In the rapidly evolving engineering world, staying current is not just a matter of professional pride; it’s a necessity. As technology advances and new methodologies emerge, engineers must continuously update their skills and knowledge to remain effective and competitive in their field. Professional development, encompassing required licensing and continuing education, is crucial for engineers across all disciplines. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of professional development for engineers, emphasizing the need for ongoing education and the maintenance of professional licenses.
The Ever-Evolving Engineering Landscape
Engineering is a dynamic and diverse field, encompassing numerous specialties such as civil, mechanical, electrical, software, and biomedical engineering. Each of these areas experiences rapid advancements driven by technological innovation, regulatory changes, and evolving industry standards. As a result, engineers must stay abreast of the latest developments to ensure they can design, build, and maintain safe, efficient, and cutting-edge systems and structures.
The Role of Professional Development
Professional development encompasses various activities to enhance an engineer’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. These activities include formal education, attending workshops and conferences, participating in professional organizations, and obtaining certifications. The primary components of professional development for engineers are continuing education and the maintenance of professional licensure.
Continuing Education: Lifelong Learning
Continuing education is essential for engineers who wish to remain relevant in their field. It involves taking courses, attending seminars, and engaging in other learning opportunities that help engineers stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. Here are a few reasons why continuing education is crucial for engineers:
Staying Current with Technological Advancements:
Enhancing Skills and Competencies:
Maintaining Professional Competence:
Licensing: Ensuring Quality and Accountability
Professional licensure is a critical aspect of the engineering profession. Licensed Professional Engineers (PEs) are recognized as having met rigorous education, experience, and ethics standards. Obtaining and maintaining a PE license demonstrates an engineer’s commitment to their profession and protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Here are key reasons why licensing is important:
Demonstrating Professional Competence:
Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
Ethical Responsibility:
The Synergy Between Continuing Education and Licensing
Continuing education and professional licensure are intertwined components of an engineer’s professional development. Many licensing boards require engineers to earn continuing education credits to renew their licenses. This requirement ensures licensed engineers remain current with industry developments and maintain technical proficiency.
For example, in New Jersey, the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors mandates that licensed engineers earn a specified number of Professional Development Hours (PDHs) biennially, with a portion dedicated to ethics training. This requirement underscores the importance of lifelong learning and ethical practice in engineering.
Embracing Professional Development
Professional development is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment for engineers. By engaging in continuing education and maintaining professional licensure, engineers can stay at the forefront of their field, enhance their skills, and uphold the highest standards of quality and accountability. As the engineering landscape continues to evolve, the importance of professional development will only grow, ensuring that engineers are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the future and contribute to the betterment of society.
Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just starting your career, embracing professional development is key to achieving success and making a lasting impact in your field. Stay curious, stay committed, and keep learning—your future as an engineer depends on it. Check out the continued learning courses we have available here!
In the dynamic landscape of engineering, staying at the forefront of your field requires more than technical expertise; it demands a commitment to continuous learning, skill enhancement, and strategic career development. The New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers (NJSPE) understands the importance of professional growth and is committed to helping all its members succeed. In this post we’ll explore essential tips to help you as an engineer advance your career.
Engineering is a field that evolves rapidly with technological advancements and industry trends. To thrive in this ever-changing environment, make continuous learning a cornerstone of your professional journey. Attend workshops, webinars, and industry conferences to stay updated on the latest developments and acquire new skills that complement your expertise.
Elevate your professional profile by obtaining advanced certifications relevant to your field. Certifications not only demonstrate your commitment to excellence but also enhance your credibility among peers and potential employers. Explore certifications in areas such as project management, sustainability, or specialized engineering disciplines to broaden your skill set.
Effective communication is a crucial aspect of professional development. Engineers often work on interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and colleagues. Sharpen your written and verbal communication skills, as clear and concise communication is essential for conveying complex technical information and building strong professional relationships.
Engineers with strong leadership skills are better positioned for career advancement. Take on leadership roles in projects or within professional organizations like NJSPE. Leadership experience not only enhances your resume but also equips you with valuable skills in team management, decision-making, and strategic planning.
Building a robust professional network is instrumental in advancing your engineering career. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and actively engage in networking opportunities. Connect with professionals both within and outside your field to gain insights, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations.
Mentorship can play a pivotal role in your professional development journey. Identify experienced professionals who can offer guidance, share industry insights, and provide valuable advice based on their own experiences. NJSPE provides a platform for mentorship and networking, connecting emerging engineers with seasoned professionals.
A successful engineer is one who remains informed about the latest industry trends and technological advancements. Subscribe to industry publications, follow reputable blogs, and engage with thought leaders in your field. Keeping abreast of emerging trends positions you as a forward-thinking professional who can contribute to innovative solutions.
