Different Engineering Streams each leading to Strong Careers
Engineering involves the use of specialized knowledge to solve complex problems. As the problems an organization faces are multifarious, it creates a demand for many different types of engineering experts.
To meet this demand, a number of engineering streams, some of which are highly specialized, are available today that offer promising careers to the right candidates.
Key Engineering Disciplines
At a broad level, engineering can be categorized into four disciplines: civil, chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
Civil Engineering
Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in civil engineering. The median salary of civil engineers in 2019 was $87,050, according to the BLS. Jobs in this field are expected to grow at a rate of 11 percent through 2026.
Job Role of a Civil Engineer
A civil engineer solves complex infrastructure problems. They will design, create, and maintain a wide range of projects in both private and public sector. These could include roads and tunnels, bridges, sewer and water systems, and dams.
A civil engineer typically divides time between the project sites and the office. Similar occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), include landscape architect, construction manager, and urban planner.
Chemical Engineering
Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in chemical engineering. The median salary of chemical engineers in 2019 was $108,770, according to the BLS. Jobs in this stream are expected to grow at an annual rate of eight percent through 2026.
Job Role of a Chemical Engineer
According to the BLS, a chemical engineer will use the knowledge of sciences to solve problems impacting the production or use of chemicals, drugs, food, and more. They usually work in labs and offices, and almost all of them are employed full-time.
A key role of chemical engineers is to troubleshoot processes and methods used in production. Large manufacturing plants of employ these engineers to optimize quality and productivity.
Mechanical Engineering
Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering. The median salary of mechanical engineers in 2019 was $88,430, according to the BLS. Jobs in this field are expected to grow at a rate of nine percent through 2026.
Job Role of a Mechanical Engineer
A mechanical engineer will design and build mechanical or thermal equipment, including machines, tools and engines. According to the BLS, mechanical engineering is a wide field, and qualified personnel in this area can work on a range of products from refrigeration systems to batteries to power generators.
Other similar occupations may include petroleum engineers, materials engineers, and mechanical engineering technicians.
Electrical Engineering
Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering. The median salary of electrical engineers in 2018 was $101,600, according to the BLS. Jobs in this field are expected to grow at a rate of seven percent through 2026.
Job Role of an Electrical Engineer
An electrical engineer will work on designing, manufacturing and testing of electrical components, including motors, communication systems, power generation, and navigation systems. According to the BLS, electrical engineers can find jobs in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, research, and telecom, among others.
Electrical engineering is a broad field, and job roles can vary widely between sectors. Similar occupations may include engineering and architectural managers, biomedical engineers, and electricians.
