subject: Engineers Are In Demand Due To Technology Explosion! [print this page] The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines engineers as the personnel who apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs. In other words, a crew of engineers was the bridge between what used to be a gimmick on Star Trek, like the communicator, and is now called the cell phone. A science degree is a step toward embracing an exciting future.
Engineering is currently undergoing a severe shortage for a number of its specialties. It was one of the key reasons the Federal government and the National Science Foundation created the S-STEM financial aid program. It was hoped, during the last Bush administration, this money would counter the "brain drain" for areas such as electrical and computer engineering. If you need more information about online degree grant, look on the internet.
In 2005, the Bureau states there are 1.6 million engineers in the U.S. The largest chunk, 278,000, is civil engineers, followed by mechanical (238,000) and electrical (214,000). In all, the BLS lists 18 different types, including a catch-all "other" group. Overall engineering employment is expected to grow by 11 percent over the 2008-18 decade, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Admittedly, there are certain engineering specialties where there are currently a few too many, such as mechanical or manufacturing, yet the numbers are below the national average. Currently, they have an 8% unemployment rate. Countering this, Microsoft's Bill Gates went on record that the computer industry is suffering a severe shortage of experienced electrical and computer engineers, and the company is putting up scholarship money to create more.
Another reason why certain prospects will be excellent in certain specialties is (in addition to openings from job growth) many baby boomers are starting to consider retirement. Openings are being created need to replace retirees; transfer to management, sales, or leave engineering for other reasons. This is forcing a number of companies to look for personnel outside of the U.S. boundaries. There is an abundance of information about grant for online college on the web.
What's also important is that those in the engineering profession stay current with their specialty. Innovations come at a rate that can cause future shock. An engineer who isn't constantly taking online college courses and seminars soon finds themselves falling behind the pack. Quite simply, a Bachelor degree isn't enough anymore. A good engineer usually can find a way to work-study with an online college towards a Masters and even a PhD.
The BLS states the median salary for engineers of all stripes is about $81,000. Their employment packages also include educational financial aid, medical/health insurance, and all manner of financial incentives. The rewards are certainly worth it. The bottom level agricultural and marine engineer earns a minimum of $43,000+ while the top end engineers, such as petroleum, moves towards $150,000.
