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Job outlook for engineering associates in the United States
Engineering associate job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected engineering associate job growth rate is 0% from 2018-2028.
About -400 new jobs for engineering associates are projected over the next decade.
Engineering associate salaries have increased 9% for engineering associates in the last 5 years.
There are over 77,028 engineering associates currently employed in the United States.
There are 87,421 active engineering associate job openings in the US.
The average engineering associate salary is $70,657.
Are engineering associate jobs in demand?
Engineering associate job and salary trends over time
Engineering associate jobs over time
Engineering associate job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 77,028 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 79,450 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 82,679 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 95,076 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 94,097 | 0.03% |
Average engineering associate salary over time
Engineering associate salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $70,657 | $33.97 | +3.5% |
| 2025 | $68,261 | $32.82 | +1.4% |
| 2024 | $67,288 | $32.35 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $66,588 | $32.01 | +2.4% |
| 2022 | $65,050 | $31.27 | +1.7% |
Engineering associate jobs by state
Most common states for engineering associates
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 394 | 57% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,223 | 32% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 290 | 30% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,176 | 28% |
| 5 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 211 | 28% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 364 | 27% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,922 | 26% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,093 | 25% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,401 | 25% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 779 | 25% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,382 | 23% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,258 | 23% |
| 13 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 249 | 23% |
| 14 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 128 | 22% |
| 15 | Alaska | 739,795 | 159 | 21% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 725 | 20% |
| 17 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 349 | 20% |
| 18 | Vermont | 623,657 | 127 | 20% |
| 19 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 611 | 19% |
| 20 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 369 | 19% |
Most common cities for engineering associates
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexington | 6 | 19% | $78,169 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 2 | 5% | $72,681 |
| 3 | Columbia | 3 | 3% | $72,597 |
| 4 | Jupiter | 2 | 3% | $56,131 |
| 5 | Jersey City | 5 | 2% | $75,160 |
| 6 | Boulder | 2 | 2% | $64,515 |
| 7 | Huntsville | 2 | 1% | $55,875 |
| 8 | Palmdale | 2 | 1% | $78,242 |
| 9 | Chicago | 4 | 0% | $68,433 |
| 10 | Los Angeles | 4 | 0% | $77,947 |
| 11 | San Diego | 4 | 0% | $76,324 |
| 12 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $63,315 |
| 13 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $78,380 |
Engineering Associate job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of engineering associate experts
University of Maine
Arizona State University
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Ohio State University
Widener University
College of Saint Mary
Old Dominion University
Michigan Technological University
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Cincinnati State Technical & Community College
California Polytechnic State University
San Jose State University
Dillard University
Alfred University
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Associate job market given the pandemic?
Joseph Reichenberger PE [CA AZ HI NM NV], BCEE, F.ASCE: The most severely impacted are and probably will continue to be the hospitality (travel, hotels, and the food service/bar) industry. I believe the convention sector will be impacted as attendees find virtual conventions via webinars convenient and cost effective. The food service industry will recover over time, but slowly. I believe travel for business will be reduced based on generally favorable experiences businesses have had with Zoom, Teams, etc. Engineering, particularly civil engineering, has not been affected much through the lockdown as it is an industry where the “office” engineers can work remotely very effectively using Zoom, Teams, and corporate VPNs with virtual desktops for specialized software. Those civil engineers that work outside in construction will still work as long as there is a housing demand. With infrastructure upgrades and replacements being emphasized by government, the civil engineering business will likely see a “boost”; and I believe there will be minimal impact. I do consulting for a medium-sized water district (20,000 services) in the inland empire and we have not noticed much, if any, reduction in requests for new water service and plan checks as new housing developments are continuing at near their pre-pandemic pace.
There will be an impact will be on engineering and other students getting/finding part-time jobs to support their education. Many worked in the hospitality sector; those jobs are essentially gone for a while. But they may be able to find some employment in the construction/engineering sector as interns or part-time workers. I believe this reduction in jobs may affect engineering schools and enrollment.
