1. Some Not-So-Random Thoughts On Engineering Studies & Careers
Jeff Staudinger, PE
Founder & Director
Engineers Dedicated to a Better Tomorrow

2. 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.”

3. 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)

4. 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.

5. Some Products of Engineering

6. 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”).

7. 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).

8. 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

9. 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)

10. How To Pick An Engineering Major
Using handout “A Brief Guide to Engineering Majors”:
Look at “Small 10” and “Medium 4” majors for a major(s) of interest to explore further. If none, go to step #2.
Look at “Big 4” majors:
Particular interest in either civil or computer? If yes, explore further. If no, then:
Look at electrical & mechanical.
Electrical & mechanical engineering:
“Safe” majors.
Many areas of specialization to choose from.

11. Undergrad Majors at SJSU (Fall 2006)
No. %
Electrical %
Mechanical %
Civil %
Computer %
Aerospace %
Chemical %
Industrial %
Biomedical %
Software %
Materials %
TOTAL %
82%
14% 4%

12. 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.

13. 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 activities
Manufacturing (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

14. 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)

15. Engineers in the “Real World” (cont.)
3-D Placement:
Academic Degree (electrical, mechanical, etc.)
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)
Job Function/Primary Work Area/Dept (R&D; design; production/ construction; O&M; sales)

16. “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

17. 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

18. Consider Your Career Choices: “A”

19. Consider Your Career Choices: “B”

20. That’s All Folks!