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Is there an engineer in you?
There are many different types of engineering vocations, some that may lead on to
specialised careers such as designers, technicians, management or consultancy; but
even with the many different sectors of the engineering world (mechanical engineering,
electrical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering etc), there are
a number of natural skills and qualities (aptitudes) required; so what, exactly,
does it take to become an engineer?
Structural Visualisation
Structural Visualisation is the ability to visualize 3D objects in your mind`s eye.
It has proven to be the most consistent aptitude required for almost all types of
engineering and plays a key role in the ability to solve problems. Being able to
visualize how a puzzle will fit together or how a blue print will look when it is
finished may sound impossible, but with time and experience, these should become
instinctive. A common way of testing for instinctive structural visualisation is
to show a candidate a diagram of a folded piece of paper with several holes punched
into it, and then ask them to predict where the holes will appear when the paper
is opened.
Analytical Reasoning
This aptitude is all about organisation. The organisation of words, organisation
of diagrams and understanding processes and how they work. This is one of the core
skills required for all types of engineers as it allows them to analyse concepts
and arrange ideas into logical sequences. Setting up a science experiment is analytical
reasoning – assessing what a problem is and ways to test and prove a theory. The
same principles apply to maths and technological problems – but it is the process
of how to test and solve the problems, in a logical way, that test analytical reasoning.
Mathematical Ability
Candidates wanting to pursue any form of engineering career will need to demonstrate
excellent mathematical skills. To an extent this can be taught, but it certainly
helps to have a naturally ability and in part is a reflection of how well a candidate
can visualise and solve a problem within a reasonable period of time. Despite the
modern reliance on computers to solve our mathematical problems for us, it is the
mathematical principles that really matter as the right ones need to be applied
to engineering problems which is where structural visualisation and sound analytical
skills are necessary. Those who lack the latter two but excel in mathematics, may
find they are more suited to a career financial analysis, economics or computer
programming.
Design
There are some theories that those who are scientifically minded, lack artistic
or creative skills, and vice versa depending on which `half` of the brain is the
more dominant. But for a career in engineering, there needs to be some sort of balance.
Design doesn`t necessarily mean artistic flair, but again plays upon analytical,
problem solving and visual realisation skills. A good designer will always try to
find the most ergonomic way of solving a problem, with adherence to budgets and
aesthetics as well. Civil engineers for example, tend to focus on either consulting
or contracting, where consulting engineers are more concerned with the design of
a structure and effectively are the architects of a project, and contracting engineers
focus more on the building of those designs.
Auditory Aptitudes
Some branches of engineering will require particular skills and possessing auditory
aptitudes is particularly necessary for sound engineers. In music production for
example, a sound engineer is responsible for what an audience hears but must have
a thorough knowledge of the technical processes that make this happen.
So, anyone thinking of becoming an engineer should now have a better idea about
the kind of aptitudes required, but even if you don`t think you have all of them,
don`t worry, there are many branches of engineering and many divisions and occupations
within these branches. The prospects for career growth in
engineering jobs are huge and engineers can focus on those skills they find
they are more suited to.