Michael DeSafey | Executive Recruiter and HR Professional
Engineering Education – Choosing the Right Path for Your Career Goals
Engineering is a discipline that shapes the world we live in, from the infrastructure that supports our cities to the technology that drives innovation. With its broad spectrum of specializations and career opportunities, engineering offers a plethora of paths to pursue. However, navigating this maze of options can be daunting, especially when it comes to choosing the right educational path to align with your career goals. Today, we will explore the various avenues of engineering education and provide insights to help you make informed decisions for your future.
Understanding Engineering Education:
Engineering education encompasses a diverse range of fields, including mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, computer, and aerospace engineering, among others. Each discipline offers unique challenges and opportunities, catering to different interests and skill sets. Before delving into the specifics of choosing the right path, it’s essential to understand the foundational elements of engineering education.
At its core, engineering education focuses on imparting theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to solve real-world problems. It typically involves a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and hands-on projects. Additionally, engineering programs often emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, preparing students to tackle complex challenges in their respective fields.
Factors to Consider:
When embarking on your journey in engineering education, several factors should influence your decision-making process:
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Personal Interests and Passions: Reflect on your interests, passions, and strengths. What aspects of engineering excite you the most? Are you drawn to designing new technologies, solving environmental challenges, or optimizing systems for efficiency? Identifying your interests will help narrow down your options and choose a specialization that aligns with your aspirations.
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Career Goals and Industry Trends: Consider your long-term career goals and the evolving landscape of the engineering industry. Research current trends, emerging technologies, and projected job demand in different engineering fields. This information will guide you in selecting a path that offers promising prospects and opportunities for growth.
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Program Accreditation and Reputation: Evaluate the accreditation status and reputation of engineering programs you’re considering. Accreditation ensures that a program meets established standards of quality and rigor, enhancing the credibility of your degree. Look for programs accredited by reputable organizations such as ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) in the United States or similar accrediting bodies in your country.
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Curriculum and Specialization Options: Explore the curriculum structure and specialization options offered by different engineering programs. Some programs may have a broad-based curriculum that covers multiple disciplines, while others may focus on specialized areas such as biomedical engineering or renewable energy. Assess whether the program’s curriculum aligns with your interests and career goals.
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Faculty Expertise and Research Opportunities: Investigate the expertise and research interests of faculty members within the engineering programs you’re considering. Engaging with professors who share your interests can enrich your learning experience and open doors to research opportunities. Research-intensive programs may offer hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge developments in the field.
Choosing the Right Path:
With these factors in mind, let’s explore some common paths in engineering education and the considerations associated with each:
Traditional Bachelor’s Degree: Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering is the most common path for aspiring engineers. This option provides a comprehensive foundation in engineering principles and allows students to specialize in specific disciplines through elective courses. A traditional bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete and culminates in a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree.
Considerations:
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Research different engineering programs and their curriculum structures.
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Evaluate the accreditation status and reputation of the institutions.
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Explore internship and co-op opportunities for hands-on experience.
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Consider dual-degree programs or combined bachelor’s/master’s programs for accelerated learning.
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Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs: Some universities offer integrated bachelor’s/master’s programs that allow students to earn both degrees concurrently or consecutively in a shorter timeframe. These programs often provide an accelerated pathway for motivated students to gain advanced knowledge and skills in their chosen field of engineering.
Considerations:
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Assess the requirements and duration of integrated programs.
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Evaluate the academic rigor and research opportunities available.
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Consider the potential cost savings and career benefits of earning two degrees simultaneously.
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Consult with academic advisors to ensure compatibility with your academic and career goals.
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Cooperative Education (Co-op) Programs: Co-op programs integrate classroom learning with paid work experiences in industry settings. Students alternate between periods of academic study and full-time employment, gaining valuable hands-on experience while earning a salary. Co-op programs enhance students’ employability and provide insights into real-world engineering practices.
Considerations:
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Research universities with established co-op programs in your preferred engineering discipline.
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Evaluate the duration and structure of co-op rotations.
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Consider the geographic location and industry partnerships of co-op employers.
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Assess the impact of co-op experiences on graduation timelines and academic requirements.
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Online and Distance Learning: Online education has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering flexible options for students who require remote access to coursework. Many universities offer online engineering programs that allow students to complete coursework asynchronously while balancing other commitments such as work or family responsibilities.
Considerations:
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Research accredited online engineering programs with a track record of quality and effectiveness.
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Evaluate the flexibility of course scheduling and asynchronous learning options.
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Consider the availability of support services, including online tutoring and academic advising.
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Assess the technological requirements and infrastructure needed for online coursework.
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Specialized Certifications and Continuing Education: In addition to traditional degree programs, engineers can pursue specialized certifications and continuing education opportunities to enhance their skills and credentials. Professional organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) offer certification programs in various engineering disciplines.
Considerations:
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Research the eligibility requirements and examination process for professional certifications.
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Evaluate the relevance and industry recognition of certifications in your desired field.
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Consider continuing education options such as workshops, seminars, and online courses to stay updated on emerging technologies and best practices.
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Assess the potential career advancement and networking opportunities associated with professional certifications.
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Choosing the right path in engineering education is a pivotal decision that can shape your career trajectory and professional fulfillment. By considering your personal interests, career goals, and educational preferences, you can navigate the maze of options with confidence and clarity. Whether you opt for a traditional bachelor’s degree, an integrated master’s program, a co-op experience, online learning, or specialized certifications, remember that each path offers unique opportunities for growth and success in the dynamic field of engineering. Embrace the journey, stay curious, and never stop learning as you embark on your quest to engineer a brighter future.
Webuild Staffing Agency is a leading executive search and staffing agency dedicated to the construction, engineering and environmental industries. To learn more please visit: www.webuildstaffing.com
Five High Paying Construction Jobs You Can Get Without a College Degree
Five High Paying Construction Jobs You Can Get Without a College Degree
One of the key factors of success in the construction industry is something you cannot learn in school. There is no degree you can obtain that will instill the work ethics and drive necessary for a successful career in construction.
With this in mind, you will find that many high-paying construction jobs require no degree at all. Instead, experience, job training, and a strong work drive are what you need to advance in the highest paying construction jobs available. Here are five examples of construction jobs you can get without a college degree.
- Laborer
Even rank-and-file laborers make a relatively high wage in the construction industry. On average, pay begins at $16.74 per hour with no required formal training or education. Laborers do much of the groundwork for subcontractors and foremen. Skills used include heavy lifting, measuring, basic tool use, and assisting skilled labor. They work eight-hour days, sometimes outside, and won’t stop for the weather!
- Equipment Operator
People who run dozers, cranes, earthmovers, and heavy equipment are highly paid workers on construction sites. These machines are used to move earth, rubble, and heavy building supplies. In many cases, a high school diploma and on-the-job training certification will suffice. However, no matter where you learn to run the equipment, successfully passing a certification test will help you get to a higher pay scale. Median pay begins at $22.59 per hour with 12% projected growth through to 2028.
- Ironworker
Ironworkers, also called rodbusters, use rebar to build the frame of a building. Sometimes standing hundreds of feet in the air, they connect pieces of rebar together with strong wire and ready the structure for concrete. According to Steven Gosse, a general foreman for JE Dunn Construction, the work of an ironworker is dangerous and physically demanding. There is no formal training required, but previous experience is a plus. Median pay begins at approximately $16.00 per hour.
- Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee a building project from beginning to end. They delegate assignments to various foremen, subcontractors, and laborers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay in 2019 was $45.80 per hour, with a 10% growth outlook by 2028. While a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is helpful, this job is obtainable with experience as a construction laborer and/or on-the-job training. Skills needed to be successful include management, budgeting, and personnel scheduling.
- Pipefitter
Pipefitters deal with the materials needed for waste disposal, gas lines, and anything that requires a mechanical piping system. They are responsible for fabricating, assembling, installing, and maintaining these systems. The median pay for pipefitters begins at $26.52 and the growth outlook for future jobs until 2028 is 14%.
Vacancies for these high-paying construction jobs are growing each year, many in which a degree is not required. Conversely, training or work experience in the field will be an advantage if you are looking to get hired. Also consider union: they can help ensure you receive a competitive wage and protect your worker’s rights.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com
The Importance of Continuing Education Throughout Your Career
The Importance of Continuing Education Throughout Your Career
Career education comes in many forms — and they’re all valuable. From online degrees available at universities to professional certificate programs, and even adult vocational courses at your local high school, life-long learning is beneficial to both your personal and professional life.
Here, we’ll be focusing more on the professional side. We’ll explore how continuing education makes one hirable and promotable and more competitive in the construction, environmental and engineering industries.
Top Talent Earns the Best Wages
Recently, there have been many boardrooms buzzing about employee well-being, employer branding, social responsibility, and so on. We’re not making light of it. But let’s not beat around the bush here. The number one reason we get up and go to work every day is for a paycheck. And educated staffers earn better wages.
Consider these Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) numbers:
- Civil Engineering Techs, with an AA or AS degree, earned an average of $53,000 in 2019. Their duty is to help civil engineers plan and execute systems and projects.
- With two more years of school and a bachelor’s degree, Civil Engineers earned about $87,000 in 2019.
- That’s a difference of $34,000 per year for two years of education!
Still, higher learning isn’t always an option. Between budget constraints, travel for work or family obligations, this might not be the right time to commit to two more years of school. That doesn’t mean you can’t hone your professional skills in other ways.
The Value of Short Courses, Adult Ed & Certificate Programs
Professionals in the construction sector can always benefit from technical classes. If you’d like to learn a second language, become proficient at computer networking, or finally master Microsoft Excel, look to your local community colleges for inexpensive adult education. Hone your professional skills, update your resume and let the HR department know what you’re doing.
As social distancing requirements begin to lift, you might also appreciate the opportunity to network at clubs or professional organizations. The right club memberships can be beneficial to both your current employer and your future in the profession.
The Value of Professional Organizations for Ongoing Career Development
We think Roy Atkinson at HDI.com says it best: “Professional associations provide real, tangible value to those who belong to them. They become fellowships and institutions of learning, sounding boards and crisis counselors, and authoritative sources of information and nourishment for a career.”
- Professional organizations help construction professionals keep tabs on what’s happening in the industry.
- They allow you to rub elbows with others in your field.
They also provide terrific networking opportunities. Your employer might even agree to pay for club memberships. And if not, they’re usually tax-deductible.
Ultimately, there are endless opportunities for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental fields to build upon their skills. Individuals that treat education as a life-long process will ultimately earn higher wages, find more employment opportunities and become more valuable to prospective employers. Whether you’re looking to earn a higher degree or pick up a new skill, you’ll reap the rewards for years to come.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com
The Importance of Continuing Education Throughout Your Career
The Importance of Continuing Education Throughout Your Career
Career education comes in many forms — and they’re all valuable. From online degrees available at universities to professional certificate programs, and even adult vocational courses at your local high school, life-long learning is beneficial to both your personal and professional life.
Here, we’ll be focusing more on the professional side. We’ll explore how continuing education makes one hirable and promotable and more competitive in the construction, environmental and engineering industries.
Top Talent Earns the Best Wages
Recently, there have been many boardrooms buzzing about employee well-being, employer branding, social responsibility, and so on. We’re not making light of it. But let’s not beat around the bush here. The number one reason we get up and go to work every day is for a paycheck. And educated staffers earn better wages.
Consider these Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) numbers:
- Civil Engineering Techs, with an AA or AS degree, earned an average of $53,000 in 2019. Their duty is to help civil engineers plan and execute systems and projects.
- With two more years of school and a bachelor’s degree, Civil Engineers earned about $87,000 in 2019.
- That’s a difference of $34,000 per year for two years of education!
Still, higher learning isn’t always an option. Between budget constraints, travel for work or family obligations, this might not be the right time to commit to two more years of school. That doesn’t mean you can’t hone your professional skills in other ways.
The Value of Short Courses, Adult Ed & Certificate Programs
Professionals in the construction sector can always benefit from technical classes. If you’d like to learn a second language, become proficient at computer networking, or finally master Microsoft Excel, look to your local community colleges for inexpensive adult education. Hone your professional skills, update your resume and let the HR department know what you’re doing.
As social distancing requirements begin to lift, you might also appreciate the opportunity to network at clubs or professional organizations. The right club memberships can be beneficial to both your current employer and your future in the profession.
The Value of Professional Organizations for Ongoing Career Development
We think Roy Atkinson at HDI.com says it best: “Professional associations provide real, tangible value to those who belong to them. They become fellowships and institutions of learning, sounding boards and crisis counselors, and authoritative sources of information and nourishment for a career.”
- Professional organizations help construction professionals keep tabs on what’s happening in the industry.
- They allow you to rub elbows with others in your field.
They also provide terrific networking opportunities. Your employer might even agree to pay for club memberships. And if not, they’re usually tax-deductible.
Ultimately, there are endless opportunities for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental fields to build upon their skills. Individuals that treat education as a life-long process will ultimately earn higher wages, find more employment opportunities and become more valuable to prospective employers. Whether you’re looking to earn a higher degree or pick up a new skill, you’ll reap the rewards for years to come.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com
Top Universities Offering Environmental Science Degrees
Top Universities Offering Environmental Science Degree
The Environmental Science industry is rapidly growing to provide a clear understanding of the various impacts humans and other factors have on the world and the effect they will have on future possibilities.
As the industry is growing, more universities worldwide are adapting their curriculum to offer potential students the opportunity to dive into this industry and gain the skills to create a sustainable future. This article introduces a few of the top environmental programs at universities in the United States to give prospective students a clearer understanding of the various concentrations they may want to study and where some of top universities are located.
