How To Become an Engineer
What Is an Engineer?
An engineer is a professional problem solver who applies scientific and mathematical principles to the design, development and construction of structures and systems. Engineers work across a wide range of industries, developing blueprints for new applications and systems or identifying improvements for existing ones.
There are a number of different types of engineers. Some of the most common subfields of engineering include:1
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Industrial engineering
- Aerospace engineering
- Biomechanical engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Computer engineering
What Does an Engineer Do?
Engineers are charged with solving problems and improving the quality of life for society by applying scientific and mathematical principles. An engineer might work on everything from renewable energy technology that helps mitigate climate change to prosthetic legs to give amputees the opportunity to walk again. The specific tasks an engineer may do depend on their subfield and the project they’re working on. In general, they may do the following:3
No two days are the same for an engineer, as they may work on a variety of projects — everything from designing household products to troubleshooting problems in aircraft and spacecraft. An engineer uses critical thinking, analytical reasoning and creativity to develop solutions to problems.
Once you know more about how to become an engineer, you may find it easier to determine if this career path could be right for you. Becoming an engineer generally involves the following steps:
If you’re still in high school, consider speaking to your school counselor about your career aspirations. It’s ideal to take plenty of courses in mathematics and sciences in your journey toward becoming an engineer, including chemistry, physics, trigonometry and calculus. Courses in computer programming and mechanical drafting may also be helpful. If you’re interested in biomedical engineering specifically, consider taking biological science classes.4
Engineers are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering. They may choose to earn an engineering degree that offers a specialization in their chosen subfield, such as mechanical engineering.5
Although a bachelor’s degree is generally a requirement to become an engineer, you may wish to pursue one or more undergraduate certificates along with your degree.5 Look for certificates that may complement your chosen specialization.
Internships may help future engineers prepare to confidently enter the workforce after graduation.5 Consider looking for internship opportunities while earning a bachelor’s degree. Career Services at Grand Canyon University can provide you with resources, professional knowledge and support to help you transition from academics into your chosen career field.
There are a number of entry-level roles you might pursue after graduating with a bachelor’s in engineering. For example, you may apply for jobs as a junior engineer, field engineer, quality engineer or sales engineer.6
Licensure is not typically required of entry-level engineers, with the major exception being civil engineering, where entry-level positions generally require an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification. Students enrolled may qualify to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which enables you to be an engineer-in-training (EIT). After gaining the necessary work experience, EITs may then qualify to take the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. A passing score on the PE exam qualifies engineers to obtain an engineering license — this is the case for Arizona — but there may be other requirements necessary in other states.5
Now that you’re familiar with the process of how to be an engineer, you can begin preparing to make your mark on one of any number of engineering subfields. The first step is to focus on your education.
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Best Degrees for Engineering
It’s possible to earn a general bachelor’s degree in engineering that doesn’t include a concentration in an engineering subfield. However, it may be ideal to determine which engineering subfield appeals to you most, and then to earn a degree with a concentration in that area. This allows opportunities to develop specialized knowledge in your chosen subfield.
As part of our engineering programs, you will engage in a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on projects through practical problem-solving and experiential learning activities. You can expect to be challenged to develop innovative designs that demonstrate what you’ve been taught.
Engineering degree programs are designed to teach technical skills, such as computer-aided design, as well as soft skills like critical thinking, analytical reasoning and problem-solving. By working through a comprehensive curriculum that blends instruction with experiential activities, you can prepare to pursue a career in the engineering field.
In your journey toward becoming an engineer, you may want to consider any of the following degree programs:
Bachelor’s Programs
Master’s Programs
Other Programs
Although specific skills can vary depending on the engineering specialization, many skills are applicable to many subfields. Engineers need strong technical skills, of course, but transferable soft skills are also helpful. The skills that can benefit an engineering professional include:4,5
- Analytical reasoning
- Problem-solving
- Strong communication
- Creativity and innovation
- Mathematics proficiency
- Mechanical competency
Median Annual Wage
Salary expectations can vary depending on a number of factors, including years of experience, additional certifications and licensure status, as well as the employer. In addition, the median annual wage for engineers can vary depending on their subfield. According to the BLS, mechanical engineers have a median annual wage of $99,510 as of May 2023.7
Projected Job Growth
The specific job growth rate for engineers varies depending on their subfield. In mechanical engineering, the job growth rate is much faster than average, according to the BLS. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for mechanical engineers to be 11% from 2023 to 2033, indicating that about 32,100 new jobs are estimated to open in the subfield.8
Where Do Engineers Work?
A variety of industries and companies rely on the work of skilled engineers. These include:9,10
Advancement Opportunities for Engineers
After gaining some work experience, an engineer may qualify to earn their PE license, thereby providing a pathway to position themselves for potential career advancement. An experienced engineer may eventually become a manager or administrator. In addition, it's important to note that while many four-year colleges and universities require a doctorate for teaching at that level, there are alternative paths. For instance, individuals can opt to earn a graduate degree in engineering, which may open doors to pursue research and development programs or to apply for a faculty position within an engineering department at a university.5
Apply now to Grand Canyon University’s engineering programs and start shaping the future with innovative solutions.
1 Carlson, D. (2024, July 5). What Do Engineers Do? Specialties, Roles and Duties. Indeed. Retrieved Nov. 19, 2024.
2 Smith, R. J. (2024, Oct. 13). Engineering. Britannica. Retrieved Nov. 19, 2024.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). What Mechanical Engineers Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 19, 2024.
4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How To Become a Bioengineer or Biomedical Engineer. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 19, 2024.
5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How To Become a Mechanical Engineer. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 19, 2024.
6 Indeed. (2024, April 18). 14 Entry-Level Engineering Jobs (With Duties and Salaries). Retrieved Nov. 19, 2024.
7 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Mechanical Engineers as of Aug. 29 2024, retrieved on Nov. 19, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as mechanical engineers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
8 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Mechanical Engineers, retrieved on Nov. 19, 2024.
9 Indeed. (2023, July 31). 14 Types of Engineering Careers to explore (with Salaries). Indeed. Retrieved on March 23, 2024.
10 Indeed. (2024, April 18). 14 Entry-Level Engineering Jobs (With Duties and Salaries). Retrieved Nov. 19, 2024.