Engineers: They turn coffee into buildings.
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Many learners would love to study engineering after finishing high school. However, what may not realise is just how many types of engineering fields there really are.
There are engineers that work to develop things to do with planes as well as those who are tasked with finding oil underground.
Engineering is one of the most diverse and impactful career paths that one can choose.
Engineering also shapes how we live, innovate, and work.
Studying Engineering
To study engineering in South Africa is no easy feat, however, it is a good fit for students who are passionate about one or all of the fields of engineering.
To study engineering after high school, you'll need to have maths skills, knowledge of computer systems, technological knowledge, and a good attention to detail. Analytical thinking skills, persistence, determination, and excellent verbal skills are also requirements before applying to study engineering.
To meet the criteria to be accepted into an engineering university programme, a National Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification with an achievement of level 4 for English with a level 5 for Mathematics and Science may be required.
Grade 11 students considering studying engineering at a university level must work very hard during their grade 11 and 12 years to ensure that their marks make them desirable enough to be selected for the engineering field by universities. The selection criteria for engineering students nowadays for South African universities are quite strict and not all students who apply for engineering as their first choice get selected.
To complete an engineering degree, students will need to devote between 4 or 5 years of full-time studying when they get accepted by a university. Engineering degrees at a public university cost between R37 0000 to R50 0000 per year. However, students can expect the price to differ based on the university they choose to study at and which field of engineering they wish to pursue.
The price to become an engineer and the amount of time one needs to devote to studying engineering in South Africa depends entirely on the engineering specialty chosen and the university that one chooses to study at.
The Types of Engineering Courses Available
Before you decide whether you are keen on turning coffee into buildings, you need to know the different career prospects that you could get into if you choose to pursue a degree in the engineering field.
Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering
Aerospace engineers work to develop everything that fly airplanes. All of the products created by aerospace or aeronautical engineers assist with ensuring that planes fly smoothly and steadily. When you choose to study aerospace engineering, you deal with everything from research to the design and development of an aircraft.
Food Engineering
Food engineers design products for producing, storing and distributing food in an efficient manner. This could be a very exciting field of engineering that many people don't consider as they do not realise it exists.
Architectural Engineering
Architectural engineers are tasked with manufacturing buildings that are meant to withstand everything. Architectural engineering is a field that is good to get in if architecture and problem solving are of interest to you.
Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering entails working with chemicals and using biological processes to produce useful substances. The entire field of chemical engineering combines natural and experimental-based sciences with life skills and hints of mathematics and economics.
Civil Engineering
Civil engineering is well known as it entails designing and developing infrastructure on a large scale.
Electrical Engineering
This field of engineering focuses on the application of electrical power and deals with electrical circuits.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is deemed the oldest form of engineering, and spans every industry from design to manufacturing. Mechanical engineers explore mechanical design and get involved with technical drawing.
Computer Engineering
This new field in engineering is rather exciting and deals with prototypes and computer hardware and software. Elements from both electrical engineering and computer science combine for this field of study.
With so many engineering fields to choose from, it may be difficult to narrow down your prospects to just one.
To understand which field suits you best, you need to tap into your interests and find out where your passions lie.
Understanding what you are most passionate about will help you choose the best possible engineering discipline for you.
Different Engineering Careers
The engineer has been and is a maker of history.
James Kip Finch
As an engineer, you can be a maker of history, via the following pathways:
| Job Fields | Job Fields |
|---|---|
| Aerodynamics | Aeroelasticity |
| Propulsion | Structural engineering |
Transportation engineering | Hydraulic Engineering |
| Computer Architecture | Microcontroller Systems |
| Engineering Mathematics | Petroleum Engineering |
| Marine Engineering | Software Engineering |
So, how do you decide which type of engineering is for you?
Both your academic and personal interests are important when you decide which type of engineering is best for you. Take some time to list what you are passionate about so you can decide what field of engineering is best for you.
It is also important to determine where your strengths lie. Noting the subjects that you are good at is another great way to help you decide which field of engineering will be most beneficial for you.
When you decide what you would like to earn, it becomes easier to understand what career you would like to pursue. Certain fields of engineering are linked to more income potential than others.
The last thing that you need to do to solidify your decision is to consider the different engineering career fields and the variety of job prospects available for each type of engineering field.
The Right Engineering Course for Your Goals
While some of the best engineering courses are offered at universities, aspiring engineerings can also attend TVET colleges across South Africa that offer beginner engineering programmes.
With these courses, students who are new to the engineering field, can get a taste of foundational knowledge. Although TVET colleges offer courses from NC(V) Level 2 to Level 4, they are much quicker to complete than a full engineering degree.
Within 3 years, you can complete an accredited course in engineering. After completion, graduates can get entry-level positions or even choose to advance their engineering studies at a university level.
There's no way to say which is the best engineering course.
However, a newer engineering field that offers many career prospects is solar photovoltaic engineering. With all the countries in the world moving towards cleaner energy sources like solar energy, a qualification in this field could guarantee you a job in the future.
That said, there is a huge demand for engineers in all fields, in South Africa and beyond. Exploring all the types of engineering courses in South Africa is a great option for aspiring engineering students who are still uncertain of which path to take.
The main thing to remember is that when it comes to engineering, is that one size does not fit all.
As an aspiring engineer, you need to choose the field you are passionate about and bring your own skills to the fore to secure a successful engineering future.
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