Some Not-So-Random Thoughts On Engineering

Studies & Careers

Jeff Staudinger, PEFounder & Director

Engineers Dedicated to a Better Tomorrow

www.DedicatedEngineers.org

Focus of Today’s Talk

Engineering Disciplines (Academic Majors)

But to properly discuss, need to also touch on:• What is engineering in general?• Engineering in the “real world.”• Engineering colleges/studies.

In addition, will also discuss (at the end):• “Considering your career choices.”

What is Engineering? / What is an Engineer?

Short Answers:

Engineer: Applied Scientist

Job: Turn Science/Ideas Into Reality

Some Direct Science-Eng Relationships:

Physics > Mechanical Engineering Physics > Electrical Engineering Chemistry > Chemical Engineering Biology > Bioengineering (Biomedical Eng)

Science vs. Engineering

Basic Tasks Primary Product

Scientists Research KNOWLEDGE (scholarly papers)

Engineers Design

Develop

Manufacture/Construct

Operate/Maintain

THINGS (working device, machine, system, structure, etc.)

vs.

Some Products of Engineering

Engineering Disciplines/Majors (Branches of Engineering)

• Close parallel with science:You’re not just a generic “scientist,” but a:

» Biologist» Chemist» Physicist

You’re not just a generic “engineer,” but a:» Civil Engineer» Electrical Engineer» Mechanical Engineer

• Key difference: Different types of engineers work together frequently in teams (unlike scientists, who tend to work mainly with their “own kind”).

Engineering Disciplines/Majors (Branches of Engineering)

• “Big Four” – 67% of all BS degrees– Civil Engineering– Computer Engineering– Electrical Engineering– Mechanical Engineering

• Basic, Wide-Ranging Fields: Many possible areas for students to specialize in within the overall major (“areas of concentration”).

• Most engineering schools offer these majors (nearly all offer Electrical and Mechanical).

Engineering Disciplines/Majors (Branches of Engineering) (cont.)

• “Medium Four” – 20% of all BS degrees– Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering– Biomedical Engineering/Bioengineering– Chemical Engineering– Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

• More Focused (Specialized) Fields: Students choosing these majors have a specific interest in them.

• Note: Not as many students pursue these degrees, so not as many schools offer these degrees (typically offered by larger engineering colleges).

• Aerospace and Biomedical are sometimes offered as an area of concentration under Mechanical Engineering.

• Hottest Field: Biomedical

Engineering Disciplines/Majors (Branches of Engineering) (cont.)

• “Smaller Ten” – <10% of all BS degrees– Agricultural - Environmental – Architectural - Materials– Eng Management - Mining– Eng Physics - Nuclear– Eng Science - Petroleum

• Specialty-Type Disciplines: Students often major in these disciplines at the graduate (MS) level.

• Environmental: Typically offered as an area of concentration under Civil Engineering (& sometimes under Chemical Engineering).

• Materials: Often offered as an area of concentration under Chemical Engineering (& sometimes under Mechanical Engineering)

How To Pick An Engineering Major

Using handout “A Brief Guide to Engineering Majors”:1. Look at “Small 10” and “Medium 4” majors for a

major(s) of interest to explore further. If none, go to step #2.

2. Look at “Big 4” majors:• Particular interest in either civil or computer? If yes,

explore further. If no, then:– Look at electrical & mechanical.

3. Electrical & mechanical engineering: • “Safe” majors. • Many areas of specialization to choose from.

Undergrad Majors at SJSU (Fall 2006)

Electrical 455 26%Mechanical 394 23%Civil 363 21%Computer 203 12%Aerospace 134 8%Chemical 69 4%Industrial 48 3%Biomedical 0 0%Software 47 3%Materials 22 1%TOTAL 1735 100%

82%

14%

4%

No. %

Engineers in the “Real World”

• Don’t confuse academic engineering disciplines/majors w/ real-world industrial sectors:

Computer industry: Not just computer engineers

Aerospace industry: Not just aerospace engineers.

Biotech industry: Not just bioengineers.

Chemical industry: Not just chemical engineers.

• Most industrial sectors employ a wide range of engineers (esp. electrical & mechanical engineers).

• Your career will be (more) defined by -- The specific industry you work in.

-- Your primary job function (principal work area).

than what discipline you majored in.

Basic Job Functions (Work Areas) in Engineering Research: Seek new knowledge (or a better understanding of known facts).Development: Make research results available in the form of potential

products/methods/processes.Design: Using engineering analysis, convert concepts & info into detailed

plans & specs (used to manufacture/construct product/structure).The “heart” of engineering.

Production: Industrial processes used to manufacture products from raw materials (example: car production).

Construction: Translate design & materials into structure/facility (building, bridge, etc.)

Operations: Apply engineering principles in performing practical work activitiesManufacturing (Facilities Dept): Procure supplies/raw materials, plant/equipment maintenance, direct personnel (technicians, etc.).Other: Run utilities, railroads, mass transit, communication systems, etc.

Sales: Recommend products/systems, machines, tools, parts, services, etc. to best serve customer needs.

Management: -- Solve problems of policy, finance, organization, PR, sales.-- Select and supervise personnel.-- Coordinate R&D, design, production/construction, O&M, sales

Basic Job Functions (Work Areas) in Engineering (cont.)

Job function titles often used to ID/characterize engineering positions in the real world:

– Research Engineer– Design Engineer– Facilities (Operations) Engineer

Why?: Because they typically reflect the department (or work group) that you will be assigned to and work within:

– Research Department– Design Group– Facilities (Operations) Division

Engineers work in multi-disciplinary teams in the real-world– College: Electrical Engineering Dept– Real World: Design Dept– Prof Societies (“semi-real”): Discipline-based (ASCE, IEEE, ASME)

Engineers in the “Real World” (cont.)

3-D Placement:

1. Academic Degree (electrical, mechanical, etc.)

2. Industry Employed In (aerospace; biotechnology/ medical; building; chemicals/petroleum; computers/IT; energy; transportation, etc. PLUS consulting engineering option – Bechtel, etc. ALSO government option – fed/state/local)

3. Job Function/Primary Work Area/Dept (R&D; design; production/ construction; O&M; sales)

“Top 10” Answers To “Why Study Engineering?”

• Job Satisfaction• Varied Opportunities• Challenging Work• Intellectual Development• Impact on Society• Financial Security• Prestige• Professional Environment• Understanding How Things Work• Creative Thinking

Final Thoughts

• Engineers significantly impact people’s lives every day, just like doctors.

• And just like doctors, not everyone can be one (and we don’t want just anyone to be one).

• Powerful position, impacting lives & the world (Earth).• Personal request: Think about your ability to make a

positive impact on people/society and consider acting in that vein.

• Career choices:– Lawyers: Civil rights lawyer vs. “ambulance chaser”– Doctors: Oncologist (cancer doctor) vs. plastic surgeon

Consider Your Career Choices: “A”

Consider Your Career Choices: “B”

That’s All Folks!