Engineering covers an enormous range of jobs, but the two fields that dominate graduate vacancies are Mechanical and Civil Engineering. Mechanical Engineers are concerned with all the moving parts of machinery and are involved with the design, development, installation, operation and maintenance of equipment across a whole range of industrial areas.
In order to become a Chartered Mechanical Engineer it is necessary to complete a recognised training programme and achieve "Corporate Member" status with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Work is typically a mix of science and creativity, with engineers often taking the lead of a team of other specialists, depending on the nature of the project.
In medicine, engineers may work closely with doctors to help improve the treatment and management of illnesses and disabilities, either through their expertise in medical equipment or by applying engineering principles to the workings of the human body (in the development of artificial limbs etc.). Those working in agriculture might develop specialist machinery for use with particular soil or crop types in the developing world. Engineers in the manufacturing industry could be planning and managing efficiency programmes or using their technical skills to create new production processes to convert raw materials into usable products. Similarly in the auto industry, you might have responsibility for the design and development of new models and engines, from production line to Formula One racing cars.
On a larger scale, the energy industry offers the chance to be responsible for the safe design and operation of power stations, both conventional and nuclear, and the harnessing of other sources like wind, wave and solar energy. Perhaps one of the most challenging areas is the environment, as engineers take into account political and commercial considerations to ensure projects have as little negative impact on the environment as possible.There are several stages involved in the lifecycle of any piece of equipment and at any one time you could be involved in all or just a few.
Research & Development - using models and simulations to explore how natural forces will affect an idea, engineers hone and refine an original concept, using prototypes to test against before being able to move into the production phase. Budgetary and deadline constraints need to be met, which can make this stage challenging and pressurised, but ultimately very rewarding, if successful. Manufacture and Installation - as an idea takes shape, engineers need to oversee the move from concept to reality, either taking responsibility for supervising production or simply ensuring the initial installation is a success.
Management and Marketing - mechanical engineers must also develop leadership qualities to get the best out of their team. Since it is often their ideas that are in production, engineers are regularly called upon to help market them, with the result that many companies have engineers on their boards of directors.Civil Engineers tend to work in the construction industry, managing the design, construction, operation and maintenance of amenities, including roads, bridges, dams, airports, transport systems, oil and nuclear installations, tidal, hydro and wind power projects, etc.
Civil engineers work in several types of organisations, private and public, and can specialise in a wide variety of areas including transportation, municipal, geotechnical, environmental and hydrological engineering projects.There are also opportunities to carry out research and to work abroad. Indeed many engineers choose to work in the charitable sector, running projects in developing countries or disaster hit areas to restore water supplies and basic transportation networks. The civil engineer's job usually begins with the determination of a need for clean water in a community, a bridge for access or a new road to relieve traffic congestion. The civil engineer will investigate possible sites, analyse rock and soil samples, predict the effects on the environment and consult the local community. Once all factors have been taken into account, the civil engineer will then recommend the best option and begin the design process. Computers are particularly important at this stage, as they can be used to produce detailed drawings and calculations of proposed projects and to predict long term effects. It is then the responsibility of civil engineers onsite to oversee the work, organising and supervising the workforce and materials, and ensuring that the project proceeds and finishes as planned, on time and within budget (hopefully!).
Chemical Engineers apply their specialist knowledge of reactions, heat transfer and fluid flow and control to design processes and solve problems across several industries. This involves not just the manufacture but also the handling and storage processes for products in the energy, pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries, as well as in the chemical industry as a whole. A related area is that of materials engineering, where specialists are responsible for the specification and design of materials especially in construction projects, so as to ensure the quality and safety standards are fully satisfied.
Electronic and Electrical Engineers are responsible for developing, modifying and supporting systems. These can range from communications satellites to advanced medical equipments used in diagnosis and treatment. Much of the work is groundbreaking and involves working with leading-edge technologies in areas such as robotics, IT applications and the mobile communications.