With more than a hundred types of engineering currently possible to get a degree in, deciding on a career path can be very difficult for you. But aside from your major, you might also want to know the potential growth of that specific area. After all, its oversaturation won’t be good for you in the long run.
Check out these 12 Types of Engineering Degrees!
So, we look at five engineering types and how you will fare if you major in them:
Types of Engineering #1 — Data Science & Machine Learning
We are seeing continuous growth in the field of software engineering. What’s more, there are no signs that show it will peter out either. More specifically, its branch called Data Science remains a popular field to aspirants.
Data Science
Data science involves the sifting of massive data and extracting meaningful information from it. The data are called big data and may count any of the following sectors as their sources:
- Finance
- E-commerce
- Medical
Besides being a part of software engineering, data science also straddles the field of statistics. Thus, you will gather said big data, then analyze and present it. Consequently, the end user can apply your findings to optimize their specific services. For instance, a clothing brand wants to determine which products they should manufacture during a specific time period. They can use the assistance of a data science engineer to determine which of the products sell best during which months. In the end, the information they get will go into creating targeted marketing campaigns for those specific months.
Machine Learning
If we subdivide many of the types of engineering into more specific fields, we arrive at specialized subtypes. For instance, Machine learning or ML is such a subset of data science. Its experts will predict based on the data they have from the past.
While a Bachelor’s degree will take you farther in the industry, it is not always necessary to begin a career in it. You can also take certain short courses to enhance your education. Even so, knowing coding and math is an essential requirement.
Outlook for 2020
The annual median pay for a data science engineer makes it in at $122,840. A positive growth rate of 16% is also foreseen.
Types of Engineering #2 — Electrical Engineering
As a member of this field, your overall job will be to design electrical systems and equipment, including computers and cell phones. But your daily responsibilities can revolve around testing those systems, resolving problems that crop up, checking their safety, and designing better equipment or systems.
A benefit that you will enjoy as an electrical engineer is an attractive salary. Another is a mostly flexible job. In addition to those, various industries will be happy to retain your services. On the other hand, unlike software engineers, you will be out of the office more frequently.
But as with many other types of engineering, you must enter this field with at least a bachelor’s degree. We’d suggest continuing on until you also have a master’s degree.
Expect the annual salary to be around $101,250.
Types of Engineering #3 — Virtual and Augmented Reality Engineering
The VR and AR fields have gained traction in recent years. It is also why tech firms like Google, Facebook, and Apple consider them top priorities. Simply put, when a visor or display can project new imagery as opposed to what you see with your naked eyes, you’re in the VR/AR territory.
Consider how many applications for VR/AR there are, from gaming to advertising. Since the demand for these twin types of engineering keeps on shooting up, the same goes for engineers who are skilled at VR/AR.
So, what is your outlook like if you gravitate towards the VR/AR field? You can expect earning $105,590 per year, based on experience and qualification. We’d mention that a bachelor’s is required even for entry level positions.
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Types of Engineering #4 – Mechanical Engineering
The popularity of mechanical engineering is increasing. BLS shows the average annual salary to be $88,430, and the growth rate is at 4%. As a mechanical engineer, you’ll be involved in the designing of thermal and mechanical sensors and devices. Even though the specifics can vary, it is likely that you will be doing that and testing devices, such as tools, engines, and machines.
Furthermore, if you’re seeking a managerial role, then you’ll be glad to know that mechanical engineers do get tasked with those too. In that capacity, you will supervise the above mentioned design and development process.
To become one, you’ll need to complete your bachelors in either mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology.
Types of Engineering #5 — Solar Photovoltaic Installation
This is a slight detour that we are taking from the usual types of engineering. But it is a necessary one considering the job will be future-proof. Think about how most countries are adopting cleaner ways of energy production. You can be a pioneer who guides them in such a transformation. Now, consider the falling prices of solar panels and the rest of the setup. As more and more businesses, as well as, people adopt this method of energy production, the demand for solar photovoltaic installers will rise too.
As a photovoltaic installer, your duties will involve the assemblage, installation, and maintenance of social panel setups. You can opt to work for private clients. But you can also do this on a commercial scale. The public opinion on solar panels is changing, and the number of spots for PV installers will become more than double by 2026. Soon, even the governments will hire these experts to work for them!
You might be earning 48000 a year if you become a PV installer. Having the NABCEP certification will give you much better opportunities.
If you’re thinking of switching career paths, get some valuable advice here: The Career Counseling You Need in the Time of COVID-19 and here: Are You on the Right Career Path? Ask Yourself These Key Questions. And, if you know which path to take, these 4 Recommendations for Successful Virtual Interviews, will increase the chances of success!