How engineers think, what to study, and how to get into the field.

Foundations for Engineering & Energy Careers

Engineering is one of the more **regulated** STEM fields, because designs can affect public safety. Many roles expect:

- An **ABET-accredited** engineering degree (ABET is the accreditation body that signals a program meets the standard).
- For roles that sign off on public work: the **FE exam** (Fundamentals of Engineering) after graduation, then experience, then the **PE** (Professional Engineer) license.

Not every engineering job needs a PE, but knowing the requirement for your target role *before* you choose a program saves years. Check the specific occupation on O*NET and real job postings.

Why many engineering roles need an accredited degree or a license.

Degrees, accreditation, and licensure (FE/PE)

Employers hire engineers who can *show* design work. Build evidence as you learn:

- **Design projects** with constraints, choices, testing, and reflection.
- **CAD files** (computer-aided design) and test reports.
- **Internships and co-ops** — supervised real work is the strongest signal of all.

**Try it:** sketch a simple design challenge (a phone stand, a small bridge from straws, a basic circuit) and write down your constraints, your design choice, and how you'd test whether it works.

Show you can design — not just that you took the classes.

Building design evidence: projects, CAD, and internships

Degrees, licensure, and building design evidence.