Scientists, Engineers, and Technicians
Basic Research: what are the rules of nature
Applied Research: how can the rules of nature be used
Product development: design and specifications
Product fabrication: manufacturing and production
Operation: (pilots, astronauts, plant engineers, process engineers)
Teaching and training (customer service, team leaders)
Skills used by engineers:
problem identification and problem definition,recognition of applicable science and technology, communication skills (specifications and reports for other disciplines, other departments, other companies, government, customers etc.)
Becoming an Engineer
Mathematics: algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus
Science: physics, biology, and chemistry
Develop an insatiable curiosity about everything.
Read and learn about many things because everything is interrelated in some fashion. There is synergism in knowledge and experience:
The more knowledge you have, the easier it is to conceive of new things and new relationships.
Changing Technology
Technology and society continue to change at an accelerated rate. The basic tools (mathematics, physics, and chemistry) remain the same but the use of these tools changes. For example:
1864 - James Maxwell: basic equations for radio
1897 - first radio based on spark gap mechanisms
1910 - radios built from electron tubes
1950's (late) - transistors replace tubes
1960's - analog integrated circuits replace transistors
1980's – hybrid integrated circuits replace analog circuits
1990's - radio on a single chip
Learn how to learn!
Engineering is fun and it pays well.
Central Texas Engineers Week | www.centexeweek.org