With so many types of engineering to choose
from, it can be a tedious task to narrow down which one is for you, given this
extensive field of study. An organised
approach will help you choose what suits best for you. To begin with, write
down what you’re passionate about, what do you spend your free time on? All
types of engineering include some form of problem-solving (and generally focus
on making life easier), but what engineering-related solution gives you the
most buzz? If you choose a subject you’re naturally interested in, you’ll find
it easier to stay motivated during your course, and stay involved with the
subject whilst pursuing an engineering career.
Here’s a rundown of the various branches of
engineering, to help you decide which one could be for you.
Chemical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Electrical engineering
Electronic engineering
Civil engineering
Other more specialist engineering degrees
include:
Aerospace engineering (making machines that
fly – covers aircraft and spacecraft)
Automotive engineering (deals with
ground-based vehicles)
Bioengineering (engineering in a medical
context to develop better medical technologies)
Communications/telecoms/network engineering
(covers communication networks for voice and data)
Mechatronics engineering (developing and
improving manufacturing processes)
Marine technology/naval architecture/ship
science (engineering for water vessels and offshore structures)
Computer systems engineering (covers computer
hardware and software and communication networks – related to computer science
and to electronics)
How your engineering degree discipline
influences your career
Taking a degree in a particular engineering
discipline will typically influence what jobs you can apply for after
university and the specialism you have in your career. However, some
engineering employers require all-rounders, whose skills and knowledge cross
engineering disciplines. These employers may take on graduates from lots of
different engineering disciplines and train them up together to be able to work
interchangeably on any aspect of a project. For example, if you're designing a
highly complex defence system or helping to troubleshoot engineering problems
on a manufacturing production line you are likely to need to understand
different areas of engineering and use your knowledge to solve problems and to
design solutions.
What's the best type of engineering degree
to keep your options open?
If you're not sure what type of engineering
you want to specialise in, General engineering degrees are a good bet as you
get to learn about a number of different disciplines. However, on some courses
you do need to make a decision and specialise eventually.
Alternatively, some engineering disciplines
leave more doors open than others. Mechanical engineering, for example, can
lead you into a very wide range of roles and industries. Electrical, electronic
and civil engineering also leave many doors open. Some degrees will lead you down a more
defined path like more specialist degrees such as aerospace, automotive or
bioengineering. Once you've decided which engineering discipline you want to
study, choosing the right university is the next step. Choose the university
that bridges the gap from classroom to the actual professional world.
We at Chandigarh University provide you a
wide range of engineering education in an environment that pursues excellence
and discovery. University Institute of Engineering (UIE), Chandigarh University
was ranked 16th among the Top Engineering Institutes of India by The Outlook
Magazine. Join Chandigarh University and emerge career ready by learning form
the best minds and develop a learning experience and a career of immense
quality.