College might not seem like it’s as effective as it once was in terms of a student graduating and finding a guaranteed job, but a person often has to pursue many degrees to enter a certain profession.
Engineering, in most cases, is one of those professions. You can’t just become an electrical engineer without the proper education, training, skills, etc.
Many engineer students, especially ones on the verge of graduating, are likely wondering what the best engineering fields to enter after graduation are. Areas like salary and job prospects tend to come to mind when contemplating this issue.
Here are some of the best engineering fields to enter after graduation.
Biomedical engineering
Median salary: $88,550 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job outlook: Projected to grow 7 percent from 2016 to 2026 (source: BLS)
A biomedical engineer career combines engineering and medicine/biological sciences to develop new technology for the health care industry. This typically means a biomedical engineer is knowledgeable in engineering as well as medicine and biological sciences, which can open the door for more jobs as these professionals are knowledgeable and skilled in more than one industry.
Civil engineering
Median salary: $86,640 per year (source: BLS)
Job outlook: Projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026 (source: BLS)
Civil engineers specialize in operation, supervision, design, and the maintenance of construction projects and systems, which could include projects on roads, buildings, airports, and so on, in the public or private sector.
Electrical engineering
Median salary: $99,070 per year (source: BLS)
Job outlook: Projected to grow 7 percent from 2016 to 2026 (source: BLS)
Electrical engineers design, develop, and test the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as navigation systems.
Environmental engineering
Median salary: $87,620 per year (source: BLS)
Job outlook: Projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026 (source: BLS)
Environmental engineers use their skills, education, and training to develop solutions relating to environmental problems. With many environmental issues making it to the mainstream media and crucial concerns arising, this is a profession that’s in high demand.
Mechanical engineering
Median salary: $87,370 per year (source: BLS)
Job outlook: Projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026 (source: BLS)
Similar to other engineering fields, mechanical engineers design, build and test, but their area of expertise lies in thermal and mechanical devices, such as engines and machines.
Petroleum engineering
Median salary: $137,170 per year (source: BLS)
Job outlook: Projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 (source: BLS)
Petroleum engineers focus on extracting oil and gas from deposits beneath the ground. As a result, this is one of the most lucrative engineering fields available and is also growing.
Finding work
Finding a job isn’t easy, no matter what you receive your education in, but helpful services are available. For example, engineering temporary agencies can help engineers find projects to work on. These types of agencies can put you into contact with numerous companies and can also help you find a job that’s the right fit and meets your likes and interests. Now more than ever, there are many resources for professionals, such as engineers, to find jobs and careers.
There are other engineering fields graduates can choose from, and while the fields above are thriving now and are even expected to grow, you have many options. It depends on the company you want to work for, the type of work you want to do, and other factors. If you’re a top professional in your field, your job prospects will also look even better and companies will be willing to pay you a higher salary.
Engineering graduates should be in good hands.
