Top 5 Reasons to Become an Engineering Major
Engineering has been called one of the most profitable majors and graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) can enjoy a significant advantage in the job market. Below are the top five reasons to consider becoming an engineering major at one of the many top engineering colleges.
1. Creative Types Unite: If you are a problem-solver in life, this translates well for an engineering career. Engineers use creativity every day on the job to find new solutions to some of the largest problems faced by society. An engineering degree will help you harness the skills and confidence necessary to solve real-world challenges and obstacles.
2. Recession-Proof: Engineers have one of the lowest unemployment rates of any profession. Part of this is because most engineers are employable with just a bachelor’s degree, although pursuing an advanced degree is beneficial. Individuals who graduate with a degree in engineering have high-paying job prospects; by comparison, engineers make approximately 65 percent more than similar professions, such as scientists.
3. Stop, Collaborate, and Listen: One of the greatest benefits of an engineering degree is the potential for collaboration. Engineers often work with other esteemed professionals, such as scientists, statisticians, business executives, government officials, lawyers, and doctors. Beyond the collaborative prospects, engineers typically have a high level of autonomy in their positions and are free to think independently on challenges.
4. Cutting Edge: We live in a world where technology is essential for nearly all aspects of life. As our reliance on technology increases, the demand for the next new technological breakthrough soars. Engineers are on the front lines of meeting this demand, learning invaluable skills and becoming knowledgeable in the ever-changing digital landscape. Engineers can be confident their basic skills will not be superseded as technology grows; math and research will always be in demand, and basic knowledge of the scientific method and computing systems will never die out. But most importantly, it’s an engineer’s ongoing learning and continuous improvement of processes that will never be obsolete.
5. Change the World: Engineers solve problems across the globe, from health care crises to water sustainability. These solutions save lives, improve automobiles, find sustainable energy solutions, prevent disease, help citizens of third-world countries, plan for future planetary problems, and ultimately, are one of the greatest defenses for the challenges our world faces.
At the end of the day, nothing can replace a passion for what you do for a living. When considering a field in engineering and technology, make sure it’s the passion that drives your career. Do this and you’re likely to feel happier and more fulfilled – both on and off the job.
About the Author:
This guest post is written by Lauren Willison. As the Director of Admissions at Florida Polytechnic University, Lauren is responsible for supporting the Vice Provost of Enrollment in managing recruitment efforts. She develops and coordinates on- and off-campus events, as well as manages the campus visit experience.
