The Fundamentals of Engineering test, also known as the Engineer in Training test, and previously in some states as the Engineer’s Test, is perhaps the first exam that new engineers must pass to become certified as an Engineer in the United States under the National Council for Accreditation of Engineering Teachers (NCBT). Becoming certified as an Engineer in Training is not only important for those wishing to become professional engineers but is vital for anyone working in the field as well. In addition, passing this exam allows future employers to see that you have the necessary skills for the position(s) you are applying for. This is especially important for those seeking employment in the areas of mechanical engineering or any field that requires engineering skills.
Obtaining certification as an Engineer in Training is the second step that engineers need to take to gain employability in the field of engineering. Once certified, engineers can look for full-time positions that pay well and provide benefits for their families. Part-time positions and telecommuting allow many engineering professionals to juggle family life with their career. Those with family obligations but a full time job can apply for these positions and often find they are not accepted.
Becoming a successful Engineer in Training involves taking many entrance exams including the examination for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FEE) examination. In addition to the FE examination, engineers must also take the Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering (FMEE) exam. Both these examinations are nationally recognized and available to college students in order to fulfill their engineering major requirements. Many engineering majors spend four years earning a bachelor’s degree before pursuing graduate studies in their chosen areas of engineering. After graduation, most engineering graduates find work in related fields within the same company or in other reputable companies throughout the nation.
Engineers also need to keep up on current trends. They should be familiar with new technology and its application, which may require them to read periodicals on the subject or attend seminars on the same subject. Some engineers work closely with project managers, while others are assigned general projects. Regardless of their position, engineers need to learn how to use the technologies they are assigned and the information they gather.
Communication skills are necessary not only in Engineering but in every professional field. Good communication skills help engineers communicate well with coworkers, customers, and vendors. When engineering a project, engineers need to be able to communicate about scheduling, cost estimates, deliverables, quality plans, specifications, and any other pertinent information that may be important in a given project. Good communication skills also help engineers communicate effectively within their own departments and to managers and supervisors. In addition, good communication skills help engineers understand the goals of their projects and plan the steps to achieving those goals.
Communication skills are not the only things engineers need to succeed. Engineering majors also need to be detail oriented. For instance, they should be able to read plans and materials without having to refer to them. Also, engineering majors should be self-directed, self-stopped, and self-checking. For example, when an engineer is working on a complex project, they need to ensure that they complete all the tasks and materials on time and under budget. Additionally, engineers should be willing to accept changes and modifications to a project as long as they do not alter the final design.
The final aspect of engineering that must be considered is problem solving and creative thinking. Problem solving can come in many different forms and engineering majors should be capable of developing a number of different ideas to solve problems that come their way. Engineering majors should also have a good eye for detail and accurate documentation. Finally, in addition to all of these aspects, engineering majors should also be able to work independently and creatively in a fast-paced environment.
