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Engineering Career Resources and Information

Engineering Specialties and Median Salaries

The following information is taken from the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Employment of architecture and engineering occupations is projected to grow 4 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 113,300 new jobs are projected to be added. Most of the projected job growth in this group is in the engineer occupations, as their services will be in demand in various areas such as rebuilding of infrastructure, renewable energy, oil and gas extraction, and robotics.

The median annual wage for architecture and engineering occupations was $80,170 in May 2018. The median annual wages for all occupations in this group was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations in the economy, which was $38,640. (Source: Architecture and Engineering Occupationsnew window, retrieved October 2019.)

See complete, up-to-date details on specialized careers within the broader field of engineering, including job summaries, education requirements, and median salaries, in the Occupational Outlook Handbook's Architecture and Engineering sectionnew window

Professional Organizations

Students can join any of these professional organizations for less than $20-$30 per year.  There are many compelling reasons to join a professional organization.  As a member, you will receive one or two very useful publications every month.  These magazines will keep you up-to-date on the latest activities and possibilities in your area of interest.  You will be informed about new developments and ongoing research.  You will find out about scholarships, internships, REUs (Research Experience for Undergraduates), transfer institutions, student oriented clubs, and job possibilities for the future. 

At Montgomery College, we have student clubs for Mechanical Engineering (Prof. Craig Mogren), Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Dr. Charles Kung), all of which are affiliated with the appropriate national professional organization.    

IEEE (pronounced “Eye-triple-E”) is the world’s largest professional association dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity. IEEE and its members inspire a global community through IEEE's highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities.

Link:  IEEEnew window   Go to “Membership and Services” => Join IEEE => Student Membership.

ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.

Link: ASMEnew window 
Go to the membership tab in the blue box and follow the links to join.

Civil engineering is a demanding field that requires a broad knowledge base and combinations of skills to practice successfully as a professional. Civil engineering is the design and maintenance of public works such as roads, bridges, water and energy systems as well as public facilities like ports, railways and airports.

Link: ASCEnew window
Go to “Membership and Community => Membership => Join and fill out the form.  Membership is free for undergraduate students.

The global professional community for 30,000 chemical engineers in 93 countries, AIChE provides members with technical resources as well as tools to manage their careers and lives.

Link: AIChEnew window
Go to Students => Join AIChE.

The mission of the BMES is to build and support the biomedical engineering community, locally, nationally and internationally, with activities designed to communicate recent advances, discoveries, and inventions; promote education and professional development; and integrate the perspectives of the academic, medical, governmental, and business sectors.

Applicants currently enrolled as a full-time student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in biomedical engineering or a related science may be admitted to student membership. New and renewing student applicants must provide a current student ID# and expected year of graduation.  Cost is $30 per year.

Link: BMESnew window
Select “Student” from "Membership Options" menu. 

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers was established in 1950 and incorporated as an independent organization in 1971. It is the professional society representing those practicing the field of fire protection engineering. The Society has over 5000 members globally and over 75 regional chapters.

The purpose of the Society is to advance the science and practice of fire protection engineering and its allied fields, to maintain a high ethical standard among its members and to foster fire protection engineering education.

The Society supports the development of the annual Professional Engineer licensing exam in fire protection and the grading of those exams under the auspices of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Several volunteer committees and task groups work under the Society’s auspices on technical projects to further advance the state of the art.

The Society’s activities include a series of educational seminars and short courses, technical symposia and conferences, books and publications, designed to advance the state of the art of fire protection engineering and provide technical information to the fire protection community. The Society publishes a quarterly newsletter “SFPE Today”, a peer reviewed quarterly Journal, and a quarterly technical magazine “Fire Protection Engineering”.

Link: SFPEnew window
Go down the page to “Student Members” and follow the instructions.

The Materials Research Society is an organization of materials researchers from academia, industry, and government that promotes communication for the advancement of interdisciplinary materials research to improve the quality of life.  The Materials Research Society will build a dynamic, interactive, global community of materials researchers to advance technical excellence by providing a framework in which the materials disciplines can convene, collaborate, integrate and advocate.

Link: MRSnew window  
Go to “Join Online” and follow the link.

