By FMT’s Lifestyle Desk
If you’re a youngster who is curious about the world – specifically about how things around you work, how they are created, and how they can be improved upon, maybe you should consider becoming an engineer.
But first, here are a few questions for you: Are you particularly good at science and mathematics, and ready to apply them in your future career? Do you have a strong sense of responsibility and can work under high pressure? Are you ready to take on the challenge of creating infrastructures in and outside of cities? If you answered yes to all these questions, you should definitely consider taking up engineering.
What does an engineer do?
Generally speaking, engineers are problem solvers who use science and mathematics as their tools. As the field of engineering has become so diverse in recent years, it is difficult to define what an engineer does. An engineering student can specialize in different fields, such as chemical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical & electronic engineering, etc. Each field tackles different kinds of problems in order to meet various needs and demands of society.
For instance, mechanical engineers analyse, design and develop mechanical devices; chemical engineers deal with the transformation of raw materials into beneficial and useful products; civil engineers plan and oversee construction projects as well as improve the environment; electrical & electronic engineers are in charge of the design, development and manufacture of electrical equipment.
How much does an engineer make?
Engineering is among the highest paying professions in Malaysia, as there’s a great demand for engineers in almost every industry. They work for a massive variety of industries such as transport, medicine, banking, finance, pharmaceuticals, construction etc.
Qualifications
Before entering college, you have to take science stream subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, as well as English subjects which can back you up in college.
When you are going into university, it’s compulsory to take an engineering course accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).
You have to register as a Graduate Engineer with BEM after you graduate, before you are allowed to officially work as an engineer. After at least 3 years of working experience, you are only eligible to register as a Professional Engineer. Prior to that, you must pass the Professional Assessment Examination so that you are entitled to get that prefix “Ir.” before your name.
Getting a job is easy
In order to reach the status of ‘developed nation’ by 2020, Malaysia needs 200,000 engineers. Currently, there are only 70,000 registered engineers in the country.
So, what are you waiting for?
First published in Asia’s premier education portal, www.EasyUni.com