Overview of Engineering
Engineering is a branch of science and technology focused on designing machines, structures, and systems. There are many disciplines within the field.
Electronics engineers design and test electronic devices from portable music players to global positioning systems, and computer hardware. They oversee device production and may install and maintain it as well.
Get details on the salary and job security of these Engineering careers:
Get Career Ready for Engineering
Find out what it takes to land a career in Engineering
Earn A Degree
To work in the field of Engineering, it is recommended you have a strong in math, science, or technology. Check the Mason Catalog for degree requirements.
Along with your degree, professional certifications like these may increase your employment options:
- The Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate is available to recent graduates and current undergraduate students in accredited programs.
- The USGBC provides LEED Certifications and continuing education to engineers focused on green design.
- The Project Management Professional certification is issued by the Project Management Institute.
- INCOSE Systems Engineering certification is a formal recognition of the knowledge and experience of systems engineers, regardless of where they may be in their career.
Gain Experiences
Employers expect at least six to twelve months of related experience to be competitive for full-time positions. Gain experience while you are a student at Mason.
Here are the types of experiences most valued by Engineering employers, and where to find them:
Internships/Jobs
Projects
- Faculty-sponsored research projects: Ask your professors about research projects.
- Capstone courses/Design projects: Consult your academic advisor about capstones in your department.
- Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP): Get academic credit and financial support for research projects.
- Freelance/Independent projects (Example: Upwork).
Market Yourself
It is important for you to be able to clearly communicate the knowledge, skills and experiences you have gained in and outside of the classroom.
Below are top ways to showcase your qualifications to Engineering employers:
Resume
Online Portfolio
An engineering portfolio gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and experience in a visual format. It can include sketches, engineering projects, graphics, diagrams, AV clips, a modified resume, and/or writing samples. Here are a few websites where you can create a portfolio:
Career Ready
Career ready Mason grads have gone on to work for Engineering employers, such as:
ALA |
Northrop Grumman |
MITRE |
Boeing |
Dominion Energy |
Leidos |
Dewberry |
M.C. Dean |
Capital One |
Join the Engineering community
Get involved with academic and professional societies to grow your network while you're still a student.
Professional Associations
- National Society of Professional Engineers
- Biomedical Engineering Society
- American Society of Civil Engineers
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Society of Women Engineers
Additional organizations can be found at Engineering Associations.