Career of the Month: Engineering

So you want your kid to be an engineer, but what qualities and skills should they possess? First off, they need to have excellent analytical skills and must truly enjoy their math and sciences classes. Then, make sure they take and do well in both Chemistry and Physics, but also encourage them to take applied classes such as Drafting or Computer-aided Graphics. Moreover, foster their ability to communicate ideas and opinions both verbally and in written form as you guide them toward leadership roles in clubs, organizations and activities that challenge them to think creatively and analytically.

Just because you want them to go into such a well-paying and highly respected field, doesn't mean they have the desire or even the affinity for it. Before pushing your child toward engineering, ask them the following questions:

• do you want to make an impact on the environment and world around you?
• do you enjoy making decisions and solving problems that will impact other people?
• do you like turning your ideas into things that people can live and work with?
• are you ready to take on a challenge and can you think quickly and adapt to change?

If your child can answer those questions positively, then engineering may be the perfect career for them. There are a variety of options for your student to choose from, so both you and they should contact their guidance counselor, seek out job shadow opportunities and even internships and summer camp programs offered by local businesses, colleges and community organizations in your area.

The field of engineering is an exciting one, and one of the best-paying careers one can have after leaving college. Opportunities exist in aerospace, biomedical, chemical, computer, electrical, structural, environmental and civil engineering. In just a few short years, your child could be working on the latest space project, saving lives with the latest medical device or simply improving the infrastructure of your own community. Whatever field of engineering they choose, they will make an impact on the world around them and enjoy a creative, exciting and rewarding lifestyle and career.