Engineering is the backbone of modern society, shaping the world we live in from the buildings we inhabit to the technology we use every day. But what exactly is engineering? At its heart, engineering is about problem-solving through innovation and creation. As Dr. Marie Morganelli, a seasoned educator, aptly puts it, “Engineering is about building, creating and fixing various things, such as technology or architecture.” To excel in this dynamic field, you’ll need a powerful combination of science, mathematics, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Even if your profession lies outside the realms of science and technology, you’ve undoubtedly encountered the impact of engineering. Jennifer Gorczyca, Associate Dean of Engineering, Technology, and Aeronautics at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), highlights the vastness of this field. “There are dozens of types of engineers, with each type applying the concepts of math, science, and art to solve problems,” she explains.
Drawing from her experience as a former senior engineer in computational and statistical sciences, Gorczyca emphasizes that problem-solving is the core essence of engineering. This often involves constructing something entirely new, be it a physical structure or a complex system, or refining and enhancing existing structures and systems to meet evolving needs.
Across all engineering specialties, a common set of core skills and aptitudes are crucial:
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities
- Sharp Critical Thinking Skills
- An Inquisitive Mind about How Things Function
- Solid Foundation in Math and Science
Engineering Defined Simply
In simple terms, engineers are the masterminds who make things function efficiently and effectively. Interestingly, the word “engineer” itself has roots in innovation. As noted by Britannica, the words “engine” and “ingenious” share the same Latin origin, “ingenerare,” signifying “to create.” Innovation, therefore, is not just a part of the job; it’s intrinsically linked to the very definition of engineering.
Expanding on this, David Guo, Associate Professor of Aeronautical Engineering at SNHU, with extensive experience as an aerospace design engineer, offers an insightful perspective: “Engineering is a practical approach for human society to change, modify, and improve the physical world around us so that humans can have a better life.”
Engineering encompasses a broad spectrum of activities focused on building, creating, or modifying elements of our world, from intricate machines and specialized tools to entire environments. While the field branches into numerous types of engineering specialties, it can be broadly categorized into four major branches: chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
Unpacking the Engineer’s Role
“Engineers are highly trained professionals who apply scientific principles to design innovative tools and machines, and to construct, fabricate, and manufacture products,” explains Guo, emphasizing the practical application of theoretical knowledge.
This description encompasses a remarkably diverse range of projects and applications. While engineering boasts numerous sub-specialties, problem-solving remains the fundamental skill that drives success across all disciplines.
“Engineers observe the world with a mindset geared towards improvement,” states Gorczyca. This proactive approach might involve hands-on work in the field, intricate computer simulations, or a combination of both methodologies, depending on the project’s nature.
Engineering transcends mere technical proficiency in math and science, although these skills are undeniably crucial. Engineers must also cultivate critical and creative thinking, fueled by an inherent curiosity to explore and understand the world around them.
The beauty of an engineering career lies in its adaptability, offering the chance to tailor your professional journey to your unique passions and interests. “You can shape your own career path while applying mathematics, science, and even artistic principles,” Gorczyca points out. This vast array of career options is what makes engineering a truly customizable and rewarding profession.
Charting Your Path to Becoming an Engineer
The initial step towards an engineering career mirrors the approach for any field: begin by exploring your interests. Guo suggests that a natural inclination towards science and an inquisitive nature about how things operate are often early indicators of an engineering aptitude.
Perhaps you have a deep-seated passion for creating new things? Reflect on your personal interests and professional aspirations. The intersection of these will likely point you in the most suitable direction within the vast engineering landscape.
Once you’ve clarified your personal and professional interests, investigate engineering programs that align with them. The sheer variety of options can be initially overwhelming, but also incredibly exciting. Gorczyca provides compelling examples from the realm of mechanical engineering, where professionals have designed:
- Engines for airplanes and cars
- Thrilling amusement park rides
- Assistive technologies to improve lives
- Innovative fabrics for fashion and high-performance shoes
- Cutting-edge sporting equipment and toys
And these are just a glimpse into the possibilities within mechanical engineering. Countless other avenues exist within the diverse spectrum of engineering disciplines.