While specialization is valuable, consider diversifying your skill set to make yourself more versatile in the job market. Acquiring knowledge in complementary areas broadens your career prospects and enables you to adapt to changing industry demands. Strike a balance between depth of expertise and a broad skill set for a well-rounded professional profile.
NJSPE offers professional development workshops and continuing education that cater specifically to the needs of engineers. Attend these classes to gain insights into industry best practices, acquire new skills, and connect with experts and peers in your field. Leverage these opportunities to enhance your professional growth.
Ultimately, the most successful engineers are those who take initiative in steering their career paths. Set clear goals, regularly assess your progress, and be proactive in seeking opportunities for growth. Embrace challenges as learning experiences and use them to propel yourself forward.
Conclusion: NJSPE as Your Partner in Professional Development
In the ever-evolving world of engineering, professional development is not just a choice but a necessity. The New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers is committed to providing resources, networking opportunities, and educational programs that empower engineers to advance their careers.
By embracing continuous learning, cultivating leadership skills, and leveraging the support of organizations like NJSPE, engineers can navigate their professional journeys with confidence and set themselves on a path of sustained success. Take the reins of your career, and let NJSPE be your partner in professional development excellence. Your advancement begins here.
The engineering profession is an ever-evolving one, and the future holds exciting possibilities. As technology continues to advance, the role of engineers will become increasingly important in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We can expect to see engineers developing new and innovative solutions to problems ranging from climate change and renewable energy sources to health care and transportation. In addition, advances in artificial intelligence and robotics will create unprecedented opportunities for engineers to expand their design capabilities and create more efficient systems. As the world moves towards a more automated and interconnected future, engineers will become even more vital in creating the infrastructure and technology necessary to make it a reality. Ultimately, the future of engineering looks bright and full of potential.
Year after year, engineering is a highly recommended career path for young students. The engineering profession provides security and it’s evolving nature keeps the work interesting. As we progress forward, we start to see trends in the profession and different concentrations of engineering demanding more than others. Let’s take a look at the future of engineering by concentration:
Software developers have the knowledge and skills to create things that run our everyday items like computers, tablets, and cellphones. As technology grows, so does this concentration of engineering. Software engineers are always adapting to new trends in technology and breaking the mold by producing new standards. As if the median income ($103,560) isn’t enticing enough, the projected employment change is +24 percent.
The future is solar. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, solar photovoltaic installing is the fastest-growing occupation. These installers assemble, install, and maintain private and commercial solar panel setups to provide renewable energy. As more and more countries are under pressure to carbon emissions, more governments are finding the answer in solar panels. The projected employment change for this concentration is +105 percent.
Biomedical engineers create new equipment, systems, and software that is used to help advance the medical industry. Modern medicine is constantly striving to improve, so there’s no shortage of jobs for biomedical engineers. Not to mention, generations continue to live longer, more active lives. New advances in biomedical engineering will be needed to keep up with the demand for new devices and operations technology. The projected employment change in this concentration is +7 percent.
Civil engineering is a necessary part of our everyday lives. From the roads we drive on to the tunnels we go through, civil engineering is everywhere. The population only continues to grow, which means our infrastructure environment must adapt to the change. New structures must be built and also old structures are constantly being repaired or replaced. Projects like new housing, transportation, and more keep civil engineers constantly busy and employed. The projected employment change for this industry is +11 percent.
These few examples of future growth in the engineering profession are just the tip of the iceberg. When choosing engineering as a career path, it’s hard to go wrong. The industry is constantly changing and growing. Luckily, engineers that are NJSPE members have the resources at their fingertips to continue education and stay ahead of the curve within the industry.
NJSPE offers a variety of memberships for licensed engineers, enterprises, students, and engineers-in-training. Learn more about NJSPE and find a membership that fits your needs here.
The global pandemic, COVID-19, has reshaped the industrial climate. Searching for the perfect job seems more daunting than ever, but there are companies all across the country searching for new employees! With resources like the NJSPE job board and professional connections with other members of NJSPE, getting a New Jersey engineering job might be easier than you think. Check out these new opportunities that are available right now!
Director, Application and Emerging Technology
PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory Services LLC,
Florham Park, NJ.
Internal Number: NJ3581
Help clients design approaches to identify and prioritize emerging technologies that can help solve their business problems. Support clients with design to integrate new technologies, skills, and processes so they can get the most out of their technology, investment and drive business results and innovation. Help clients solve their complex business issues from strategy to execution. Advise clients to identify and prioritize emerging technologies. Assist clients with application optimization, strategic integration of custom packaged solutions.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Must have a Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in Software Engineering, Business Administration, Information Systems, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, plus 7 years of related work experience, of which at least 5 years must be post-bachelor’s, progressive related work experience.
