Engineers are recognized by employers, peers, and society alike for their character, ethics, and quality of work. Those who earn and maintain the title adhere to the highest technical, professional, and ethical standards, and they do work that makes a difference in society. Their ability to solve complex problems benefits people everywhere.
Here are some of the key reasons people become engineers:
- The opportunity to improve lives
Engineering provides meaningful solutions to problems involved with everything ranging from climate change to clean water to health technology to communications and more. By pursuing a career in engineering, you open up the potential to make meaningful contributions to individuals and communities locally, nationally, and beyond.
- The opportunity to innovate
Engineers play an important role in pushing the boundaries of applied science, solving technical problems that enable construction, manufacturing, medicine, and numerous other areas to reach new heights. The field is often at the leading edge of innovation and plays a significant role in shaping society and its future.
- Protecting the public and its interests
By becoming engineers, people demonstrate that they have the broader interests of society in mind, including safeguarding life, health, property, economic interests, public welfare, and the environment. For these reasons, engineers are respected by the public and are seen in the same light as licensed professionals in other fields such as medicine and law.
- Improved career options
Employers recognize the high degree of knowledge, skills, and competence that one must achieve and maintain to be licensed as an engineer. Licensure not only enhances professional stature, it also demonstrates a long-term commitment to the profession and the ethical foundation it represents. Finally, the elevated accountability and responsibilities involved with becoming an engineer have significant benefits in terms of developing decision-making and leadership abilities.
- An elevated degree of trust
People who hold a license to practice engineering are seen by employers, peers, and the public as having clearly demonstrated their competence and commitment to developing their skills and knowledge within their field. Only engineers can sign and seal engineering drawings or serve as fully qualified expert witnesses in cases involving engineering.
- Higher earning potential
Engineering is consistently one of the highest-paying and in-demand professions, and this generally correlates to higher earnings throughout all career stages. Organizations also recognize that employing engineers brings significant benefits in terms of customer trust and bottom lines.
- Safeguards against market forces
Licensure as an engineer opens up career options. Engineers regularly pursue interests as specialists or establish their own businesses, and this flexibility can serve as protection against industry downsizing or outsourcing over the course of your career.
Resources for people considering engineering
Exploreengineering.ca offers an overview of the different engineering disciplines, and also tells the stories of everyday engineers and the work they do.
Requirements to become an engineer differ depending on where you wish to practice engineering. To find the requirements of a specific province or territory, view Canada’s specific Engineering Regulators.
If you are considering moving to Canada and have attained an engineering degree elsewhere, Engineer Here can help you understand the steps you will need to take to transfer your credentials.
If you have sufficient qualifications, you may also be interested in becoming an Engineer-in-Training.