Training to Be an Engineer: The Complete Guide

Engineering is an exciting and challenging career field that allows you to use math and science to solve complex problems. But what’s the best way to get the training you need to launch a successful engineering career?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide an overview of the key steps involved in becoming an engineer, the college degree options, licensing requirements, skills you’ll need to develop, and more

What Does an Engineer Do?

Engineers apply principles of science math and design to create solutions for technical issues. There are many different types of engineers that work in various fields like

Civil engineers – Design and supervise infrastructure projects like roads, buildings and bridges.
Mechanical engineers – Design develop and test machines manufacturing systems and mechanical devices.
Electrical engineers – Work on electronics, power generation and electrical systems.
Chemical engineers – Design processes and equipment for producing chemicals, food, drugs and more.
Software engineers – Develop, maintain and test computer systems, applications and networks.

Some common tasks engineers perform include designing products, troubleshooting problems, analyzing data, managing projects, and documenting processes. Their work varies based on industry and specialization.

Why Become an Engineer?

There are many excellent reasons to pursue engineering as a career path:

In demand field with many job opportunities in diverse industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4% growth for engineering positions over the next decade.
Engineering salaries tend to be higher than national median wage. The average entry level engineering salary is $69,000.
Work on cutting edge technology and innovations that improve lives.
Use math, science, and problem-solving skills to find solutions with real-world applications.
Variety of career paths and ability to work in many different sectors.
Opportunities for collaboration as part of an engineering team.
Gain technical expertise valued across many fields.

Steps to Become an Engineer

The main steps to becoming an engineer include:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

A 4-year bachelor’s degree in engineering is required to qualify for most entry level jobs. Engineering programs are typically Bachelor of Science (BS) focused on a specific field like mechanical, electrical or chemical engineering.

Programs are accredited by ABET and provide a solid base of technical knowledge, combining math and science courses with major-specific engineering curriculum like fluid mechanics for mechanical engineers or electronics and circuits for electrical engineers.

Hands-on lab work, design projects and internships also allow students to apply classroom concepts.

2. Consider Earning a Master’s Degree

While not always required, a master’s degree like a Master of Science (MS) can provide additional specialized training that may benefit career advancement prospects.

This is especially true in fields like electrical engineering, software engineering and engineering management. Earning a graduate degree can lead to higher starting salaries and qualify engineers for additional certifications.

Programs allow students to deepen expertise through research, group projects, electives and a master’s thesis. A master’s can usually be completed in 1-2 years.

3. Gain Relevant Experience

Engineering graduates will benefit greatly from having completed one or more internships and/or co-ops where they gain hands-on experience. These opportunities allow students to apply academic lessons and develop key skills.

Working while in school also builds a professional network and relationships with companies that may lead to full-time job offers post-graduation.

4. Consider Engineering Licensure

Licensure demonstrates advanced engineering knowledge and expertise. The main licensing credentials are:

Professional Engineer (PE): Allows engineers to work independently and provide services directly to the public. Required for leadership roles on public infrastructure projects. Earned after passing two exams and gaining work experience.
Engineer in Training (EIT): First step to becoming a PE. Requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam after graduating from an accredited engineering program.

Licensure isn’t mandatory for all roles but can open up additional career opportunities. Software developers, for instance, may not require licensing.

Skills Needed to Be a Successful Engineer

In addition to technical expertise, engineers require other professional skills:

Communication – Ability to explain complex concepts clearly and collaborate across teams.
Creativity – Design innovative solutions and think outside the box.
Analytical skills – Identify issues and exercise sound technical judgements. Evaluate data.
Attention to detail – Precise work and accuracy required in specifications and documentation.
Time management – Juggle multiple projects and deadlines. Prioritize efficiently.
Leadership – Guide teams and oversee execution of engineering projects.
Business skills – Understand budget, scheduling, marketing and other real world factors that impact projects.

Developing these soft skills will make you a well-rounded engineer.

Choosing the Right Engineering School

Where you obtain your bachelor’s degree matters. Consider these factors when selecting schools:

ABET accreditation – Ensures quality standards are met and prepares you for licensing exams.
Program focus – Range of subdisciplines like computer, electrical and biomedical engineering. Look for expertise in your desired specialty. Co-op and research opportunities.
Cost – In-state public universities generally offer the most affordable tuition rates.
Faculty credentials – Experience and qualifications of professors. Student-faculty ratio.
Campus resources – Engineering-focused labs, technology, career counseling and tutoring support.
Location – Distance from home. Opportunities with nearby companies.
Student experience – Clubs, internship partnerships, diversity. School culture and fit.

Apply to several schools and visit if possible. Meeting faculty and current students can provide valuable insights.

Developing Your Engineering Skills

Here are some tips for building up your engineering acumen as a student or aspiring engineer:

Take advanced math and science courses to develop critical foundations even if not required. Seek additional training in software tools you will need on the job.
Join student engineering societies and clubs like SWE, ASME or NSBE to access mentors, networking and industry information. Attend job fairs.
Do projects outside the classroom for experience. Contribute to open source initiatives, Arduino/robotics clubs, design competitions like NASA Rover Challenge or Solar Decathlon.
Create a portfolio highlighting coursework and projects. Can include code, CAD models, lab reports and presentations.
Get an internship every summer in a relevant engineering field. Apply what you’ve learned.
Develop communication and team skills through group assignments and class presentations.
Talk to professors, alumni and working engineers to gain insights about the field. Find mentors.
Stay current on engineering news and innovations in your specialty by reading industry publications.

