Together with the current downturn in the market many engineers have lost their jobs or worried that they possibly losing their job shortly. Budget constraints both in the public and private industry are forcing to think of how secure the jobs are. But as all of us know this recession won’t last forever. The question is what engineering will benefit from the revived economy and which ones aren’t faring so well?
There’s absolutely no actual crystal ball, but there are definite indicators that each and every engineer should be aware of and make preparations accordingly. Engineers will have to continue their education to stay up with the latest technology to provide their customers with the best solutions. The majority of the State Licensing Boards need Professional Engineers to renew their professional licenses occasionally with a minimum number of continuing education units. These components are often Professional Development Hours (PDH) or Continuing Education Units (CEU).
1 PDH is equal to one hour of course education, and one CEU is equal to ten PDH or ten hours of course education. Some may discover that their profession isn’t growing or trailing behind might have to change professions or strength their technical understanding. Among the greatest indicators of upcoming markets would be to understand what the baby boomer generation needs and wants.
The baby boomers, the people born between 1945 and 1964, are now approaching retirement age. Many will be retiring and will need some medical and health support. They’ll also want medication to seem young as long as you possibly can. Obviously fields that support this business is going to do very well. The most likely profession to gain is Biomedical Engineers.
They are essential to enhance new medical devices and equipment. Moreover, new facilities will be required for the aging population. Independent Living Facilities and mature communities increases in demand. This will surely enhance prospects for Civil and Mechanical Engineers.
Another area that will continue to have a high demand for engineers is the environmental areas, including fresh green products, renewable energy, water sources, and waste-water administration. The United States will continue to promote renewable energy including solar panels and wind power with government grants and other kinds of funding. These projects will generate a lot of jobs for many diverse professions.
As the population continues to expand a greater demand will be placed on home and our water sources and waste-water management. These increased requirements will increase jobs for Electrical, Mechanical, Civil and Environmental Engineers. Because of the growing population and aging facilities, the authorities will also have to expand and improve the nation’s infrastructure.
Roads, bridges, dams, railways, airports, and utilities across the country will require increased attention. These developments will also increase the demand for Civil Engineers. In 2008 engineers held 1.6 million jobs in America. A bit more than 45 percent were used by the three major professions; Civil, Mechanical, and Industrial Engineering. As anticipated that the three smallest engineering professions are highly specialized; Agricultural, Mining and Safety, and Marine and Naval Engineers.
Another surprise was that about 3% in 2008 was self-explanatory, many as consultants. This means that 97 percent of engineers are employed by the government or private companies. One would think that many engineers are employed by the government, but according to the report about 12 percent in 2008 were used by the Federal, State, and local authorities and about half of these were in the Federal Government, mainly in the U.S.
Departments of Defense, Transportation, Agriculture, Interior, and Energy, and in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Many engineers in State and local government agencies worked in highway and public works departments. Approximately 45 percent are used in three professions; Civil, Mechanical, and Industrial engineering.