4 Engineering Schools preparing students for the global market

09 Oct 2018

“There’s nothing I believe in more strongly than getting young people interested in science and engineering, for a better tomorrow, for all humankind.” – Bill Nye

It’s not always clear which degree will land you on the best path to your dream career. Talk of a complex and competitive graduate market can easily cast a shadow over student positivity, but rest assured that your degree still stands as the ultimate currency when it comes to finding a job.

You don’t have to look far to uncover the long-lasting demand for engineering expertise. As a concept conceived way back in ancient times and a profession expected to thrive long into the future, universities across the globe are refining qualified graduates to meet burgeoning demand in engineering.

With tuition fees placing incredible strain on weary student bank accounts, prospective learners want to be sure their investment will pay off. The College and Salary Report from PayScale highlights the future earning power for a range of higher degrees, based on approximately 2.3 million surveys from graduates across 2,700 colleges and universities.

“In today’s job market, having a bachelor’s degree is nearly a necessity to land a rewarding, well-paying job with any possibility for advancement; a bachelor’s degree is almost essential for entry into most professional careers,” PayScale states.

Source: University of Melbourne

“In certain lines of work, like teaching and engineering, you cannot enter the field without holding at least a bachelor’s degree.”

But the scientific and techy minds among you will be pleased to know that engineering dominated PayScale’s high-earning Top 20, landing most of the top 35 positions along with other STEM degrees (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).

Marine Engineering came in at No. 6, with graduates expecting early career pay of US$73,900 and mid-career pay of US$123,200. At No. 5, Chemical Engineering was the discipline’s next best earner, snagging qualified candidates early career pay of US$70,300 and mid-career pay of US$124,500.

Next up at No. 4, Nuclear Engineering graduates should expect a starting salary of around US$69,000, but soon jump onto a hefty pay cheque to the tune of US$127,500. Actuarial Science came in third, followed by Mathematics, but the sought-after top position was also snagged by engineers.

Petroleum Engineering graduates enjoy increasingly bountiful prospects, starting on a healthy US$94,600, a figure that soon blooms to a huge US$175,500 for mid-career professionals. These incredible forecasts are pretty much unheard of in other graduate roles.

All things considered, the pursuit of engineering studies is a sure-fire way to future-proof your career.

Here are 4 Engineering Schools that prepare students for success in a complex global market…

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, ULSTER UNIVERSITY – UK

Ulster University, located in Northern Ireland, holds a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engagement.

The School of Engineering – Bronze Athena Swan Holder for its balanced gender mix – at Ulster prides itself on its provision of a multidisciplinary approach to the subject. Based at the university’s Jordanstown campus, students here develop a sought-after flair for practical scientific, mathematical and engineering skills. Engineering is ranked in the top 15 of UK universities, emphasising the high quality of Ulster’s engineering education.

This specialised institution’s undergraduate (UG) offerings include Biomedical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Engineering Management and Technology with Design. Postgraduate (PG) programmes are offered in Advanced Composites and Polymers, Biomedical Engineering and Manufacturing Management, while some UG courses are also offered as integrated Master’s degrees.

Source: Ulster University

Two Major Research Centres are based here, hosting 100 researchers, including 50 PhD Students, who enrich and inform teaching. The school is ranked in the REF’s top 20 for engineering research. Exposure to real-world challenges and scenarios ensures they are work-ready upon graduation, instilling in them professional potential that’s valued on all corners of the globe.

FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO – CANADA

The University of Toronto (UofT) is a recognised leader in research and teaching not just in Canada, but around the world. Offering a breadth and depth of study options that serve an ambitious learning community, graduates of this respected institution join an extensive global network of 560,000 accomplished alumni.

UofT plays host to Canada’s Number 1 Engineering School, a place where innovative concepts are given life through innovation, creativity and smart design. With its tight-knit, fun and supportive learning culture, it’s no surprise that 94 percent of students in the faculty comfortably transition into second year, with this trend of success continuing long into their career.

“Located in the heart of one of the world’s most diverse cities, our faculty offers a rigorous technical foundation in engineering and unparalleled experiential learning opportunities that empower our students to make a positive impact,” says Cristina Amon, Dean of the faculty.

“Multidisciplinary design projects, innovative minors and certificates, and leadership courses and workshops give our students the engineering and professional competencies they need to succeed in a complex global environment.”

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, KING’S COLLEGE LONDON (KCL) – UK

This school acknowledges that engineering is an increasingly specialised field, encompassing so much more than just construction, heavy machinery, manufacturing and mineral extraction.

Today, some of the greatest advances in the field have come from fascinating arenas like robotics, biomedicine and IT – areas in which King’s particularly shines.

Engineering at King’s emphasises the relationship between conventional engineering and leading-edge technologies in computing and telecommunications, robotics and biomedicine, allowing students to hone their expertise in some of the most impactful contemporary subjects. From exploring emerging tech in communication and information sharing, to designing and building heart valves and other biomedical devices, King’s doesn’t just develop, but inspires engineers for the 21^st century.

Source: King’s College London

Here, students can explore an expansive portfolio of undergraduate engineering courses that enhance employability and lay the foundations for advanced study and research.

At postgraduate level, courses include opportunities to conduct independent research and experience a range of specialist modules, opening a wealth of interesting career prospects.

MELBOURNE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE – AUSTRALIA

The University of Melbourne is recognised worldwide for the high quality of its teaching and research, ranked 39 overall in the 2019 QS World University Rankings.

Melbourne’s School of Engineering boasts outstanding partnerships with both industry and government, empowering students with unique real-world experiences that complement their intensive studies and instils in them the competitive edge needed to thrive in a fast-paced, global industry.

Engineering students can choose from varied specialisms, allowing them to hone the skills relevant to their ambition, and earning the school the title of Australia’s leading educator in the engineering discipline.

“Our engineering and technology community is drawn from over 100 countries, consisting of 3,000 students in coursework programs… and more than 900 students in research training, all supported by over 400 PhD qualified researchers and teachers,” says Professor Iven Mareels, Dean of Melbourne’s School of Engineering.

“Our graduate model of engineering education provides depth, breadth and flexibility to a world-class curriculum that is informed by real-world, problem-based learning, industry experience and a generous program of scholarships for both local and international students.”

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International