Engineering Career Paths and Advancement

What are possible career paths once you begin working as an engineer? Here are some common trajectories:

Staff engineer – Start as part of a larger team, gain experience, and take on more individual contributor responsibilities.
Senior engineer – Lead projects and teams. Mentor junior engineers. Undertake more complex analysis and design work.
Principal/lead engineer – Senior technical expert for an engineering firm. Oversee major initiatives and client relationships.
Engineering manager – Transition from hands-on work to people management. Lead a department or cross-functional engineering teams.
Director of Engineering – Strategic role overseeing all engineers within an organization or business line. Report to CTO/CIO.
Principal/Partner – For consulting firms. Take an ownership stake and share of profits. Oversee company direction.
Independent consultant – Exit corporate path to open independent practice applying specialized expertise.

Advanced degrees, certifications, leadership experience and business development skills create more advancement opportunities. Engineers can also move into related roles in project management, sales, marketing and executive leadership.

Succeeding as an Engineer

Here are a few final tips for finding success as you embark on your engineering journey:

Maintain intellectual curiosity. Continuous learning is critical to grow technical skills throughout your career.
Build communication and teamwork proficiencies. Much of engineering is collaboration.
Develop expertise in a niche. Combining specializations sets you apart. For example, software and electrical engineering for embedded systems roles.
Create solutions with manufacturing and implementation in mind. Designs must be producible.
Remain ethical. Public safety, environmental protection and social responsibility matter.
Find good mentors. Network and learn from experienced engineers.
Consider entrepreneurship. Commercialize your own technologies, products and innovations.

With strategic preparation and dedication to lifelong learning, a rewarding engineering career can be within your reach.

training to be an engineer

How to Become a Materials Engineer

After graduating from an accredited program, many aspiring materials engineers choose to pursue a master’s degree. Admissions requirements vary from school to school but typically include some combination of a competitive GPA (3.0 or greater), GRE or GMAT scores, letters of recommendation, work experience, and a personal statement.

Concentrations are available in areas such as electronic materials, metals, polymers, structural materials, or general studies. Typical coursework covers areas like advanced materials principles, vector calculus, ordinary differential equations, thermodynamics, polymer physical science, diffusion, kinetics, and transport. This step typically takes two years to complete.

After earning their master’s degree, many materials engineers focus on gaining relevant work experience. Four years of such work experience, combined with undergraduate and master’s degrees, qualifies them to sit for licensure as professional engineers (PE). The qualifying exam comprises 85 metallurgical and materials engineering questions, administered in a 9.5-hour session. While not a requirement for all materials engineers in all states, licensure does act as a mark of distinction.

Later in their careers, materials engineers may join a professional society. The American Society for Metals (ASM) offers certification in various areas of materials engineering, as well as opportunities for advocacy, networking, and continuing education.

How to Become an Aerospace Engineer

After graduating from an accredited program, many prospective aerospace engineers pursue a master of science in aerospace engineering (MSAE) degree from an accredited program. Here they may choose to further specialize in an area such as fluid dynamics, aerospace control, aerospace design, aerospace structures, aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, and propulsion.

Coursework may include topics such as fracture mechanics, aeroelasticity, orbital mechanics, statistical theories of turbulence, nonlinear control systems, and the dynamic behavior of materials. Admissions requirements vary from school to school but may include a competitive GPA (3.0 or greater), GMAT or GRE scores, work experience, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. This step typically takes two years to complete.

After graduating from a master’s program, most aerospace engineers will focus on gaining practical work experience. Four years of such experience, when combined with an accredited master’s degree and a passed FE exam, will qualify an aerospace engineer to sit for licensure as a professional engineer (PE).

There’s no exam specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Still, many opt instead to take the mechanical engineering PE exam, either focusing on thermal and fluid systems or machine design and materials. The nine-hour, 80-question test, once passed results in a professional engineering license. While not a requirement for aerospace engineers in all states, it does provide a mark of distinction.

Later in their careers, aerospace engineers may join professional societies or organizations related to their field of practice. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) are two such organizations that offer networking, professional development, and advocacy programs that apply to aerospace engineering.

Become an Engineer in Training (EIT)

How do I become an engineer in training?

Once you graduate from an engineering program with a bachelor’s degree, you can take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) to become licensed to work as an engineer-in-training or intern. 3. Obtain engineering experience

How do I become an engineer if I have a bachelor’s degree?

Take the NCEES FE exam. After you graduate with your bachelor’s degree in your specified engineering field, you may take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. This will provide you with a license to work as an intern or engineer-in-training.

How do I become a professional engineer?

Once you have your bachelor’s degree and a minimum of four years of experience, you can become licensed in your line of work by taking the Professional Engineer exam. Continue your education. If you’re leaning toward a specific engineering path, you may benefit from continuing your education.

What are the requirements to become an engineer?

Here are some of the requirements to become an engineer: After high school, future engineers need to apply to a bachelor’s degree program. Check the requirements for the school and the engineering program to find out what sort of expectations they have for their future students. You may need to take a standardized test before you can apply.