What is Engineering?

Introductions

What is engineering?

According to Webster’s Dictionary:

Engineering The application of

math and science by which the properties

of matter and the sources of energy in

nature are made useful

to people.

Engineers apply math and science for the betterment of society through:

Above all, engineers are problem solvers who make things work better, more efficiently, quicker and cheaper.

Salary Comparisons Career College (years) Average Salary* Hourly Rate Factor

(thousands)**Fast Food Cook 0 $18,230 $8.76/hr -

Cosmetologist 0 $27,070 $13.02/hr -

Auto Mechanic 0 $37,880 $18.21/hr -

Realtor 0 $53,100 $25.53/hr -

Reporter 4 $43,270 $20.80/hr 11

Physical Therapist 8 $76,220 $36.64/hr 9

Chemist 4 $72,740 $34.97/hr 22

Veterinarian 8 $90,110 $43.32/hr 11

Accountant 4 $67,430 $32.42/hr 16

Registered Nurse 4 $66,530 $31.99/hr 16

Pharmacist 6 $106,630 $51.27/hr 17

Computer Programmer 4 $74,690 $35.91/hr 18

Computer Engineer 4 $91,540 $44.01/hr 22

Mechanical Engineer 4 $80,580 $38.74/hr 20

Electrical Engineer 4 $86,250 $41.47/hr 21

Civil Engineer 4 $81,180 $39.03/hr 20

Chemical Engineer 4 $91,670 $44.07/hr 22

Petroleum Engineer 4 $119,960 $57.67/hr 30

Medical Doctor 10 $168,550 $81.03/hr 16

Lawyer 6 $129,020 $62.03/hr 21

Higher FactorIs Better!

*Average salaries from May 2009, Bureau of Labor Statistics Website **Factor is average salary / years of college

Earning Potential vs. Minimum Wage

Engineers have high earning potentials over the course of their career. Since 2000, engineering salaries have increased by ~35%.

15,00025,00035,00045,00055,00065,00075,00085,00095,000

105,000

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

B.S. (Engineering)M.S. (Engineering)Ph.D. (Engineering)HS (min. wage)

Years AFTER H.S. Graduation (based on 1998 salary data)

Engineering Disciplines

Major Disciplines Other Disciplines

• Mechanical• Electrical• Chemical

• Civil• Industrial

• Automotive• Aerospace• Agricultural• Biomedical• Computer

• Environmental• Materials• Nuclear• Robotics• Safety

Mechanical Engineering• Concerned with design, manufacture &

operation of a wide range of components, devices, or systems:

• microscopic parts (nanotechnology) to gigantic gears

• heating, ventilation, refrigeration• manufacturing equipment (tanks, motors, pumps)

• laser technology• biomedical applications• automotive industry• computer-aided design, automation, robotics

Broadest of all the engineering disciplines in its range of activities

Chemical Engineering

Applying chemistry to the solution of practical problems

•Gasoline• Plastic• Energy (natural gas, oil heating, coal)• Adhesives• Clothing• Building Materials

Electrical EngineeringPlay a role in almost everything weinteract with on a daily basis. Theydesign smaller, cheaper, and better:

• cell phones• computers• power systems• appliances• robots

Apply specialized skill to the design, manufacture, application, installation, and operation of electrical products and systems.

Civil Engineering• Create solutions to cope with:

• air quality issues• decaying cities, roadways and

bridges• clogged airports and highways• polluted streams, rivers and lakes

Design solutions to cope with many of our planet’s most serious problems.

Industrial Engineering• Design data processing

systems• Integrate activities of finance,

engineering and management• Develop systems for planning,

cost analysis, production andquality of products

Stresses design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems of people, material, and equipment for the effective

production of goods or services in all types of industries

Good Traits for Engineers• Enjoy solving problems• Like working with other people (strong teamwork skills)• Interested in serving human needs• Want to make things work better• Strive for continual improvement• Able to adapt to a changing environment• Good communication skills• Strong study skills• Desire to constantly learn new things• Data analysis skills • Strong computer skills

College Entrance RequirementsRequired

Algebra I & II Geometry

Trigonometry Calculus

Physics Chemistry

Computer Programming Social Studies

Foreign Languages Fine Arts/Humanities

Highly Recommended – Not RequiredAP Chemistry AP Physics

AP Calculus AP Biology

Any Advanced Placement classes really help prepare you for college and in most cases drastically help “lighten your load.”

College Advice

The next 2-3 years in high school and especially the following 4-8 years in college drastically impact the quality of your adult life!!!

Cooperative EducationTypically a five year program with alternating periods of book learning

(school) and application (work, typically in industry).

Year Fall Spring Summer1 School School School

2 Work Work Work

3 School School School

4 Work Work Work

5 School School School

Benefits of a Cooperative Education• Pay for your college education ($36,000/YR or more)• Gain valuable experience, real engineering work• Increase your market value at graduation (considerably)• Usually assures job offer from co-op company• Offers well deserved and beneficial break from school!

Summary