Apply Your Skills: 7 Careers in Engineering

Thinking about a career in engineering? You certainly won’t lack for options. The profession is both in demand and competitive, so there are plenty of jobs with reasonable pay—in fact, there are currently 1.6 million available in the U.S. alone. That doesn’t necessarily mean a great job is a sure thing, however. You’ll still have to show potential employers how you stand out compared to others.

Different types of engineers bring unique skills and advantages to the job market. As a result, it’s important to consider what type of engineering career you would like to pursue. Ideally, you’ll be able to balance the requirements that employers are looking for with areas that spark your interest. It’s a great time to be an engineer; there are many different careers in engineering available, so you’ll have a lot of choice when you decide what you want to do. Read on to find out which area of engineering most appeals to you.

1. Petroleum Engineers (Oil and Gas Extraction)

Wondering whether you should consider working as a petroleum engineer? These professionals often work onsite, ensuring that drilling goes as planned. They often work with experts in rocks and soil consistency to determine the best drilling practice. Like many engineering sectors, petroleum continues to add new jobs—which means it’s well suited to careers in engineering. Salaries tend to remain high, though they may fluctuate based on the price of oil.

2. Mechanical Engineers (Force and Motion-Based Inventions)

Of all the professions on this list, mechanical engineering is among the most extensive. With responsibilities spanning from design through to production, mechanical engineers must figure out how to most effectively channel energy or force to the benefit of a given product. These workers can find employment in a range of industries, including many on this list. The broad range of skills they possess also make them prime candidates for employment.

3. Biomedical Engineers (Medical Equipment and Technology)

If you had a hard time choosing between medicine and engineering, this field offers a productive compromise. Biomedical engineers design and research mechanical solutions for medical problems. They also invent machinery used to test for and treat illnesses. With high growth expected in the coming years, these positions have attracted a lot of attention in recent years.

4. Civil Engineers (Infrastructure)

We use infrastructure every day, but few people ever think about what goes into the roads and buildings we take for granted. These careers in engineering ensure that these systems are structurally sound, protecting us from their collapse. Civil engineering attracts many candidates who tend to work with everyone, including architectural practices, construction companies, and governments. Those interested in these careers can also pursue a variety of specialties that set themselves apart for potential employers.

5. Electrical Engineers (Electrical Power)

Electrical power is omnipresent in this day and age. From the headlights in a car to the wiring that powers fluorescent installations in office buildings, there are few places that don’t require some form of illumination. Those with careers in engineering gain a versatile set of skills that apply to many different industries. After all, they must be able to handle tasks ranging from research to on-site testing.

6. Aerospace Engineering (Aircraft)

If you really want to find careers in engineering that will take off, try aerospace engineering. Those in this field must be able to incorporate many different skills into fully functioning vessels designed to travel through the air and in space.

7. Researcher or Professor

For those that want to conduct innovative research outside of the private sector, consider pursuing an academic path and becoming a researcher or professor. While you’ll need a PhD, you’ll have a direct hand in moulding the future of engineering.

To read more on this topic, check out these related blogs:

Engineering Recruitment Agencies: 4 Things You Likely Don’t Know 

Have You Considered These 6 Careers in Engineering? 

How to Find the Best Engineering Jobs