What do engineers do?
Engineering
Engineers are part of a group of "probably the most creative people." They are able to apply their knowledge of sciences and mathematics to build new objects.
As aerospace engineer Theodore Von Karman described it:
"Scientists discover the world that exists; engineers create the world that never was."
Engineers are part of a group of "probably the most creative people."
They synthesize a problem, analyze it, and create a solution.
They are constantly creating the new world, inventing something that does not exist.
There are many different disciplines within engineering, for example:
Aerospace Engineering
Related to the design, analyzation, and stimulation of rockets, space shuttle, and aircrafts
Biomedical Engineering
Related to the designing, analyzing and building of systems (ex: artificial hearts/lungs)
Chemical Engineering
Uses a knowledge of chemistry to discover and manufacture better materials (ex: plastic, paint, fiber)
Electrical/Computer Engineering
Applies the physics of electricity and magnetism to develop products and services for the benefit of humankind (ex: smartphones, computers, cameras)
Civil Engineering
Models the infrastructures that exist in society today (ex: dams, bridges, transportation systems)
Mechanical Engineering
Focuses on mechanical processes (ex: bike locks, aircraft carriers, hybrid car engines)
Industrial Engineering / Manufacturing
Looks at the manufacturing process in multiple areas (ex: nuclear/software/systems engineering)
. . . and many more disciplines not listed here
Want more basic information about engineering?
This is video covers the basics of what engineering is and the typical pathway for an engineering career.
Here is a Ted Talk about how engineering impacts our society and why it is integral to our future.
Here are some great supplemental websites:
What is Engineering is a great resource for general information about engineering. It quickly covers engineering pathways in college/universities and a few main disciplines. It also has an extensive list of many possible engineering careers with in-depth information.
Types of Engineering Degrees is a great website for students to learn more about different engineering disciplines. It provides information about various engineering degrees and programs. It also covers school with engineering programs as well as possible career pathways.
Science Daily is a great website to learn about recent advancements in many different areas of research. It covers news in medicine, science, technology, politics and more. Check out some of the latest engineering news articles. If any of the articles are of interest to you, engineering may be the discipline for you!
Interested in engineering?
Digital Electronics: learn about micro controllers, coding, fundamentals that underpin computer/electrical engineering
Aerospace Engineering: can build and launch own rockets (300 ft in the air), learn about satellites, GPS
Introduction to Engineering Design: how to 3D model on a computer and 3D print, printers on campus
Civil Engineering and Architecture: how about building, site design, and developments using a modeling software
Mechatronics: capstone for engineering programs, combination of mechanical/electrical engineering, semester long project solving a real-world problem, build a solution
More information about these classes can be found here on the Course Selection Guide