Education has learned a lot from the pandemic and more universities will go to distance learning and I believe there will be major improvements in distance education software particularly in the area of exam security.
What Engineering Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joseph Reichenberger PE [CA AZ HI NM NV], BCEE, F.ASCE: It has always been my philosophy that it doesn't matter how long it takes to finish your education; the important thing is to finish it. Because of the reduced opportunities for funding as mentioned in Question 1, this will cause a delay in finishing for many. It may impact some non-STEM majors to the point that their enrollment will decline as they see there are few jobs and the cost of education is too high for so few jobs. I believe many high school graduates will be going to community colleges to continue their education inexpensively (enrollment increasing, maybe more distance learning since space may be limited). There will be a significant number entering the "crafts" and take on apprenticeships in the construction and other industries (auto repair, for example, requiring high skills). The water industry is always looking for entry-level staff. This is one industry where you can start out as a meter reader and make it to general manager given enough "drive." Many have succeeded in this way.
In terms of skills to learn or pick up during a "gap" year or two would be to improve communication and writing skills; learn new software and possibly even network management. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Remote Sensing are major areas in civil engineering where new, skilled employees are needed. Obtain certification in "Green Buldings" LEED, "Envision," and forms of "sustainability." These skills are going to be very important and will allow a student to find temporary or part-time employment to provide funding once the skills are learned.
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Associate?
Joseph Reichenberger PE [CA AZ HI NM NV], BCEE, F.ASCE: I can only speak to a civil engineering graduate. Investigate all employment opportunities that are looking for entry-level civil engineers, even if it is not your “preferred subdiscipline.” Work through the university career center; subscribe to blogs and organization newsletters (Linked-in etc. too) that contain industry news and job notices. Before you apply, research the company on the web. What new projects have they picked up? Or “I noticed you do a lot of xxx type projects. I’d really like to work on this type, and have focused my education toward those types of projects.” Make sure this is in your cover letter and focus the resume toward that. This means that each resume and cover letter you send out has to be customized.
If you get to an interview, do more research so you can speak intelligently about the company or organization you are interviewing with. Be attentive; look the interviewer in the eyes and be confident. If you get the job and it’s close to what you were looking for, accept it and try it out. The important thing for an entry-level engineer is to get experience. I believe it is important to not try to find the “perfect job” because that may leave you in the cold.
I had a mechanical engineering graduate come to me as part of an honor society faculty interview a number of years ago. After chatting a while, I asked the student what he wanted to do when he graduated. He told me he wanted to design roller coasters. I told him I think that’s great, but there are probably only about 3 or 4 jobs like that in the U.S. Don’t be that particular. Then I went on to tell him that when I got out of school I worked for the County of Los Angeles designing drains and channels and there was a colleague with about the same experience I had and he told me he was leaving and taking a job near Lake Tahoe. I told him sounds like a great location; what are you going to do? He told me he was going to a firm that designs ski lifts, something he was fascinated with. The advice here is to never lose sight of your goal, but there may be a few “stops” along the way.
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Associate?
Marilyn Cipolla PhD: There are many directions to go with a BME degree and it may take some trial and error to find what you are passionate about but keep trying! You are our future. Work hard to find solutions to big problems.
What Engineering Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Marilyn Cipolla PhD: Having experience from an internship or doing research will likely make you more attractive as an applicant applying to different positions in BME. If looking for higher salary position, industry is probably the place to look. But having a career is not all about salary, and if you follow your interests, the money will come.
What will help Engineering Associates increase their earning potential?
Marilyn Cipolla PhD: Computational and coding skills are increasingly being needed in many areas of BME, including image processing, robotics, digital health, wearable sensing, protein engineering and computational biology. Computational approaches can add a dimension to many other areas in BME as well. Also, working in collaboration with other disciplines. BME is already interdisciplinary; however, working with other engineering disciplines (electrical, computer, mechanical) will likely be more important as areas such as robotics and image processing expand.
