Choose Your Engineering Career Path

With the variety of career options available in the engineering field, it may be tough to find the right path for you. The number of specialisations in this field range from energy and biology to computer science and many more. Finding your ideal engineering career path depends on what you want to do within the field of engineering, and the kind of environment you would like to work in.

Here are a few points to consider when choosing your engineering career path:

Engineering is about challenge and creativity

The field of engineering requires you to be a creative thinker, as it involves a lot of problem solving. The creation of innovative technological devices that make our lives easier is an example of finding creative solutions to problems through engineering. Other examples include infrastructure development, the design and manufacturing of vehicles, and much more.  If you are curious about how things work, are a creative thinker, and have an interest in applying different methods of solving problems, then a career in engineering might just be where you belong.

The skills needed for engineering are diverse

When working towards becoming an engineer in one of the many fields that exist, you need to acquire a particular set of skills for the type of job you want. In addition to the technical skills that you learn while studying to become an engineer, you will also develop your critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and time management skills – which are crucial in the workplace and which can also be applied in other areas of your life. Based on the field of specialisation you want to go into, you will need to earn a relevant qualification, and you will need to develop the relevant technical and soft skills needed for the job.

Your choice of engineering career path should suit your skills and interests

Because engineering offers many career paths, it is important that you identify where your skills and passions lie, what your personality type is, and what kind of work environment appeals to you. All engineering careers deal with some kind of problem solving and therefore require you to be a critical and creative thinker, and someone who is interested in finding solutions that make life easier. The important thing is to choose a field that interests you, so that you can stay motivated throughout your studies and your career.

Here are a few examples of engineering career paths:

Aeronautical or aerospace engineering 

This field of engineering deals with the technology used in aircraft and space travel. If you are interested in the mechanics of flight and how aircraft machinery works, then this might be an interesting field to consider.

To become an aeronautical or aerospace engineer, you will need an engineering qualification (usually a degree) with aeronautical subjects. A background in mechanical engineering will also be helpful if you want to specialise in this field.

Chemical engineering

Chemical engineering is about how chemical and biological materials can be used to produce useful materials and substances. It combines physics, biology, and chemistry. If you are an analytical person, enjoy life sciences, and have an interest in chemical processes, you could be a good fit for this industry.

To become a chemical engineer, you can study a qualification in chemical engineering at a college or university. The level of qualification that you need will depend on the type of work that you want to do within this field.

Computer engineering

Computer engineering is the study of computer science combined with electrical and electronic engineering. The focus of this career path is to advance digital technology. Computer engineers are responsible for ensuring that there are efficient and effective computing systems and applications. There is a growing demand for computer engineers, as technology is ever evolving and advancing.

To become a computer engineer, you can study courses in IT, software development, or electronic engineering (specialising in computer engineering).

Motor mechanics

The field of motor mechanics deals with repairing and maintaining vehicles. A motor mechanic investigates the faults in vehicles and is responsible for repairing these faults. Some of the duties involved in this type of work are to replace shocks, align wheels, fix leaks, replace oil, and adjust lights and heaters. 

To become a motor mechanic, you can study a vocational course in motor mechanics. (Click here to view the N1 – N3 motor mechanic courses available at Oxbridge Academy.)

Engineering management

Engineering management involves the combination of technical engineering skills and business expertise. This field responds to the demand for management-focused engineers. This is a suitable career choice for someone who is interested in how engineering is used in various types of businesses. It is also ideal for someone who wants to work in a management role while also having the opportunity to apply their technical skills.

You will need qualifications and experience in both engineering and business management if you want to follow this career path.  Also keep in mind that you will have to start out in a junior role, and work your way up from there.

With the variety of options available in the engineering field, it may be overwhelming to find your ideal career path. The important thing to remember is that you first need to understand what the different fields are about, what skills are required, and what your interests are. Once you have figured this out, you can narrow down your options and find the engineering course that best suits you.

Already know which career path you want to follow? Click here to find out how to get your apprenticeship in engineering.