8 answers
Sky
Student
Goodview, Virginia
2
Questions
Asked
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What type of engineering field is right for me?
My name is Sky. I'm in tenth grade and I'm having a career crisis. I need to know if engineering is the type of career that can get me hired straight out of college anywhere in the US. If so, I also need help deciding exactly what type of engineer I should be. I love learning about the periodic table and how the human body works. I want to learn how to research and develop cures and vaccines. I prefer to think logically, though I'm no stranger to outside the box thinking. I don't always enjoy working with people, but I am still good at being a team player. If a professional could please guide me a little, it would be greatly appreciated. #engineering #career-choice
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8 answers
Justin Halteman
Facilities Business Analysis and Metrics
5
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Sky,
I have a couple thoughts that might be helpful.
First, many colleges allow undergraduates to start their engineering education without picking a select focus. A lot of the early course work for engineers is similar across all fields of engineering, and that will allow you to start your education without knowing what field you want to pursue. In addition, many of my fellow engineering students ended up changing their focus once they got to school and had started studying. If you are unsure, I suggest you try and enter a program with an undecided focus. Once you are there, reach out to professors and other students to learn more about the different possibilities before deciding a final direction. From your interests, it sounds like biomedical engineering or chemical engineering would be a good direction, but you'll figure it out. No need to have a crisis yet!
Secondly, you mentioned getting a job as soon as you graduate. I don't think there are any paths that guarantee a job when you are done. However, I went to a college that has "co-op" or "work study" program. As an undergraduate, I spent half of my year in class and then the other half interning in an actual engineering company. It gave me a huge amount of experience that was very beneficial when I went to find my first job. In fact, many of my fellow classmates had jobs lined up far before they graduated because they went to work for the company they interned with during their education.
I hope this is helpful - good luck!
I have a couple thoughts that might be helpful.
First, many colleges allow undergraduates to start their engineering education without picking a select focus. A lot of the early course work for engineers is similar across all fields of engineering, and that will allow you to start your education without knowing what field you want to pursue. In addition, many of my fellow engineering students ended up changing their focus once they got to school and had started studying. If you are unsure, I suggest you try and enter a program with an undecided focus. Once you are there, reach out to professors and other students to learn more about the different possibilities before deciding a final direction. From your interests, it sounds like biomedical engineering or chemical engineering would be a good direction, but you'll figure it out. No need to have a crisis yet!
Secondly, you mentioned getting a job as soon as you graduate. I don't think there are any paths that guarantee a job when you are done. However, I went to a college that has "co-op" or "work study" program. As an undergraduate, I spent half of my year in class and then the other half interning in an actual engineering company. It gave me a huge amount of experience that was very beneficial when I went to find my first job. In fact, many of my fellow classmates had jobs lined up far before they graduated because they went to work for the company they interned with during their education.
I hope this is helpful - good luck!
Jenny Hong
Quality Engineer
2
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Jenny’s Answer
Hi Sky!
First of all yay for your interest in STEM!
So many students that are interested in math/science that want to go into engineering are sure which specialty will be best for them, so you're definitely not the only one!
So my college Texas A&M has a "General engineering" major for all freshman engineering majors when they get to figure out which specialized field they want to go into. So not sure if your future school will offer that, but I'm just sharing to let you know that you do have some time at the beginning to take courses and learn what would fit best for you!
Based on your interests, chemical or biomedical engineering might be a good fit!
For me, I studied biomedical engineering in college and now work at Medtronic where I support manufacturing of surgical drills used in brain and spine surgeries. It looks like this field is expected to grow, so I believe finding a job after college would be relatively easier than maybe some other fields.
I hope this helps a little! Best of luck!
Jenny Hong
First of all yay for your interest in STEM!
So many students that are interested in math/science that want to go into engineering are sure which specialty will be best for them, so you're definitely not the only one!
So my college Texas A&M has a "General engineering" major for all freshman engineering majors when they get to figure out which specialized field they want to go into. So not sure if your future school will offer that, but I'm just sharing to let you know that you do have some time at the beginning to take courses and learn what would fit best for you!