Brown University (Providence, RI) offers two Environmental Science programs – Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. The DEEPS programs research different issues effecting Earth and planets, while The DEEB program focuses on understanding different biological systems and how different organisms affect them.
In the Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences program, students can focus on Geophysics, Climate & Environment, Planetary Perspective, Environmental Science and Geochemistry.
Tuition: $55,466
Columbia University’s (New York, NY) Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences offers both Undergraduate and Graduate degree programs. The University offers two undergrad degrees – Environmental Science and Earth Science – both of these majors require a senior thesis research project.
Tuition: $59,430
Dartmouth’s (Hanover, NH) Department of Environmental Studies offers both graduate and undergraduate programs that focus on human-environment interactions and how environmental degradation is an escalating issue. In the undergraduate program the university offers an elective focus which allows students to pick the emphasis of their Environmental Studies’ degree.
Tuition: $55,453
Duke‘s (Durham, NC) Nicholas School of the Environment offers Undergraduate, Master, Doctoral and certification programs.
The Undergrad Programs offers concentrations in Earth & Ocean Sciences, Environmental Sciences & Policy and Marine Science & Conservation. Their Graduate Programs offer degrees from Master of Environmental Management, Master of Forestry, International Master of Environmental Policy and more. The school offers a variety of certifications for each of their programs from undergrad to doctoral.
Tuition: $55,695
Harvard‘s (Cambridge, MA) John A. Paulson School of Engineering & Applied Sciences offers the option to pursue a BA or BS in Environmental Science & Engineering, throughout both of these programs, students are educated on environmental issues and encouraged to find solutions.
Tuition: $50,420
Humboldt State University (Humboldt, CA) offers three Environmental degree programs – Environmental Resources Engineering (BS), Environmental Science and Management (BS) and Environmental Studies (BA).
In the Environmental Science and Management program, Humboldt offers six concentrations – Ecological Restoration, Environmental Planning & Policy, Energy & Climate, Environmental Education & Interpretation, Environmental & Natural Resources Recreation and Geospatial Science. Within each of their Environmental Programs the university offers a plethora of minor programs and certifications that will add to your qualifications when you graduate and are entering the Environmental Industry.
Tuition: $7,675 (in-state) and $19,555 (out-of-state)
Stanford University offers a few environmental themed programs for undergraduates, these include: Civil Engineering (BS) with a concentration in Environmental & Water Studies, Energy Resources Engineering (BS), and Environmental Systems Engineering (BS)
Tuition: $51,354
University of California – Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) has multiple departments that offer environmental themed degrees: Environmental Design (BA), Environmental Economics & Policy, Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning (BA), Environmental Sciences, Conservation & Resources, Forestry & Natural Resources, Molecular Environmental Biology, and Society & Environment.
Tuition: $14,184 (in-state) and $43,176 (out-of-state)
University of California – Davis (Davis, CA) offers a plethora of degrees related to environmental studies, this includes: Agricultural & Environmental Education, Ecological Management & Restoration, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Horticulture & Urban Forestry, Environmental Policy Analysis & Planning, Environmental Science & Management, environmental Toxicology, and Evolution, Ecology, 7 Biodiversity.
UC Davis also offers opportunities for research, hands on field experience, and access to restoration projects.
Tuition: $14,402 (in-state) and $43,394 (out-of-state)
University of Chicago (Chicago, IL) offers degrees in Environmental Science (BS) and Environmental & Urban Studies. Their programs focus on the impacts of humans how students can make a difference socially, politically, and economically.
Tuition: $58,230
University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) offers degrees in Environmental Management in Agriculture & Natural Resources (BA) and Environmental Sciences (BA/BS). UF approaches complex environmental issues from different perspectives give their students a better understanding of the different variables in these issues.
Tuition: $6,381 (in-state) and $28,659 (out-of-state)
University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) offers a wide range of environmental related degrees including: Environmental Anthropology, Earth Science Environmental Science (BA), Environmental Policy & Management (BS), Environmental Policy & Application (BA), General Environmental Studies (BA), Global Environmental Systems (BA), and Sustainability & Environmental Management.
The university gives graduates the skills understand environmental issues – both local and global, the policies that are set regarding them and how to change them if necessary.
Tuition: $55,584
Yale (New Haven, CT) offers degrees in Environmental Engineering(BS) and Environmental Studies (BA/BS).
Yale provides their students with the opportunities for field work, lab experience, and research analytical skills. They require all students to design and conduct a research project.
Tuition: $53,430
During the search for the perfect university, prospective students will need to find the perfect balance between potential opportunities, financial repercussion and location for their unique needs. This list is an introduction to the plethora of opportunities available in the environmental industry and encourages prospective students to further research which concentration in environmental studies they are most passionate about.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com