In the alternative, the employer will accept a Master’s degree or foreign equivalent in Software Engineering, Business Administration, Information Systems, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, plus 5 years of related work experience.
Must have at least one year of experience with each of the following:
Travel up to 80% is required.
2023 Summer Engineering Internship Opportunities
NJ Transit
Maplewood, New Jersey
We are looking for Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, and Railway engineering majors
10-week program (June-August)
40 hours per week
Hybrid/In-person positions
Paid positions $16-$26 per hour
Must be actively enrolled in an accredited college or university
Different locations: Newark, Maplewood, Orange, and Kearny
Free NJ TRANSIT transportation pass
For questions email: njtsummerintern@njtransit.com
All Engineering positions are available on your school’s career portal Handshake, Simplicity or College Central.
Please apply via the external link when you find the position you best qualify. The external link will direct you to our application portal where you can directly apply to a specific position.
Information on NJ TRANSIT’s internship program will be advertised on your school’s career website/job posting platform in the beginning of the spring academic school year.
Plumbing Design Engineer
LKU Group, INC.
Elmwood Park, New Jersey
These three are only a sampling of the jobs currently posted on the NJSPE’s job board. Visit our website to stay up to date with the most recent engineering jobs all over the country as they become available. You can even create a job alert that will email you when new opportunities are posted! Check out NJSPE’s job board to learn more!
A lot of American college graduates have regrets about their major. According to a Federal Reserve Survey, nearly 2 out of 5 would now choose a different field of study if given the chance. Not to mention, regret is higher among liberal arts majors. Nearly half of those who graduated with majors in humanities, arts, and social/behavior studies regretted their decision.
Meanwhile, those who majored in STEM showed more satisfaction in their area of study, with engineering coming out on top! As an organization that constantly strives to inspire and shape the next generation of engineers, we at NJSPE were naturally ecstatic about this. Let’s break down a few factors that contribute to this satisfaction in engineering (and if you’re college-bound, why you should choose engineering as your major!)
We’ve seen time and time again that STEM majors are more likely to earn more in their careers, compared to the humanities. In this article by Washington Post, you’ll find that Engineers show some of the highest salaries, with the following areas of study all in the top 10 of earnings by college major:
Now, money can be a deciding factor when considering any major. Let’s explore a few other reasons that might lead to engineers regretting their major less.
Engineering is an exciting field that can provide graduates with a whole world of opportunities. It’s a great field that offers different pursuits you can follow based on any personal or career interests that you feel passionate about. In addition to some of the top earners in the field, some common engineering majors might include:
When it really comes down to it, engineering can apply to virtually any field, because wherever there are problems, someone is needed to engineer a solution!
STEM fields have been on the up and up for the past ten years, all the while many humanities fields are caught in a downward spiral. The number of graduates in engineering has increased over 50% since 2011. There are a couple reasons for this. Firstly, many young professionals sought more secure career prospects in the wake of the financial crisis. The nationwide pro-STEM campaign over the past several years undoubtedly factors in, especially as the humanities and arts come under fire for being low earning, ‘worthless’ degrees.
Job security is another factor that contributes to American graduates regretting their major. It’s helpful to know that in the case of engineering, career opportunities within the industry are projected to grow in coming years. According to an article by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there should be over 139,000 new engineering jobs created by 2026 (compared with 2016).
What do you love about being a professional engineer? Do you ever wish you’d done something differently? Let us know your thoughts! NJSPE prides itself on promoting, serving, and representing New Jersey’s engineering professionals for the public’s benefit. Stay connected year-round as a member of NSPE – join today!
Are you looking for a fulfilling career in professional engineering? We can help! The NJSPE Career Center offers professional services to help you build and manage your career for maximum potential for success. Check out these resources!
Browse job opportunities both across the country and abroad! With hundreds of job postings available within the industry, our job board is designed to help you find the right fit for your career. Once you post your resume, you can start applying, and even get daily alerts with jobs matching your search criteria! You can also easily filter postings by keywords or location to narrow your search. View our job listings here and start progressing your career!
Our career coaches are here to help guide and empower you in your job search. While they come from a variety of backgrounds, each coach graduated from an accredited coach training program, and are certified in behavioral style analysis and interpretation
Getting noticed is the most important step of the job search process. Whether you’re a mid-career professional, a senior executive, or just entering the job market, our experts are ready to critique & edit your resume or LinkedIn profile to help you stand out.
Are your references saying what you think they are? We’ll check your references confidentially and professionally, so you can feel at ease when potential employers call.
Looking for new ways to develop your career? Our career learning center is designed to both instruct and entertain, with video and written presentations tailed to further both your personal network and your career.
