An office, a power station or a construction site could be the home of a nuclear engineer. However, no matter where they work, the science and technology of nuclear energy are constantly improving. Although some may feel negative about the nuclear industry, they are in the minority. Working in this field is not without its positive aspects.
Job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Bolster of Labor Statistics), the job outlook is positive for nuclear engineers. This field is expected to see growth of 4 percent per year until 2020, although not as much as other fields. As the nuclear industry grows more dependent upon cheaper natural gas for its electricity source, it is possible that there will be a decrease of nuclear engineers. There will also be more medical applications of nuclear science, which will increase the need for qualified engineers.
If you have a strong interest in science and are good at mathematics and statistics, nuclear engineering can be a good career choice. There are many opportunities available in this field. Depending on your area of specialization, you might become a nuclear engineering supervisor or manager, or even go into sales. Remember to keep up with your continuing education, professional certifications, and other activities. Although job growth is unpredictable in this field, there are many career options available for nuclear engineers.
Education requirements
For those who wish to be nuclear engineers, there is a wide range of options. Students can take a four-year program at an accredited university as well as a senior designing project at their employer. Dual-degree programs are available at some schools for nuclear engineers. These allow students to complete their bachelor's degree and master's in five years. Core courses in radiochemistry and nuclear analysis are common for a core curriculum of a nuclear engineering program. A variety of advanced courses are offered in medical physics and enterprise management. Many students complete thesis projects that are research-intensive.
Nuclear engineers may become technical specialists, managers and supervisors depending on the job they are looking for. To be competitive in the field, nuclear engineers must continue to learn and maintain their professional certifications. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' estimates, there will be a decline in the number of jobs in this area between 2020 and 2030.
Environment for work
The work environment for nuclear engineering varies but it involves working with others in teams. They typically supervise technicians and less-educated staff. They may also be responsible to manage larger research projects. They could also be responsible in training others. This is an area where safety is essential. Radiation exposure is a concern for nuclear engineers.
Although it is often technical work, the environment for nuclear engineers can also be creative. Many nuclear engineers work in design engineering. This involves creating new devices for power or equipment that can be used to dispose of radioactive waste material. Some work in nuclear research and develop new equipment and systems that aid scientists in understanding matter, energy, and other topics.
Salary
A graduate trainee position is the most common way to get a job in nuclear engineering. Typically, you will work slowly and steadily. Depending on your experience, you can advance to a management role or a supervisory role. You may eventually specialize in one aspect of the field. No matter what your chosen field is, nuclear engineers should be ready to continue their education and training.
There are many employers that employ nuclear engineers. Depending on their location, they may work for a private firm, a government agency, or a research organization. They may also work in manufacturing or in the nuclear power industry.
FAQ
Engineering is a great career choice?
Engineering is an exciting profession where you are constantly learning and improving yourself. It is possible to make a significant impact on people's lives. There are many methods to accomplish this.
You might design products like cars, planes or trains, and computers, or mobile phones. These products could be designed or built by you. Or perhaps you would create medical equipment or machinery. There are many options!
Engineers love to work with others and help them solve problems. Engineers are always seeking new challenges and learning opportunities.
So yes, engineering is a great career choice, but it does involve hard work and dedication. You can't just sit around and watch TV all day. You'll need to put in a lot of effort to get the desired results. It's worth it.
What is the average time it takes to become an engineer?
There are different routes into engineering. Some people begin studying right after they leave school. Others choose to attend college first.
Some students will join a degree program straight from high school, whilst others will join a two-year foundation degree program.
They could then pursue a three-year, or four-year, honors degree. Alternatively, they could opt to do a master's degree instead.
It is important to consider your future plans once you have graduated. Are you going to be a teacher or a worker in the industry?
It can take you a while to complete each stage, depending on whether you are enrolled at a university or not.
It's important to remember, though, that there isn't always a direct link between the time taken to complete a particular qualification and how much experience you have when you graduate. Even if you spend only one year in college, that doesn't necessarily mean you will have the necessary skills to become an engineer.
What are industrial engineers doing in their day?
Industrial engineers deal with the interplay of things.
Their job ensures that machinery, plants, and factories run efficiently and safely.
They design equipment and controls to make it easy for workers to complete their tasks.
They also ensure compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards.
Statistics
- 2021 median salary:$95,300 Typical required education: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering Job growth outlook through 2030: 7% Mechanical engineers design, build and develop mechanical and thermal sensing devices, such as engines, tools, and machines. (snhu.edu)
- 8% Civil engineers solve infrastructure problems. (snhu.edu)
External Links
How To
How to read engineering drawings
Engineering drawings offer a visual description for an object. There are many elements in these drawings such as text, dimensions and symbols. Since ancient times engineering drawings have been in existence. In Egypt 3000 BC, the first drawing was created. They are used by engineers to design things like bridges, buildings and machines.
Engineers use engineering drawing to explain how something looks. It aids others in understanding what you're talking. Engineers make things by using symbols and numbers to measure. This makes engineering easier for those who don't have any knowledge.
There are two main types: 2D or 3D.
2D drawings are flat representations that represent three-dimensional objects. These can include sections, elevation views, plans, and axonometric projects.
3D drawings represent real-life objects with multiple angles. They are usually created by computer software. SketchUp allows you to display a model from the top of a bridge. Next, choose "View" and "Top View." Then rotate your view until all of it is displayed from above.
2D drawings can be seen in a holistic way. You shouldn't be focusing on just one area. If something important is in the top right corner, make sure you notice it too!