Types of Engineers: Petroleum, Power, Electrical

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between various types of engineering, specifically petroleum, power, and electrical engineering. Participants explore the nature of these fields, potential career paths, and salary expectations, while also addressing personal experiences related to pursuing engineering education.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants describe petroleum engineers as working on large-scale organic chemistry applications, including fuel refinement and grease processes.
  • Others explain that power engineers focus on electric distribution projects and heavy-duty controls, noting that power engineering is a subset of electrical engineering.
  • Salary expectations vary, with entry-level salaries mentioned as ranging from US$30k to US$50k, while senior engineers might earn US$100k to US$120k or more, depending on various factors.
  • A participant expresses a desire to transition from physics to engineering studies in Australia, questioning the feasibility of this path.
  • Another participant shares personal experience, suggesting that time and financial resources are necessary for pursuing further education, and emphasizes the importance of having a clear career direction.
  • One participant reflects on their past failure in engineering and current success in physics, expressing uncertainty about returning to engineering and fear of failure.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of engineering fields and personal experiences related to education and career choices. There is no consensus on the best path forward for those uncertain about their future in engineering.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the variability in salary based on location and individual skills, as well as the subjective nature of personal experiences and career aspirations. The discussion does not resolve the complexities of transitioning from physics to engineering or the emotional challenges faced by participants.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career in engineering, students in physics contemplating further studies, and those interested in understanding the distinctions between different engineering disciplines may find this discussion relevant.

queenstudy
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types of engineer??

what is the difference between petroleum engineer , power enginner and electrical engineer ?
does anyone have any details about how much one gets payed?? thank you
 
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Petroleum engineers work on organic chemistry on a large scale. Examples might include those who design grease processes, refine fuels for various applications, and so on...

Power engineers work on large scale electric distribution projects from the generator facilities through the substations, and design heavy duty controls for large motors and the like.

Power engineering is a subset of Electrical Engineering, which can include RF design, computer hardware design, switching power supply design, and so on.

As for what they get paid, that depends upon where you are in the world, and what skills you bring to the job. An entry level salary is typically anywhere from US$30k to US$50k. A senior engineer can make US$100k - US$120k and up, depending on what they do.

But, again, that's where salaries are TODAY. In general, demand for engineers has been steady. But in this global economy, who knows what could happen. My career goes back over 25 years; and while I can't say I'm wealthy, I make a comfortable middle class living.

If you love this stuff, you probably won't starve. If you don't like it, well, you won't be happy.
 


you see i love engineer but now I am in my third year in physics and i want to continue my studies by becoming an engineer in australia is it possible
 


All you need is the time and money to pursue it. I have a good friend who, after receiving his degree in Physics, got a degree in Electrical Engineering, and then went on to study several foreign languages.

But, despite what academics will tell you, education is not an end in itself. You need to have some idea of what you want to do with your education. Think about where you'd like to be when you graduate. Sometimes it helps to go to work for a few years and see what you like and what you don't.

We have this expectation when people go to school that magically they'll somehow know what they want to be when they grow up. The reality is that most people do not even have a clue what they really would enjoy doing, nor do they have the slightest concept of what the work-force is like.

Take some time to work at something you might enjoy. Perhaps you might want to attend school at night while you work during the day. It is not an easy path to take, but you do get a huge return on your education investment because you have hard experience to apply to your class learning.

Good Luck!
 


you see i always wanted to be an engineer but i failed when i entered the faculty of engineer now I am the first in my calss in physics because of the experience of my failure in engineer I am so lost i don't know what do i like i really don't I am really afraid of failing again if i get back to engineer any thoughts
 

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