With changing time come changes in occupations. A century ago there were no such things as car mechanics, TV repairmen or computer programmers. Now there isn’t a modern society that can exist without them. One such job with that kind of future is the energy engineer.
An energy engineer’s responsibility is to audit how machines utilize power and get then figure out how to get the maximum use of it. Simple examples are the energy ratings on refrigerators and air conditioners, or when a utility company sends an expert to see how you can conserve energy in your house. Energy engineers also work on making cars more gas efficient, developing alternative sources of power and even the upcoming overhaul of this nation’s power grid.
Anyone interested in this growing field should have done well in basic STEM (science, technology, energy, math) courses while in high school. From there, their undergraduate studies should include core mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering courses. Minors should include, believe it or not, some accounting/auditing and business management courses. From there, some sort of professional certification is advised.
After getting one’s 4-year degree, the next step is for post-grad courses. Most young engineers usually do this while working a regular job and taking courses through an online college. Because of the worldwide need in the specialty, a number of colleges are now offering Masters Degrees in the field. Still, talking to a college career consultant and groups like the Association is advisable.
Financial assistance for budding energy engineers is better than in many other engineering specialties thanks to the national agenda. As can be expected, there are the regular federal and state grants such as the Pell and SEOG. One can also apply to the National Science Foundation for S-TEM scholarships. If that isn’t enough, there are also a number of professional engineering societies and private corporations who are willing to help stock the labor pool ranging from the Association of Energy Engineers to Chevron.
When all is said and done, the financial rewards will make the entire process feel worthwhile. The mean salary of an energy engineer salary is approximately $90,000 with full benefits. Top level engineers earn well over $100,000. Many established energy engineers often set up their own agencies, too.
Until recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics rated growth in the field as slow, but that is making a major turnaround. A recently issued report moved the growth rate to excellent thanks to the raising costs of power effecting corporate bottom line.
At the core of this issue though, is new times are creating new professions. The health of the world is hinged on developing new technology that makes better use of disposable energy resources and those participating in online college programs may just be at the forefront.. When we everything from the U.S. overhauling the national power grid to the Gulf Coast oil spill, we can see energy engineers and those who have Online Visual Communication Degrees will be having a very important role in the world’s future.