Engineering is a multifaceted industry with considerable scope. It focuses on solving complex problems and thereby makes people’s lives easy. Consequently, after graduation, your skills and knowledge will be in high demand in the market. Not only can you get a well-paid job, but the benefits will be huge.
However, there are many engineering degrees and career pathways. So, it may become difficult to choose the right path. Therefore, you should start by pinpointing your areas of interest. Identify your passion and choose a degree that interests you the most, as it will be easier to stay motivated.
If you want to design aircraft systems, explore the aerospace engineering specialization. On the other hand, if you feel inspired by the idea of developing new medical devices, discover what the field of biomedical engineering has to offer.
There are many different types of engineering degrees because a wide variety of problems require a wide range of engineering disciplines. The five main branches of engineering include:
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering, and;
- Industrial Engineering
These branches have sub-branches which include aerospace engineering, architectural engineering, biochemical engineering, computer engineering, and many more.
You can specialize in any one of the above fields. Here is a list of four engineering specializations that may be the right fit for you.
1. Aerospace Engineering
Many engineering specializations require you to be good in math and science. Aerospace Engineering is one of the many sub-fields of Mechanical Engineering. This area of study requires you to use math and physics principles to transform concepts into functional products.
Aerospace engineers must be highly qualified as it is a technically demanding field. They must have a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering, with a good background in advanced math and science courses such as physics, calculus, chemistry, trigonometry, and computer programming.
Suppose you are the kind of person who likes playing strategy games, solving puzzles, or computer programming. These activities help develop good problem-solving and analytical skills essential for an engineer. In that case, aerospace engineering may be the right fit for you.
In Aerospace engineering, you need to design and test aircraft. They also build satellites, missiles, aircraft systems, and other airborne objects. They are responsible for quality control and the safety of everyone who travels by air or in space.
You may be perfect in this field if you are fascinated by the mechanics of flight travel and intrigued by computer simulations and how aircraft perform under extreme conditions.
If you are passionate enough, and it has been your dream to pursue a career in aerospace engineering, go for it! The field of aerospace engineering is highly technical and requires a high level of competence. It requires a lot of determination and hard work.
2. Architectural Engineering
Civil engineering specialization includes many sub-fields, one of which is Architectural Engineering. You will require a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Architectural Engineering to qualify for future jobs in this field.
Architectural engineering focuses on applying your practical and theoretical knowledge to design and construct buildings and building systems. Your goal as an engineer will be to create structures. To ensure the safety and comfort of the occupants, you also have to ensure that the buildings are sustainable and viable.
If you want to specialize in architectural engineering, you will require a specific skill set. Excellent knowledge and understanding of science, mathematics, and engineering concepts will benefit you. You will need knowledge of current industry and technology trends. As there will be a lot of diagrams and designing involved, you should be able to design manually and by using the computer. If you are detail-oriented and meticulous, this field will suit your needs.
You should pursue an architectural engineering degree if you are fascinated by the design and construction of buildings. You have an artistic mind and appreciate the artistry of old and new buildings. You enjoy helping people and making their lives more comfortable.
Working as an architectural engineer has many benefits. Most jobs are well-paid, and you may be able to travel the world, have a work-life balance, and be as creative as you want to be. The work is not monotonous so you will never be bored. You don’t have to do any heavy lifting, and you can start your own architecture company. The benefits are endless. If your interests, skills, and abilities match the ones mentioned above, you could specialize in architecture.
3. Biochemical Engineering
Biochemical Engineering is a sub-field of Chemical Engineering. You will require a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Biochemical engineering.
Biochemical engineering is the process of making products on an industrial scale. A Biochemical engineer designs equipment and devices using their extensive biology, chemistry, and engineering knowledge. They have to solve problems related to humans, plants, animals, microorganisms, or biological materials.
Their education prepares them to get jobs in various industries, ranging from mining to manufacturing. A biochemical engineer is responsible for designing and conducting studies and experiments, maintaining databases for experimental results, and creating simulations. Biochemical engineers devise ways to get cells to do what they want. These cells are obtained from animals, bacteria, algae, or fungi.
You may want to specialize in Biochemical engineering to make the world cleaner and more sustainable for you and your future generation. For instance, develop innovative healthcare products and new and unique biofuels to replace fossil fuels.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills will benefit you in becoming a chemical engineer. The ability to identify what is wrong, what needs fixing, and how to fix it is a skill that is essential for a chemical engineer.
Biochemical engineering is a rewarding career. If you think you have good research and problem-solving skills, you should pursue a career in Biochemical engineering. Your hard work and efforts will help shape the world for the better.
4. Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering is one of the sub-fields of Electrical Engineering. If you plan on pursuing this degree, you should be knowledgeable and understand basic math and science concepts such as physics, chemistry, and calculus. To further specialize in this field, you must have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering or Software Engineering.
Computer engineers research, design, and develop computer systems and components. They help in developing new technologies. This path will be the right fit for you if you consider yourself tech-savvy.
Computer Engineers should be able to:
- Design microprocessors. It is one of the most crucial skills required for a computer engineer, as all electronic devices use it.
- Configure and Implement Operating Systems as it impacts how various components function.
- Digital design. It helps lay the foundation for manufacturing processes to move forward.
- Digital Signal Processing is essential in wireless communications and data storage.
- And, Debugging helps computer systems to operate smoothly.
As you can see above, a lot of technical knowledge and skills are required to become a Computer Engineer. So, if you are interested in learning more about how to build a computer from scratch, you may want to specialize in this field. Specialization will help you gain more knowledge and expertise, thus helping you land better, higher-paying jobs.
The benefit of specializing in this degree is that you get to create innovative technological solutions. For instance, AI tools were used to predict the spread of the coronavirus and map its genetic evolution, which helped to develop effective antibiotics and vaccines to control the spread of the virus. So you have a chance to make a positive impact on the world.
Reading all the benefits mentioned above may have given you a confidence boost to pursue a specialization in this field. It may be the right path for you if you are interested in and intrigued by new technologies.
Conclusion
This article has just touched the tip of the iceberg. There are many other specializations other than the ones mentioned here. All these specializations have one thing in common, they offer great job opportunities and pay well.
The most common skill required in almost all fields is having good problem-solving skills. It does not come as a surprise as most engineering is; about finding a problem and providing a solution that will make everyone’s lives easy. So, if you are looking for a career that will satisfy your need for excitement and still offer a stable job opportunity, specializing in these fields will help you advance your knowledge and your career.
Finding the right specialization for you can be a tedious task, but with the help of this article, you can find the one which will be the right fit for you. Choosing the path you are most passionate about will help you stay motivated.
Also read: 5 Habits That Prevent You from Becoming A Good Programmer
