Engineering Career Community
Engineering is the creative application of science, mathematical methods, and empire evidence to the innovation, design, construction, optimization, and maintenance of structures, machines, materials, devices, systems, processes, and organizations. The discipline of engineering encompasses a broad range of more specialized fields such as Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, Mechanical and Biomedical engineering. The industry also incorporates career paths in defense, design, supply chain and manufacturing.
Jack Voorhees does a good job breaking down the factors that make a good engineer. Watch this video to see if you have what it takes to be an engineer—from college to career.
Engineering Expectations provides a list of technical and soft skills that are important for engineers.
Technical Skills:
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Use of lab equipment
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Statistics
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Data analysis
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Analytical or CAD software (Minitab, SolidWorks, MATLAB, Excel)
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Part, Process, and Product design
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Root cause analysis
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Test method development
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Technical writing
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Ability to read and create technical drawings
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Analytical skills
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Ability to create specifications, BOMs (bill of materials), and drawings
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Mechanical Aptitude
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Job specific:
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Understanding of specific processes (i.e. extrusion, metal working, injection molding)
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Certain types of analysis (i.e. structural, dynamic, fluid)
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Understanding of how specific products work (anything from medical device to automobiles)
Soft Skills:
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Leadership
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Time management
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Ability to prioritize tasks and multitask
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Oral and written communication
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Attention to detail
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Organization
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Resourcefulness
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Decision making
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Negotiating
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Influence
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Ability to work independently and with a team
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Problem solving
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Understanding the processes of the company to get things done
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Presentation skills
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Perseverance
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Ability to give and receive feedback
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Attitude (enthusiasm, commitment, and motivation)
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Ability to justify and defend your logic
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Career Profiles does a great job showcasing a range of jobs across multiple engineering sectors such as Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial and Mechanical.
UMass Student Organizations and Professional Organizations
Many engineering careers require certifications such as Six Sigma, LEED, Project Management, or Professional Engineer (PE). Others require specific knowledge such as AutoCad, Solidworks, or Javascript. LinkedIn Learning provides access to many courses to help you fill these technical gaps.
In addition to Handshake, these are some of our favorite engineering job boards: