roads, bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure. They must be able to use a variety of engineering principles and design tools to design and build projects that meet local regulations and safety standards. The average salary for a civil engineer is around $88,000 per year.

In addition to the technical skills required to become an engineer, professionals in this field must also possess strong written and verbal communication skills. They must be able to work with clients and colleagues in order to complete projects successfully.

Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing electrical systems. They develop and create new electrical products and work on projects related to the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power. Electrical engineers also work on projects related to telecommunications, computers, electronics, and automation systems. The average salary for an electrical engineer is around $99,000 per year.

To become an electrical engineer, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Depending on the type of work you are pursuing, you may also need to be registered as a Professional Engineer with your state board.

Chemical Engineer

Chemical engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing chemical products and processes. They have prime roles in the manufacturing industry but can also work in healthcare and energy. Chemical engineers must have extensive knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to create safe and effective products. The average salary for a chemical engineer is around $97,000 per year.

To become a chemical engineer, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. You must also have strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Additionally, you must be able to work with teams and clients to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

Industrial Engineer

Industrial engineers are responsible for designing and improving production systems to increase efficiency and reduce costs. They analyze data, plan processes, supervise workers, and develop solutions for any problems that may arise. Industrial engineers must be able to work with a variety of tools, such as computer-aided design software, spreadsheets, and databases. The average salary for an industrial engineer is around $86,000 per year.

To become an industrial engineer, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field. Besides having extensive knowledge of programming languages, you must also have strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical engineers are responsible for developing medical equipment and devices used in healthcare. They often work with doctors, scientists, and other medical professionals to develop products that improve patient care and treatment.

Biomedical engineers must have extensive biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics knowledge. The average salary for a biomedical engineer is around $95,000 per year.

To become a biomedical engineer, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or a related field. You must also have strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Additionally, knowledge of computer programming languages and an understanding of medical terminology and device design are a plus for these professionals.

Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers are responsible for developing products and implementing solutions to benefit the environment. They often work with government agencies and private organizations to develop plans to reduce pollution, restore ecosystems, and ensure the sustainability of natural resources.

Environmental engineers must have extensive knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics. The average salary for an environmental engineer is around $76,000 per year.

To become an environmental engineer, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field. You must also have an understanding of ecological systems and environmental regulations. Additionally, you may require certification or a license in order to practice as an environmental engineer at certain jobs.

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers are responsible for developing and designing machines, engines, and other mechanical components. They use their knowledge of physics, mathematics, engineering, and computer-aided design software to create products that meet safety standards and customer needs. Mechanical engineers must be able to work with a variety of tools, including CAD software and 3D printing systems. The average salary for a mechanical engineer is around $84,000 per year.

To become a mechanical engineer, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field and a license to practice as a mechanical engineer. Many engineers pursue additional certifications and professional development courses to advance in the profession.

Conclusion

In conclusion, engineering is a challenging as well as a rewarding field that offers a variety of career options. Professionals with an engineering degree can pursue careers in software engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and other fields mentioned in this article. Critical problem-solving, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are a must to succeed in the field.

Though the job market is competitive, those passionate about engineering should have no problem finding their way. You can become a successful engineer with the right training, education, and experience.