Seek related production and processing experience through co-ops, internships, or part-time jobs. Maintain knowledge of current alternative energy and product industry trends and regulations. Develop strong verbal and written communication skills. Seek extensive laboratory and research experience to obtain research positions. Learn team and individual design skills. Obtain Ph.D. for optimal teaching and research careers. Become familiar with the federal job application and employment procedures. Participate in related clubs and organizations like the student chapter of The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers to build contacts and cultivate related interests.
Maintain knowledge of current environmental issues including policy, conservation, and industry trends. Seek related experience through co-ops, internships, or part-time jobs in specialized area of interest. Develop strong verbal and written communication skills. Seek extensive laboratory and research experience to obtain research positions. Learn team and individual design skills. Obtain Ph.D. for teaching and research careers. Participate in related clubs and organizations like the student chapter of The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and/or The Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences Club to build contacts and cultivate academic interests.
Develop strong knowledge of engineering principles with practical application to design and integrate equipment, sensors, and facilities that handle, process, and control biological materials. Seek related experience through co-ops, internships, and part-time jobs. Develop strong verbal and written communication skills. Learn team and individual design skills. Obtain Ph.D. for optimal teaching and research careers. Participate in related clubs and organizations like the student branch of The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers to build contacts and cultivate academic interests.
The Bachelor's degree provides a wide range of engineering career opportunities in industry, business, and government. The B.S. also provides a strong foundation for pursuing technical graduate degrees, as well as professional degrees in Business Administration, Medicine, or Law. Graduate degrees offer more opportunities for career advancement. Related work experience obtained through co-op, internships, part-time, or summer jobs is extremely beneficial. Plan informational interviews or job shadowing opportunities to make contacts in government and industry and to learn more about specific fields. Engineers need to think in design, scientific and mathematical terms, and must have the ability to study data, sort out important facts, solve problems, and think analytically. Engineers should be able to see how entire systems are affected and influenced by the various parts of the system. Creativity is useful. Other helpful traits include curiosity, technical aptitude, perseverance, a commitment to teamwork, and a basic understanding of the economic and environmental context in which engineering is practiced. Develop excellent verbal and written communications skills including presentation and technical report writing. Develop computer skills to assist in determining solutions to problems, collecting and analyzing data, and to control various processes. Join related professional organizations. Rapid changes occur in engineering fields, so continuing education and knowledge of new developments are very important. All states and the District of Columbia require registration of engineers whose work may affect the life, health, or safety of the public. Learn about state requirements for licensure as a Professional Engineer including the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and the Principles of Practice of Engineering (PE) exams.
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2006) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer