Calling All Girls...Careers in Engineering - Worth Taking a Look

Last fall I provided the opportunity for our middle school and high school counselors to participate in a workshop related to careers in engineering.  We all have heard of careers in engineering, but we really did not know specifics.  So when Dr. Ann Marie Flynn, the Chair of the Chemical Engineering Department at Manhattan College School of Engineering, contacted me to present a workshop for school counselors...I immediately said...YES!  We learned so much about actual careers in the field of engineering.  Another takeaway was that there are so many opportunities for woman and under-represented minorities in this field.  My hope is that after reading this you will be able to share information with young people you know, and have them explore this career. Knowledge is power.  “When you learn, teach, when you get give” - Maya Angelou.

One of the reasons Dr. Flynn wanted to reach out to school counselors is because of the major influence counselors have on helping students explore various careers. During this presentation Dr. Flynn shared with us that a career in engineering is attainable for average students, not just academically exceptional students.  In addition, she wanted to break down the intricacies between the more than 30 different engineering disciplines, and give tips on what type of students may be successful engineers.  Dr. Flynn gave an in-depth presentation.  I will give the Readers Digest version.

There are four main branches of engineering:  chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical.  Each of the four has its own sub-categories and possible college majors.  Let me briefly share what I learned about each. 

Chemical engineers simply put…deal with chemicals to produce things; food, make-up, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, etc.  Some sub-categories of chemical engineering: environmental, petroleum, biological.
Civil engineers deal with the design and construction of roads, bridges, buildings, etc.  Civil engineers determine how to make a structure so that it does not fall down.  Some sub-categories of civil engineering: industrial, mining, survey.
Electrical engineers work with energy to make things work.   Some sub-categories of electrical engineering: computer, optics, telecommunications.
Mechanical engineers work with physical or mechanical systems, anything with a motor. Some sub-categories of mechanical engineering: fire protection, materials, nuclear.  
In addition, to the types engineering programs available, the type of engineering school you select is a key factor toward pursuing this career.  You want to make sure the college you attend is accredited.  ABET http://www.abet.org/ is a great website used to help individuals search for accredited college engineering programs.  Most schools with engineering majors offer at least one or two of the main branches of engineering. But, the sub-categories vary with the size of the college. 
There are universities and large colleges which focus on research and these schools tend to attract impressive staff which gives students an opportunity to conduct intense research.  Some examples of these schools are: Cornell University, University of Michigan and Purdue University.
Institutes of technology like, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) are other options. These schools offer specific majors with intense science and engineering curriculum.
Lastly, there are liberal arts colleges which are smaller four-year institutions.  They focus on the student and study, rather than professional training.  Manhattan College is an example.
So, what types of traits do individuals in this profession possess?  According to the mechanical engineer/professor, Dr. Robert Seviojur, engineers:
  • are curious and enjoy discovering how things work and solving problems.
  • use logic to examine ideas and develop theories and explanations.
  • like math and science.
  • are able to concentrate intently on a subject.
  • are perfectionists who are always looking for better ways of doing things.
  • want order and structure at work and in their personal life.
  • enjoy discussion, debate about their topic.
  • appreciate and respect intelligence in others.

Keeping the above information in mind, the following characteristics can indicate the type of student that might be interested in engineering.  These are the students you should think about.

  • Students with a strong work ethic - students pursuing engineering have to know how to work hard.  Students enrolled in engineering programs should be prepared to study at least 2-3 hours a night. 
  • They should be socially well-rounded with a high school average of 86-89 and SATs 1100
  • They should be able to ask for help.  Engineering is a group oriented profession.
  • Students don’t have to love math but, they should like math, as well as, chemistry and physics.
  • Student should also take Calculus I before entering college.  Even if it’s the summer before college (at a local community college if not taken in high school) However, students should then repeat it in his or her selected college if they have to.  It is important for students to start with at least Calculus I under their belt to be successful.
  • Creativity is another factor to look for.  These are students who are thinkers – the students who may lead events in school and plan activities. 

Here are some helpful websites.  These websites give a more detailed description of the types of engineering branches and sub-categories mentioned above. However, some are more specifically geared toward encouraging females to pursue engineering as an option.  From potential earnings to specific projects engineers are involved in, these links give you all the information you need to start the exploration/research process.

www.youtube.com/user/NEWFDE
http://engineeryourlife.org
http://www.egfi-k12.org/
http://www.engineergirl.org

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