US News and World Report named being an engineer one of 2008’s best jobs:
If youre an inveterate tinkerer, with enough math and science ability to survive a five-to-six-year bachelors degree, engineering could be your calling. Turnover is very low, although twice as many women as men leave the profession. And theres strong demand for engineers, who are among the highest-paid bachelors-level professionals.
Taking their points in order:
- It’s certainly a good career for math and science types, though the majority of bachelor’s programs are still four years unless you do an extensive internship or co-op. And at today’s tuition rates, there’s certainly motivation to finish on time and on budget, which is also good future career training!
- There are a dearth of women in engineering, particularly the hard-core technical specialities, which doesn’t seem to lure many more. If you want a more balanced work environment, you have to find a company whose other jobs do attract women.
- Demand and pay are quite good for a job without an advanced degree and the associated debt and time. It’s done well for me, particularly once I got past some the initial post graduation debt of school and car loans.
Overall, I’m inclined to agree with their assessment: if you’re into tinkering with hardware and software, there are plenty of opportunities for engineers in the world today.
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