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Engineering is a potentially lucrative career path with many interesting niches to specialize in. If you’re hoping to launch a career that offers meaningful work, excellent pay and a better-than-average future employment outlook, consider acquiring training to qualify for any of the following careers in the engineering industry:
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers are entrusted with the responsibilities of designing, developing and overseeing the construction of various public and private infrastructure projects such as bridges, overpasses, roads, tunnels and airports. If you plan to pursue this career path, a bachelor’s degree is essential according to the BLS, and a master’s degree is useful for long-term career advancement. This role requires collaboration ability, expert-level communication skills and advanced-level mathematical skills. Furthermore, proficiency with drafting software such as AutoCad Civil 3D is essential for success at this job.
Chemical Engineer
There’s strong demand for expert engineers who have a hands-on understanding of how to safely manufacture products or conduct research using various industrial chemicals. According to the BLS, this may be a good choice for you if you prefer to work in an office or lab setting. To become a chemical engineer, the minimum academic credential you need to acquire is a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related subject such as chemistry. A master’s degree is useful for expanding your career opportunities in this niche. Qualifications include problem-solving skills, math skills and analytical abilities. It’s also a bonus if you’re able to become proficient with mesh free particle based CFD simulation software and mathematical modeling software to make your future working life easier. Ultimately, this can
Electrical Engineer
It requires special expertise to develop or improve products powered by electricity. Electrical engineers are typically paid well for providing this expertise. The BLS states that this career path can stretch into many different industries including research, manufacturing, and telecommunications. Successful pursuit of an electrical engineering career requires at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject such as electrical engineering. Knowledge of advanced calculus is essential for advancement in this role. Many roles in this field require proficiency with simulation software. Programming skills are also useful to the aspiring professional electrical engineer.
Petroleum Engineer
Per data from the BLS, this is one of the more profitable options, even with just a bachelor’s degree, with a median pay of $137k each year. It mostly deals with the extraction of resources. Deposits of oil and gas are typically located beneath the earth in areas that are challenging to access. It’s the petroleum engineer’s job to devise efficient ways of extracting existing reserves of petroleum from the earth in the most productive and cost-effective manner possible. You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to become a petroleum engineer. Advanced math skills are essential for success at this job, and it’s also useful for the aspiring petroleum engineer to master using CFD simulation software.
Those aren’t your only options for careers in the engineering industry. However, the engineering specialties mentioned above are some of the most lucrative and fastest-growing niches in engineering. They’re all worthwhile career paths to consider committing to for the future.
Author Bio: Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being outdoors and researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
