Best Careers 2009: Engineer

Computer ENGINEERING

i am a computer engineer with MBA and enough knowledge math and physics

Supriyo Thakur of IN @ Nov 19, 2009 23:26:09 PM

ME having a lot of fun

I guess reading all the comments here is a downer but I feel like the reason why companies go overseas is a lack of technical expertise here. When I did my masters in mechanical engineering 75% of my class was international students and 90% of the international students were from India. I guess that about tells the story.....if Americans are not interested in Engineering then I do not blame the companies to use the H1 B visa to get the talent they require. I also know that it is cheaper to get a graduate rather than sustaining an experienced engineer. But once the experience is gained, get an MBA and start your own business in the field of experience.

JJ of MA @ Nov 14, 2009 11:22:18 AM

Electical Engineer

I am an Electrical Engineer with MBA in project management in the energy field. It pays the bills and it is nice to not have to deal with the general public at work.

For you ladies, I am a working mom. The hours are not great for balance of work-home. Engineering is still a mans world and it is not a very flexible field - almost no part time work.

I left the work force for 8 years to be with my children. I did a little consulting during this time. I walked right back into a full time job when my youngest started all day school.

WAKE UP! Outsourcing will continue in all fields. STUDY AND WORK HARD - IT WILL PAY OFF!

Margret of PA @ Nov 13, 2009 17:26:12 PM

Agree with avoiding engineering

To those that are thinking to get in engineering, read all the comments...I did and I can tell you that they are a good representation of what engineers experiments in their careers....(I saw myself in some statements....I have been out of work for over a year and I am getting to the point of looking for a job at McDonald....I have a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering) in conclusion it is better to avoid engineering....this trend of outsourcing engineering work will continue for the longest (until China markets gets saturated perhaps?...then it will be India...so there is not chance for the USA.). If you are a good student you best bet is medicine or any other field in healtcare...pharmacist is a good one too.

Sorry to dissapoint anyone out there but I am giving you a honest advice.

AVOID ENGINEERING!

Joe of MI @ Nov 04, 2009 19:26:11 PM

More political correctness

Yes, there are many computer jobs. But not for US citizens! I have watched the IT industry being shipped overseas for quite some time (let's talk 20 year timeframes.)

I personally have 5-associate degrees, 2-BS degrees (1 in computer science), an MBA in management and 30-years experience as a software engineer (19 years with Intel). I have a squeeky clean police record and sterling job reviews.

I also have been 'out of work' for 10-years, because all of the positions I apply for are getting filled with foreign engineers from India and China. Sometimes entire departments are being outsourced.

I have to work in Asia as an English teacher, at less than minimum wage, to pay the bills. Many of my co-workers here have similar stories.

Just what is going on? Lies, lies and more lies!

Jim @ Nov 03, 2009 08:44:25 AM

Engineer if for Enterpreurs

I think that from all the comments posted plus my personal experience (which is very similar to most of you…including many, many years of work experience) I would dare to give the following recommendations to future “engineers”:

Engineering is a career that can bring you a lot of satisfaction at a personal level but also you should be aware that is a very risky career because by nature engineers’ work is generated by the “need of creating”…new products, new services, etc. When a product or service is not longer attractive, or has become a commodity (like toilet paper) or is being outsource, then you are at risk of becoming obsolete. Unless, of course you have taken the necessary precaution of retraining on what is in “fashion” or you have had the “cojones” to become an entrepreneurs. The latest step will probably bring you the most satisfaction. (this is what will make you rich…working for somebody will not!)

So, in conclusion, you will trained properly in exchange you must,

-Be ready for change. Meaning you must keep updating on new trends, new industries including management.

-Think entrepreneurship the earliest possible in your career

-Engineers must have “cojones” (in the figurative way…and I really mean this). The challenges you will go through in your career will need you to be composed and have your head clear all the time. Keep your body and mind strong.

Very best to you future engineers.

GRoth of FL @ Nov 02, 2009 18:06:15 PM

Illegal misuse of the system

I am an engineer currently still working in the US. Every day it is a struggle to hold on to a job. Not because of having to do my work. I have no problem competing in an environment where the best workers keep the jobs. I do have a problem where it takes multiple h1b engineers to do the same job and I run the risk of layoff only because of pay difference. H1B is only supposed to be used when skilled work force is not available within the country. I have seen proof of skilled US workers being skipped over and over seas engineers brought in. I have seen many cases where the engineer brought in had less than half the skills of the local engineer, but were still brought over. Due to time it takes to get an approved H1B these engineers have been brought over on L1 visas to do work in the states. That is an illegal use of L1. I have also see engineers having to train engineers brought over on H1B just to replace the US engineer who would be put out of a job. I did not hear about these stories, I have witnessed them personally. When I finally can no longer avoid the ax on that day I will switch to a new job. I will then go into politics with the mission of exposing all companies that are abusing the visa laws and causing them to loose all their current visas and all engineers under that program will have to be sent home within 48 hours. These companies will complain that it will destroy their ability to operate and might force them to close down. What about what they have been doing USA’s ability to operate?

Orlando of FL @ Oct 31, 2009 18:10:11 PM

Engineering Careers In USA Not So Bright Due to Globalization and Offshore Efforts

I'm a mechanical engineer with 12-years of experience and have been unemployed for the past 11 months. I wish I could say that the outlook for engineering is good, but what I and many of my colleagues have seen is years of continued salary stagnation and layoffs/job eliminations-especially in the case of automotive engineers.

I disagree with the article's statement that "lower-skilled" engineering work is being off-shored to firms from India and China. Huh? The off-shoring efforts have nothing to with the skill-level requirements of the engineering work, but everything to do with globalization and the business practices of the multi-national corporation. It's simply, be it skilled/unskilled or white/blue collar, if labor can be done more cheaply overseas then that's how corporate America increases shareholder profits.

Unfortunately I have to agree with San Diagan's remarks. When I was in High School in the late eighties and early nineties, the counselors couldn't stop speaking to how "safe" and "lucretive" engineering was and would continue to be-well it's not as safe a bet anymore.

However, DO go into engineering (and the natural sciences) to challenge and develop your intellect and for the love of problem solving and the desire to understand the natural world and technology.

DON'T go into engineering because of some false association with prestige or money.

Unfortunately, coporate America doesn't hold engineering in high esteem-R&D budgets are ever-shinking and off-shoring efforts ever-growing.

I wish there was a way to off-shore Wallstreet and our so-called leaders in Washington D.C. who have been selling the American people a bill a goods for the past several decades.

Andrew of MI @ Oct 31, 2009 06:51:30 AM