Engineering as a career

Engineering is applied science; the applications include machines, electronic devices, materials, processes, buildings, highways, dams, etc. Mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering are mostly applied physics. Biomedical and agricultural engineering derive from physics, chemistry, and biology.

Engineering combines curiosity (how things work) with analysis (math and logic) and creativity (design work). A person may choose engineering over science because engineering provides the opportunity for design - artistic expression. Architecture can be almost all design while engineering combines analysis and design. Physics and math are often the favorite high school subjects of future engineers. Engineers usually love puzzles.

The methods of analysis and design used in engineering are generally common to all branches of engineering - mechanical, civil, electrical, etc. Many engineers take an exam to become licensed professional engineers (PEs). This license is general - the exam covers a broad range of engineering fields. The design and construction of safety-related projects such as buildings and bridges must be supervised by licensed engineers. In Puerto Rico, the law requires that any person using the title "engineer" must be licensed.

Computer engineering was first a specialty within electrical engineering, but many schools now award degrees in computer engineering. Usually students of computer engineering do not receive much training in the other engineering disciplines and are not eligible to become licensed engineers.

Engineering training is long and intensive (5 years at Mayagüez). Further study and on-the-job training is needed throughout an engineering career to keep up to date with advancing technology. While a newly-graduated dentist, for example, is often ready to go to work on his own, a newly-graduated engineer is only ready to be an apprentice in an entry level job. Engineering is often referred to as a "profession". Medicine and law have professional organizations that set technical and ethical standards that must be met by members of the profession. Engineering is not nearly so professional. Most engineers are employees of large companies. Only a few are self- employed with their own professional practices. Engineering, as a profession, is not particularly lucrative or prestigious - but it is just what engineers want to do.