Engineering, General

What Can You Do with an Engineering Degree?

If you know that you want to work in the engineering industry but you are not yet sure what area of engineering you want to specialize in, then a general engineering degree might be the best choice for you. If you wish to design highway systems, develop communities, work in research, or even become an entrepreneur, an engineering degree can start you on your path to a successful and lucrative career in engineering.

That being said, before you can start your career journey, you need to pursue an engineering degree. This guide will explore what it takes to work in engineering, the types of roles you can expect to work in, and how to select the right college to earn your engineering qualification.

Should I pursue an engineering major?

Engineering graduates are highly sought after by a wide range of industries including aerospace, automotive, defense, electronics, pharmaceuticals, power generation, telecoms, and fast-moving consumer goods.

If you are not sure which sector you want to work in, many universities offer you the option to do a general engineering degree in your first year and then choose the area of discipline you would like to pursue in your second year.

In terms of job growth, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are several fast-growing subfields of engineering including industrial engineering with employment opportunities expected to swell by 10% by 2029 and chemical engineering with an expected job growth of 4%.

What can I do with an engineering degree?

As mentioned above, there are many different career paths for an engineering graduate, with the most popular and lucrative ones listed below.

Computer Hardware Engineer

Developing, designing, and testing computer hardware components for computer and electrical systems, as a computer hardware engineer you will often find yourself working alongside software developers. Most entry-level computer hardware engineers have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, although a degree in electrical engineering or computer science is also an option.

The average salary of a computer hardware engineer is $117,220 per year.

Aerospace Engineer

An aerospace engineer specializes in the development and design of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. To excel in this career, you need to have strong mathematical and analytical skills, as well as being an innovative and creative thinker.

The average salary for an aerospace engineer is $116,500 per annum.

Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear engineers help to maintain and develop energy plants and their electrical supply. Typical duties include designing and building new plants and equipment.

The average salary for a nuclear engineer is $113,460 per annum.

How do I choose the right college to pursue my engineering degree?

The structure and content of your engineering degree will be dependent not only on the area of expertise you choose to study but also on the college that you pick to study with.

Although you may be primarily focused on the course itself, don’t forget to also look into the quality of campus life at your preferred colleges.

Not sure where to start? Check out CampusReel, the only college review website that offers campus and dorm reviews and video walkthroughs from real students. With over 15,000 student-made videos to choose from, you will find the perfect campus for your learning journey.

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