Why Pursue a Career in Engineering?
This image is from the FBI STEM careers website, cited below.
Engineering can be seen in all aspects of life. From rocket ships to novel drugs to the very screens used to read this article, the various applications of engineering form the backbone of modern life. Engineering is a field that blends mental prowess with technical skill to solve problems, improve systems, and create new technologies to improve life. To become one, mathematical and scientific skill is needed, but creativity, and technical skill are required as well, and it's this combination of different skills that allow engineers to innovate in all areas of life.
One of the things that makes engineering such an alluring field is the ability to explore one’s unique passions while tackling problems. Due to the various applications of engineering, one can spend their career combatting issues important to them. From mechanical to electrical to chemical to civil, there’s a niche for every type of problem solver, allowing people of various interests and skill sets to have a successful career in this field.
Still, these various fields are united by a common thread: creativity. Engineers must develop solutions to some of the most challenging problems, and thus have to be methodical yet innovative. Whether it’s improving city infrastructure, designing prosthetics, or developing new energy technologies, engineers must think outside the box to devise effective solutions. Furthermore, almost all engineering careers require math, science, and art and design, and this multifaceted skill set, along with the problem-solving nature of engineering, make it a fulfilling and intellectually stimulating field. An effective way to develop these various skills is to actively participate in FInE. Our robust competitive events, blogs, and guest speakers give our members the tools needed to be future engineers.
Of course, it’s impossible to talk about a career field without mentioning the pay, and in this regard engineering is very appealing. Engineers are among the highest-paid professionals, reflecting the expertise required in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median salaries in 2023 ranged from just under $49k to over $138k. As technology continues to improve, various industries are in need of engineering expertise, from aerospace to biomedical to environmental engineering, there is a consistent demand for engineers, resulting in competitive pay. Engineering is one of the fastest growing fields in America, with employment growing well above the average for all fields in the U.S., with industrial engineers expecting up to a 12% growth rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pursuing a career in engineering is a wise choice for individuals passionate about innovation and desiring a lucrative career. The blend of creativity, problem solving, and diverse offerings make it an attractive option for people from all walks of life. As technology advancements and associated challenges emerge, engineering will play an ever growing role in shaping our world of tomorrow.
Bibliography
“Engineering Careers | FBIJOBS.” FBI JOBS | STEM at the FBI, fbijobs.gov/stem/engineering. Accessed 23 June 2024.
“Architecture and Engineering Occupations.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm. Accessed 23 June 2024.
“Industrial Engineers.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 16 May 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/industrial-engineers.htm. Accessed 23 June 2024.
