Which engineering field is in high demand?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the demand for various engineering fields, particularly Electrical Engineering (EE). Participants assert that there is a strong job market for electrical and computer engineers, especially in regions like Silicon Valley. Mechanical and chemical engineering are also highlighted as fields with high demand and lucrative starting salaries. The consensus is that pursuing a field of personal interest is crucial, as many engineering degrees offer versatile career options across industries.

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  • Understanding of engineering disciplines such as Electrical, Mechanical, and Chemical Engineering.
  • Familiarity with job market trends and entry-level opportunities in engineering.
  • Knowledge of industry-specific companies like Intel, GE, and Raytheon.
  • Awareness of the impact of geographic location on engineering job markets.
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  • Research the job market for Electrical Engineering in your geographic area.
  • Explore rotational programs offered by major engineering firms like Intel and GE.
  • Investigate the long-term demand trends for Electrical Engineering roles.
  • Learn about the versatility of engineering degrees in fields such as management and finance.
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High school students considering engineering majors, aspiring engineers evaluating career paths, and individuals interested in understanding job market dynamics in the engineering sector.

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I need to make my choice soon on which engineering course I want to apply for. Civil is out of the question because my scholarship doesn't allow Civil and I don't know why. I wanted to choose Electrical/Electronics but I've been hearing people saying there's no market for it and after learning about electromagnetism and circuits, I don't quite fancy the topics. I did some research and so far not so helpful. I'm hopeful someone would enlighten me. Thank you.
 
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melissa97 said:
I need to make my choice soon on which engineering course I want to apply for. Civil is out of the question because my scholarship doesn't allow Civil and I don't know why. I wanted to choose Electrical/Electronics but I've been hearing people saying there's no market for it and after learning about electromagnetism and circuits, I don't quite fancy the topics. I did some research and so far not so helpful. I'm hopeful someone would enlighten me. Thank you.

Hi Melissa. You may want to check out http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm. Many types of engineers are in demand, and you will probably be best served by pursuing whatever field you are more interested in or passionate about. Mechanical engineering is probably the most generic and will open doors in aerospace and automotive industries (among others). Chemical engineering is very specific but starting salaries are highest for chemical engineers. There are also a variety of careers that require any engineering degree and don't care what particular flavor it is.

You may want to investigate the entry level job options in engineering. There are many rotational programs at larger companies such as Intel, GE, Raytheon, etc, that give engineers exposure to a variety of roles early on. Check out the requirements for those programs at companies you may be interested in working for.

With an engineering degree you will also have options in industries such as management and finance. You may or may not want to broaden your search and check out what other industries are looking for in candidates as well.
 
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melissa97, I'm an electrical engineer, and work in Silicon Valley in California. There is a tremendous market for electrical and computer engineers, at least out here. I don't know what the job market is like in your preferred geographic area, but I think you've heard wrong about the general market for EEs.

- Warren
 
chroot said:
melissa97, I'm an electrical engineer, and work in Silicon Valley in California. There is a tremendous market for electrical and computer engineers, at least out here. I don't know what the job market is like in your preferred geographic area, but I think you've heard wrong about the general market for EEs.

- Warren

Its pretty much the same story in australia. Engineers get snapped up very very quickly because a lot of people don't pick engineering here.
 
chroot said:
melissa97, I'm an electrical engineer, and work in Silicon Valley in California. There is a tremendous market for electrical and computer engineers, at least out here. I don't know what the job market is like in your preferred geographic area, but I think you've heard wrong about the general market for EEs.

- Warren

Do you know if the demand would be decreasing anytime soon? How about 5-6 years from now?
 
thrill3rnit3 said:
Do you know if the demand would be decreasing anytime soon? How about 5-6 years from now?

EE is one of the most widely applicable disciplines. Almost every product made today involves some amount of electrical engineering. I can't imagine any catalyst in the next 5-6 years that would reduce demand for such products. I personally do not see any reason to expect a decrease in demand for EEs in my lifetime.

By the way, EE (and Silicon Valley in general) has shown enormous resistance to the global recession. In my opinion, this speaks very highly of the industry and its security.

- Warren
 
I could possibly see an increase in demand. The difference between electronics and other goods is that electronics are moving forward so fast and companies like this because that means more sales for each generation of product/electronic. It is kind of neat.

I don't know I'm still in high school,but I know a thing or two about electronics. I could be wrong, but it is a solid point. Eventually the novelty of new electronics will level out, but we are still a ways off from that.
 
chroot said:
EE is one of the most widely applicable disciplines. Almost every product made today involves some amount of electrical engineering. I can't imagine any catalyst in the next 5-6 years that would reduce demand for such products. I personally do not see any reason to expect a decrease in demand for EEs in my lifetime.

By the way, EE (and Silicon Valley in general) has shown enormous resistance to the global recession. In my opinion, this speaks very highly of the industry and its security.

- Warren

Do you know if applied mathematicians are being hired in silicon valley? I think that's what I'm going to pursue when I get to college.
 
Silicon Valley will probably continually expand into the future. However, Eventually a lot of the work will start to spread out around the USA. Then it won't just be Silicon Valley it will be the Silicon Nation :P
 
  • #10
^ Silicon India is more like it than Silicon USA, don't you think?
 
  • #11
avant-garde said:
^ Silicon India is more like it than Silicon USA, don't you think?

True... I am just being optimistic ;)
 
  • #12
Well, as an 18 year old applying to colleges and thinking about majors, I wouldn't place too much weight on that opinion lol
 
  • #13
melissa97 said:
I need to make my choice soon on which engineering course I want to apply for. Civil is out of the question because my scholarship doesn't allow Civil and I don't know why. I wanted to choose Electrical/Electronics but I've been hearing people saying there's no market for it and after learning about electromagnetism and circuits, I don't quite fancy the topics. I did some research and so far not so helpful. I'm hopeful someone would enlighten me. Thank you.

blackffff
 

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