What is the Best Engineering Field for The Future?
Engineering is one of the best paid professions out there, but with so many fields to choose from, how does one pick the best one? The idea of the best engineering field for the future is tempting to many, so let us take a look at the prospect.
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Best Engineering Field: an Overview
The best engineering field, for most professionals, is the one they find engaging. Still, with the ever-increasing demand and a whole lot of new students, some guidelines might come in handy.
That science and technology have been evolving at a rapid speed is old news. If anything, engineering is certain to remain in high demand in decades to come. The field has one of the lowest unemployment rates ever, with things unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.
In addition, nothing screams multi-disciplinary as engineering does. Take only telecom jobs for example. Designing and inspecting telecommunication devices takes whole teams, and things do not get much different in other engineering fields.
That fact should simplify things considerably for those still undecided. In truth, any engineering field is certain to keep putting food on the table while making you professionally satisfied. The inter connectivity of the fields is another matter entirely, however. The range of choices before every engineer of today (and tomorrow) might cause some pondering. It is rarely the case that people specializing in say, electronic disciplines, are interested in only one thing specifically. Once they start agonizing over which fixation of theirs to give the priority to, it is the moment to consider engineering branches of the future.
In-Demand Engineering Jobs
Speaking very broadly here, in-demand engineering jobs call for skill sets achieved through years of studying, hard work, and experience. But, unlike with the majority of other professions, entry-level engineering is not unrewarding. Novices, perhaps, cannot expect to secure best positions in the field, but even so they are certain to get their chance in the near future. When it comes to engineering, specialization is offered through various sources, including employer-funded workshops and programs. Hence, let’s take a look at the most rewarding engineering jobs.
- Software engineering
Perhaps it comes as no surprise that software engineering jobs come high on top of the list. Anything to do with computers is ever in high demand. IT engineers, in general, are among the most sought out professionals, as their knowledge surpasses general definitions by far. Everything from directing system installation to implementing new solutions and maximizing network performance falls under their field of expertise. With mobile computing and cyber-security being on the rise, a considerable growth within the sector is to be expected. The projections stand at a 17% increase by 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the moment, median pay for software engineers is $102,280 per annum, with the starting salary being $56,856.
- Civil engineering
Conceivably the oldest engineering field, civil engineering deals with construction works in the broadest sense of the word. With the population unlikely to start decreasing, the profession is bound to flourish, just like it has done so far. Civil engineers deal with building new and repairing existing infrastructure, the latter covering everything from bridges to hydroelectric dams. With the sub-branches being numerous, civil engineering makes for good many specialization choices. Median pay for civil engineers is $82,220 per annum, with the starting salary standing at $52,900.
- Aerospace engineering
Aerospace engineering deals with designing, developing, and maintaining the performance of civil aircraft, space vehicles, and satellites. There is also a branch dealing with military aircraft, which portends the maintenance of weapons systems and missiles. Everything from improving flight safety to obtaining fuel efficiency falls under the job description. There are numerous specializations within aerospace engineering, including aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials and structures. Median pay for aerospace engineers is $107,830 per annum, with the starting salary standing at $67,850.
- Biomedical engineering
Biomedical engineering deals with applying engineering principles to healthcare. As such, the importance of the branch can hardly get exaggerated. Biomedical engineers are employed by health services, medical equipment manufacturers, rehabilitation institutions, and research facilities, among others, to design and develop various medical products. Some examples of the latter include clinical equipment, robotic surgical instruments, and equipment for patients with special needs. Median pay for biomedical engineering is $86,220 per annum, with the starting salary standing at $51,480.
Biomedical engineering was named “America’s Top Technology Career” in 2011 and is projected to continue expanding at a rapid pace. The main reasons influencing the trend are expeditious innovations in the existing medical technologies and ever-deepening research into emerging ones, with 3D Printing and MEMS topping the list.
- Environmental engineering
Environmental engineering deals with the evaluation and management of the harmful effects of human activity on the environment. Simplifying things further, the great majority of environmental engineering jobs revolve around pollutant mitigation, waste product management and disposal, and the reclamation of the damaged land (construction projects, industries, and similar). Environmental engineers are employed by environmental consultancies, central governments, and local authorities, among others, to conduct technical audits and evaluate the environmental impact of various industrial and commercial operations. In addition, these professionals are also in charge of designing, developing, and implementing technical solutions aimed at reducing all kinds of negative impact on the environment. Median pay for environmental engineering is $84,560 per annum, with the starting salary standing at $50,230.
Best Engineering Field for The Future and Beyond
Either of the abovementioned professions is certain to land you steady jobs in the future. The best engineering field for the future should, therefore, be decided based on your preferences. Remember that all engineering fields are rewarding in terms of specialization; simply direct your attention to the sub-branch that calls your name.