Based on your interests, chemical or biomedical engineering might be a good fit!
For me, I studied biomedical engineering in college and now work at Medtronic where I support manufacturing of surgical drills used in brain and spine surgeries. It looks like this field is expected to grow, so I believe finding a job after college would be relatively easier than maybe some other fields.
I hope this helps a little! Best of luck!
Jenny Hong
Jill Swartz
Program Management & Marketing
1
Answer
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
Jill’s Answer
Hi Sky,
Engineering is a very good field for women. When my daughter was in 10th grade she also became interested in the engineering, but didn't know what discipline was right for her. She was able to find an engineering summer camp that a University was offering and attended the summer between her 11th and 12th grade years. This gave her a good overview of many of the major areas (mechanical, chemical, environmental, aerospace, metallurgical, civil, etc).
She originally decided to pursue Chemical Engineering and after a internship in the field decided to switch to Environmental Engineering which was a perfect fit for her interests. Sometimes you don't know until you try! She graduated last year and had no problem securing a job in her field. Two of her other girlfriends majored in Aerospace and Chemical Engineering and have both had great internship and co-ops to help prepare them for their profession. One has gone on to get her PhD in Mechanical Engineering and the other had no problem getting a job offer after graduating with her bachelor's degree.
Once you determine what field is the most interesting to you, definitely research the projected growth of jobs in that area and talk to people in the profession to get a better feel for what they do day to day. As Alyssa noted no one can guarantee you a job after graduation, but if you love what you are majoring in that will come through when it comes time to interview.
Do some research about the potential engineering fields you may be interested and talk to others already in that type of job
See if there are any engineering camps in your area (maybe virtual this year?) or for next summer
Do well in your science and math classes!
Engineering is a very good field for women. When my daughter was in 10th grade she also became interested in the engineering, but didn't know what discipline was right for her. She was able to find an engineering summer camp that a University was offering and attended the summer between her 11th and 12th grade years. This gave her a good overview of many of the major areas (mechanical, chemical, environmental, aerospace, metallurgical, civil, etc).
She originally decided to pursue Chemical Engineering and after a internship in the field decided to switch to Environmental Engineering which was a perfect fit for her interests. Sometimes you don't know until you try! She graduated last year and had no problem securing a job in her field. Two of her other girlfriends majored in Aerospace and Chemical Engineering and have both had great internship and co-ops to help prepare them for their profession. One has gone on to get her PhD in Mechanical Engineering and the other had no problem getting a job offer after graduating with her bachelor's degree.
Once you determine what field is the most interesting to you, definitely research the projected growth of jobs in that area and talk to people in the profession to get a better feel for what they do day to day. As Alyssa noted no one can guarantee you a job after graduation, but if you love what you are majoring in that will come through when it comes time to interview.
Jill recommends the following next steps:
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1345
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Many people assume that the top science careers are reserved for those with advanced degrees. After all, it's certainly true that with a PhD or Master of Science degree, jobs in research and management become more available to you. But, sometimes, four years of college is all it takes to land one of the highest-paying careers in the science field. Here are two dozen of the top-paying careers in science at the bachelor's level or above:
WHAT TYPE OF ENGINEERING FIELD IS RIGHT FOR YOU SKY?
MEDICAL LAB TECHNOLOGIST – When a health care professional orders laboratory tests, it's up to medical lab technologists and technicians to collect and analyze the required samples. These professionals use sophisticated microscopes and other lab equipment to examine blood, tissue, and cell samples for abnormalities or signs of illness. You'll need a bachelor's degree to do the more advanced work of a technologist, but you can become a technician with just an associate degree. In some states, lab technologists must be licensed.
SALARY – Medical Technologist Entry Level Annual Salary $49,748
BIOCHEMIST – Study the chemical and physical properties of living things and biological processes. To work in this field, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, or physics. This will qualify you for an entry-level job. A doctorate is required to do independent research or work in development.
