Engineering is a diverse and interesting career choice - here, we provide some information on education and careers in engineering.
Reflected in nearly every structure and machine is the work of an engineer. From buildings to automobiles to power plants and hand tools, without the careful planning and design of an engineer, these elements would cease to exist. Engineers have been a vital part of society since ancient times. 5,000 years ago in Ancient Egypt, the construction of the Great Pyramid at Giza was quite a feat for the team of engineers. The Great Pyramid at Giza and the Great Wall of China are considered to be the largest human construction projects of ancient times.
Today, engineers are responsible for designing solutions to problems. Using computer aided drafting software (CAD), engineers develop tools, toys, communication devices, furniture, buildings, vehicles, roads, bridges, and medical equipment. They might also work to improve water systems, food processing, fuel efficiency, recycling plants, power sources, and mass transit systems.
In 2002, 1.5 million engineers worked in the United States, covering disciplines of aerospace, agriculture, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer hardware, electrical, environmental, industrial, marine, materials, mechanical, mining/geology, nuclear, and petroleum engineering, as well as many others. Engineering is the country's second largest profession, covering disciplines of aerospace, agriculture, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer hardware, electrical, environmental, industrial, marine, materials, mechanical, mining/geology, nuclear, and petroleum engineering, as well as many others.
Engineers are required to have at least a bachelor's degree, while engineering technologists often are only required to have an associate's degree. All states require public engineers to become licensed. The licensure process involves engineers passing two exams - the first taken after graduation to become an Engineer in Training, and the second taken after four years of work experience, to become a Professional Engineer.