Life of an Engineer

Engineers are people who solve problems and focus on making things work more efficiently and effectively. Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to research and develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between perceived social needs and commercial applications.

Engineers design products, machinery to build those products, plants in which those products are made, and the systems that ensure the quality of the products and the efficiency of the workforce and manufacturing process. Engineers design, plan, and supervise the construction of buildings, highways, and transit systems. They develop and implement improved ways to extract, process, and use raw materials, such as petroleum and natural gas. They develop new materials that both improve the performance of products and take advantage of advances in technology. They harness the power of the sun, the Earth, atoms, and electricity for use in supplying the Nation's power needs, and create millions of products using power. They analyze the impact of the products they develop or the systems they design on the environment and on people using them. Engineering knowledge is applied to improving many things, including the quality of healthcare, the safety of food products, and the operation of financial systems.

The links below offer insights into the experiences of several individuals.

Meet Practicing Engineers

Meet Engineering Students

Engineers Under the Microscope

IEEE Spark Profiles

(Profiles of professional engineers and engineering students on TryEngineering are provided by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.)

Engineers Under the Microscope profiles were provided by Under the Microscope (www.underthemicroscope.com).