Engineering is a field that offers endless opportunities for problem-solving, innovation, and impact. To ensure a strong pipeline of talented engineers, it is crucial to start nurturing students’ interest and skills in high school. That is why we wanted to explore how high schools can help prepare students for careers in engineering, as well as give parents and schools some programs and initiatives in New Jersey they can suggest to their kids who may be interested in becoming engineers.
High schools can ignite students’ passion for engineering by introducing the field at an early stage. Offering introductory engineering courses as part of the curriculum exposes students to foundational concepts, principles, and hands-on projects. These courses can provide a glimpse into various engineering disciplines, helping students identify their areas of interest.
If you are a parent interested in making sure your school is providing access to these types of opportunities, make sure you are attending board meetings and talking to other parents. Together, you can put together a proposal and push for change that will benefit future and current students who want to become engineers.
Project-based learning (PBL) is a powerful teaching method that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity—skills essential for future engineers. High schools can incorporate PBL into their engineering programs by assigning real-world projects that require students to apply their knowledge and skills. Encouraging students to work in teams on complex engineering challenges not only enhances their technical abilities but also nurtures their communication and teamwork skills.
Establishing engineering clubs in high schools can create a platform for students to explore their interests outside the classroom. These clubs can organize regular meetings, guest lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities related to engineering. Additionally, participating in engineering competitions such as robotics, bridge-building, or coding challenges can help students develop problem-solving abilities and gain exposure to the practical aspects of engineering.
If your school doesn’t currently offer engineering clubs, it is a great opportunity for your student to take initiative and help get one started. Clubs are often proving grounds for the administration to see the benefits of incorporating STEM more firmly into their curriculum.
High schools can strengthen their engineering programs by fostering partnerships with local industries and universities. Collaborating with engineering firms and organizations allows students to gain insights into the professional world and explore potential career paths. Internship opportunities and mentorship programs can provide invaluable experiences, enabling students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios. Furthermore, partnerships with universities can grant high school students access to advanced engineering facilities, research projects, and guidance from experts.
Project Lead the Way is a nationally recognized program that offers a comprehensive STEM curriculum, including engineering, in New Jersey high schools. PLTW equips students with hands-on experiences, problem-solving skills, and a solid foundation in engineering principles. The program provides access to cutting-edge technologies, industry partnerships, and professional development opportunities for educators.
The New Jersey Science Olympiad is a competitive event that engages high school students in various science and engineering challenges. The program promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and practical application of scientific knowledge. Students can compete in events such as building mousetrap vehicles, designing towers, or conducting experiments in different disciplines of science and engineering.
Rutgers Future Scholars is a New Jersey-based program that aims to prepare talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds for higher education, including engineering. The program provides academic support, mentoring, college readiness workshops, and exposure to STEM fields through hands-on activities and visits to Rutgers University’s engineering facilities.
It is undeniable that high schools play a pivotal role in preparing students for successful careers in engineering. By introducing engineering early, promoting project-based learning, fostering engineering clubs, and facilitating collaborations with local industries and universities, high schools can nurture the talents and passions of future engineers. In New Jersey, programs like Project Lead the Way, the New Jersey Science Olympiad, and the Rutgers Future Scholars Program provide valuable resources and opportunities to support young engineers on their journey towards fulfilling careers. With the right guidance and support, high schools can inspire and empower the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing many industries and engineering is no different. AI is revolutionizing engineering by analyzing big data, designing improved products, optimizing processes, and cutting costs. This blog examines current engineering applications of AI, its potential future impact, and the opportunities and challenges it presents.
AI is already being used in a variety of engineering applications, including:
The impact of AI on the future of engineering will be significant. Some of the key benefits include:
While AI presents many opportunities for engineering, there are also some challenges to be addressed. These include:
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI in engineering are significant. According to a report by McKinsey, AI could add $13 trillion to the global economy by 2030. It is clear that AI will play a major role in the future of engineering, and engineers who embrace this technology will be well-placed to succeed. What are you thoughts on using AI? Do you agree this is the way of the future?
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.
NJSPE is now accepting applications for the 2023 Engineering Student Scholarships. NJSPE has implemented new scholarships to assist the brightest and most talented future engineers.
Scholarship application deadline is Wednesday, April 12, 2023 by 5pm EST. Apply today!
