Some Not-So-Random Thoughts On Engineering Studies & Careers Jeff Staudinger, PE Founder & Director Engineers Dedicated to a Better Tomorrow www.DedicatedEngineers.org

Focus of Today’s Talk Engineering Disciplines (Academic Majors) But to properly discuss, need to also touch on: What is engineering in general? Engineering in the “real world.” Engineering colleges/studies. In addition, will also discuss (at the end): “Considering your career choices.”

What is Engineering? / What is an Engineer? Short Answers: Engineer: Applied Scientist Job: Turn Science/Ideas Into Reality Some Direct Science-Eng Relationships: Physics > Mechanical Engineering Physics > Electrical Engineering Chemistry > Chemical Engineering Biology > Bioengineering (Biomedical Eng)

Science vs. Engineering Basic Tasks Primary Product Scientists Research KNOWLEDGE (scholarly papers) Engineers Design Develop Manufacture/Construct Operate/Maintain THINGS (working device, machine, system, structure, etc.) vs.

Some Products of Engineering

Engineering Disciplines/Majors (Branches of Engineering) Close parallel with science: You’re not just a generic “scientist,” but a: Biologist Chemist Physicist You’re not just a generic “engineer,” but a: Civil Engineer Electrical Engineer Mechanical Engineer Key difference: Different types of engineers work together frequently in teams (unlike scientists, who tend to work mainly with their “own kind”).

Engineering Disciplines/Majors (Branches of Engineering) “Big Four” – 67% of all BS degrees Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Basic, Wide-Ranging Fields: Many possible areas for students to specialize in within the overall major (“areas of concentration”). Most engineering schools offer these majors (nearly all offer Electrical and Mechanical).

Engineering Disciplines/Majors (Branches of Engineering) (cont.) “Medium Four” – 20% of all BS degrees Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering Biomedical Engineering/Bioengineering Chemical Engineering Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering More Focused (Specialized) Fields: Students choosing these majors have a specific interest in them. Note: Not as many students pursue these degrees, so not as many schools offer these degrees (typically offered by larger engineering colleges). Aerospace and Biomedical are sometimes offered as an area of concentration under Mechanical Engineering. Hottest Field: Biomedical

Engineering Disciplines/Majors (Branches of Engineering) (cont.) “Smaller Ten” – <10% of all BS degrees Agricultural - Environmental Architectural - Materials Eng Management - Mining Eng Physics - Nuclear Eng Science - Petroleum Specialty-Type Disciplines: Students often major in these disciplines at the graduate (MS) level. Environmental: Typically offered as an area of concentration under Civil Engineering (& sometimes under Chemical Engineering). Materials: Often offered as an area of concentration under Chemical Engineering (& sometimes under Mechanical Engineering)

How To Pick An Engineering Major Using handout “A Brief Guide to Engineering Majors”: Look at “Small 10” and “Medium 4” majors for a major(s) of interest to explore further. If none, go to step #2. Look at “Big 4” majors: Particular interest in either civil or computer? If yes, explore further. If no, then: Look at electrical & mechanical. Electrical & mechanical engineering: “Safe” majors. Many areas of specialization to choose from.

Undergrad Majors at SJSU (Fall 2006) No. % Electrical 455 26% Mechanical 394 23% Civil 363 21% Computer 203 12% Aerospace 134 8% Chemical 69 4% Industrial 48 3% Biomedical 0 0% Software 47 3% Materials 22 1% TOTAL 1735 100% 82% 14% 4%

Engineers in the “Real World” Don’t confuse academic engineering disciplines/majors w/ real-world industrial sectors: Computer industry: Not just computer engineers Aerospace industry: Not just aerospace engineers. Biotech industry: Not just bioengineers. Chemical industry: Not just chemical engineers. Most industrial sectors employ a wide range of engineers (esp. electrical & mechanical engineers). Your career will be (more) defined by -- The specific industry you work in. -- Your primary job function (principal work area). than what discipline you majored in.

Basic Job Functions (Work Areas) in Engineering Research: Seek new knowledge (or a better understanding of known facts). Development: Make research results available in the form of potential products/methods/processes. Design: Using engineering analysis, convert concepts & info into detailed plans & specs (used to manufacture/construct product/structure). The “heart” of engineering. Production: Industrial processes used to manufacture products from raw materials (example: car production). Construction: Translate design & materials into structure/facility (building, bridge, etc.) Operations: Apply engineering principles in performing practical work activities Manufacturing (Facilities Dept): Procure supplies/raw materials, plant/equipment maintenance, direct personnel (technicians, etc.). Other: Run utilities, railroads, mass transit, communication systems, etc. Sales: Recommend products/systems, machines, tools, parts, services, etc. to best serve customer needs. Management: -- Solve problems of policy, finance, organization, PR, sales. -- Select and supervise personnel. -- Coordinate R&D, design, production/construction, O&M, sales

Basic Job Functions (Work Areas) in Engineering (cont.) Job function titles often used to ID/characterize engineering positions in the real world: Research Engineer Design Engineer Facilities (Operations) Engineer Why?: Because they typically reflect the department (or work group) that you will be assigned to and work within: Research Department Design Group Facilities (Operations) Division Engineers work in multi-disciplinary teams in the real-world College: Electrical Engineering Dept Real World: Design Dept Prof Societies (“semi-real”): Discipline-based (ASCE, IEEE, ASME)

Engineers in the “Real World” (cont.) 3-D Placement: Academic Degree (electrical, mechanical, etc.) Industry Employed In (aerospace; biotechnology/ medical; building; chemicals/petroleum; computers/IT; energy; transportation, etc. PLUS consulting engineering option – Bechtel, etc. ALSO government option – fed/state/local) Job Function/Primary Work Area/Dept (R&D; design; production/ construction; O&M; sales)

“Top 10” Answers To “Why Study Engineering?” Job Satisfaction Varied Opportunities Challenging Work Intellectual Development Impact on Society Financial Security Prestige Professional Environment Understanding How Things Work Creative Thinking

Final Thoughts Engineers significantly impact people’s lives every day, just like doctors. And just like doctors, not everyone can be one (and we don’t want just anyone to be one). Powerful position, impacting lives & the world (Earth). Personal request: Think about your ability to make a positive impact on people/society and consider acting in that vein. Career choices: Lawyers: Civil rights lawyer vs. “ambulance chaser” Doctors: Oncologist (cancer doctor) vs. plastic surgeon

Consider Your Career Choices: “A”

Consider Your Career Choices: “B”

That’s All Folks!