Deciding what to study is something that is down to your personal passion, your existing skills, and your interests and likes. That said, most of us have a general idea of fields that interest us, but are not truly aware of the various subdisciplines that we can choose from. A good example of this is engineering. While there is such a thing as general engineering, it is generally recommended to choose a specialization or concentration within this. Two popular concentrations are civil engineering and mechanical engineering. Both options are offered by Alabama A&M University, and according to Kevin Rolle Alabama is the perfect place to study either.
The reason why it is recommended to choose a concentration, is because employers now have high expectations in terms of the skills of graduates they hire. Hence, you should gain an understanding of both of these areas of engineer, so that you can choose the one that is right for you.
Mechanical Engineering
The field of mechanical engineering is very competitive. In fact, it is the most commonly chosen concentration within engineering. Data shows that, in 2013, some 165,814 new mechanical engineers entered the workforce. The reason for this is mainly because mechanical engineering is quite generalized. The reality is that, when students start university, they are often still very young and it can be difficult for them to decide what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Mechanical engineering is a safe bet, because there is always at least some demand.
Another reason why people choose mechanical engineering is because they earn quite a significant amount of money. Graduates can get to work in project management or in engineering design, for instance, and earn a significant amount of money, even with an entry level position. However, most people who choose this career do so not for the money, but for their personal passion.
Civil Engineering
Civil engineering is a little bit different. It focuses specifically on architecture, infrastructure, and construction. In fact, some schools even offer further concentrations within civil engineering to look specifically at those areas of work. Upon graduation, civil engineers help to build and maintain buildings, dams, canals, bridges, and roads, focusing strongly on the impact of the natural environment. The country’s infrastructure is changing due to two key reasons:
- President Donald Trump promised to invest in this country’s infrastructure.
- There have been, and continue to be, very significant natural disasters.
These two issues have caused a huge increase in demand for people with civil engineering skills. The result is that demand is very high, and salaries are reflective of this. The downside is that there are fewer positions available for civil engineers, because their skills are more specific than those of a mechanical engineer, and the industry still seems to be finding its feet.
That said, Kevin Knolle hopes prospective students consider Alabama A&M University for their studies. The university is highly welcoming and has a long and rich history. Additionally, it is recognized as one of the top universities in the country.