Engineering: A Creative and Challenging Career

Susan Doyle

Introduction

Historically the engineer was not a University Graduate but essentially a craftsman of intelligence and perception who had a knowledge and understanding of mathematics; astronomy, science and chemistry. The Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilisations boasted many such people whose names, creations and inventions are still known today. Ptolemy II was an Egyptian astronomer who masterminded the construction of the great pyramids. Archimedes of "Eureka" fame is credited with a number of inventions including the Archimedian Screw Level and the Pulley. The Romans developed great skill in the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, canals, aqueducts and other waterworks, laying the foundations of modern civil engineering.

The origin of engineering lies in catering for the basic human needs of food, shelter and movement. All engineering is about making life easier and better for mankind. The need for roads and waterworks developed as a result of people clustering in towns and cities. Transport is essential in a city environment, to bring goods to the city and to bring the produce if the cities to their markets, world-wide.

Planning the Future

Engineering is a profession with a long and proud tradition in Ireland. For more than two hundred years Irish Engineers have played a major part in developing our country and giving practical shape to the visions and plans of our leaders and entrepreneurs. They have applied their engineering skills and expertise towards the solution of problems and planning the future.

Job satisfaction, location, environment, these are some factors you must consider when choosing a career. Your choice will influence more than what you will work at, it will influence your life style In many ways you choose who you want to be as well as what you want to do.

The question you must answer is: Would a career in engineering satisfy me?

To answer this question you will need to pay particular attention to your interests, your natural abilities and your academic strong points. Ability in mathematics is essential and an aptitude for physics and chemistry is also important. Many personal traits also qualify a person for an engineering career.

If you have these interests, abilities and traits then a career in engineering would be an excellent choice. Within the engineering discipline there are many sub-disciplines requiring different expertise and experience. The Institution of Engineers of Ireland represents the many various branches of engineering in Ireland.

Here are the main disciplines of engineering:

CIVIL ENGINEERING

Civil engineers are concerned with the design, construction and maintenance of major works such as roads, railways, bridges, tunnels, airports, docks, canals, large structures of all kinds from skyscrapers to offshore oil rigs and all aspects of water engineering for water supply, waste disposal, flood control, irrigation and hydroelectric power. The civil engineer must be familiar with the properties of the many materials used in structures and how to use them safely and economically and must be able to evaluate the influence of the environment on those structures so that they are stable, enduring and pleasing to the eye.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Mechanical engineers are mainly concerned with the design, development, manufacture, operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment including those for the generation, transmission and utilisation of power and heat. Most mechanical engineers are employed in the manufacturing industry where they may be involved in fields varying from the design and development of motor cars to central heating units and from factory management to testing manufactured products. Mechanical engineers may also be in private practice and a specialised branch - Buildings Services Engineers design and install specialised plant such as heating and ventilation for offices, factories and large buildings.

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

Electrical engineers work with heavy current electricity, and power generation, distribution and utilisation. Electrical engineers fulfil an important role in the design and construction of power stations. They are involved in industry, in the design and construction of electrical power units and generators and in the design and installation of electrical systems and machinery in factories and buildings.

Electronic engineers are principally concerned with light current electricity, the design and construction of equipment such as radio and TV receivers, computer hardware and control systems (such as those used in aircraft). Electronic engineers also design household equipment and telecommunication systems, they also design and develop components and new materials.

CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING

The chemical and process engineer is concerned with the industrial processes by which the chemical and/or physical properties of matter are changed, and with the design, construction and operation of industrial plant for those operations. They are involved in heavy chemical industries, such as artificial fertilisers and oil refining, and also in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and drugs, synthetic fabrics, paints, cement, foods, and paper, as well as in electricity production and industrial consulting. They are responsible for designing non-polluting processes for the treatment of toxic wastes and the reclamation of useful materials.

COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Computer engineering is one of the newest branches of engineering and it is primarily concerned with the design and construction of systems in which software plays a significant part and where a knowledge of hardware and of other engineering disciplines is vital.

Computer engineers who wish to be capable of designing sophisticated computer systems must have wide knowledge of engineering principles and an engineering appoach to problem solving. Throughout their studies they will also obtain a broad understanding of mechanical engineering and microelectronics.

Computer engineering is a growing specialisation of engineering and one which provides many opportunities for further development in industry.

INDUSTRIAL AND PRODUCTION ENGINEERING

For Ireland's industry to maintain a growth rate and remain competitive in the world market, it is essential that our industries are run efficiently and our products are available at the lowest possible cost. It is at the interface between management and technology that production and industrial engineers pursue their professional careers. They determine the factors involved in the manufacture of commodities and direct the production process to achieve the most efficient co-ordination of effort with due consideration to quantity, quality and cost. Industrial engineers tend to be chiefly concerned with efficiency of production plant, whereas production engineers have more involvement in the human aspects of manufacturing industry. Areas of specialisation include comupter aided manufacturing, manpower analysis, operation research, quality assurance and robotics.

AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD ENGINEERING

Agricultural and food engineering is concerned with the application of engineering solutions to problems in agriculture and food production, for example, land drainage, crop and animal husbandry, farm structures. development of farm machinery and the whole chain of food production from the farm to the food processing industry. It is a growing specialisation and one which will become more and more important in the development of a highly competitive agricultural industry in Ireland and overseas.

COURSES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

There are many engineering courses available throughout the country in the various Universities and Regional Technical Colleges. Engineering is a satisfying and fulfilling career, combining creativity with technology to "build the quality of life". An engineering degree gives every engineer that most important training - how to think.

The subjects and projects undertaken require many skills, numeracy, logical thought and creative problem solving. These are skills fundamental to every job in every industry.

When you qualify with your degree in Engineering, a typical career progression starts off in an office or factory, learning the practical implementation of the knowledge you have gained throughout your course. The next step will take you to organising and inputting on the site or in the factory. This is a period of "hands on" engineering and practical experience. From this point your experience will take you naturally towards management, of people, (personnel), plant (general management), and dealing directly with clients/customers (marketing and sales).

What if you do not want to continue into practical engineering? If you decide that you would like to try something else for example, Financial Services, Accountancy, Sales & Marketing or Management consultancy you will find that an engineering degree is respected and accepted by many other disciplines. It is commonly recognised that to qualify as an engineer requires a level of intellect and commitment which is admired and will benefit any company.

WOMEN IN ENGINEERING

The Engineering profession was once considered a male preserve - not any longer. Society's perception of women, and women's role and abilities has changed and female engineers are considered completely equal to their male counterparts. In the past, misconceptions of what an engineer is and does, the belief that the profession is not for women and the lack of encouragement and opportunity to study mathematics and the physical sciences to Leaving Certificate standard, have been the main contributors to women not taking up this rewarding and satisfying career.

Ms Susan Doyle graduated from TCD in 1987 and is currently Student Liaison Officer with the Institute of Engineers of Ireland (IEI).


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Last updated 26th January 1996 by Stephen Childs