The Engineering Shortage and You
by Robyn Tellefsen
Not only do they build bridges and roads, they're responsible for daily conveniences like electricity and running water inside our homes. Engineers really do make the world go 'round. That's why more students (like you!) are needed in the engineering field. Otherwise, we could experience an engineering shortage, and the job of keeping the world in working order would be left undone.
Engineering is essential.
Because of the sophistication of materials and design techniques, a master's degree or some post-undergraduate study in engineering is often required for entry in to the field. But the American Society for Engineering Education's 2006 survey found that master's degrees in engineering fell for the first time since 1999, down 3 percent to 39,015. The majority of those degrees went to non-Americans. And since foreign nationals often return to their home countries to begin their careers, the dearth of advanced engineering degrees among those working in America is alarming.
Evidently, demand for engineers has increased, but the rate of students pursuing engineering is not keeping pace. In fact, new graduates rarely need to look far for jobs, even when the economy is in a downturn. With hands-on working experience through education co-ops in their engineering degree programs, many students are fielding job offers even before they graduate.
Engineers are actively recruited.
So how can we turn the tide on the pending engineering shortage?
Employers are starting with kids. Bridge-building contests, math competitions, school visits, weekend day camps, and many other programs for students in kindergarten all the way up through high school emphasize math and science to draw students to the engineering field. Of course, scholarships provide an especially powerful vehicle for getting students into engineering.
It's great to start early. On the other hand, it's never too late to get trained for a new career. And now is the perfect time to get started.
Engineering is rewarding.
Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts good job prospects in engineering. In particular, employment of environmental engineers as well as biomedical engineers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. In May 2004, environmental engineers earned a median annual salary of $66,480; the top 10 percent earned $100,050. Biomedical engineers earned a median annual salary of $67,690; the top 10 percent earned $107,530.
Increased demand, good job prospects, and high salaries provide powerful incentives to choose an engineering career. Do your part to stop the engineering shortage--pursue an engineering degree.
Engineering is essential.
Because of the sophistication of materials and design techniques, a master's degree or some post-undergraduate study in engineering is often required for entry in to the field. But the American Society for Engineering Education's 2006 survey found that master's degrees in engineering fell for the first time since 1999, down 3 percent to 39,015. The majority of those degrees went to non-Americans. And since foreign nationals often return to their home countries to begin their careers, the dearth of advanced engineering degrees among those working in America is alarming.
Evidently, demand for engineers has increased, but the rate of students pursuing engineering is not keeping pace. In fact, new graduates rarely need to look far for jobs, even when the economy is in a downturn. With hands-on working experience through education co-ops in their engineering degree programs, many students are fielding job offers even before they graduate.
Engineers are actively recruited.
So how can we turn the tide on the pending engineering shortage?
Employers are starting with kids. Bridge-building contests, math competitions, school visits, weekend day camps, and many other programs for students in kindergarten all the way up through high school emphasize math and science to draw students to the engineering field. Of course, scholarships provide an especially powerful vehicle for getting students into engineering.
It's great to start early. On the other hand, it's never too late to get trained for a new career. And now is the perfect time to get started.
Engineering is rewarding.
Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts good job prospects in engineering. In particular, employment of environmental engineers as well as biomedical engineers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. In May 2004, environmental engineers earned a median annual salary of $66,480; the top 10 percent earned $100,050. Biomedical engineers earned a median annual salary of $67,690; the top 10 percent earned $107,530.
Increased demand, good job prospects, and high salaries provide powerful incentives to choose an engineering career. Do your part to stop the engineering shortage--pursue an engineering degree.
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