A bachelor's degree in engineering is essential for almost all engineering jobs. The institution from which you receive your degree also needs to be accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). Occasionally, graduates with degrees in science and mathematics qualify for engineering jobs. Additionally, your degree should focus on the area of engineering you wish to pursue.
Obtain a License
All states in the United States, including the District of Columbia, require aspiring engineering graduates to obtain professional engineer licenses (PEs) if they wish to offer their services directly to the public. You can take the first part of the PE examination immediately after graduation, following which you obtain the designation of engineer in training (EIT) or engineering intern. You are qualified to take the second part of the examination once you have gained at least four years of work experience. Further details about the PE can be obtained from your state's licensing board. The National Society of Professional Engineers has additional related information on its website.
Obtain an Additional Degree in Engineering or Management
Graduate school is an essential stepping-stone for a bright engineering career, and an engineering master's or management degree can make an engineering professional eligible for a supervisory, senior management, or board-level job. Continuing education is a wonderful avenue for keeping up with the latest developments in engineering. It is advisable to regularly take advantage of continuing education opportunities in one's engineering career. Engineers face the risk of becoming obsolete if they do not stay abreast of the latest tools and engineering technology.
Join a Professional Body
Professional bodies offer networking and learning opportunities to their members. Additionally, they enhance reputation and prestige, along with professional standing. A partial list of professional engineering bodies includes:
- The American Association of Engineering Societies
- The American Indian Science & Engineering Society
- The Biomedical Engineering Society
- The Institute of Industrial Engineers
- The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences
- The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- The National Society of Professional Engineers
- The National Society of Black Engineers
- The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
- The Society of Women Engineers
Seek Avenues for Advancement Within Your Organization
As a professionally inclined engineer, you can always speak with your department head to find out how you can contribute more. If your current work has become routine, it may be time for you to inquire if the engineering firm can promote you to the next level. Additionally, ask around for more tasks or volunteer to take on more work. This communicates to management that you have a keen interest in developing the organization and steering it toward success.
Sharpening interpersonal skills and technical prowess can go a long way toward developing your engineering career. Furthermore, developing a relationship with a mentor can help you develop your career and improve your engineering knowledge and skills. Mentors can provide excellent career guidance as well as opportunities for taking your career forward.
Summary
New engineers usually start out in entry-level jobs that involve working under close supervision. Once they have sharpened their skills and acquired experience, they can begin handling complex projects that require higher degrees of interaction with other engineers and scientists. Junior engineers may eventually become supervisors, technical engineers, or senior engineers as they advance their careers. Many senior engineers move into management or sales, while some become consultants or even open their own engineering firms.
