Careers in Engineering Technology
In today’s fast developing technology, growing industrialisation and modernisation, ‘Engineering’ holds a prominent place as few other professions do. Engineering is and will continue to remain one of the prospective professions unlike many other areas of work. In this article, we will discuss about what is engineering, careers in engineering technology, fields of engineering technology and many more.
Who is an Engineer?
One who designs or makes engines or machinery: professionals who manages a ship’s engine: one who constructs or manages military works and engines, one who designs or constructs public works, such as roads, railways sewers, bridges, harbours, canals and the like: a soldier of a division of an army called “engineering”, concerned with entrenching, road making and other constructive work.
Though this dictionary definition is by no means exhaustive in the present context, apparently for all branches of engineering whether it is design, construction, manufacture or management one needs to be intelligent, alert, creative and talented.
Nature and Work of an Engineer:
Engineering technologies use the principles and theories of science, engineering and mathematics to solve technical problems in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection and maintenance.
Their work is more limited in scope and more practical oriented than that of scientists and engineers. Many engineering technologists assist engineers and scientists, especially in research and development. Others work in quality control, inspecting products and process, conducting tests, or collecting data. In manufacturing, they may assist in product design, development or production.
Engineering technologists who work in research and development build or set up equipment, prepare and conduct experiments, collect data, calculate or record results, and help engineers or scientists in other ways, such as making prototype versions of newly designed equipment.
They also assist in design work, often using computer-aided design (CAD) equipment. Most engineering technologists specialise in certain areas, learning skills and working in the same disciplines as engineers. Occupational titles, therefore, tend to reflect those of engineers.
- Electrical and electronic engineering technologists make up 42 percent of all engineering technologists.
- Because the type and quality of training programs vary considerably, prospective students should carefully investigate training programs before enrolling.
- Opportunities will be best for individuals with an associate degree or extensive job
More than ever, engineers are now required to have knowledge of relevant sciences for their design projects. As a result, they may keep on learning throughout their career. If multiple options exist, engineers weigh different design choices on their merits and choose the solution that best matches the requirements.
The crucial and unique task of the engineers is to identify, understand and interpret the constraints on a design in order to produce a successful result. It is usually not enough to build a technically successful product; it must also meet further requirements.
Constraints may include available resources, physical, imaginative or technical limitations, flexibility for future modifications and additions, and other factors, such as requirements for cost, safety, marketability, productivity and serviceability. By understanding the constraints, engineers derive specifications for the limits within which a viable object or system may be produced or operated.
How to Proceed in Careers in Engineering Technology?
You must have passed science with Physics, Chemistry and Maths in class 12th for admission to Engineering and Architecture/Planning programs. Admission to Engineering Technology are made on the basis of your performance in IIT-JEE (for IITS); AIEEE entrance exams at the national level and the State level engineering entrance examinations for state level institutions.
Branches, Courses and Scope:
Broadly, there are 4 broad categories of engineering branches:
(i) Core engineering: Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics and Civil.
(ii) Growth oriented Engineering: Computer Science, IT etc.
(iii) Allied Engineering: Instrumentation Technology, Telecommunications, Mechatronics, Architectural Engineering, Industrial Production etc.
(iv) Specialised Engineering: Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Green Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering etc.
Prominent branches of engineering include:
•Aerospace engineering
•Agricultural Engineering
•Ceramic Engineering
•Civil Engineering
•Computer science and Engineering
•Electrical Engineering
•Communication Engineering
•Energy Engineering
•Instrumentation Engineering
•Manufacturing science and mechanical Engineering
•Metallurgical Engineering
•Mining Engineering
•Naval Architecture
•Textile Technology and Industrial Engineering.
Key Domains in Engineering Technology:
1. Mechanical Engineering:
It explores the world of machinery, manufacturing, innovation. Mechanical engineering technology offers careers in designing, testing and maintaining various mechanical systems.
2. Electrical Engineering:
In this digital era, careers in Electrical Engineering are enormous. It revolves around power systems, telecommunications, robotics and automation.
3. Civil Engineering:
Civil Engineering Technology centres round the construction, infrastructure, development and project management, contributing to the development of society’s physical structure.
4. Computer Engineering:
When the modern world is focusing on software in every spheres of life, the careers in Computer Engineering has a bright prospect. This technology focuses on creating and improving computing technologies.
5. Data Science Engineering and Technology:
The dominance of data science is felt very necessary today when data or information are very precious. It has opened doors to careers in analytics, IoT (Internet of Things) and AI- driven solutions.
Final Thoughts:
As the science and technology dominates and will continue to thrive in future, there are vast array of opportunities to set up careers in engineering technology as a designer, architect, civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer or even data analytics etc. To be successful and build careers in engineering technology you must have technical, mechanical and intellectual aptitudes. You can then specialise in any field according to your interest and abilities.
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