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These engineers have to delegate responsibilities and coordinate actions between various professionals such as city planners, lawyers, regulatory compliance experts, business owners, technicians, and others in order to prevent (or mitigate) environmental hazards.
Environmental engineers may focus on specific hazards such as air pollution, waste disposal, acid rain, car emissions, energy management, ozone depletion, land erosion, public health, water treatment, or other important areas. Specifically, they leverage their knowledge of chemistry, biology, engineering, and other sciences to investigate environmental phenomena or contamination; analyze data and design multifaceted projects; monitor the success of projects; secure proper permitting and plans; offer technical support and education to others; advise corporate and governmental leaders; and promote environmental sustainability.
A typical entry-level requirement is a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or another subfield of the natural sciences. In order to qualify for credentialing (below), students are encouraged to seek out programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
After graduating from an ABET-accredited program and getting several years of work experience, an aspiring environmental engineer may qualify for a professional engineering (PE) license or certification through the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists.
Please note that to secure a PE license, a candidate may take the fundamentals of engineering (FE) exam after graduating from a bachelor’s program but needs to meet the work experience requirements prior to taking the second exam on the principles and practice of engineering. Also, professional credentialing or permitting processes vary widely by region. Regulations and rules can be ascertained from local or state governments.
The BLS (2024) projected a 7 percent increase in openings for environmental engineers between 2023 and 2033—resulting in 2,900 fresh jobs nationwide—much faster than the 4 percent average growth anticipated across all occupations.
According to the BLS (May 2023), environmental engineers command relatively generous salaries. In fact, the 39,880 EEs earned an average annual salary of $105,840 and the following percentiles:
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. |
39,880 |
| Average Annual Salary |
$105,840 |
| 10th Percentile |
$63,370 |
| 25th Percentile |
$78,640 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) |
$100,090 |
| 75th Percentile |
$125,520 |
| 90th Percentile |
$156,530 |
These engineers combine their technical expertise with their ability to persuade others, build relationships with clients, and teach people about the merits of their products. Sales positions generally require a level of confidence and charisma, which are traits more common among extroverts than introverts.
In addition to having an in-depth knowledge of a particular gadget or technological service, sales engineers must be able to explain the functionalities and scientific underpinnings of these products; prepare presentations for conferences and events; liaise between their colleagues and customers; negotiate prices; facilitate the delivery and customize products to client needs; and assist with the development of new products.
Similar to EEs, sales engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or another STEM field. They may receive on-the-job training in sales techniques under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
While there’s no specific professional certification for sales engineers as a whole, they may need a credential signaling their competency with a particular product or service. Additionally, it behooves sales engineers to remain up-to-date with the latest products and services, including those from competitors.
The BLS (2024) estimates that openings for sales engineers will grow 6 percent between 2023 and 2033, the average rate projected across all occupations. This will result in the addition of 3,700 positions nationwide.
Sales engineers boast generous salaries. The BLS (May 2023) reported that the 59,340 SEs across the country made an average annual salary of $130,550 with the following percentiles:
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. |
59,340 |
| Average Annual Salary |
$130,550 |
| 10th Percentile |
$67,760 |
| 25th Percentile |
$87,030 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) |
$116,950 |
| 75th Percentile |
$160,720 |
| 90th Percentile |
$202,660 |
Similar to environmental engineers, civil engineers must coordinate the activities of many professionals such as regional planners, architects, financiers, construction managers, and government workers to ensure the successful completion of projects.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, these professionals design and maintain public structures (e.g., buildings, bridges, roads, railways, ports, airports, energy systems, water systems, etc.); analyze the short- and long-term impact of projects; ensure that all works meet environmental and government regulations; perform experiments on soils, building materials, or model structures to test viability; offer cost estimates for various facets of projects; and educate the public on bids or project impacts. They may specialize in types of projects such as geotechnics, structure, or transportation.
These engineers generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related specialization. Similar to environmental engineers, these professionals should seek out ABET-accredited programs.
