Here's why engineering is a profession for the future.
25 years ago, cell phones were the size of bricks. Renewable energy accounted for only a fraction of our energy mix. And the use of 3D printing to create medical devices and other life-saving technologies was just the germ of an idea.
Innovations like these have made our world more connected, safe, healthy and prosperous. None of them could have been achieved without engineers. The next 25 years will see engineers making equally important advances to address the challenges facing our planet.
Engineering has been called a profession for the future. We do not know what the future will look like, but we do know that engineers will be on the front lines in shaping it.
1. Engineering touches every part of our lives
Every aspect of our built environment has been touched by an engineer. From our roads and bridges to manufacturing processes, from the way vaccines are delivered and biomedical advances like prosthetics and laser eye surgery, and from pollution mitigation measures to our ability to recharge batteries…all these things came about because of an engineer.
With the climate crisis and social inequality posing existential challenges to communities around the world, we need engineers to develop innovations and technologies that are equitable and have minimal impact on the environment. Learn more about what our students and alumni have worked on to make our world a better place.
2. Engineers are in high demand in every industry
Labour forecasters analyze demographic trends to predict how many jobs may be needed in a specific sector. They know that over the next 10 years there will be a huge wave of retirements in engineering, opening up many new positions. On top of the need for new graduates to replace those who are retiring, the sector as a whole is growing. Virtually every industry needs engineers, and they are increasingly needing more of them. Find out more about the engineering programs you can choose from at UBC.
3. Engineers are at the forefront of change
Technological change happens fast, and engineers need to stay on top of the latest advances in their profession. That’s why life-long learning is one of the 12 attributes of an engineer according to Engineers Canada.
For those who are naturally curious and enjoy learning new things, engineering is an exciting career option. We live in a period of rapid change, and engineers will be the ones shaping the future.
4. Critical thinking, innovation and creativity will always be needed
As a UBC Engineering student, you will learn how to use design thinking to solve problems. This approach to problem-solving and critical thinking will enable you to make important contributions and stay relevant no matter how much your industry changes.
