Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between perceived social needs and commercial applications. Anyone who goes into engineering can look forward ot lifelong learning about leading-edge science.
Occupational Possibilities
Most engineers specialize. At the University of Kansas, the following engineering majors are offered: aerospace, architectual, chemical, civil, computer, electical, engineering physics, mechanical and petroleum. The following occupations are examples in which all engineers could be qualified.
Manufacturing - Designer/Computer aided-design
- Technician
- Associate Engineer
- Senior Engineer
- Principal engineer/project leader
- Group leader/section head
- Production Supervisor
- Plant Engineer
- Engineering manager
- Director of Engineering/VP
| Marketing - Applications Engineer
- Field Engineer
- Sales Engineer
- Product Manager
- Sales/Marketing manager
- Director of sales/marketing/VP
|
Engineering - Environmental Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Test Engineer
- Structural Designer
- Product Engineer
- Applications Engineer
- Project engineer
- Network engineer
- Systems engineer
- Field Service Engineer
| Other - Consulting engineer
- Technical Writer
- Quality Control engineer
- Research Engineer
- Professor
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Skills and Abilities
Engineers apply the principles of physical science and mathematics in their work. They identify, formulate and solve engineering problems, design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, design systems and components or processes to meet desired needs and use engineering techniques, skill and tools in their practice.
Mathematical Problem Solving - Performing calculations
- Mathematical modeling
- Clarifying problems and comparing factors
- Solving quantitative problems
| Research - Theory development
- Testing an idea/hypothesis
- Designing research projects
- Organizing ideas/materials
- Defining/developing/generating ideas
- Experimenting with ideas/procedures/projects
- Adapting ideas
- Seeing relationships between factors
- Gathering/analyzing/evaluating data
|
Analytical - Thinking logically
- Summarizing research findings
- Testing an idea/hypothesis
- Developing theories
- Clarifying problems
- Organizing ideas/materials
| Investigative - Reviewing relevant data
- Applying concepts
- Utilizing formulas
- Identifying problems
- Gathering information
- Perceiving patterns/structures
|
Communications - Promotional writing
- Developing and writing research proposals
- Reviewing relevant literature
- Summarizing research findings
- Organizing and presenting data
- Informing/explaining/instructing
- Preparing technical reports
| Technical - Using computer technology
- Knowledge of mechanical, electrical and optical equipment
- Developing computer interfacing
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Career Planning and Resources
Internships and Job Search
Professional Associations
For More Information
...about careers, graduate and professional schools, internships, professional associations, or job descriptions contact:
Engineering Career Services Center
Eaton Hall, Room 1001
1520 W. 15th Street,
Lawrence, KS 66045-7621
785/864-3891 (phone)
ecc@ku.edu
University Career Center
110 Burge Union
(785) 864-3624
For information about majors and concentrations in Engineering
School of Engineering
Eaton Hall
1520 W. 15th Street, Room 1
Lawrence, KS 66045-7621
785/864-3881
kuengr@ku.edu
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