Develop technological solutions to the world’s biggest and smallest problems
Ask an engineer what they do and you’ll probably be there for a while, nodding while they speak. So, in the interests of brevity, we’ll quote Engineers Australia: “Engineering is the essential link between thinking and doing. Between idea, and implementation… engineers identify problems and seek opportunities.”
An applied discipline, engineering is ultimately about using science, maths and design (among other things) to solve problems and improve systems. For example, the problem of “how do we cross this raging river?” can be solved by constructing a bridge, organising a catapult and mattress on either bank, designing a personal jetpack to fly above the current, teaching a waterproof robot to swim against the current with humans on its back, rerouting part of the water’s flow to go underground… but that’s really just another type of bridge, isn’t it?
If that previous paragraph lit up certain parts of your brain, here’s some advice on becoming one of those practical problem-solvers who give long answers to open-ended questions.
Becoming an engineer
Apply to an engineering course
Gain an internationally recognised qualification that’s been accredited by Engineers Australia – that pretty much answers the question in the title of this guide.
To flesh that out a bit, courses such as the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at RMIT cover fundamental science, mathematics, design and professional practice concepts in engineering. They give you the grounding to pursue your specific career goals, and the expert support to become proficient in your chosen specialisation. Speaking of which…
Choose a specialisation
When you’re first looking into this field, it can feel overwhelming because there are so many different types of engineer in the world. Do you want to build robots or would you prefer to design bridges? Write software for travel cards like myki or create life-saving medical devices? Improve planes or develop cosmetics?
Fortunately, you don’t have to commit to one of these as soon as you enrol. Your first year of study provides a grounding in the broad principles of engineering, so you can gain a better sense of where to focus your energies. After that, you can drill down to your chosen specialisation from second year onwards.
At RMIT, there are 9 different options on offer:
Gain industry experience
It’s especially important here to have a grounding in the real world of work, because engineering is an intensely practical discipline. When you’re choosing your course, be aware of the industry placement options on offer as well as the opportunities for hands-on learning.
At RMIT, you gain an education linked to industry needs, with an emphasis on bringing classroom theory into practice throughout your studies. Specifically, this means you’ll be solving real-world problems using the processes and skills you’ve just learnt, so you’ll graduate with a range of tools and experience with how different industries and workplaces function.
Our engineering degrees are designed in accordance with the Australian Qualifications Framework, and recognised by the Washington Accord.
What’s the Washington Accord?
Glad you asked. The Washington Accord is an international agreement between a range of countries that mutually recognise each other’s undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. Which means you can get your engineering degree in Australia, and it’ll be recognised in Bangladesh, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Peru, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Industry overview
According to Engineers Australia, the demand for engineering skills is outpacing supply. The Australian government aims to grow the tech industry to 1.2 million workers by 2030, which means the nations needs skilled, clever graduates to fill those new roles.
The skills you’ll need
There are several key skills common to all successful engineers, no matter which specific pathway they pursue. Perhaps the most obvious of these are mathematical and scientific skills, as well as the ability to think both logically and creatively to solve problems.
Increasingly there is an emphasis on interpersonal skills as well, because engineering is a collaborative career. Project management and teamwork, as well as strong communication skills, are demanded of today’s engineers. You’ll often find yourself working in diverse, multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to communicate with different types of audiences is invaluable.
Learn more about your engineering study options
Whether you're a Year 12 student weighing up your options or thinking about switching careers, RMIT's education courses provide a comprehensive and industry-focused education that can help you succeed as an engineer in Australia.