There are three NJSPE scholarships. The top applicant will receive a $3,000 scholarship and be named as the NJSPE Future Engineer of the Year. Second place will receive a $2,000 scholarship and third place will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Winners will be notified that they are receiving a scholarship – but Scholarship Placement (1st, 2nd or 3rd) will be announced at the Annual Installation and Awards Dinner on June 6, 2023 at Mercer Oaks Golf Course in West Windsor Township, NJ. Winners will be announced by May 1, 2023.\
In order to complete your application, you will need:
Apply for NJSPE Engineering Student Scholarship Today Here!
As New Jersey’s state society of NSPE, we strive to represent, serve, and empower the state’s engineering professionals. Thinking about joining? We’ve compiled a list of benefits you can expect as a member of the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers!
Protect your license
Since the start of 2016, 26 states, including New Jersey, have introduced legislation and/or regulations that would erode and even destroy PE licensure as we know it today, all in the name of job creation. NJSPE empowers its members to advocate for the future of professional engineering.
The NSPE website regularly offers resources to PEs regarding threats to professional licensure, such as the NSPE Advocacy Center, and State Watch, which alerts PEs to active and potential threats to PE licensure that have been introduced to legislative session.
Promote the profession
Being a local member gives you access to a national network of people who champion the PE license and defend threats to it. This raises awareness of the profession and encourages tomorrow’s workforce.
NJSPE is celebrating the seventh annual Professional Engineers day on August 3rd. Learn more about how you can promote and celebrate the profession with us next month here!
Meet continuing education requirements
For your convenience, NJSPE is offering educational resources that include in-person, electronic, and in-office courses. Gain access to free webinars, discount pricing on conferences and one-day events, and information on how and when to complete your continuing education credits to renew your license.
NJSPE is committed to providing courses in and around the tri-state area that will cater to those with multiple licenses and differing state requirements. View our available CE opportunities here!
Receive up-to-date news
We provide our members with the most up-to-date information on a variety of platforms, including social media, monthly newsletters, PE Magazine, PE Scope, blogs, emails and so much more. All these resources are easily accessible to members on the NJSPE website.
We make ethics a priority
Ethics are a crucial part of professional engineering. We track and discuss ethical issues with the Board of Ethical Review, offer ethics continuing education courses, and even have an ethics hotline.
Enhance your professional knowledge
We’ll help you understand the laws and regulations that define issues affecting professional engineers. You’ll also receive half off on EJCDC contract documents to reduce errors in construction.
Receive membership discounts
Members receive discounts on continuing education, industry publications, and products from Office Depot, UPS, Citrix, Lenovo, and Avitru. Discounts also apply at certain insurance companies.
Support future engineers
We constantly try to inspire and shape the next generation of engineers. We participate in Engineers Week and MATHCOUNTS, as well as fundraising activities for the NSPE Educational Foundation.
Connect with fellow PEs
Whether local or national networking is your style, becoming a NJSPE member will help you. NJSPE holds several events during the year and our national organization has online member communities. For an upcoming local networking opportunity, join us August 1-3 for this year’s Professional Engineers conference!
Located in Center City Philadelphia, this year’s Professional Engineers Conference is just a stone’s throw away for our members here in New Jersey. PECON attracts 300+ professional engineers from all over the United States for networking, educational sessions, exhibits, and presentations by industry leaders.
Learn more about this year’s conference on the NSPE website.
Join now!
Ready to become a NJSPE member? Learn more about our membership categories and practice divisions 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!
This is great chance for your company to get in front of hundreds of Professional Engineers.
The NJSPE is offering a menu of services to help you build your brand within the professional community
The NJSPE website gets hundreds of visits per month. The NJSPE is building an online library of training courses that are frequently visited and purchased by not only NJSPE members but Professional Engineers who are interested in our various topics. The NJSPE email database is vast, with a recent list of all licensed PE’s across the state, this is great chance to let the NJSPE market your company with little effort on your part.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SPONSORSHIP APPLICATION
Click here to download the sponsorship form >>
Questions about the sponsorship program, please contact Patrick Stewart @ pstewart@njpsi.com
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!
Want to share your industry news with the world? NJSPE is dedicated to recognizing our Chapters and individual members on their Engineering achievements. Help us celebrate the professional engineers of New Jersey through the NJSPE Member News and Recognition Submission Form!