SALARY – Entry Level Biochemist Annual Salary $44,435
RADIATION THERAPIST – A radiation therapist uses beams of radiated light to locate and treat cancerous tumors according to the plan prescribed by a radiologist and oncologist. They are also responsible for the safety of their patients, for observing and documenting any reactions to treatment, updating charts and answering any radiology related questions a patient might have. Most employers require that job applicants have completed a 2- or 4-year program in radiation therapy or a degree in radiography combined with a certificate program in radiation therapy.
SALARY – Entry Level radiation therapist Annual Salary $42,777
CHEMICAL LAB TECHNICIAN – Chemistry lab technicians generally work in laboratory settings or production facilities, although they may leave these settings to take samples as required. Working in a lab environment, they may be consistently in contact with various chemicals. They usually work 40-hour weeks, though they may be required to work overtime during specific phases of experiments. To get started in this career, an associate's degree is typically required.
SALARY – Entry Level Chemistry lab technicians Annual Salary $43,451
FORENSIC SCIENTIST TECHNICIAN – Also known as forensic science technicians or crime scene investigators, collect and analyze physical evidence. Many employers prefer applicants who have at least two years of specialized training or an associate degree in applied science or science-related technology. Most employers require that job applicants have completed a bachelor's degrees in chemistry, biology, or forensic science.
SALARY – Entry Level forensic science technicians Annual Salary $48,474
Was This Helpful Sky?
WHAT TYPE OF ENGINEERING FIELD IS RIGHT FOR YOU SKY?
MEDICAL LAB TECHNOLOGIST – When a health care professional orders laboratory tests, it's up to medical lab technologists and technicians to collect and analyze the required samples. These professionals use sophisticated microscopes and other lab equipment to examine blood, tissue, and cell samples for abnormalities or signs of illness. You'll need a bachelor's degree to do the more advanced work of a technologist, but you can become a technician with just an associate degree. In some states, lab technologists must be licensed.
SALARY – Medical Technologist Entry Level Annual Salary $49,748
BIOCHEMIST – Study the chemical and physical properties of living things and biological processes. To work in this field, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, or physics. This will qualify you for an entry-level job. A doctorate is required to do independent research or work in development.
SALARY – Entry Level Biochemist Annual Salary $44,435
RADIATION THERAPIST – A radiation therapist uses beams of radiated light to locate and treat cancerous tumors according to the plan prescribed by a radiologist and oncologist. They are also responsible for the safety of their patients, for observing and documenting any reactions to treatment, updating charts and answering any radiology related questions a patient might have. Most employers require that job applicants have completed a 2- or 4-year program in radiation therapy or a degree in radiography combined with a certificate program in radiation therapy.
SALARY – Entry Level radiation therapist Annual Salary $42,777
CHEMICAL LAB TECHNICIAN – Chemistry lab technicians generally work in laboratory settings or production facilities, although they may leave these settings to take samples as required. Working in a lab environment, they may be consistently in contact with various chemicals. They usually work 40-hour weeks, though they may be required to work overtime during specific phases of experiments. To get started in this career, an associate's degree is typically required.
SALARY – Entry Level Chemistry lab technicians Annual Salary $43,451
FORENSIC SCIENTIST TECHNICIAN – Also known as forensic science technicians or crime scene investigators, collect and analyze physical evidence. Many employers prefer applicants who have at least two years of specialized training or an associate degree in applied science or science-related technology. Most employers require that job applicants have completed a bachelor's degrees in chemistry, biology, or forensic science.
SALARY – Entry Level forensic science technicians Annual Salary $48,474
Was This Helpful Sky?
Your Welcome Sky. If what you did yesterday seems big, you haven't done anything today.
Doc Frick
Alyssa Boucher
University Relations Manager
7
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
Hi Sky - engineering is a consistently growing profession however no degree can guarantee a position right after college, it's on you and how you use your time at college to prepare for those interviews.
Based on your interests, Biomedical Engineering may be a great career path to consider.
