Choosing a job in engineering can have its advantages and disadvantages, and many job candidates may not necessarily think about the negative aspects of this position when they’re eager to begin their careers. Still, it’s always a good idea to consider the pros and cons of being an engineer before entering this intense yet fulfilling line of work.
Here we will discuss some of the positives—along with the challenges—of being an engineer, and what you should consider as you step into this new and exciting position.
5 Pros of Being an Engineer
There are several advantages of being an engineer, and most people in this field enjoy many aspects of the job, leading to a lasting and fulfilling career. The pros of being an engineer can include any of the following:
1. Decent Salary
Most engineers make a decent salary that will only grow the longer they remain in this career field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average median salary for an engineer was $79,840 as of May 2021. However, this number can fluctuate depending on the engineering industry or specialty in which you work. For example, Aerospace Engineers can make as much as $122,270 per year, while Civil Engineers may make $88,050 annually.
Compared to other career fields, the income level of an engineer is relatively high, making this a huge advantage for this line of work. And, as you gain more education and experience, your salary will likely increase over time.
Other factors can affect your salary as an engineer, as well. For example, engineers working in hazardous or dangerous environments may make more money. Additionally, your salary may change depending on the company you work for.
Because this field of work can offer a wide salary range, it’s best to be educated on the median salary for the engineering industry or specialty in which you would like to work. While a company may not directly tell you your projected salary range during a job interview, you will have a better idea of where your income level may be if you land the position.
2. Good Job Prospects
Finding the right engineering position for you can be challenging. Working with an engineering recruiting agency is a great way to explore the career options and job prospects available to you, since it allows you to work one-on-one with a recruiter. The recruiter will help you find the right position that fits your expectations, skill level, and personal needs.
Additionally, the engineering field is constantly changing and evolving. New specialties rise up all the time, and the need for experienced engineering candidates continues to grow. For college graduates trying to land an entry-level engineering position, there are likely many job prospects to consider.
3. Many Specialties to Choose From
The list of engineering industries is endless, but there are typically fast-growing industries that remain relatively popular among engineering job candidates. These may include:
- Civil
- Mechanical
- Biomedical
- Aerospace
- Electrical
- Environmental
- Chemical
With the possibility of so many industry options to choose from, you have more flexibility as an engineer to choose a job you are passionate about and have the knowledge and experience to succeed.
4. Work Environments Can Vary
Many people may be under the assumption that an engineering position requires you to sit in an office all day. While there are jobs in this field that require you to be on a computer for long periods of time, there are also many specialties that have varying work environments depending on the project.
Engineers work closely with people in other industries, like manufacturing or architecture. Because of this, you may end up working in other locations, such as on an outdoor job site. Changing your environment keeps the job interesting and prevents you from being stuck inside all day doing monotonous tasks.
5. Transferrable Skills and Experience
Working as an engineer can give you life skills you can take with you going forward in your career. Not only will you learn the technical side of your job, but you may also gain skills and experience in leadership, problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and more.
These skills may not only apply to your job; they can also be transferred to real-life tasks, like remodeling a home or becoming the leader of a group of people.
4 Cons of Being an Engineer
There are many disadvantages of being an engineer, as well. While these negatives aren’t meant to make or break your decision to become an engineer, they should be considered as you enter into this career field.
1. Long Hours
Between large workloads and quick deadlines, engineers tend to work long hours. To effectively meet the expectations of the company, you may have to work late nights or even weekends.
The number of hours you work will depend on your position, assigned projects, the company you work for, and many other factors. Overall, you will likely have to work outside normal hours at some point or another to meet project deadlines—especially if projects require a team effort or become extremely complex.
If you’re feeling discouraged by the possibility of working long hours as an engineer, consider the additional industry knowledge and experience you will gain from more hours on the job. Working long hours can also foster effective time management skills as you create a work schedule to meet each deadline.
2. Degrees Are Expensive and Challenging
It takes hard work to land a position in engineering. If you’re expecting to receive a larger salary and perform well in your position, you have to take initiative in doing the prep work first.
Engineering degrees tend to have harsh curriculum and can be incredibly challenging for college students. They can also be expensive, especially if your engineering specialty requires a longer amount of time spent in school.
The industry norm is to have at least a bachelor’s degree, but many engineers also achieve a master’s or doctorate before entering the engineering job market. Obtaining these degrees can take a lot of time and money, but it will also ensure that you’re entering the career field with the knowledge you need to succeed.
And, with a higher skill set, you can work in a position that receives a higher income amount, allowing you to cover the costs of going to school.
3. Competitive Career Field
The engineering field is incredibly competitive. In fact, many engineering recruiters struggle to find top engineering candidates because the competition between qualified job seekers is so high.
If you’re looking to pursue a job in engineering, you’ll have to showcase your experience and talents in a unique way to impress recruiters and hiring managers. One way to do this is by acquiring additional education and certifications to advance your skills and deepen your knowledge, thereby making your resume more unique and allowing you to stand out from the competition.
Engineering is a competitive career field, but it’s still possible to land a great position if you know how to stick out from the crowd.
4. Continuous Education and Certification
The world of engineering is always changing and developing, causing many engineers to continually develop their knowledge. This may require additional education, such as pursuing a higher degree level through university courses or obtaining certain certifications on the latest technology in the industry.
Having to pursue continuous education can be both time- and money-consuming. However, succeeding in an engineering role will require you to continuously learn about new trends—no matter what level you are in your career.
If you’re considering a career in engineering, but you’re worried about the negative aspects of the job, reach out to our team at Austin Nichols Technical Search. Not only can we find the right engineering job for you, but we can also offer some insight into the challenges of the engineering field. Contact us today at 816-471-5575.
