The contributions engineering has provided can be seen in almost all aspects of modern day life. From the car you drive to the cell phone in your pocket, engineering has played a part. The demand for continued engineering innovations makes it a great fit for a future career path. However, the fact that engineering is such a vast subject, can make it difficult to narrow down which specific engineering discipline is the right one for you. 

Below is a breakdown of four different branches of engineering and examples of attributes well suited for that field. 

Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineering focuses on the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. The field has traditionally focused on problems solving in areas related to atmospheric and space flight, with two primary branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering.

“Aeronautical Engineering focuses on the theory, technology, and practice of flight within the earth’s atmosphere.

Astronautical Engineering focuses on the science and technology of spacecraft and launch vehicles.” As described by Penn States’ College of Engineering  

If you are interested in the history and mechanics of flight, then this type of engineering will be right up your ally. From the earliest conceptual sketches of modern jets to more modern computer simulations, you will get to see how aircrafts throughout history and into the future perform under varying conditions.

Biochemical engineering

A biochemical engineer is someone who is responsible for the development of new chemical products that can be used by a multitude of companies and industries. 

This discipline might be right for you if you have an interest in nature or a desire to work alongside scientists.

Computer Engineering

Computer engineers design and develop computer systems and other technological devices.

This is a great field for individuals who are excited by an environment fueled by change and innovation. Of course an interest in computers would also be beneficial.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, etc.

If you have an interest in developing your design skills and a passion for building this maybe the perfect branch of engineering for you.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering is defined as “ an engineering branch that combines engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems.”

As with most branches of engineering a knack for problem solving would serve you well in this field as well as a desire to tinker and design mechanical devices.

All in all if you have a desire to pursue a career in engineering the chances are there is a field or discipline that is right for you. The most important thing is to figure out what you are passionate about and what excites you and then field a field that allows you to explore that.