The term “engineer” comes from the word “ingenuity,” the quality of being clever, original, and inventive, and using ideas to solve problems. And nearly every aspect of modern society, from roller coasters to Mars rovers function smoothly because of the ingenuity of trained engineers. Engineers design roads, bridges, and the cars that drive on them. They create airplanes, satellites, and nuclear missiles. From outer space to microscopic biomolecules, engineers are there when a product is designed, when it is tested and analyzed, and when it is brought to fruition. When a project is up and running, engineers analyze its performance, troubleshoot problems, and devise fixes.
Engineering training involves the study of mathematics, chemistry, physics, computer programing, drafting, materials, statistics, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics. After learning these general subjects, students move towards specialization.
Chemical engineers work with materials such as synthetic crystals, plastics, ceramics, and paper. Environmental engineers design, construct, and maintain physical environments. They might specialize in water resources, sanitary systems, or transportation networks. Structural engineers work at jobs in earthquake planning, architecture, and design of offshore structures like oil platforms and wind generators. Electrical engineers work in the computer, telecommunications, optical, and power industries. Mechanical engineers design vehicles on land, sea, and air.
After completing school, an engineer will often work as an intern or participate in an engineer-in-training program for several years. At that time there is an option to obtain a state license to become a professional engineer. This allows the trained engineer to place the initials P.E. (Professional Engineer) after his or her name.
Everywhere you look in the modern world you see products designed by engineers. They have shaped the world for centuries and are reshaping the future today. Next time you drive your car, talk on your smartphone, or take off on vacation, take a minute to thank the trained engineers who put the rubber on the road, the words in your ear, and the wings in the sky to fly.