Back in the old days, particularly 1325 AD, the definition of engineering revolved around two main classifications: Military and Civil. Military engineers constructed military engines and fortresses in order to resist any kind of foreign invading power or nation. On the other hand, civil engineers built bridges and roads projects that did not pertain to the military.
Specifically, however, an engineer in the old days meant applying oneself to innovations and creativity. Engineers, in fact, were center to some of one of the most ancient civilizations like that of Ancient Egypt. Building temples such as the Karnak Temple and the process of building the Pyramids required highly proficient engineers that helped Egypt remain a dominating civilization for several centuries.
One of the most popular civil engineers in the history of mankind was Imhotep. Imhotep designed the Step Pyramid, along with the columns featured in the amazing Valley of the Kings. He was a key adviser to many Egyptian kings and queens who wished to have a foundation of engineers that, not only built an empire, but help create a foundation for future generations.
What is Engineering all About?
Engineers utilize the power of science and mathematics in order to develop solutions to technical problems. Solving these technical problems produces innovations and discoveries that satisfy societal needs.
In developing a new product, for example, engineers use specific step-by-step requirements that include planning, designing, integrating components and evaluating the plan and design’s effectiveness. For example, in developing a computer program, engineers have to plan out the mathematical processes that comes with designing such a sophisticated program, apply key components with his/her computer programming knowledge, and finally test out the program to evaluate its effectiveness.
But not all engineers are innovators, however. Some may prefer to work in maintenance or testing operations. Determining the cause, for example, of why a certain factory machine malfunctioned, is key to that company’s well-being. Estimating the time and cost required to repair those also account as their primary duty. Supervising particular projects and providing great detailed reports also count as an essential part of some engineers’ careers.
An integral part of an engineer’s job, evidently, is dealing with computer analysis. Computers have made life a little bit easier for engineers who engage in highly-sophisticated fields that require detailed reporting, data gathering, precise analysis and execution. Nanotechnology engineers, for instance, rely almost entirely on computer related programs to introduce break-through methods and designs by integrating atoms and molecules.
Therefore, the profession itself is a broad category with many different sub-categories focusing on numerous fields of study. Evidently, engineers may pursue an engineering degree that focuses on one specific discipline in their studies, but are more than likely to have a career involving multiples disciplines as an engineer.
The famous categories of the profession include: Agricultural, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Military, Chemical and Aerospace.
As technology has made huge strides over the decades, new branches have been developed, such as: Software, Nanotechnology, Molecular technology and Mechatronics.
Training/Education
Obviously, an engineering degree is required for all entry-level jobs in the industry. Along with an engineering degree, courses in a natural science or mathematics will pay-off tremendously, as there are specialties in high-demand that require the aforementioned degrees. Obtaining a degree in mathematics or a natural science also allows some flexibility in future employment opportunities.
Many aerospace engineers, for example, have some mechanical engineering training. By having this flexibility, engineers have better employment chances, while employers will have a variety of different qualified engineers to choose from.
Admissions to undergraduate engineering schools require students to have a background in mathematics and science classes. Aspiring students in high school, for instance, should be able to have college-level or Advanced Placement level math and science courses on their transcripts. Of course, English and humanities are also a great addition.
Typically, undergraduate engineering programs are designed to last four years. Like most other majors, the first two years are spent in general education courses such as math, basic sciences, introductory engineering, humanities and social sciences. The last two years of college are spent almost entirely on courses with a concentration on a specialty.
Other engineering schools provide two-year or four-year programs in engineering technology. These are hands-on courses, usually involving laboratory work that focus on the application of certain principles. These technology programs prepare students for production work, rather than jobs that mostly involve theoretical and research-based analysis. Additionally, engineering schools and engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
The ABET accreditation are based on a school’s faculty, challenging curriculum, facilities, students’ achievements, school’s constant program improvements, ethics and quality of education. It is important to note that some colleges emphasize theoretical work over industrial practices, usually in preparation for graduate work. Thus, it is important for students to make a decision about the specialty and the path they want to pursue.
To become an official engineer, however, a license is required. Engineers who obtain a license are called professional engineers (PEs)‚ usually receiving the license from ABET and completion of a state examination. Upon successfully completing the state examination, individuals are called engineers in training (EITs). It is after having work experience that the second examination (as an EIT) can be taken: Principles and Practice Exam. Additionally, many professional organizations offer certification programs for engineers to display competence in certain specialties.
Future of The Profession
As technology progresses in the future, engineers will be benefit greatly from such advancements. Just a couple of decades ago, specifically in the early ’90s, nanotechnology was not an apparent specialty. With the help of technology, however, nanotechnology has become one of the profession’s most important and profitable specialties helping society being its top priority, of course.
The future for engineers is bright, without a doubt. In fact, many prestigious engineering programs and engineering schools like that of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), predict continued job growth and future global challenges in the industry that will bring on added competition and more global challenges to tackle.