Engineering: a role for everyone
The great diversity and breadth of engineering disciplines is such that engineering graduates in Australia can work in any industry of their choosing.
Engineering disciplines
Why consider a career in consulting engineering?
Women in engineering
Engineers use scientific knowledge and technology to solve problems, create practical solutions, and enhance everyday life. Virtually everything we take for granted in the modern world has been influenced by an engineer. From the cars and trains we rely on every day, to the electricity that powers our homes, to the mobile phones and satellite systems that keep us connected, and even the water we drink, our modern existence is largely rooted in engineering.
Traditionally, engineering has spanned the major disciplines of chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, and more recently computing, environmental, and resource engineering. Each of these disciplines comprises several branches of engineering that cover a great range of fields and industries.
As technology and science advance, and modern societies continue to develop, a large number of new engineering disciplines have emerged. Today, graduates can choose from a diverse range of engineering specialisations including:
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aerospace |
electronic |
minerals and metallurgical |
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agricultural |
environmental |
mining |
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automotive |
geomatic |
ocean |
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biomedical |
geotechnical |
process and resources |
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building services |
industrial |
renewable energy |
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chemical |
instrumentation and control |
resource |
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civil |
manufacturing |
risk |
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computer systems |
maritime |
software |
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construction |
materials |
transport |
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electrical |
mechanical |
Most recently, new and emerging engineering disciplines have opened in the following fields:
- biomedical
- bio & nano
- telecommunications
- robotics & information technology.
Why consider a career in consulting engineering? Consulting engineering offers more career options than any other line of work. It’s a profession that can take you from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space, from within the microscopic structures of the human cell to the top of the tallest skyscrapers. Consulting engineers are problem solvers who search for more efficient ways to meet the challenges of each day. Consulting engineering comprises of firms in the private sector that provide services to government and clients in all fields of engineering, technology and management services. It is a board and multifaceted industry encompassing research, planning, design and development of engineering solutions to build communities and develop a sustainable environment. There are many rewarding opportunities available to graduates, including overseas postings and management training. Many Australian consulting engineering firms also work on international projects including humanitarian aid. If you seek the excitement and novelty of overseas work, then consulting engineering is the perfect avenue for you. An Australian-trained professional consulting engineer has the skills to work almost anywhere in the world. Because engineering is such a vast and complex field, it gives you the chance to choose an area that you’re most interested in. Various disciplines and markets include civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, water, energy, mechanical, electrical, transportation, building, and ICT/telecommunications, as well as a range of advisory services in the areas of financial, economics, legal, regional and community planning, and strategic and management consulting. If you want to change the world through innovations, a career in engineering will help you do it. Consulting engineers are creative. They conceive and construct the final product in their mind before transferring that concept onto paper. Little by little that concept becomes reality, giving you the chance to look at the end result and say ‘I did that’. Professional engineers either lead or work within teams to develop the best possible solutions. Consulting engineering will ask you to make balanced judgements between design improvement, cost, risk and environmental impact. But consulting engineering isn’t just about answering questions. Answers—and ideas—wouldn’t develop without flashes of inspiration. Creativity. Fun. Good money. Good people. A great job. Whatever your questions, consulting engineering can be the answer. For more information on careers in consulting engineering, visit www.acea.com.au . |