Are you advancing in the Engineering profession? Have you spoken at an engineering conference, received an engineering award, or hosted an Engineering focused event? Let us know so we can share your achievements and accomplishments with your colleagues! No achievement is too small to apply!
Why do we do this? As New Jersey’s state society of NSPE, we strive to represent, serve, and empower the state’s engineering professionals. Your achievements help us to inspire current and future engineer professionals. And by recognizing your accomplishments as a PE, we’re encouraging tomorrow’s workforce to follow in your footsteps. This will help us strengthen awareness of both the engineering profession and NJSPE.
More details about the NJSPE Member News and Recognition Submission Form and submission process can be found here. Submit your news-worthy details today! Approved submissions may appear in Newsletters, social media, member communications, or our website! If you have any questions or issues logging in, please email Christina Goldstein at cgoldstein@njpsi.com.
Keep up to date with the latest from NJSPE in our monthly news briefs! 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!
Looking for new ways to get involved? Here at the New Jersey State Society of Professional Engineers, we empower our members to form their own interest groups!
Over the past few years, NJSPE leadership has recognized that not all members participate in their local chapter. Therefore, it endeavored to refine its structure to allow flexibility and options for those members who wish a different outlet for involvement within the engineering profession. Interest groups can be founded between licensed Professional Engineers, as well as those on the path to become a PE.
In late 2007, NJSPE leadership approved some major changes in our organizational structure. To address above-mentioned members who may wish to participate or form working groups around a specific interest, the NJSPE Board of Directors has adopted a method by which statewide interest groups may be formed. There are some minimum requirements for such formation, but they are easy to achieve and have the backing and support of the entire NJSPE family.
These interest groups can be founded on any number of topics related to professional engineering. They might relate to employers, areas of technology like environmental sustainability, social networking, or promoting careers (for example, working with students interested in engineering). However, the possibilities are virtually endless!
The New Jersey State Society of Professional Engineers provides a collection of documents and templates to serve as resources in the formation of new interest groups:
We hope these resources can assist in the formation of your new interest group. 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!
Hurricane Ida, a powerful category 4 storm, left all of New Orleans and southeast Louisiana in the dark when it completely destroyed the electric grid. The true scope of the destruction is just beginning to come to light as six people have lost their lives and more than one million are left without power. Officials are warning some residents that it could be 21 days before power is restored. They also say it could be five days until the water and sewer system is up and running again. Unfortunately, this is a pain that many New Orleans residents know all too well. Hurricane Ida arrived exactly 16 years to the day after Hurricane Katrina. One fortunate result of Hurricane Katrina was the construction of New Orleans’s storm-risk-reduction system.
New Orleans’s storm-risk-reduction system is a 14.5 billion dollar system constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other local, state, and federal agencies. It consists of flood-walls, levees, and a pump system to siphon out excess water. So far the system has worked successfully through Hurricane Ida’s landfall. The construction and execution of New Orleans’s storm-risk-reduction system is only one example of the important role engineering plays in hurricane destruction prevention and relief.
When it comes to destruction prevention from natural disasters such as hurricanes, Civil Engineers are our first line of defense. When designing infrastructure they must take into consideration the ability to withstand extreme winds, flooding, and rain-induced landslides. Buildings within hurricane prone areas must be built differently than those more inland. For example when heavy wind pushes against the roof of a building, negative pressures against it can cause the roof to become detached. Once a roof is detached from the building, the whole structure becomes weak and has the potential to collapse. To avoid building failure, the Civil Engineer must know that anchoring the roof to the foundation of the building is key to defending the building against destructive high winds.
In the wake of a deadly disaster Civil Engineers also provide relief by disaster mitigation. Disaster mitigation minimizes the suffering of individuals affected after a natural disaster. This is done by building shelters, streamlining logistical strategies for reducing food and water shortages, and facilitating evacuation routes. In addition engineers have assisted with the rescue of individuals by the use of drones. Drones can be used to capture images and locations of people who need to be rescued. This is an easier, safer, and more efficient rescue effort than having a team physically search for stranded people via boat.
The importance of engineers both before and after a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, can not be overlooked. Engineers assist in the strategies to prevent destruction and in the relief efforts exerted after such destruction takes place.