Jiayue Shen
Mechanical Engineering Technology Program CoordinatorWhat will help Engineering Associates increase their earning potential?
Jiayue Shen: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as electronic control, basic programming, and critical thinking will become increasingly important in the field of Mechanical Engineering Technology. As industries like robotics, automation, and semiconductors continue to grow, professionals will need to be well-versed in these areas to stay competitive. Additionally, skills such as collaboration and effective oral and written communication will be crucial for advancing in one's career.
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Associate?
Karissa Tilbury Ph.D: It is critical to demonstrate that you are a lifelong learner. Take online courses, develop portfolios of your work to showcase and learn the art of negotiating.
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Associate?
Josh Hihath Ph.D.: It is becoming increasingly important to be able to work with machine learning systems. As these systems become more prevalent they will become part of the workflow for many engineering jobs. Understanding how they work, and how to work with them will be critical to being successful.
What will help Engineering Associates increase their earning potential?
Josh Hihath Ph.D.: Don't be afraid to negotiate, work hard, and keep an eye open for new opportunities. And above all, don't let yourself become stagnate.
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Associate?
Dr. Yang Ce Ph.D.: An agricultural engineer can be one who plays with a lot of instruments such as sensors, cameras, to be used for agricultural field/controlled environment sensing and monitoring. Some are on the ag machinery side working on automation/navigation. He/She might work on the software development side, to develop tools that do better jobs in gathering/processing data collected from the fields. He/She might be a data scientist who works on analyzing agricultural data using machine learning models.
What Engineering Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Yang Ce Ph.D.: With the advancement of hardware, computing power and AI, agricultural engineering is thriving as it provides new solutions integrating novel technology into farming practices. It is in every Ag/AgTech companies portfolio. There are a lot of AgTech startup companies with job opportunities as well.
What will help Engineering Associates increase their earning potential?
Dr. Yang Ce Ph.D.: The positive side is that you apply the newest technologies in sensing, automation, AI into a field that needs them to improve efficiency in production, reduce labor and make more profit. Some people enjoy going outside to the field more than others. Some work requires going outside (testing instruments, collecting data, talking to growers), and others don't (pure data analysis for example). In general, agricultural engineers with the same level of expertise make a little less than going into the IT industry, which causes some Ag Engineers to leave for higher paid jobs in IT.
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Associate?
Dr. Kathryn Boening-Ulman Ph.D., E.I.: Know your worth, but also show a willingness to continue to learn and grow as an individual and as part of a team. Highlight skills you already have as well as areas of interest where you would like to explore some more should the opportunity arise. This can showcase a continual improvement or growth mindset which is important in an everchanging field such as agriculture.
What Engineering Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kathryn Boening-Ulman Ph.D., E.I.: Be ready for anything and able to adapt to new situations as they arise. The agricultural and technical landscapes are merging, and with that comes the need for new skills and an increased resiliency to get the necessary work done.
What will help Engineering Associates increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kathryn Boening-Ulman Ph.D., E.I.: I think skills related to information systems and “big data” will become more important and prevalent. This will be particularly important for those looking towards the next generation of precision agriculture and how we can leverage years of experience quickly and efficiently to new problems as they arise in agricultural systems with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
Professor Alejandro Ojeda
ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to an Engineering Associate?
Professor Alejandro Ojeda: Demonstrate that you can contribute and add value right away. One differentiator between BMEs and other engineering fields is that you have been introduced to product and process development, in addition to the engineering fundamentals you and your peers in other engineering majors have learned in school. This means that you are, although inexperienced, knowledgeable in the fields of design development, risk management, project management, verification, validation, and operations. You speak the industry’s language. Additionally, BME requires students to be well-versed in multiple engineering and scientific fields, instead of hyperspecializing in one. Use this to your advantage. Become articulate in communicating this skillset to potential employers. I have seen numerous recent grads who skip entry-level Engineering I positions or are offered higher starting salaries because they can contribute beyond what is expected at their experience level.
