How to Become a Successful Engineer
Engineering is an occupation requiring deep commitment and skill. It takes years to become successful. There are more than 20 engineering-styles spanning nearly every modern industry: chemical, industrial, and mechanical name just a few. Growth-rate for manufacturing engineers, in particular, is expected to soar, as well. You can become a successful engineer with the right educational background and professional references. Use Internet resources to help you get started.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Become a Successful Engineer
-
1
Attend a four-year college and get a Bachelor of Science in engineering. It is the most basic requirement to become successful. Make sure this college is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering Technology (ABET). This could take five years to complete in some states. You need to excel in math. Core courses for engineers may include: Differential Equations, Calculus, and Physics for Engineering. Prerequisites for these classes range from basic Algebra to Analytical Geometry. Start attending math classes right away if you are still in high school. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (located in Cambridge, MA) along with Stanford University (in California) have consistently been two of the top-ranked engineering schools in the United States.
-
2
Pass exams and get licensed. All states require engineers to take a test in two parts. The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) is the first test a new college graduate should take. The second, Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE), is usually taken after one becomes employed. Some states allow engineering interns to take this second portion. This is only applicable if the intern has some years of job experience. It is another basic requirement to become a successful engineer. Know there are variations of this testing as many different engineering jobs require different certification. Chemical engineers may not require the same testing as a mechanical engineer in a different state, for example.
-
-
3
Visit http://www.ncees.org to help you narrow down the type of exam or licensure you need for your state. Click the "Exams" link at the top of the page. Wait for your results. The new Web page will tell you information about testing and requirements for both engineering and engineering surveyor occupations. Click "Licensure" to find out more about licensure requirements. Visit http://www.abet.org/the_basics.shtml for details about why engineers need to attend accredited colleges.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Consider attending a master's program in Business Administration. It is a great way to prime yourself for future engineering management positions.
Employers will require education beyond the undergraduate level if you are interested in research and development.
Engineers in Training are called "EITs." Engineering Interns are called "EIs." This is the professional title for an engineer who takes the initial licensing exam.
It is not unusual for an experienced engineer to make more than $200,000 a year. Consult the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm#training for details about jobs, salaries, and specialty occupations.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit pens and calculator over the engineering drawings image by Elnur from Fotolia.com
