An engineering degree leads to lots of options after graduation. The skills you gain through the course are perfect for a range of different career paths. In this blog post, we’ll go through some of the careers available to you once you’ve graduated.
Common engineering careers
As well as understanding the important processes involved, you also gain lots of useful skills through an engineering course, including project management and data analysis.
These skills are ideal for careers like:
A job in engineering
This may seem obvious, but your degree has given you the knowledge and skills to apply to a variety of engineering roles. There are many different branches of engineering, including automotive, civil, mechanical and nuclear.
It’s important to research and fully understand each of the roles available to you, once you’ve achieved your engineering degree. Looking into work experience or internship opportunities is a good idea. These placements can provide you with key skills and give you the chance to apply your knowledge to everyday situations.
For example, you might be interested in being a mechanical engineer. Doing a relevant internship allows you to meet and work with professionals. This is valuable as the first job for many mechanical engineers is achieved through having useful contacts and knowing the right people.
It’s also a great idea to take part in engineering-related clubs or activities at university. If there isn’t any, why not create one? This will show employers your interest and enthusiasm for the field - plus, your proactivity and drive.
Some universities offer courses which have accreditation from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. This accreditation confirms a university’s high quality reputation and studying an accredited course gives students the best chance of achieving professional registration.
A consulting civil engineer
A consulting civil engineer offers expert knowledge about the planning, designing and building of bridges, roads and other public services. They analyse constructions and equipment to see how possible it is to complete projects.
This role is crucial in the design and development of all kinds of projects, as the professional advice and information they provide can lead to success or failure.
Having skills like problem-solving, negotiating and leadership can help when entering civil engineering. But that’s not all. You can find out more on the Institution of Civil Engineers' (ICE) website.
A university lecturer
Teaching and lecturing allow you to use the problem-solving skills your degree gives you. They also mean you can pass on the information you have learned to students that are eager to learn.
As a university lecturer, you can engage interested students through inspiring them and sharing the knowledge you have. You’ll also have the chance to do important industry research as well. This can lead to being published in scientific articles and journals.
To become a university lecturer, you will usually need to achieve a 2:1 or higher in your degree and have completed a Master’s degree and Ph.D. Along with knowledge of engineering, you also need vital skills which are taught throughout an engineering degree, including: creativity, communication and confidence.
Relevant careers you might not have thought about
So, you have a degree in engineering. That doesn’t mean you need to find a job role with the word “engineering” in the title. Many of the skills and knowledge you’ll learn in your degree are transferable. Here are some other career paths that you might not have thought about.
A technical writer
This role involves clearly explaining aspects of engineering to help the reader understand and use the idea, software or product you are writing about. As well as having your name printed in journals and papers, you will also learn something new every day.
It’s also a good feeling to know that the work you are doing will help people. Your readers will enjoy and learn from reading the articles and papers you write. You could also use your knowledge to become a correspondent for a media company - providing them with the facts and information you have learned through university.
To become a technical writer, we recommend you:
- complete a degree relevant to what you want to write about
- improve your software and technological abilities for creating diagrams, graphs, etc
- have completed a voluntary placement in technical writing. This will give you experience, allow you to become a published author and build up a portfolio
An industrial buyer
An industrial buyer has many important tasks, including choosing items, systems and services for companies. They look at the quality and uses of these three resources and decide which the company could benefit from.
You need the knowledge and information taught through an engineering degree. For example, which the best items and programmes are in engineering so you can choose the most suitable ones for a company.
A way to increase your employability as an industrial buyer is to do work experience in the environment you are looking to work in. For example, completing a work placement at an engineering company often involves using specific equipment. If you’re able to use these facilities and understand various aspects of the business, it will help you to stand out and prove your abilities.
A risk manager
A risk manager looks for risks which either could happen or are happening in a company. Then they make a plan to use resources to prevent unwanted or dangerous events happening. Areas such as finances, projects and accidents can all have risks and these must be managed.
You may need specific risk management qualifications as well as an engineering degree for this job. However, the skills gained through an engineering degree, e.g. problem solving, communication and analysis are useful for succeeding as a risk manager.
As well as the right qualification, employers also look for candidates who have completed work experience in roles involving business and finance. Gaining experience in risk management before applying for positions allows you to develop your skills.
Do some research into organisations offering certifications - like PRMIA (Professional Risk Managers’ International Association). They have a programme which teaches the essentials of risk management and leads to achieving an Associate Professional Risk Manager certificate. This will show employers that you have the necessary knowledge to enter and succeed in risk management.
Graduate schemes
If you aren’t sure which area to choose, graduate schemes are a great option. You can gain experience working in certain industries without committing to a specific job. They’re paid training opportunities offered by companies specifically to help students get experience in their potential future jobs.
You can find them by searching online or asking the Careers Service at your university to help.
Supply chain
A graduate scheme in the supply chain means being involved in the process of a product. From when it’s being built in the warehouse to waiting on the shelves ready for customers. A supply chain graduate scheme is interesting as you will experience and work in different areas of the business including: buying, planning and distribution.
Some of the job roles available in the supply chain include:
- Commodity Buyer - you’ll be purchasing items from suppliers to use in creating products, discovering new sources of materials, handling contracts and organising the sourcing of materials, products and services at the best value
- Supply Chain Analyst - you’ll be monitoring and reviewing the company’s supply chain to identify any areas which could be improved. Duties may include: collecting and analysing data for all processes, negotiating contracts and updating relevant documents and reports.
- Supply Chain Engineer - you’ll be analysing and optimising company procedures, creating and applying improvement strategies and contacting suppliers, customers and partners about each area of the business e.g. material sourcing, transportation, etc
Project management
Graduate schemes in project management involve identifying risks and working on any projects - from design to machine servicing. You will make sure projects meet the right standards, track finances and form strong relationships with staff members in other areas of the business. You will gain skills like leadership, communication and critical thinking.
Examples of positions in project management are:
- Project Manager - this involves taking responsibility for all aspects of a project, such as planning and analysing the work required, monitoring the progress and budget of the project and assigning tasks to members of the team. Skills including: leadership, communication, organisation and decision making are all important for succeeding in this role
- Management Consultant - in this role, you’ll provide solutions for potential problems and find ways to improve processes for a variety of companies. There are many areas of a business you could choose to offer consulting work in, for example: marketing, IT, finance, etc
- Leadership Roles - the skills learned through project management can apply to a variety of careers. You may choose a position directly related to project management, however you could also apply all you have learned and your leadership skills to management jobs within human resources, sales, customer service and more
Ready to plan your future career?
These are just some of the options available to you once you’ve completed a degree in engineering! Whatever your interests or ambitions, you’ll be able to use the skills you’ve developed during your degree to follow all kinds of different career journeys.
To start planning your future career, download our career guide which is full of post-university options, career recommendations and interview advice. Get your free copy now using the link below and explore all of the amazing opportunities that are available.
