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An engineer uses mathematical and scientific principles to innovate, design, maintain, and develop solutions to real-world problems. Engineering professionals apply their expertise to create and improve processes, systems, and technologies. As an engineer, you can contribute to shaping the world by implementing your skills and knowledge to come up with innovative solutions that enhance lives and better society. Outlined below are five reasons to pursue a career in engineering.

The rising demand for engineers

The engineering profession is expected to continue experiencing a rise in demand for talent thanks to job growth and the replacement of those leaving the job market. This means there are more job opportunities than certified candidates. Most countries recognize that they need engineers to help them meet goals like:

• Modernizing infrastructure
• Enhancing their trade capabilities
• Raising climate change resilience
• Remaining ahead in technology
• Boosting offensive and defensive capabilities

The significant skills gap in engineering implies insufficient qualified persons in the industry, leading to a high demand for engineers. Obtaining a bachelor degree in engineering and building the necessary skills can help you contribute towards meeting the increased demand for engineers.

Multiple career paths

The engineering profession offers multiple career paths from which you can choose based on your professional goals and preferences. They include:

• Electrical engineering: An electrical engineer designs, tests, manufactures, constructs, controls, monitors, and inspects electronics and electrical devices, systems, components, and machines
• Mechanical engineering: Professionals in this field are involved in designing, manufacturing, maintenance, and inspection of components, equipment, and machinery
• Civil engineering: Civil engineers design, construct, maintain, and inspect big civil infrastructure projects like roads
• Biomedical engineering: Biomedical engineers design devices, equipment, and systems for use in medicine and healthcare

Aerospace, nuclear, chemical, and industrial engineering are other career paths you can pursue. In addition, you may consider computer, environmental, marine, and geotechnical engineering.

Financial security

Pursuing a career in engineering can help get competitive packages and salaries compared to other professions. An engineer’s average salary in America is $105,068 annually or $50.51 per hour. While an entry-level position begins at $80,071 per year, most experienced professionals earn up to $150,000 a year. The high earnings are partly because engineering roles demand technical skills, which are in high demand as industries become highly dependent on technology. The high salaries guarantee financial security.

Engineering is a creative field

Engineering is mostly problem-solving. You should be able to think outside the box while visualizing several scenarios and solutions. Engineers are constantly working to build and design new products or improve existing ones, meaning they often come up with new, innovative solutions. Engineering requires a creative and innovative mindset.

Flexibility to work in various settings

An engineer’s workplace varies based on industry, specific role, and specialization. You can work in:

• An office setting: Most engineers working in office settings use simulation tools, computer-aided design, and other software to build and analyze engineering models, designs, and plans
• Manufacturing facilities: If you’re involved in industrial, aerospace, or mechanical engineering, you can work in production facilities or manufacturing plants
• Laboratories: An engineer in electrical or chemical engineering can work in laboratories developing new materials, troubleshooting technical issues, or conducting performance tests
• Construction sites: Structural and civil engineers often work on construction sites

Endnote

Engineering is a fulfilling and rewarding career. Familiarize yourself with the reasons to pursue a career in engineering.