<p>I am not an engineer, but I am looking into it. I have never taken an engineering class so I am pretty clueless as to what does the paradigm of engineering entails. However, my roommate is an engineer-prospect and I have read up a lot about this. It seems like the basic principle of engineering is to design, test, or develop something? It seems like the field of engineering is about inventing things; is that a correct assumption or not? </p>
<p>It seems like the description that I have read online make out engineers to be an inventor-esque field, but I don’t really see how that is practical. To invent something usually requires a large amount of creativity and new inventions don’t come out often. So basically, I am asking what do most employee hire engineers to do? </p>
<p>*I realize that this question I have might be a bit vague as there is numerous fields of engineering (dealing with computers and dealing with chemistry are completely differently. i know, but bear with me), and there are almost numerous of things that you can possibly do with knowledge in your respective fields. I guess what I am asking is if you have any personal experience with your occupation as an engineer, please share.</p>
<p>My husband is an engineer. He majored in Mechanical Engineering, which is probably the broadest (greatest career flexibility) of all engineering fields. He didn’t have many preconceived notions about what kind of job he wanted; he just knew he liked to design things. His first job out of college was with a light manufacturing firm. They started him off in the field of plastic injection molding. He was designing everything from speedometers for trucks to the telephones that fit into airplane seats. Later he started his own small company.</p>
<p>Engineering is not always about inventing things, but it certainly can be. He has enjoyed his career. Go for it.</p>
<p>Rather than thinking of it as inventing brand new things from scratch, think of engineering as fixing things, tweaking things and improving things. It is a problem solving thing. Cell phone get smaller, computers get faster, gas milage improves all because engineers apply their knowledge to the problem at hand.</p>
<p>Engineers solve technical problems, they also apply technology to solve problems, and apply methods founded in technology and technological approaches to solving problems. We figure things out and make stuff work.</p>
<p>The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook contains a wealth of information on job conditions, nature of the work, employment, salary, education, etc. for a variety of careers, including engineering. See the section entitled “Engineers” in the A-Z index, or search “bls ooh engineers” on Google.</p>
<p>Engineers can do almost anything in an organization. In addition to doing advanced research, I have done plant product engineering, analysis (my favorite), product design, testing, customer engineering, and sales. I am currently doing analysis.</p>
<p>While you have to do a great deal of math in college, you will find that many jobs in engineering do not require math skills beyond High School once you get out. The ability to conceptualize in 3D is essential for most design occupations in Mechanical Engineering and related fields (Ag Engineering, Aero Engineering for example). I can’t advise about Electrical, Chemical, or Civil.</p>
<p>I would recommend that you select your engineering major based upon your core interest. I am a Mechanical Engineer, but my daughter is strongly considering Electrical Engineering (possibly Computer Engineering) because of her interest in Video Editing. Be prepared for alot of math (and I mean alot). The nice thing is that almost all the math is very practical (used to solve real world problems) as opposed to a math major in which the math is more theoretical. Most of your courses will have a strong math foundation. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty especially if you are a Mechanical Engineer. Such experience is invaluable (same could be said for doing construction as a civil engineer or doing wiring/appliance repair as an electrical engineer).</p>
<p>Older s, a mech E, did prototype design, compliance , and a bunch of other stuff I can’t explain. Younger s, a chem. E, will be doing air quality control consulting. He’s also done pharmacology and instrumentation construction ( he built a instrument). Hope that helps</p>