Some Not-So-Random
Thoughts On Engineering
Studies & Careers
Jeff Staudinger, PE
Founder & Director
Engineers Dedicated to a Better Tomorrow
www.DedicatedEngineers.org
Focus of Today’s Talk
Engineering Disciplines (Academic Majors)
But to properly discuss, need to also touch on:
• What is engineering in general?
• Engineering in the “real world.”
• Engineering colleges/studies.
In addition, will also discuss (at the end):
• “Considering your career choices.”
What is Engineering? /
What is an Engineer?
Short Answers:
Engineer: Applied Scientist
Job: Turn Science/Ideas Into Reality
Some Direct Science-Eng Relationships:
Physics > Mechanical Engineering
Physics > Electrical Engineering
Chemistry > Chemical Engineering
Biology > Bioengineering (Biomedical Eng)
Science vs. Engineering
Basic Tasks
Primary Product
Scientists
Research
KNOWLEDGE
(scholarly papers)
Engineers
Design
Develop
Manufacture/Construct
Operate/Maintain
THINGS
(working device, machine,
system, structure, etc.)
vs.
Some Products of Engineering
Engineering Disciplines/Majors
(Branches of Engineering)
• Close parallel with science:
You’re not just a generic “scientist,” but a:
» Biologist
» Chemist
» Physicist
You’re not just a generic “engineer,” but a:
» Civil Engineer
» Electrical Engineer
» Mechanical Engineer
• Key difference: Different types of engineers work
together frequently in teams (unlike scientists, who tend
to work mainly with their “own kind”).
Engineering Disciplines/Majors
(Branches of Engineering)
• “Big Four” – 67% of all BS degrees
– Civil Engineering
– Computer Engineering
– Electrical Engineering
– Mechanical Engineering
• Basic, Wide-Ranging Fields: Many possible areas
for students to specialize in within the overall major
(“areas of concentration”).
• Most engineering schools offer these majors (nearly all
offer Electrical and Mechanical).
Engineering Disciplines/Majors
(Branches of Engineering) (cont.)
• “Medium Four” – 20% of all BS degrees
– Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering
– Biomedical Engineering/Bioengineering
– Chemical Engineering
– Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering
• More Focused (Specialized) Fields: Students choosing
these majors have a specific interest in them.
• Note: Not as many students pursue these degrees, so
not as many schools offer these degrees (typically
offered by larger engineering colleges).
• Aerospace and Biomedical are sometimes offered as an
area of concentration under Mechanical Engineering.
• Hottest Field: Biomedical
Engineering Disciplines/Majors
(Branches of Engineering) (cont.)
• “Smaller Ten” – <10% of all BS degrees
–
–
–
–
–
Agricultural
Architectural
Eng Management
Eng Physics
Eng Science
- Environmental
- Materials
- Mining
- Nuclear
- Petroleum
• Specialty-Type Disciplines: Students often major in these
disciplines at the graduate (MS) level.
• Environmental: Typically offered as an area of concentration
under Civil Engineering (& sometimes under Chemical Engineering).
• Materials: Often offered as an area of concentration under
Chemical Engineering (& sometimes under Mechanical Engineering)
How To Pick An Engineering Major
Using handout “A Brief Guide to Engineering Majors”:
1. Look at “Small 10” and “Medium 4” majors for a
major(s) of interest to explore further. If none, go
to step #2.
2. Look at “Big 4” majors:
•
Particular interest in either civil or computer? If yes,
explore further. If no, then:
– Look at electrical & mechanical.
3. Electrical & mechanical engineering:
•
•
“Safe” majors.
Many areas of specialization to choose from.
Undergrad Majors at SJSU (Fall 2006)
No.
Electrical
Mechanical
Civil
Computer
Aerospace
Chemical
Industrial
Biomedical
Software
Materials
TOTAL
455
394
363
203
134
69
48
0
47
22
1735
%
26%
23%
21%
12%
8%
4%
3%
0%
3%
1%
100%
82%
14%
4%
Engineers in the “Real World”
•
Don’t confuse academic engineering disciplines/majors
w/ real-world industrial sectors:
Computer industry: Not just computer engineers
Aerospace industry: Not just aerospace engineers.
Biotech industry: Not just bioengineers.
Chemical industry: Not just chemical engineers.
•
•
Most industrial sectors employ a wide range of engineers
(esp. electrical & mechanical engineers).
Your career will be (more) defined by
-- The specific industry you work in.
-- Your primary job function (principal work area).
than what discipline you majored in.
Basic Job Functions (Work Areas) in Engineering
Research:
Development:
Design:
Production:
Construction:
Operations:
Sales:
Management:
Seek new knowledge (or a better understanding of known facts).
Make research results available in the form of potential
products/methods/processes.
Using engineering analysis, convert concepts & info into detailed
plans & specs (used to manufacture/construct product/structure).
The “heart” of engineering.
Industrial processes used to manufacture products from raw
materials (example: car production).
Translate design & materials into structure/facility (building,
bridge, etc.)
Apply engineering principles in performing practical work activities
Manufacturing (Facilities Dept): Procure supplies/raw materials,
plant/equipment maintenance, direct personnel (technicians, etc.).
Other: Run utilities, railroads, mass transit, communication
systems, etc.
Recommend products/systems, machines, tools, parts, services,
etc. to best serve customer needs.
-- Solve problems of policy, finance, organization, PR, sales.
-- Select and supervise personnel.
-- Coordinate R&D, design, production/construction, O&M, sales
Basic Job Functions (Work Areas) in Engineering (cont.)
Job function titles often used to ID/characterize engineering
positions in the real world:
– Research Engineer
– Design Engineer
– Facilities (Operations) Engineer
Why?: Because they typically reflect the department (or work
group) that you will be assigned to and work within:
– Research Department
– Design Group
– Facilities (Operations) Division
Engineers work in multi-disciplinary teams in the real-world
– College: Electrical Engineering Dept
– Real World: Design Dept
– Prof Societies (“semi-real”): Discipline-based (ASCE, IEEE, ASME)
Engineers in the “Real World” (cont.)
3-D Placement:
1. Academic Degree (electrical, mechanical, etc.)
2. Industry Employed In (aerospace; biotechnology/
medical; building; chemicals/petroleum;
computers/IT; energy; transportation, etc. PLUS
consulting engineering option – Bechtel, etc. ALSO
government option – fed/state/local)
3. Job Function/Primary Work Area/Dept (R&D; design;
production/ construction; O&M; sales)
“Top 10” Answers To
“Why Study Engineering?”
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Job Satisfaction
Varied Opportunities
Challenging Work
Intellectual Development
Impact on Society
Financial Security
Prestige
Professional Environment
Understanding How Things Work
Creative Thinking
Final Thoughts
•
•
•
•
•
Engineers significantly impact people’s lives every day,
just like doctors.
And just like doctors, not everyone can be one (and we
don’t want just anyone to be one).
Powerful position, impacting lives & the world (Earth).
Personal request: Think about your ability to make a
positive impact on people/society and consider acting
in that vein.
Career choices:
–
–
Lawyers: Civil rights lawyer vs. “ambulance chaser”
Doctors: Oncologist (cancer doctor) vs. plastic surgeon
Consider Your Career Choices: “A”
Consider Your Career Choices: “B”
That’s All Folks!