A career in Engineering is extremely fulfilling and gives you an opportunity to use your mathematical skills to shape the world around you. The breadth of engineering is huge; from mechanical engineering to aeronautical engineering, from civil engineering to electrical engineering, there are so many options, in so many industries.
Role:
As an engineer you will use your knowledge of mathematics and physics to solve real physical problems. Some companies will hire maths graduates, or gradates with highly numerate degrees, straight out of university; however, many firms will ask that you have completed an engineering conversion MSc in the relevant field of study. These MScs, as described in the postgraduate section of this site, are year long, intensive, taught courses that are the first step towards becoming chartered.
Skills required:
- Strong mathematical and problem solving skills
- Communication and team work skills
- Commercial awareness
- Passion for your relevant field of engineering
Advantages:
- Engineering gives you a chance to apply your highly numerate skills to real world, physical problems.
- A huge diversity of engineering paths available.
- Engineers work in innovative and often ground-breaking areas, shaping the future of the world.
- Management opportunities exist within the engineering sector.
- There is, and will continue to be, a huge push for ‘green’ engineering solutions, providing opportunities especially in the environmental engineering sector.
Things to consider:
- You may have to complete an MSc conversion course to be qualified enough for many employers; this will take time and money.
- It can take several years to become chartered.
- Ideally you want to have some experience of applied mathematics/physics, whether in your degree directly or at A-Level.
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