If Engineering is Your Dream Job, Pay Attention to These Recommendations!

Engineering can be defined as a profession that offers technological applications for the benefit of society with the least cost, highest efficiency and safety by using scientific foundations and developments, and facilitates our lives with creative designs and products. There are points to be considered and researched for those who are considering choosing the engineering department during the university preference period. Altınbaş University Electric, Autonomous and Unmanned Vehicles Application and Research Center Manager and Head of Mechanical Engineering Department Assoc. Prof. Dr.  gave advice for future engineers.

Choose a Department Suitable for Your Talent

Take a good look at the engineering majors where you are likely to spend your entire professional career. Different engineering departments may require different talents and skills. For this reason, choosing the department that suits your talents and skills will ensure both your professional success and your love for your profession.

Research Engineering Departments of the Future

When choosing an engineering department, it is useful to look for departments that will be in high demand in the future as well as departments that are in demand today. With the development of artificial intelligence, it is predicted that the demand for some professions will decrease.

Research Possible Work Environments

Working environments may differ depending on the field of engineering. For example, civil engineers may work in construction sites as well as project offices, while software engineers mostly work in offices or remotely. Therefore, you need to consider what kind of environment you want to work in your professional life.

Research Departments that Employers are Interested in

You can increase your chances of finding a job after graduation by researching which graduates are more in demand by employers. You can also consider the average income levels of different engineering departments.

Pay Attention to University Choice

Referring to the things to be considered in university preferences, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süleyman Baştürk made the following recommendations:

Examine the Academic Staff of the University and Department

First of all, examine the academic staff and the curriculum vitae of the faculty members of the department you intend to choose. The knowledge and scientific studies of the professors you will take courses from during your education will directly affect the quality of your education. You may have the opportunity to take part in these studies and projects.

Examine Laboratory and Infrastructure

Investigate the laboratory and infrastructure facilities of the university and department you choose. Large laboratories and infrastructure facilities contribute to better training in your profession.

Prefer Universities with Project Teams

Choose universities and departments that have project teams and participate in national/international competitions. Taking part in a student team during your undergraduate education will prepare you much better for professional life. Students who take an active role in these teams can receive job offers before graduation.

Prefer Universities and Departments with Accreditation

Choose departments and universities accredited by nationally and internationally recognized institutions such as MÜDEK (Association for Evaluation and Accreditation of Engineering Education Programs). This way, you can get a higher quality education and enjoy the advantage of having your diploma valid worldwide.

Prefer Departments Offering Education in a Foreign Language

Especially in engineering education, it may be an important reason for preference if the university and the department provide education in a foreign language (mostly English). Studying in English allows you to master the technical literature related to the engineering field of your choice and improve your foreign language skills.

Review Overseas Collaborations

Prefer universities with developed international cooperation and student exchange programs such as ERASMUS. Gaining experience abroad by taking advantage of these opportunities during your undergraduate education contributes greatly to your professional development.

Prefer Universities with Industry Cooperation

Prefer universities with developed university-industry collaborations such as CO-OP (Co-operative Education) that provide long-term internship opportunities in the industry during the normal course period. By studying in this model, you can both find the opportunity to improve your practical skills and increase your chances of getting a job in the same place by introducing yourself to the employer.