Careers in Science and Engineering
OR
Everything you might never hear about cool
science careers that we want you to know!
Part II
Developed by
Emily Dunkel, Mark Hartman
GK-12 Fellows: Harvard University & CRLS
Sponsored by
National Science Foundation
Engineering
• Last time, we discussed science jobs….
now we will learn about Engineers!
• Engineers are applied scientists.
– They apply scientific knowledge to practical
problems.
• Engineering is the second largest
profession in America (teaching is the
first).
– 1,400,000 engineers
– 500,000 medical doctors
– 100,000 biologists
Engineering
• “Scientists discover the world that exists;
engineers create the world that never
was.”
– Theodore Von Karman (aerospace engineer)
• Engineers turn scientific discoveries into
useful products.
Engineers
• Engineers….
– are creative and analytical
– enjoy problem solving
– are interested in cutting edge technology
• Engineers make new things and make old
things better.
Engineering
• Engineering jobs require varying levels of
education.
• Engineering Technician:
•
•
– Associate Degree (2-year degree)
– average salary: $28,000-$47,000 per year
Engineering:
– BS College Degree (Bachelor of Science)
– $42,000-75,000
Research and Development Engineer:
– PhD degree (Doctor of Philosophy)
– $75,000+
Engineering Technicians
• assist engineers and scientists
• Compared to engineers, their
work is….
– more practical
– less theoretical
– narrower in scope
• 43% of technicians work in
electronics
Education for Engineering
Technician Jobs
• High School Preparation:
– science, math, computer courses
• Beyond High School:
– 2 year degree in engineering technology
– or Military training
www.collegeview.com/career
Engineers
• BS Engineering Degree
•
•
– Required
– Takes 4-5 years
Masters Degree
– Increases job opportunities
– Takes 1-2 years
PhD
– Required for jobs in research and
development, and professorships
– Takes 5 or more years
– PhD students typically get paid to go to school
What is a College Degree Worth?
• Major
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(from cnn.com 2/04)
Computer Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Industrial Engineer
Accounting
Civil Engineer
Economics / Finance
Business Administration
Nursing
Marketing
Liberal Arts Majors (as a
group)
• STARTING salary
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
$53,000
$53,000
$50,000
$49,000
$49,000
$48,000
$42,000
$41,000
$41,000
$37,000
$37,000
$36,000
$30,000
Engineering Fields
• The field of engineering offers more
options than any other discipline!
• Each type of engineering field needs:
– technicians
– engineers
– research and development engineers
Mechanical / Aerospace
• Mechanical and Aerospace
Engineers design and develop
machines
• Mechanical Engineers:
– air conditioning and
refrigeration
– automotives
– robotics
• Aerospace Engineers:
– commercial airplanes
– fighter jets
– space telescopes
Civil / Architectural Engineers
• Civil Engineering is one of
the largest branches in
engineering
– bridges
– dams
– roads
• Architectural Engineers work
alongside Architects
– building structure
– ventilation
– lighting
Chemical / Environmental
• Chemical Engineers turn raw
materials into products
–
–
–
–
pharmaceuticals
petroleum
plastics
make-up
• Environmental Engineers
prevent and fix
environmental problems
– reduce air pollution
– reduce use of pesticides
Electrical / Computer
• Electrical engineers move
information from place to place
– cellphones
– satellite transmissions
– television
• Computer engineers deal with
design and operation of computer
systems
– networks
– software
– hardware
Bio / Biomedical
• A relatively new field of
engineering
• Bioengineers bring engineering
into the fields of biology and
medicine
– medical instruments
– artificial organs
– prosthetic devices
Industrial / Management
• Industrial Engineers make the
production process work more
safely and economically
• Engineering Managers
administer large engineering
projects and budgets
www.engineeringk12.org
Engineering
• There is a lot of crossover between the
different fields.
• There are many options in engineering.
• Who knows what new and exciting
subfields will develop!
If you forget everything else,
remember this!
• The skills you develop in science classes are
•
•
VERY widely applicable and valuable.
Satisfying, well-paying jobs in science and
engineering are available at ALL levels of
education.
Attempting higher degrees opens many more
doors for interesting jobs and higher pay.
If you don’t do it, who will be the engineers and
scientists in the future?