Professional engineers work in a variety of fields on many different kinds of projects. Nearly everything you interact with in daily life has been affected by engineering in some way. Here are three interesting facts about professional engineers.
1. Licensing Is Important
Anyone who wants to work in engineering must become a licensed professional engineer. The licensing required depends on the engineer’s chosen field, where he or she works and where his or her project is based. Licensing requirements and types of licenses may vary by jurisdiction. Without a license, an engineer cannot work legally or safely. An engineer may apply for a license individually or through a firm.
2. Engineering Is Related to Many Disciplines
Engineering, along with science, technology and mathematics, makes up the concept of STEM. STEM fields are interrelated and highly integrated. The main disciplines engineers need to learn are mathematics, physics and chemistry because of their relation to the physical sciences. Engineers need to be able to understand concepts such as thermodynamics, system analysis and mechanical processes. Engineers typically specialize in one type of engineering and often work with architects, computer programmers and scientists such as chemists.
3. Engineers With Different Specialties Work Together Often
People who specialize in different types of engineering often collaborate on projects. Environmental engineers, for example, frequently work with chemical and civil engineers on infrastructure development, community planning, and waste and transportation system management development. Collaboration allows engineers to bring their expertise together to develop unique, robust solutions to problems. It’s much easier to collaborate with other engineers than it is to attempt to specialize in multiple engineering disciplines.
Engineering is vital to modern society. Whether someone is a civil engineer, an environmental engineer or a chemical engineer, he or she plays an important role in making the world a safer place that is easier for people to navigate.
