This list of careers is not intended to be a comprehensive or exhaustive list of career options within engineering. It is simply a starting point to learn more about potential career pathways and related skills. If you would like to learn more about careers in engineering, please visit the additional resources linked below.
Robotics is a branch of engineering that includes the design, creation, and programming of machines to help humans and/or aspects of everyday life.
Skills to consider:
- Linux
- MATLAB
- Python
- C/C++
- Java
- Javascript
- Arduino
- Deep Learning
- Machine Learning
- Computer Vision
Aerospace is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, construction, and testing of aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft.
Skills to consider:
- MATLAB
- CAD
- C/C#/C++
- Java
Automotive focuses on developing and improving automotive vehicles. This might include structural components like transmissions and engine design and testing and software components.
Skills to consider:
- MATLAB
- CAD
- SolidWorks
- C/C#
- Java
- Perl
- Swift
Mechatronics supports the automation of industrial and intelligent systems through research, design, development, and testing.
Skills to consider:
- Simulation software
- AutoCAD
- SolidWorks
- C/C++
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Java
- Python
Medtech design, create, and research health systems and products. This might include prosthetics, artificial organs, other medical devices and information systems.
Skills to consider:
Bioprocess engineers support research and new technologies in the study of organisms and cells.
Skills to consider:
- Clean-in place (CIP)
- R
- Fermentation and cell culture
Research within BME involves data collection and analysis along with interpretation and sharing findings. Part of your research may include building prototypes and testing concepts for future products and technology.
Skills to consider:
- Java
- Python
- C/C++
- R
- MATLAB
- Technical writing
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is working with speech patterns, AI speech recognition, and technology’s ability to process and analyze natural language data. This can include large amounts of data, algorithms, machine learning and AI techniques.
Skills to consider:
- Spark
- Text mining software
- Machine learning software
- Hadoop
- Hive
Cryptocurrency is a digital form of currency that companies and establishments can exchange for goods and services; work via decentralized finance system. Some examples include: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Tether and Cardano. Blockchain is decentralized digital ledgers that track cryptocurrency transactions and cryptography is the study of secured passage of information (the basis of cryptocurrency).
How to show your experience:
Show off your experience with a cryptocurrency project(s). Consider researching and experimenting with different solutions and business models in crypto and show off your coding skills by contributing to open source projects.
AI uses algorithms to create neural networks through deep learning. This includes working with large amounts of data and, creating steps to process that data with minimal human interaction. AI can essentially mimic/simulate human intelligence. Related components of AI include NLP.
What types of roles should I look for?
Machine learning engineer, data scientist/analyst, business intelligence developer, research scientist, big data or software engineer/architect, robotics engineer, NLP engineer, and UX roles.
Deep Learning (aka Neural Organized Learning, aka Different Level Learning) is a form of Machine Learning (all within the AI umbrella) that focuses on mimicking the human brain. Specifically, teaching an algorithm/device/program to think like the human brain in order to remove the necessity for an external human component (as in Machine Learning).
What types of roles should I look for?
Software engineer/developer, data scientist/analyst, deep learning engineer, machine learning engineer, and computer vision roles.
There are many different roles within the gaming industry to consider: software engineering, data analytics, machine learning, and UX design. These roles all work together to help create games for use on consoles (like Nintendo Switch, PS5, etc.) or computers, apps, mobile devices, or with added accessories like VR headsets. The use of data to help learn user behaviors and support in-game advertisements or purchases is also growing.
How does gaming intersect with other industry areas?
Gaming connects with lots of interest areas including arts, animation, drawing, graphics, music, design, hardware, marketing, data analysis, psychology, and more. All of these roles may use different types of technology to aide their work.
Software engineers focus on building software design and systems that solve problems. This includes computer software, web and phone apps, etc. In addition to design, engineers write and test code, update software, and work with other aspects of the team like PMs, technical writers, customer service, etc.
What’s the difference between SWE and Software Development?
Software development is viewed as a subset of software engineering. Software developers design specific computer systems and application software, whereas software engineers work on a larger scale involving entire computer systems and application software for a company or organization.
Non-fungible token (NFT) is a unique digital item (e.g., drawings, memes, music, potentially anything digital) that cannot be replaced with something else. A more tangible (not digital) version of this might be baseball cards; you can trade rare baseball cards for a different card but, there is only so many cards printed. NFTs are not without controversy given their unique status, investment potential, and initial costs. Some people think NFTs are the future of art collecting.
What careers can I pursue within NFTs?
Note that there are not necessarily specific NFT careers but other job roles/titles that can focus on NFTs or related technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrency:
NFT trader
Artist or NFT Artist
Software Engineer/Developer (focus on blockchain and/or cryptocurrency)
Fintech is the application of new technological advancements to products and services in financial industry and aims to improve and automate delivery and use of financial services. Fintech often competes with existing traditional financial methods in delivery of financial services.
Resume Tips:
- Demonstrate knowledge of industry trends
- Highlight tech and/or finance experience
- List relevant achievements instead of responsibilities
- Show have skills fintech companies are looking for
Civil/physical engineers perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.
Skills to consider:
- Data analysis
- Active listening
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Design
- Building and construction
- Compliance knowledge
- CAD
Transportation engineers work on projects for surface transportation like highways, railways, and traffic flow including designs and specifications.
Skills to consider:
- AutoCAD
- SQL Related occupations
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Python
Construction managers coordinate any aspect related to construction of facilities and systems. This might include planning, supervising, developing projects, scheduling, and budgeting.
Skills to consider:
- Compliance software
- AutoCAD
- Schedulign software
- Procore
