Engineering and fabrication
What type of engineering would provide the most opportunity to help the environment?
I'm a senior in high school and I'm trying to decide on which type of engineer I want to go to school for. Thank you for your help. And if you say environmental engineering please explain why because as far as I know that type seems to mostly deal with sewage.
Public Comments
- hey same!!! i thought environmental engineering was cool until they started talking about water treatment and stuff... in the end i just chose chemical engineering :) because theres alot of specializations available, including environmental.
- I am a civil engineer and work part time with both civil and environmental engineers.
An environmental engineer does a lot more than just designing sewerage systems. In fact, the environmental engineer I know has been working on the following projects:
- environmental impact assessment of road widening project, during which she identified three rare and protected species of plants. This meant that the road had to be diverted away from those plants. It also meant that she developed an identification poster for the workers on site so that they knew exactly what to avoid. She also worked with them to place barriers around the work area to protect the plants and supervised the construction to ensure that those plants were not disturbed.
- modeling storm water run off for the city
- modeling water distribution for the city
- conducting hazardous waste management studies for new development proposals
- examining every proposed construction or development project for potential impact on the environment.
So you see, environmental engineering is much broader than just about waste management.
You need to do some more and wider research into this career and determine where your interests lie and which specialization would suit your interests best, before you dump it as a career. The world needs more environmental engineers.
Hope this helps.
- Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics in researching and developing solutions to technical problems. To become an engineer one must earn a bachelor's degree in engineering. Some jobs are available for those who have earned a bachelor's degree in physical science or mathematics. Engineers who offer their services directly to the public must be licensed. Median earnings for engineers ranged from $66,030 to $98,380 in 2006 depending on their specialty and educational degree earned.*
Engineering technicians often assist engineers and scientists, using science, engineering and mathematical principles to solve technical problems in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection, and maintenance. The work of engineering technicians is more application oriented and more limited in scope than that of engineers. To become an engineering technician one must generally earn an associate degree in engineering technology. Certification, which is offered by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, is voluntary and involves a written exam, work experience, a supervisory evaluation and a recommendation. Median annual salaries for engineering technicians ranged from $40,560 to $53,300 in 2006 depending on one's specialty.*
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
**Engineers**
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm#outlook
high lights
Projections data from the National Employment Matrix
Change, Number Percent 2006-16
total Engineers 160,000 11%
Biomedical engineers 3,000 21%
Civil engineers 46,000 18 %
Environmental engineers 14,000 25%
Industrial engineers 41,000 20%
In 2006, engineers held about 1.5 million jobs. The distribution of employment by engineering specialty follows:
Employment
In 2006, engineers held about 1.5 million jobs. The distribution of employment by engineering specialty follows:
Civil engineers 256,000
Mechanical engineers 227,000
Industrial engineers 201,000
Electrical engineers 153,000
Electronics engineers, except computer 138,000
Aerospace engineers 90,000
Computer hardware engineers 79,000
Environmental engineers 54,000
Chemical engineers 30,000
Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors 25,000
Materials engineers 22,000
Petroleum engineers 17,000
Nuclear engineers 15,000
Biomedical engineers 14,000
Marine engineers and naval architects 9,200
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers 7,100
Agricultural engineers 3,100
All other engineers 170,000
Engineering Technicians
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos112.htm