Your next step involves researching college programs that offer your chosen engineering specialization and carefully reviewing their admission requirements. Engaging with an admission counselor can further refine your choices and help you pinpoint the engineering path that best resonates with your individual profile and goals.
Find Your Program
Essential Qualifications for Aspiring Engineers
To embark on a career in core engineering fields like chemical, civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering, a bachelor’s degree in a related engineering discipline is generally a prerequisite. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also notes that practical experience is highly valued by many employers. Pursuing a graduate degree can further deepen your expertise and open doors to more specialized roles.
“While a master’s degree isn’t strictly necessary for entry-level positions, it can be a significant asset in specializing within your chosen area and accelerating your career advancement,” advises Gorczyca.
According to the BLS, several other engineering specializations can be pursued with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree, including:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
The engineering profession fosters a culture of lifelong learning, demanding continuous adaptation to scientific advancements and practical experience. This necessitates staying abreast of the latest industry trends, emerging tools, and groundbreaking discoveries within your specific field.
A Glimpse into the Daily Life of an Engineer
The sheer diversity within engineering means that a “typical” day is far from uniform. For instance, the daily routine of an aerospace engineer will likely differ significantly from that of a chemical engineer. Furthermore, an engineer working in the public sector might experience a vastly different work environment compared to someone employed by a private corporation.
“Some engineers primarily work in traditional office settings, while others spend considerable time in the field, overseeing projects or conducting on-site analyses,” explains Gorczyca. Guo adds that engineers often juggle multiple projects concurrently, highlighting project work as a central component of their daily activities. This project work typically encompasses stages such as:
- In-depth Research
- Advanced Modeling
- Innovative Design
- Prototype Development
- Rigorous Testing
- Thorough Verifications
Collaboration and effective communication are also indispensable aspects of an engineer’s daily workflow, as projects often involve multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
Depending on the specific role and industry, an engineering career might involve frequent travel or minimal travel, demanding tight deadlines or offering more extended lead times for deliverables. Your chosen engineering specialization and the types of projects that captivate your interest will largely determine the contours of your daily work life.
This inherent variety is precisely what Gorczyca finds most appealing about the engineering profession.
“My career has encompassed projects ranging from automobile crashworthiness and the design of sporting equipment like helmets and baseball bats to air filtration systems, to name just a few,” she shares. Beyond project work, Gorczyca also finds fulfillment in sharing her knowledge and experience through publications and as an educator in the classroom.
The Challenges and Rewards of Engineering
While engineering, like most professions demanding high-level expertise, can present significant challenges, it also offers profound rewards, including a strong sense of accomplishment and professional success.
“Choosing engineering as a career path often translates to respect and job security, as engineers are generally held in high esteem in society,” notes Guo.
A robust ethical framework, a strong sense of professional responsibility, and unwavering accountability are paramount for success in engineering. “While mistakes can occur in any profession, errors or unethical practices in engineering can have far-reaching and detrimental consequences for humanity,” Guo emphasizes.
Therefore, a solid foundation in STEM principles coupled with a strong moral compass are crucial ingredients for a thriving and impactful engineering career.
Engineering is fundamentally about problem-solving and bringing novel creations into existence – things that didn’t exist before. Guo underscores the deep sense of achievement and success derived from working as an engineer as the most rewarding aspects of the profession. Gorczyca highlights the career’s inherent flexibility and the opportunity to shape her professional path around her evolving interests and passions as key motivators.
Ultimately, regardless of the specific engineering discipline you choose, you have the potential to be an inspiring, innovative, and truly ingenious force, contributing to a better world, one project at a time.
Explore more about SNHU’s engineering degrees: Discover the curriculum, skills you’ll acquire, and how to request program information.
A former higher education administrator, Dr. Marie Morganelli is a career educator and writer. She has taught and tutored composition, literature, and writing at all levels from middle school through graduate school. With two graduate degrees in English language and literature, her focus — whether teaching or writing — is in helping to raise the voices of others through the power of storytelling. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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