Best Careers 2009: Engineer

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what school served the education of ennginiers

jesus marroquin of CT @ Oct 11, 2009 13:43:46 PM

Software engineering is still hot

Being a software engineer, I have to disagree with the comment that there's no future in this field for Americans. True, it's a field that requires constant knowledge update, so if you don't constantly reinvent yourself and keep up, you'll be obsolete. Age discrimination is commonplace in many professions, the field of IT is not exempted. Does the glass ceiling exist? Of course. But most software engineers that I know of are paid well, regardless of ethnicity. It's true that management are predominantly and disproportionately white, but again, this is not uncommon in other fields and I think slowly, and out of necessity, that is changing. Yes, outsourcing happens, but IMHO, there's still a strong need for innovative and good engineers in the US. Yes, gone are the days when you can command a 6-figure salary if you can spell IT or JAVA, but a good software engineer should still be able to find and retain work. Of course, there's no 100% in life, the safest thing is to be your own boss and be independently wealthy.

Will of CA @ Oct 06, 2009 16:43:33 PM

Don't go into engineering

Corporations always float around this "shortage" of engineers idea because they want to bring in more H1-B visas -- or, nowadays, simply send the jobs overseas. And contrary to this article, it is *not* just low level work that is being sent overseas any more, but quite sophisticated work. The real "shortage" is simply of very young, low-paid engineers. Age discrimination is rampant in this field, although HR people will obviously deny this. And it starts as early as your late thirties. Layoffs are a regular feature of life in this business, even for high-performers who have essentially given their lives to their companies, especially as they move into their forties and beyond. My wife and I are both engineers (mechanical and software) and we actively discourage our kids from going into engineering. Sad for our country, because we will undermine our abiltiy to innovate, but young people have to make the choices that will work for themselves and their families. Engineering is not a good long term career choice.

joseph of CA @ Oct 05, 2009 14:13:41 PM

The trick is being your own boss

I programmed my first computer in 1967, and have been earning my living doing it since 1973. In 1986 I formed my own business and began full-time consulting. I incorporated in 1987. I do much the same stuff a senior sw engineer would do as an employee, except I get paid a flat hourly professional rate, which means if I work an hour, I get paid for that hour, unlike unpaid overtime of salaried employees. I also get a much greater variety of projects to work on that a typical employee, since I move around a lot. A typical project lasts about 6 months, then off to something "completely different". The variety keeps it fun. Of course, you must find your own work, which means building a network of happy past clients, and of other consultants that will bring you into a project if they need more help.

Bob Brown of KY @ Oct 02, 2009 14:28:54 PM

Rose-colored glasses

The comment by James hits the nail on the head; except for the racism portion. The "asians" he refers to work for dirt-cheap as well (I'm not sure if he's considering the country of India as Asia, too?). I am Asian-American and and have had to change careers after stellar performance at several companies. I've even invented stuff only to have my design and work be "transferred" to the company after a long-drawn out legal battle. I re-negotiated the "intellectual property" clause prior to starting work only to have NOT been compensated as outlined in the NEGOTIATED agreement; the lawyers are sharks. The "workers" in today's business climate are basically screwed; time to bring back labor unions! American citizens should be reminded of the phrase: "If we don't hang together, we will most assuredly hang separately."

I hate to be so cynical but that's the way it is...I'm fortunate enough now to be retired as I've lived way below my means and stashed away a lot of cash. Welcome to America the Third World Country.

Brian M of CA @ Oct 02, 2009 14:11:05 PM

Electrical Engineering

After 14 years working as an Electrical Engineer for high tech firms in the telecommunications industry, I had to switch careers. In my experience, the industry was characterized by - massive layoffs every 2 to 4 years, spiraling salaries as more CEO's and executive teams take huge salaries and bonuses without just cause (I mean they haven't done anything to earn it), unfair bonuses and no employee appreciation (employees receive $200 bonuses compared to execs receiving well over $50K- $100K), more and more benefits are reduced and more costs are pushed on the employee every year, massive outsourcing without regard to quality, no upward growth, lack of professionalism by employers resulting in harsh treatment even for long time employees (no loyalty), small to no raises at all for the past 10 years, and no employee recognition for consistent hard work or exceptional performance. Another disturbing and saddening trend is that the companies I worked for really love replacing highly educated workers with high salaries with interns who are fresh out of college and are dirt cheap. These companies love hiring interns and working them to the bone without ever properly compensating or promoting them. Finally, I see a lot of what I call racism for lack of a better word. For example, I see a lot of asian managers only hiring asians and it's a growing problem. I would not recommend Electrical Engineering for new grads.

James of CA @ Sep 25, 2009 10:23:34 AM

I still have fun at work after over 20 years!

I'm a software engineer, and I've been one for over 20 years. Yes, it does have its moments (sometimes there are very long hours, and 24 X 7 on-call is the pits), but all in all, I do still enjoy working in the field. There's always a gnarly problem to be solved, and it feels good when you conquer it!

I am a bit outnumbered by the gentlemen, however, which can be interesting at times.

Pamela of WA @ Sep 21, 2009 23:28:14 PM

Realism or Naive?

For the folks who point out negativity on these posts, may be founded. Or is it lack of experience? Who's too know?

As each persons experience within this field will vary, the realistic view would be to understand personal motivations for the field. As posted throughout different comments, doing what you enjoy is a big pat of this choice as well as being compensated well for your talent. Yes, talent.

For those of you who have recently or will soon graduate with an 'engineering' degree of some kind, you're real learning and understanding has just begun. For the seasoned person, you understand the cynicism of organizational politics and lack of value placed on your contribution and experience. We have been on both sides and the gaining of this understanding will soon enlighten areas of the cranium that have been left dark or with little light and expose current beliefs for what they are.

If you wouldn't be willing to perform for FREE, then reconsider your motivations and make adjustments.

We still live in a Republic, for now at least, and have the option of moving companies. Unfortunately, companies do not operate in the same fashion as a republic and are typically headed by egocentric personnel concerned more about their empire than doing the right thing. Very few exceptions.

All of the 'Knowledge Workers' (How did this term get started?) for the 21st century are re-hashed factory workers from the industrial age with different machines. Company paradigms or organizational structures and methods have not met this change or are unwilling to meet this change which leads to the majority of comments as being viewed as 'negative'. However, do not mistake realism for negativity because you either do not agree, are unwilling to face reality, or have that rare experience of work and bliss.

Attempting to be objective and questioning my own beliefs, presumptions and experience while still having the same type of questions that people have posted.

Question everything, including yourself.

Simon of CA @ Sep 21, 2009 01:37:45 AM