The world of engineering is known for its complexity and the unique challenges it offers. Engineering represents a demanding yet rewarding path for students, requiring dedication, critical thinking, and a passion for innovation. These are things that get me excited about studying engineering. However, I didn’t always know I wanted to be an engineer.
Throughout high school, I changed my career plans on multiple occasions. At one point, I went to my grandfather seeking advice. In that conversation, he opened my eyes to the idea of becoming an engineer. He had previously worked in the oil industry for 16 years and was also an aerospace engineer, so he knew what the engineering path looked like.
Most importantly, he told me there would never be a boring day as an engineer. There will always be a problem that requires a solution that only an engineer can provide. Those words really stuck with me, and ultimately, I decided I wanted to follow in his footsteps.
I learned a lot while doing research on engineering pathways. Many engineering fields exist, from enormous planes and ships to tiny microchips in your phone. There are also several different education opportunities.
Below, I put together a guide to help students considering engineering as a career. Let’s look at what engineering fields are out there and which best suits you.
Different Fields of Engineering
There are many engineering fields, and the following is not an exhaustive list, but here are five of the top choices available to students.
Civil Engineering
Civil engineering involves constructing roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. It involves working with various materials and collaborating with professionals such as architects, developers, urban planners, construction workers, and government officials.
Civil engineering may interest you if you enjoy working on large projects with different people, are interested in a commitment to public safety, and enjoy solving problems that will benefit society.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering focuses on designing and manufacturing mechanical systems, ranging from assembly lines in factories to enormous mining excavators. It has many layers, such as robotics, material science, and thermodynamics, making it a math/physics-heavy field.
If you enjoy solving math and physics problems while designing and working with tools and machinery, this field is a great match for you.
Electrical Engineering
This field focuses on the study and application of electricity and electronics. Electrical engineers design and develop various electrical systems, such as generators, communication systems, power grids, and electronics. They often work on large-scale projects involving circuit design, power distribution, and signal relay.
If you are detail-oriented, enjoy working with technology, and are fascinated by electronics, electrical engineering is the career for you.
Computer Engineering
Computer engineering combines electrical and computer science to develop computer software and hardware. This field involves network architecture, hardware design and development, and the design and creation of embedded systems.
If you are interested in computers, tech-savvy, and enjoy solving problems using coding and computers, this field is a great fit for you.
My Desired Program
Personally, I would like to work in petroleum engineering, a subfield of chemical engineering.
Throughout high school, I took an interest in chemistry and found it fascinating. However, I never thought of pursuing a career in chemistry. Initially, I assumed that anything related to chemistry would land you somewhere in the medical field, such as pharmaceuticals or chemical research.
I knew I wanted to live in Alberta in the future, so I assessed my options for work in the province. Alberta is Canada’s main source of oil, and oil is called black gold for a good reason; it’s a needed commodity worldwide. I looked into some university programs that could get me into the sector. I learned about petroleum engineering, a program where I could use my interest in chemistry.
Most Known Canadian Schools for Engineering
The following are five of Canada’s most competitive and well-known engineering schools. They are not ranked in any specific order.
Below are the admission averages and requirements for each school. Since I cannot evaluate admission averages and requirements for the entire engineering faculty of each school, I will only evaluate each school’s chemical engineering program.
The top-ranked engineering faculty in Canada, the University of Waterloo is the country’s most competitive school for engineering students.
- A minimum of 70% is required in each course, but the admission average is in the mid to high 80s
- Online video interview is strongly recommended
- Essential to have a strong profile with some engineering-related extracurriculars
- The admission average is in the high 80s
- Online video interview is strongly recommended
- Important to have a strong profile with some engineering-related extracurriculars
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Important to have a strong profile with some engineering-related extracurriculars
4. University of British Columbia
- Minimum 70% in all courses
- Important to have a strong profile with some engineering-related extracurriculars
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Important to have a strong profile with some engineering-related extracurriculars
What Universities Look for in Engineering Applicants
When applying to engineering programs, universities often place significant weight on supplemental applications, which give them a more in-depth view of your potential as an engineering student. These supplemental applications typically go beyond grades and test scores, focusing instead on your experiences, skills, and personal qualities that align with the demands of the engineering field.
Passion for Engineering
Admissions committees want to see genuine interest and enthusiasm for engineering. This can be demonstrated through involvement in engineering-related activities, such as robotics clubs, coding projects, or engineering internships. Mention specific projects or experiences that sparked your interest in engineering and how they influenced your decision to pursue this field.
Problem-Solving Skills
Engineering is about solving complex problems and universities reward students with this mindset. Highlight experiences where you’ve tackled challenges through academic projects, personal experiences, or extracurricular activities. Explain your thought process, the steps to find solutions, and what you learned from the experience.
Collaboration and Leadership
Engineers often work in teams, so universities seek applicants who collaborate effectively. Describe instances where you’ve worked in group settings, emphasizing your role and how you contributed to the team’s success. Leadership experiences, whether formal or informal, are also valuable. They demonstrate your ability to guide and inspire others, which is crucial in engineering projects.
Where Can an Engineering Degree Take You?
An engineering degree opens the door to many exciting and diverse career opportunities. Here are some potential career paths for engineering graduates:
- Civil Engineer: Focuses on designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems.
- Mechanical Engineer: Involves designing, developing, and testing mechanical devices, including engines, machines, and tools.
- Electrical Engineer: I specialize in electrical systems and work on projects related to power generation, electronics, telecommunications, and control systems.
- Software Engineer: Develops, tests, and maintains software applications and systems, playing a key role in the tech industry.
- Chemical Engineer: Applies principles of chemistry, physics, and biology to solve problems related to producing chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, and more.
- Aerospace Engineer: Focuses on the design and development of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and equipment.
- Biomedical Engineer: Combines engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to design and create healthcare equipment, devices, and software.
- Environmental Engineer: Works on solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution control, waste management, and sustainable development.
- Industrial Engineer: Optimizes complex processes and systems to improve efficiency, productivity, and safety in industries like manufacturing and logistics.
- Petroleum Engineer: Specializes in oil and gas extraction, including designing and managing drilling operations and developing new technologies for resource extraction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, engineering is among the most challenging and interesting academic paths. If you are a person who welcomes challenges and enjoys finding creative ways to solve those challenges, engineering could be an excellent fit for you.
Armed with the information in this blog, remember that perseverance, curiosity, and a passion for learning are crucial to thriving in engineering. Embrace the challenges, seek out new experiences, and remain open to the endless possibilities engineering offers.
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Abou the Author:
My name is Mark Kazenelson, and I am a high school student in the Greater Toronto Area. I have a passion for chemistry and I will study chemical engineering as I prepare for a career in the energy sector. As a high school student, I explored many career options and put together a series of career-related blog posts. Check out my other blog posts on finance and medical school. I hope these articles can help inform students in their career decisions. In my spare time, I love spending time outdoors, especially fishing and hiking.