Rewards for being an engineer

Engineers are creative problem-solvers who rely on the discoveries of math and science to improve the world in which we live.

Here is the list of ten rewards of an engineering career:

1) Job Satisfaction

2) Variety of Career Opportunities

3) Challenging work

4) Intellectual Development

5) Potential to benefit society

6) Financial Security

7) Prestige

8) Professional Environment

9) Technological and scientific discovery

10) Creative thinking

Engineers plan, design, construct, and manage the use of natural and human resources. They design cars, spacecraft, and medical devices; they can build buildings and bridges; they solve environmental problems, they apply computer technology to a wide range of problems. Because engineers have a strong interest and ability in science, mathematics and technology, they are team leaders who can take an idea from concept to reality.

There are seven major functions common to all branches of engineering:

1) Research: A research engineer looks for new principles and processes by using scientific and mathematical concepts, by experimenting, or by using inductive reasoning.

2) Development: A development engineer takes the result of the research and puts it to use. Creative and intelligent application of new ideas may give the world a working model of a new machine, chemical process, or computer chip.

3) Desgin: A design engineer chooses the methods and materials necessary to meet technical requirements and performance specifications when a new product is being designed.

4) Construction: A construction engineer prepares the construction site, arranges the materials, and organizes personnel and equipment.

5) Production: A production engineer takes care of plant layout and the choosing of equipment with regard to the human and economic factors. He or she selects processes and tools, checks the flow of materials and components, and does testing and inspection.

6) Operation: An operating engineer controls manufacturing and processing plants and machines. He or she determines procedures and supervises the work force.

7) Management: Engineers in the management area analyze customer needs, solve economic problems, and deal in a variety of other areas depending on the type of organization involved.