What Engineering Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Alejandro Ojeda: As amazing new technologies such as AI invariably become mainstream, I believe, however, that the skills which will become even more important and valuable aren’t necessarily technical, but rather intra and interpersonal. Great engineering is, has always been, and will always be about *people*. Machines and computers are wonderful tools, but they will never replace the human element. They’re complimentary, not substitutive. The most successful engineers are those who have mastered the ability to lead, to communicate effectively, to reciprocate, to think critically and creatively, to feel comfortable taking risks, to problem solve, to prioritize, to make difficult decisions, to work well within teams, to show confidence in adversity, to perform under pressure, and to self-motivate and self-validate.
What will help Engineering Associates increase their earning potential?
Professor Alejandro Ojeda: Accept the fact that this is only the beginning of your journey. Despite how well prepared and knowledgeable you are coming out of engineering school, there is still so much to learn and discover. Keep an open mind. Make it your ethos to become approachable and coachable. You will now have the time and latitude to actively pursue your interests and grow as an engineer. Learn something new every day. You’d be amazed at how many seasoned engineering professionals are willing to teach you and train you if you are willing to ask.
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Associate?
Aylin Acun PhD: Stay informed about industry trends and be proactive about continuously improving your skills. Seek professional development opportunities: advanced degrees, certifications, or specialized training in areas such as machine learning or healthcare analytics.
What will help Engineering Associates increase their earning potential?
Aylin Acun PhD: I would encourage the new graduates to keep a close eye on the latest advancements, trends, and technologies in biomedical information sciences as the field is rapidly evolving. Make sure to build and maintain a strong professional network within the information sciences community as well as others with diverse backgrounds such as engineers, computer scientists, and clinicians. Usually building a network is promoted but not enough emphasis is given to maintaining these connections, which is very crucial. Finally, do not shy away from asking for mentorship from those with experience in the specific subfields that you are particularly interested in. Hearing about their valuable insights, advice, and perspective could be career defining.
Jennifer Grove PhD
Associate Professor of BiologyCollege of Saint Mary
Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians
What will help Engineering Associates increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Grove PhD: I would advise any new graduate to be open and try out as many departments/areas of this field they can. This way you can find the right fit for you!
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Associate?
Dr. Evren Koptur PhD: The technology world is a dynamic and evolving all the time. So first and foremost, for any recent graduate should cultivate and sustain his or her curiosity. Technology is a fast-paced rollercoaster, and staying curious will keep you ahead of the curve. Dive into the latest trends, explore emerging technologies, and be hungry for knowledge.
Additionally, a robust foundation is your armor in the world of engineering. Whether it's coding, mathematics, or fundamental engineering principles, ensure your basics are rock solid. However, theory alone won't cut it. Hands-on experience is the magic ingredient. Seek out internships, co-op programs, or immerse yourself in personal projects. The real-world application of your skills will set you apart. I think this is the area where Kent State College of Aeronautics and Engineering excels. Majority of our courses in Engineering Technology are based on industry standard certifications.
Moreover, networking is not just a buzzword; it is the reality. Connect with fellow engineers, participate in industry events, and engage with online communities. The relationships you build can open doors to opportunities you might not have imagined.
Another important trait to gain is adaptability. It is a non-negotiable trait. The tech landscape is constantly changing, and those who can adapt thrive. Embrace new ideas, technologies, and methodologies with an open mind.
Finally, celebrate your successes, big and small. Engineering is a challenging field, and acknowledging your achievements, no matter how minor, keeps you motivated for the next leg of your journey.
What will help Engineering Associates increase their earning potential?
Dr. Vukica Jovanovic: To optimize your salary potential at the onset of your career, consider obtaining a P.E. license or certifications like Six Sigma Green Belt. These qualifications often open doors to higher-paying job opportunities. Pursuing an M.S. in Engineering Management can provide you with a competitive advantage over other candidates.
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Associate?
John Irwin EdD: Engineering technology graduates are masters of technology, gaining a broad and deep understanding of the processes, systems, tools, and techniques necessary to construct, modify, operate, and maintain an engineering design. They act as technological integrators, bridging the gap between the skilled trades and engineering fundamentals. This is a great career path for those who enjoy engineering concepts but would rather spend time working with their hands solving specific technical issues than tackling broader, more complex design challenges.
What Engineering Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Irwin EdD: They like that the job market is very strong. Companies that are implementing industry 4.0 technologies are in need of Engineering Technology graduates because they are well prepared to meet these challenges. Employers like their problem-solving and hands-on experience with modern industry tools. ET graduates with 4-yr degrees dislike that some company recruiters do not recognize them as engineers and confuse them with 2-yr associate degree technicians.
What will help Engineering Associates increase their earning potential?
John Irwin EdD: Engineering technology graduates develop, design, and implement engineering and technology solutions, typically pursuing engineering careers in design, construction, and product improvement. They work both in an office setting with design and simulation software as well as on the production/onsite setting troubleshooting issues for continuous improvements.
Uises Gonzalez-Valle
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
What will help Engineering Associates increase their earning potential?
Uises Gonzalez-Valle: The beginning of professional life is not simple independent of the career path that you follow and ME and MET can have their own complications. However, some good advice would be to develop independence and adaptability which are key traits of an engineer, and always keep yourself updated with the most recent technological developments. If you are independent and adaptable, you have all the skills to learn and further your professional development. In addition, I would say it is essential to start building a network, including peers and mentors. Having a strong network of peers and mentors helps you significantly to progress in your professional line. From day-to-day to daily changing decisions, having a strong network to support would significantly help in building your professional path. Lastly, I would say that having a good Work-life balance is vital too, since our personal life is as important as our professional life. Remember, we should work to live instead of live to work.
Mike DeVore Ph.D.
Professor & Program ChairCincinnati State Technical & Community College
Mechanical Engineering Technology
What hard/technical skills are most important for Engineering Associates?
Mike DeVore Ph.D.: -Computer-Aided Design
-Knowledge of manufacturing processes
-A good mathematics foundation
-Technical communication
-Problem solving
Dr. Peter Livingston Ph.D.
Department HeadCalifornia Polytechnic State University
BioResource & Agricultural Engineering Department
What skills stand out on Engineering Associate resumes?
Dr. Peter Livingston Ph.D.: -Learn by doing - our Junior and Senior classes are all project-based with 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of lab. The students design and fabricate items related to the classes, which include: AutoCAD, solid works, machine design and fabrication, robotics and sensor designs and fabrication, concrete slab and wall design and fabrication.
-We work closely with our industry partners to make sure our students get meaningful internships. We have our own career fair.
-Leadership - our students are active in our clubs, where they are putting their skills to work, including Grow Crew (greenhouse, plant factory, aquaponics, and aquaculture), Ag Bot Club (autonomous machinery), ASABE Robotics (robots made for specific tasks. Students compete at international competition.), 1/4 scale tractor pull (ASABE national competition. Students build a new 1/4 scale tractor every year), Tractor Pull Club (students compete and maintain large tractors used in tractor pull competitions at over 20 fairs and events around California each year. They recently designed and built a new 1,500 HP version and have a 2,500 HP tractor.), students work to organize nationally sponsored rallies for ag engineering students around California, and the Ag Engineering Society (raise funds for scholarships by organizing and cooking hamburgers every Thursday and participate in catering events around campus).
What soft skills should all Engineering Associates possess?
Dr. Peter Livingston Ph.D.: -Leadership, see above
-Writing. Our student's career at Cal Poly culminates in the production of an exceedingly high-quality Capstone design report.
What skills will help Engineering Associates earn the most?
Dr. Peter Livingston Ph.D.: -Leadership - active in clubs
-First, students hired speak conversational Spanish because that is the primary language of California's workforce.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Engineering Associates?
Dr. Peter Livingston Ph.D.: -Irrigation and canal system design and management skills
-Machinery design and fabrication
i. Solid works
ii. Machine shop and welding
iii. Servo hydraulic power and control systems (Danfoss Plus 1 programing)
What's a good job out of college for Engineering Associates?
David Wagner: Simply put, some of the best jobs out of college are the ones that pay. That is to say, not everyone is offered a paid job with benefits upon graduating. Some contracting work is typically involved, which can be on a short-term basis and work into a long-term or permanent position. A good job is when you, as the employee, and your employer are mutually benefitted from your presence. If you feel welcome at work, then you'll do a better job; it is that simple for some graduates. If, however, you want to move up from technician to engineer to manager to executive, or anywhere in between, then a good job will allow this ascension. On the other hand, being your own boss is a great job as well as long as you are disciplined enough to do so. Ultimately, there is a cost-benefit analysis you will have to perform, either consciously or subconsciously, as to what you define a good job and what obligations you have upon graduation.
Lovell Agwaramgbo Ph.D.
Professor of ChemistryDillard University
Department of Chemistry
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Engineering Associates?
Lovell Agwaramgbo Ph.D.: There may be a short term, negative impact of COVID-19 on graduates with respect to employment, emotional drain, and experiences. The severity of these depend on how soon the pandemic is contained, how quickly the economy recovers, and when the hiring freeze is lifted. Unfortunately, graduates will be impacted differently. Graduates with social network, resources, and right skills will find jobs and adapt faster than their counterparts with skills not sought after. Those with experience in computer and data science, information, and other technology related areas will find employment easier. Graduates who majored in areas that require face to face skills such as chemistry, where experiments require personal interaction with chemicals and analysis tools, would be affected more than those who can work from remote sites. For us, it was essential that we expose our students to the needed hands-on experiences, skills and techniques in chemistry. To maintain social distancing our laboratory occupancy dropped to 50% or less in order for us to have face to face laboratory activities.
At Dillard University, the pandemic metaphorically moved our good old sweet cheese (as in the fable "who moved my cheese"? by Spencer Johnson) and imposed on us Zoom, Google Meet, Canvas, Pronto and other different learning platforms. Like Scurry and Sniff, we tried to find new cheese source with the hope of finding opportunity, satisfaction, collaboration, engagement, and creativity in those new teaching and learning platforms. Similarly, graduates who take inventory of their skills and knowledge but also have passion, determination, discipline and strong work ethic will always find ways to overcome any shortcomings posed by the pandemic. Zoom job interviews and meetings and hybrid work schedule models will be lasting impacts of the pandemic. However, like Hem and Hall, graduates who find it difficult to adapt and see opportunity in such a change will feel betrayed, disappointed, lost, and probably depressed.
The pandemic created hardship for everyone including the graduates and industries alike, but it also created new opportunities. In the February edition of the chemical and engineering news, it was reported that employment for those with bachelor's degree was lowest in 2020 due to the pandemic as many industries initiated hiring freeze. Thus, with the current employment for new graduates dips southbound from pre-pandemic level, I recommend that graduates should consider graduate education or certification in areas that will add value to their skills, employability and earning potential as options. Certainly, the clouds of the pandemic will soon clear and the sun will shine again for those who are prepared.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Engineering Associates?
Lovell Agwaramgbo Ph.D.: The certifications/licensures and courses that can have the biggest impact on job prospects are degree dependent. In STEM fields, technology was an engine that kept afloat many sectors during the pandemic. For non-technology-oriented science majors, getting certified in coding, Phython, etc., will increase a student's skill set and job prospects. For a chemist, certification in coding, analytical tools (HPLC, GCMS, AA, and NMR), computational chemistry, bioinformatics, and water remediation and management will guarantee employment.
Students should consider getting a certification in an interdisciplinary area within their field of study that proved to be relevant during the pandemic.
We have been discussing majors of growth potential with the Hanover Group and based on their recommendations we are in the incubation stages of developing new but relevant majors, built-in minors and certifications; particularly those that are interdisciplinary in nature.
What will help Engineering Associates increase their earning potential?
