Careers in Engineering Engineers, Scientists, and Technologists

Why Study Engineering? You’re good in Math and Science… Your Guidance Counselor said so… You heard about high starting pay… Your (Mom/Dad/etc.) made you try it…

Is Engineering for You? Do you like solving problems? Do you ever ask “How does that work?” Do you have some math/science skills? Do you like new challenges?

Who Creates Technology? Scientists Engineers Technologists Technicians

Scientists Study the basic laws controlling our lives. Purpose: advancing the body of basic knowledge Work in labs Requires advanced education

Engineers Find new ways to use basic laws of nature to solve problems. Work in offices, labs, factories, fields… Ask “word problem” questions. Find many solutions, pick “best”.

Technologists Apply known rules of math and science to address specific needs. Ask mostly “Multiple Choice” questions. Critical part of many design teams. Requires BS degree.

Technicians 2-year degree, strong technical background. Ask mostly “Yes/No” questions Testing, Measurement, Quality Control, Maintenance.

Career Fields in Engineering Research Development Design Analysis Production Management Sales Other

Research Looking for new applications for scientific discoveries R&D Labs Major universities Private companies Work with Scientists Advanced education

Development Develop new technologies using scientific discoveries. May work hand-in- hand with Research. Not charged with product development.

Design Use existing technologies in new ways to solve new problems. Minor changes may lead to major breakthroughs. Work in offices, labs, factories. BS entry, many seek MS

Analysis Simulation, Modeling, and Testing. Predicts or ensures success of design alternatives. Operations Research

Production Product/Process Improvement. Quality Assurance. Materials Management. Facility Design Safety Product Testing

Management People, Equipment, and Materials Leadership Cost Analysis Many design engineers end up in management Typical mid-career salaries reflect management responsibilities.

Sales Inside/Outside sales Product Specialist Systems Engineer Best/worst opportunity for high salaries Sales Manager

Roles for Technologists Most Production, Sales, and Management roles can be filled by technologists Engineering skills required for product redesign

Other Engineering Careers Consulting Operations & Maintenance Medicine Education Law