Ready to put your career into gear?
Whether you chose Mechanical, Civil, Chemical or Electronic, leaving university with a degree in Engineering puts you in a great position for entering the working world.
Not only do you learn specific skills that'll take you directly into a career, but you also pick up transferable skills that can be applied to almost any industry. In fact, according to the Higher Education Career Services Unit data, Engineering grads (Civil, Electrical and Mechanical) are more likely to be in full-time work after graduation than the average graduate.
Although many Engineering graduates choose to pursue a career in the field, if you've left university thinking that the subject isn't for you anymore, fear not. There's plenty of opportunities out there where you can apply the skills you've learnt, and here are just a few.
Key skills you've gained
- Project Management
From planning and time management to executing everything with precision, being able to run a project effectively is an important skill in Engineering. Your ability to apply this will be useful in a range of industries, from managing a business to running a classroom.
- Analytical Thinking
Being able to assess and evaluate situations with an analytical mind is essential in Engineering and this skill can be transferred over to any career you choose.
- Attention to Detail
In Engineering, even the smallest of errors can have big consequences. The ability to pick out details and work through tasks thoroughly and accurately is a valuable asset to employers. Demonstrate your keen eye from the off with a typo-free CV.
- Numerical Skills
Whether you choose a career in Engineering, Accounting, Sales or Market Research, being good with numbers is a useful skill that will set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs.
- Problem Solving
A large part of Engineering is being able to problem solve using both logic and creativity. From identifying a problem and it's causes to evaluating the best solutions and implementing a plan to execute them, these skills are hugely appealing to employers.
- Skills specific to Engineering
If Engineering is the route you plan to go down, the technical skills you've learnt during your degree are vital. You aren't limited to the area of Engineering you studied however, some roles require all-rounders and provide specialist training on the job.
Typical jobs you could do with an Engineering degree
- Engineer
Whether you apply for a Graduate Engineer role or advance your skills further and gain a Master's degree before entering the world of work, plenty of Engineering grads continue in the industry. Given that Engineering graduates have been found to earn 18% more in the first six months after graduation than the average graduate, it's no surprise that this is decision many grads make.
- Supply Chain Management
A job in Supply Chain Management requires problem solving, numerical ability and logical thinking, all skills that you've honed in your Engineering degree. In a role like this, you'll be responsible for managing the supply chain of a product or service in a way that's cost effective, efficient and sustainable. From planning and sourcing goods to inventory management and transportation, you'll be managing it all so no day will be the same.
- Procurement and Purchasing
Procurement is part of the supply chain process, specifically involving the sourcing of goods or services for a company. Your responsibilities might include buying products, negotiating a good price, controlling the inventory and ensuring the best possible profit is made. Being good with numbers is essential for a job in procurement, as well as strong communication and negotiation skills.
Not-so-typical jobs you could do with an Engineering degree
- Technical Writer
A strong writing ability isn't necessarily a skill you'd associate with a degree in Engineering, but if you're a particularly good written communicator why not consider a career in technical writing? You'll combine your Engineering know-how with creative flare to organise and translate information into a format that's readable to a particular audience.
- Business Management
If project management interests you but the Engineering side of things less so, a managerial role in business will suit you well. As well as having experience managing projects, the skills you've gained in problem solving and analytical thinking are an asset to any business.
- Patent Law
If you're not put off by the idea of more study, a career in patent law is both interesting and lucrative. Patent attorneys specialise in leading inventors through the legal process of obtaining a patent. You need good scientific and technological knowledge and a keen eye for detail to work in patent law, so your degree will stand you in good stead. You'll also need a postgraduate qualification under your belt, but it'll all be worth it once you're earning a high salary.
- Technical Sales
You'll combine your Engineering knowledge with sales in this career. You'll be tasked with selling scientific or technology-based products and services, so having a technical background is advantageous. Employers will also look for strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, so if you're a people-person this career is right up your street.
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