Page 14 - Layout 1

Chehalem Business Connection September 2013 Page 14
Many recent engineering
graduates are reaping the
benefits of a flourishing job
market for specializations within the
growing field.
Engineering occupations are expect-
ed to grow by more than 10 percent
from 2010 to 2020, according to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics. The nation’s
aging infrastructure is, at least in part,
spurring the growth as engineers will
design and implement new pollution
control systems, water systems and
roads. Growth in engineering fields is
outpacing the expected growth rate for
any other occupation.
While engineering occupations over-
all will be adding jobs, certain types of
engineers will be in greater demand
than others. For example, employment
of biomedical engineers is expected to
grow 62 percent from 2010 to 2020, the
BLS predicts. Biomedical engineers
create solutions that help hospitals, uni-
versities and research facilities improve
the quality of patient care. With chang-
ing healthcare regulations and the aging
population in the United States needing
more medical care, the demand for bio-
medical engineers will continue to
grow.
Healthcare is one of several indus-
tries seeking skilled engineering pro-
gram graduates. The manufacturing sec-
tor also is seeking candidates with engi-
neering backgrounds. During the past
three years, United States manufactur-
ing has added more than 530,000 jobs.
However, some manufacturers report
that job candidates are lacking the tech-
nical skills required for these new posi-
tions. The solution lies in more science,
technology, engineering and mathemat-
ics (STEM) education, according to a
recent Joint Economic Committee
study.
STEM jobs are projected to grow 7
percent faster than non-STEM occupa-
tions through 2018, according to
“STEM: Good Jobs Now and for the
Future,” a 2011 report from the U.S.
Department of Commerce.
“In order for students to compete in
the global workforce, they must com-
mand technical skills and knowledge to
succeed in rapidly changing industries,”
said Dr. Ahmed Naumaan, dean of the
College of Engineering and Information
Sciences at DeVry University. “It is im-
perative that educators provide teaching
and tools that prepare graduates for
these technical, in-demand jobs.”
DeVry University followed this ad-
vice by offering degree programs in
areas of engineering technology that
help prepare students for job opportuni-
ties, ranging from electronics engineer-
ing to biomedical engineering to com-
puter engineering. Through these pro-
grams, students gain the skills today’s
employers are looking for to fill posi-
tions in computer-integrated manufac-
turing, product development and sup-
port and quality assurance.
As demand for engineers with STEM
skills grows, pressing global issues are
placing added pressure on unique spe-
cializations. Environmental and com-
puter engineers, for example, are need-
ed to handle complex issues such as cli-
mate change and energy exploration.
The need to bring information technolo-
gy to the power industry requires the
technical and critical thinking skills of
an engineer.
With this
d e m a n d ,
c o m p u t e r
e n g i n e e r s
c a n c om -
ma nd im-
pressive starting salaries of more than
$70,000. The average salary for recent
engineering graduates is more than
$62,000, with job growth across several
industries, including technology, health-
care, education and manufacturing, ac-
cording to a new report by the National
Association of Colleges and Employers.
As the global economy continues to
evolve, the importance of such profes-
sionals with education in renewable en-
ergy will continue to rise. As more
fields depend on graduates with engi-
neering and technology backgrounds
for continued growth, graduates of re-
lated degree programs will remain more
likely to find full-time, stable employ-
ment, and in many cases will be com-
pensated with higher salaries.
Attractive career opportunities await engineering grads
During the past three years, United States companies have added more than 530,000 manufacturing jobs across the nation.
“In order for students to com-
pete in the global workforce,
they must command techni-
cal skills and knowledge to
succeed in rapidly changing
industries.”
According to federal estimates, engineering occupations are expected to grow by more than 10 percent from 2010 to 2020
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