Some universities with great Biomedical Engineering programs I recommend looking into are at Michigan Tech University, Cleveland State University, and Michigan State University.
Based on your interests, Biomedical Engineering may be a great career path to consider.
Some universities with great Biomedical Engineering programs I recommend looking into are at Michigan Tech University, Cleveland State University, and Michigan State University.
Feren Bevacqua
Engineer
4
Answers
Lewiston, NY
Updated
Feren’s Answer
Hi Alyssa,
I am a Validation Engineer. Where I work, we hire people for engineering internships when they are in their last 2 years of their undergraduate degree. Before I went to college, I also worked for an Engineering firm as an assistant so I could get more experience, perhaps you could look into something like that. It's much easier to get immediately hired as an engineer if you are already working at a place that has engineering opportunities, even if you start as something other than an engineer.
I am a Validation Engineer. Where I work, we hire people for engineering internships when they are in their last 2 years of their undergraduate degree. Before I went to college, I also worked for an Engineering firm as an assistant so I could get more experience, perhaps you could look into something like that. It's much easier to get immediately hired as an engineer if you are already working at a place that has engineering opportunities, even if you start as something other than an engineer.
Michelle Prewitt
Payroll
3
Answers
Bryans Road, Maryland
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Sky,
Engineering is a wonderful field and is vast as well. It's a great field for women as well. I spent time practicing civil engineering and loved it. I changed fields because I realized after over 2 years in the field, didn't like getting dirty while supervising projects outdoors. I didn't go into another engineering field for many reasons unrelated to the joy of the field.
I recommend that you leave yourself open to new possibilities and experiences. You may find you are more drawn to software engineering, civil or mechanical engineering. Biomedical and chemical engineering are great fields as well.
The foundational work is generally the same so prepare yourself during your last few years of high school with mathematics, physics and advance chemistry and anatomy classes. During your preparation, you may find your niche. If not, give yourself time as you progress through your undergrad years - your passion will find you!!
I hope this is helpful to you.
Engineering is a wonderful field and is vast as well. It's a great field for women as well. I spent time practicing civil engineering and loved it. I changed fields because I realized after over 2 years in the field, didn't like getting dirty while supervising projects outdoors. I didn't go into another engineering field for many reasons unrelated to the joy of the field.
I recommend that you leave yourself open to new possibilities and experiences. You may find you are more drawn to software engineering, civil or mechanical engineering. Biomedical and chemical engineering are great fields as well.
The foundational work is generally the same so prepare yourself during your last few years of high school with mathematics, physics and advance chemistry and anatomy classes. During your preparation, you may find your niche. If not, give yourself time as you progress through your undergrad years - your passion will find you!!
I hope this is helpful to you.
Matthew Deutsch
Mechanical Engineer
2
Answers
Rogers, Minnesota
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Sky,
I wish you all the best as you plot your course through life! I think your interests in chemistry, biology, and research could lead you down a variety of career paths and biomedical engineering is certainly one of them. You may also consider becoming a biologist, a doctor, or a chemist. You may even become an entrepreneur in biomedical technology. I encourage you to explore many career options at this stage in your life. You do not have to have it all figured out yet! Be open to new opportunities, take interest in doing well with the work you have now, and actively pursue mentors in the career fields that interest you. Ask all sorts of questions. Keep searching for a career goal that sparks passion within you, and motivates you to do whatever it takes to succeed.
I wish you all the best as you plot your course through life! I think your interests in chemistry, biology, and research could lead you down a variety of career paths and biomedical engineering is certainly one of them. You may also consider becoming a biologist, a doctor, or a chemist. You may even become an entrepreneur in biomedical technology. I encourage you to explore many career options at this stage in your life. You do not have to have it all figured out yet! Be open to new opportunities, take interest in doing well with the work you have now, and actively pursue mentors in the career fields that interest you. Ask all sorts of questions. Keep searching for a career goal that sparks passion within you, and motivates you to do whatever it takes to succeed.