After graduating from an ABET-accredited program, aspiring civil engineers may qualify for the first step in getting a professional engineering (PE) license: taking the fundamentals of engineering (FE) exam. Following several years of work experience under the guidance of a qualified mentor, civil engineers may be able to take the PE exam. Others may choose a specialized board certification from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Finally, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) provides a list of state-based licensing requirements in this profession.
The BLS (2024) projected a 6 percent increase in openings for civil engineers between 2023 and 2033. This equates to the addition of 22,100 jobs nationally.
The BLS (May 2023) found that the 327,950 civil engineers nationwide earned an average annual salary of $101,160 and the following percentiles:
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. |
327,950 |
| Average Annual Salary |
$101,160 |
| 10th Percentile |
$63,220 |
| 25th Percentile |
$76,500 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) |
$95,890 |
| 75th Percentile |
$123,010 |
| 90th Percentile |
$150,640 |
While software developers are stereotypically portrayed as introverted, this position actually requires a substantial amount of interaction with teams of programmers, designers, and clients.
Software developers coordinate the activities of several types of professionals, ensuring the smooth creation, maintenance, and customization of software for customers. As the creative force behind computer programs, they design and test software while paying thought to user experience; offer upgrades or recommendations to clients; plan how pieces of an application or program will function seamlessly; instruct programmers in how to write appropriate code; provide continuous testing and maintenance of systems or applications; keep detailed records for reference; and work with a range of other professionals. They may choose to focus on applications (e.g., Microsoft Word) or entire systems (e.g., iOS).
Similar to the professions discussed above, software developers typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, mathematics, or another relevant field. Also, they must be not only well-versed in code and programming languages but also in particular sectors (e.g., banking, healthcare) for which they develop products.
The IEEE provides professional certification (CSDP) to software developers, a procedure comprising three components: experience verification, a test on one’s body of knowledge (BOK), and continuing education to maintain credentialing.
The BLS (2024) projected an 18 percent increase in openings for software developers between 2023 and 2033. This equates to the addition of 303,700 jobs nationally.
The BLS (May 2023) found that the 1,656,880 software developers nationwide earned an average annual salary of $138,110 and the following percentiles:
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. |
1,656,880 |
| Average Annual Salary |
$138,110 |
| 10th Percentile |
$77,020 |
| 25th Percentile |
$101,200 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) |
$132,270 |
| 75th Percentile |
$167,540 |
| 90th Percentile |
$208,620 |
Ultimately, these are only four of the dynamic engineering occupations that may appeal to extroverts, requiring solid leadership skills, confidence, communication abilities, and substantial coordination of activities between varied professionals.
After graduating from UC Berkeley, Jocelyn traveled the world for five years as an English teacher and freelance writer. After stints in England, Japan, and Brazil, she settled in San Francisco and worked as a managing editor for a tech company. She’s recently become interested in the underrepresented groups in STEM fields and published a piece on Women in Engineering. When Jocelyn isn’t writing about college programs and professors, she satirizes global politics and other absurdities at Blore’s Razor (Instagram: @bloresrazor).
By participating in a high school engineering program, students can build a solid foundation in STEM, form professional networks, and gain a clearer sense of their academic and career paths.
Engineers might be the only group of people where you can give them a problem—and they can consider it a gift. The engineering mind thrives on hunting for elegant solutions to complex tasks. That doesn’t mean you should give an engineering student a homework assignment for the holidays, but it does mean you can have some fun with the gift you eventually select.
Engineering internships are an increasingly important part of the transition from student to engineer. Internships provide an opportunity to put theoretical skills to work in hands-on environments. They also give engineering students valuable work experience, networking opportunities, and future career options.
Not long ago, self-driving cars were science fiction. Today, not so much. Influential companies like Tesla, Uber, Apple, and Google boast dynamic auto-drive programs, and many new startups are following their lead.
Professional licensure is a valuable asset, particularly for engineers who want to work in public safety, government projects, consultation services, or management and leadership positions.
