Engineering Technology

1. Engineering Technology Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life – Earnings – Employment – Career Path Forecast – Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

2. Engineering Technology Overview: Engineering technologists use the principles and theories of science, engineering, and mathematics to solve technical problems in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection, and maintenance. Their work is more limited in scope and more practically oriented than that of scientists and engineers. Many engineering technologists assist engineers and scientists, especially in research and development. Others work in quality control -- inspecting products and processes, conducting tests, or collecting data. Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life – Earnings – Employment – Career Path Forecast–Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

3. Engineering Technology Overview (continued): Engineering technologists who work in research and development build or set up equipment, prepare and conduct experiments, collect data, calculate or record results, and help engineers or scientists in other ways, such as making prototype versions of newly designed equipment. They also assist in design work, often using computer-aided design (CAD) equipment. Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life – Earnings – Employment – Career Path Forecast–Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

4. Engineering Technology Preparation: Although it may be possible to qualify for certain engineering technician jobs without formal training, most employers prefer to hire someone with at least a 2-year associate degree in engineering technology. Training is available at technical institutes, community colleges, extension divisions of colleges and universities, and public and private vocational-technical schools, and in the Armed Forces. Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life – Earnings – Employment – Career Path Forecast–Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

5. Engineering Technology Preparation (continued): Prospective engineering technologists should take as many high school science and math courses as possible to prepare for postsecondary programs in engineering technology. Most 2-year associate degree programs require, at a minimum, college algebra and trigonometry, and one or two basic science courses. Depending on the specialty, more math or science may be required. Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life – Earnings – Employment – Career Path Forecast–Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

6. Engineering Technology Preparation (continued): Those interested in a career in Engineering Technology should consider reviewing programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. Accreditation is based on an evaluation of a program's student achievement, program improvement, faculty, curricular content, facilities, and institutional commitment. A list of universities offering accredited degrees in Engineering Technology is available at the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center. Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life– Earnings – Employment – Career Path Forecast–Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

7. Engineering Technology Day in the Life: Engineering technologists usually begin by performing routine duties under the close supervision of an experienced technician, technologist, engineer, or scientist. As they gain experience, they are given more difficult assignments with only general supervision. Some engineering technologists eventually become supervisors. ET experience is useful to large and small businesses, education, health care, travel, and other industries. Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life – Earnings – Employment – Career Path Forecast–Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

8. Engineering Technology Day in the Life (continued): Teams and Coworkers Almost all jobs in engineering technology require some sort of interaction with coworkers. Whether they are working in a team situation, or just asking for advice, most engineering technologists have to have the ability to communicate and work with other people. Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life – Earnings – Employment –Career Path Forecast–Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

9. Engineering Technology Day in the Life (continued): Tasks Many engineering technologists assist engineers and scientists, especially in research and development. Recent grads will be involved in more simple technical tasks, and then progress to more involved work as experience levels increase. Career options are broad for Engineering Technologists. Later, an ET might move away from more technical responsibilities and become more involved in management, sales, marketing, or other support areas. Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life – Earnings – Employment – Career Path Forecast–Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

10. Engineering Technology Day in the Life (continued): The Workplace Most engineering technologists work at least 40 hours a week in laboratories, offices, or manufacturing or industrial plants, or on construction sites. Most engineering technologists specialize in certain areas, learning skills and working in the same disciplines as engineers. As a result the workplace may change to reflect the field in which and engineering technologist is employed. Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life – Earnings – Employment – Career Path Forecast–Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

11. Engineering Technology Earnings: Median annual earnings of engineering technicians by specialty are shown below. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians: $55,040 Electrical and electronic engineering technicians: $53,240 Mechanical engineering technicians: $48,130 Industrial engineering technicians: $47,180 Electro-mechanical technicians: $46,310 Civil engineering technicians: $44,290 Environmental engineering technicians: $41,100 Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life – Earnings – Employment –Career Path Forecast–Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

12. Engineering Technology Employment: Engineering technicians hold about 497,300 jobs in the U.S. About 34% of all engineering technicians worked in manufacturing. Another 25% worked in professional, scientific, and technical service industries, mostly in engineering or business services companies that do engineering work on contract for government, manufacturing firms, or other organizations. Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life – Earnings – Employment – Career Path Forecast – Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

13. Engineering Technology Employment (continued): The Federal Government employed 35,300 engineering technicians. State governments employed 31,300, and local governments employed 25,100. A description of the different engineering technology disciplines is available at the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center. Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life – Earnings – Employment–Career Path Forecast–Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

14. Engineering Technology Career Path Forecast: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of engineering technicians is expected to grow slower than the average for all occupations, but projected growth and job prospects vary by specialty. Opportunities will be best for individuals with an associate degree or other postsecondary training in engineering technology. Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life – Earnings – Employment –Career Path Forecast–Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

15. Engineering Technology Career Path Forecast (continued): Overall employment of engineering technicians is expected to grow by 5 percent between 2008 and 2018, slower than the average for all occupations. Competitive pressures will force companies to improve and update manufacturing facilities and product designs, although increased efficiencies and automation of many support activities will curtail job growth for engineering technicians. Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life – Earnings – Employment –Career Path Forecast–Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

16. Engineering Technology Resources: More information about Engineering Technology is available at the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center, including employer lists, accredited Engineering Technology programs, suggestions for precollege students, a free monthly careers newsletter, links to professional societies, and a PDF that summarizes the field. Overview –Preparation – Day in the Life – Earnings – Employment – Career Path Forecast – Resources Developed by the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.