Lovell Agwaramgbo Ph.D.: Earning potential is commensurate with expertise, skills, and experience. Acquisition of additional field-related skills will add value to one's resume and thus increase employability and earning potential. Employers appreciate and reward candidates who display initiative, imagination, and creativity in solving problems with clarity, relevance, and logic. It is conventionally understood that those with higher degrees tend to make more income. A chemist with a doctorate degree earns between twenty to thirty thousand dollars more than a bachelor degree holder. Thus, I encourage my students to enroll in doctorate programs or pipeline programs with the goal of earning a doctorate to increase employability and earning potential. Furthermore, as I have stated earlier, acquisition of additional skills, especially in technical and cross discipline skills and experiences will increase earning potential.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Associate job market given the pandemic?
Tim Keenan Ph.D.: This is difficult to predict, as responses to the pandemic have varied from state-to-state within the U.S., and from country-to-country around the world. With regards to how routine medical visits are conducted, I think this transition to a more electronic interaction will continue to gain momentum, as well as further development of the concept of medical personnel traveling to treat the elderly, rather than the other way around, and so I believe there will be an increase in opportunities for jobs related to telehealth and traveling medical personnel. Additionally, we are rounding the 1-year mark from which many people abstained from having elective or non-critical procedures conducted, and so I believe the next several years will see a dramatic increase in medical imaging and orthopedic, dental, and cosmetic procedures, in order to catch up with the accrued demand. This likely will not only lead to an increase in the number of professionals directly associated with conducting these procedures, but also with the professionals involved on the manufacturing side of the materials and instruments required for these procedures, which includes everything from R&D, QA, production, and packaging personnel, to financial, sales, marketing, and management personnel. Lastly, this pandemic has introduced many people to the fields of virology and epidemiology who may not have otherwise ever encountered these topics, and so I believe these fields will linger in the collective mind of the public for many years, and could potentially influence future policy decisions, which could ultimately act to procure significant funds for expanded growth in these fields.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Engineering Associates?
Stuart Bernstein Ph.D.: The pandemic hit us unexpectedly, unlike the last two recessions the construction industry managed to survive. I point that out to say that leading up to the pandemic, the industries and customers we normally built for were still planning and designing projects, expecting them to continue. Much of the industry, that I am aware of, has continued to build, albeit with sparser workforces, which would indicate there should still be a lot of work to catch up on when the pandemic clears.
On the other side of that argument, businesses are finding they are functioning effectively with their employees working remotely. This could trigger them to reduce, or nearly eliminate, their need for physical plants in the future. This, in turn, could leave a lot of current spaces vacant, triggering a slow down on building new, and increasing rehab. If this does happen, there will be an even bigger demand for mega data centers, and, of course, there is still a need for medical facilities, assisted living, and retirement homes.
What's a good job out of college for Engineering Associates?
Stuart Bernstein Ph.D.: Every company seems to have a different title for their new CM hires. Assistant CM, Field Engineer, Office Engineer, Assistant Engineer. There is a long standing discussion about the best place for a new graduate to start.
One camp believes they should start in the field where they will be exposed to many of the different components of and methods used in the construction project process. By seeing it first hand, they become more familiar them.
The other camp believes they should start in the office where they will assist their senior colleagues in developing estimates and schedules, which will teach them about the components and processes and how to better interpret construction documents. Wherever they start, and whatever they are called, they need to be alert, taking in everything around them, and asking good questions. If they are assigned to the field, they should get into the office occasionally to see what they do, and vice versa. And asking questions about anything they don't fully understand, after first trying to figure it out on their own.
What technical skills for an Engineering Associate stand out to employers?
Stuart Bernstein Ph.D.: I have found that employers want their new hires to have at least a working knowledge of, and familiarity with, all of the technical skills, such as estimating, scheduling, surveying and document control. More importantly, though, they are looking for people with interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills. They want people who will fit well with the personality of company, who will be able to work well with others, who can solve problems on their own and with the help of others, and who can communicate well with people from all different walks of life, and professions, including owners.