Learn more about NJSPE’s career center here. NJSPE prides itself on promoting, serving, and representing New Jersey’s engineering professionals for the public’s benefit. Stay connected year-round as a member of NSPE – join today!
Whether you are just getting started in your engineering career or are a seasoned veteran looking to give back to the community, joining a professional engineering organization has a variety of benefits. A professional engineer membership is open to anyone holding a valid license as a professional engineer, engineer-in-training or engineering intern certification in the U.S., Canada, or an international equivalent. So what are the benefits of joining the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers (NJSPE)? There are many great benefits, including:
Professional engineers can also join a practice division to gain even more membership benefits. These divisions specialize in construction, education, government, industry, and private practice. Interested in these valuable engineer association benefits? Apply to become a member here.
Numerous people continue to work from home and practice social distancing as we settle into 2021. Although some industries have made strides towards business as usual, it is important to keep in mind how the global health crisis has impacted and will continue to influence professional industries.
In engineering the ability to work from home is dependent on the facet of engineering in question. Luckily, engineering is a necessary industry. Engineers create a variety of structures and products to maintain and progress our daily life. “With more Baby Boomers leaving the job market than Millennials and Gen Zs entering these jobs, this makes engineering jobs in high demand.” Says Nichols from Austin Nichols Technical Search.
Prior to the pandemic the The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected employment growth for the engineering field to nearly 140,000 new jobs over the 2016–26 decade. On account of the demand of medical technology, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. With that in mind it is unlikely the pandemic will slow the growth of the industry.
This is not to say that Covid-19 will have no effect on the engineering industry. The financial impact of the pandemic will influence the future of all industries, engineering included. A video featuring Erica Groshen from Cornell University’s Cornell Chronicle, referenced the below changes as possible modifications across the board professionally.
New terms and conditions at work
More sick leave
Operative procedures that allow more employees to work from home
More domestic manufacturing
More remote connectivity
Further automation, which leads to artificial intelligence
While the day to day look and feel of the engineering field may shift to suit a post pandemic world it is clear that the engineering job market is alive and well. If you are considering which engineering field to pursue you may want to research a career in artificial intelligence, as Groshen predicted the need for that industry will only continue to grow.
As we settle into 2021 we look forward to a time after the COVID pandemic. When a sense of normalcy will descend upon us and our daily routines will consist less of Zoom meetings and more of time spent with family and friends. However we are still living in the present and need to make the most out of our time in solitude. What better way than to boost your professional resume with a new learned engineering skill. Below you will find a list of online engineering educational resources for growing your skillset.
We hope you are able to take full advantage of these affordable educational engineering resources. As you continue to grow your engineering skills and professional resume.
If you’re still in college and want to get your foot in the door of the engineering industry, you’ve come to the right place! Taking advantage of the resources available to you now will really show initiative and might even score you your dream job. From resume writing to building your network, NJSPE is here to help you kickstart your engineering career. Here are a few resources you can use to put yourself out there and maximize your chances of getting hired.
While you’re in college, one of the most valuable things you can do for your future is to join a professional engineering society. NSPE and state chapter memberships are absolutely FREE for college students who are enrolled in an ABET-accredited engineering program. As an NJSPE member, you’ll have access to free on-demand courses that will help you navigate your career.
When you’re submitting your resume into a pool of hundreds of others, it’s important to stand out with a killer resume. As an engineer, it’s a good rule of thumb to emphasize your technical engineering skills and utilize keywords in your resume from the job posting (yes, this means that you should be tweaking your resume for every job you apply for). Check out these resume writing tips and examples to follow.
If you’re ready to start your job search, a great place to start looking for brand new opportunities is on NSPE’s Engineering Jobs Twitter account. They typically post jobs multiple times a day throughout the week and on Twitter, you can easily turn on notifications so you’re the first to know about new updates. If you’re looking for jobs in New Jersey, you can also follow NJSPE’s job board. When you create an account, you’ll be able to turn on job notifications that match your preferences!
A great way to get your foot in the door of the engineering world is to join the student NSPE chapter at your school. If you’re not sure if your school offers it, check out this list of available chapters. If you don’t see your school on the list, you can learn how to establish a student chapter at your school! Student chapters are a good place to start creating connections and can give you the opportunity to get and share career advice with your peers.
Engineers and networking might not seem like the most likely pair, but just like any other job industry, relationships are key! Putting yourself out there to meet engineers that are in all different stages of their career journey can really help to give you insight on how to navigate the profession. Additionally, a valuable connection could even help you get hired in the future. Check out this blog post on how to build your professional network as an engineer.
We hope you’ll be able to use some or all of these resources to kickstart your engineering career! Join NJSPE today to get started.