The American Nuclear Society was launched in the mid-1950s, a time of growing interest in employing peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology for bettering the lives of people in the United States and around the world. President Eisenhower had presented his dramatic 1953 "Atoms for Peace" speech to the United Nations, proposing international knowledge-sharing for development of civilian nuclear science and technology. While a number of associations already had nuclear divisions or groups, many people felt that a new organization was needed. Following its establishment in 1954 as a not-for-profit association of individual members, the Society quickly added breadth and depth to its activities, resulting in an organization that was both influenced by and had an influence on the burgeoning nuclear field.

The name of the organization generated considerable discussion back in 1954. Among the other names suggested were Society of Nuclear Engineering, American Society of Nuclear Technology, Institute of Nuclear Engineering, Association of Nuclear Engineers, Association of Nuclear Science and Technology, and Society of Nuclear Scientists and Engineers. Ultimately (in October 1954) the name American Nuclear Society won the day -- and the decades.

Link: ANSnew window
Go to “Student Membership” => Online Membership Application.

With 35,000 members, AIAA is the world’s largest professional society devoted to the progress of engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense.  AIAA’s mission is to address the professional needs and interests of the past, current, and future aerospace workforce and to advance the state of aerospace science, engineering, technology, operations, and policy to benefit our global society.

Link: AIAAnew window
Go to “Membership and Communities” => Individual Membership => AIAA Student Membership. 

Founded in 1893, the American Society for Engineering Education is a nonprofit organization of individuals and institutions committed to furthering education in engineering and engineering technology. It accomplishes this mission by:

  • promoting excellence in instruction, research, public service, and practice;
  • exercising worldwide leadership;
  • fostering the technological education of society; and
  • providing quality products and services to members.

In pursuit of academic excellence, ASEE develops policies and programs that enhance professional opportunities for engineering faculty members, and promotes activities that support increased student enrollments in engineering and engineering technology colleges and universities. Strong communication and collaboration with national and international organizations further advances ASEE's mission.

ASEE also fulfills its mission by providing a valuable communication link among corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions. ASEE's 12,000+ members include deans, department heads, faculty members, students, and government and industry representatives who hail from all disciplines of engineering and engineering technology. ASEE’s organizational membership is composed of 400 engineering and engineering technology colleges and affiliates, more than 50 corporations, and numerous government agencies and professional associations. ASEE directs many of its efforts at providing for open and ongoing dialogues among these groups.

Why join ASEE?

The ever-increasing influence and rapid advance of technology demands a skilled, highly educated technical workforce. From defense to infrastructure to telecommunications to consumer gadgetry, the quality of our engineers affects the quality of our lives.

Link: ASEEnew window
Go to the membership tab in the blue box at the top right side of the page and follow the link to join.

Sigma Xi publishes an excellent magazine called “American Scientist” which is filled with very readable articles and discussions about topics from science, mathematics, and engineering.  You can subscribe for $28/year.  

Sigma Xi Mission 
To enhance the health of the research enterprise, foster integrity in science and engineering, and promote the public's understanding of science for the purpose of improving the human condition.

American Scientist Centennial
American Scientist has been delivering the world of discovery to its members for 100 years—a major milestone for any magazine. We're celebrating with classic articles, columns and book reviews; illustrations and covers; and commentary on the magazine through the years. If there's an article you especially remember, or a cartoon that has made you laugh over the years, please let us know. We'll be noting reader favorites as well.

Link: Sigma Xinew window
Go to the link at the top right side for “American Scientist” and then go to “Subscribe” on the pull-down menu.

The American Meteorological Society promotes the development and dissemination of information and education on the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences and the advancement of their professional applications. Founded in 1919, AMS has a membership of more than 14,000 professionals, students, and weather enthusiasts. AMS publishes eleven atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic journals — in print and online — sponsors more than 12 conferences annually, and offers numerous programs and services.  Student membership is $20.

Link: AMETSOCnew window
Follow the link and go to “membership” tab on left side of page => apply online. 

Founded in 1975, the National Society of Black Engineers is the world’s premier organization supporting black engineers. NSBE is a non-profit organization that is run by a National Executive Board consisting of students pursuing degrees in the S.T.E.M. fields at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and is supported through central operations by our full time professional staff of 25 based at our World Headquarters facility in Alexandria, Virginia.

Our mission, “To increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community,” is now embraced by the nearly 30,000, and growing, number of active members of all racial backgrounds. This growth has been facilitated by the offerings in leadership training, professional and scholastic development, mentoring opportunities, community service programs and scholarship opportunities that NSBE provides.

Link: NSBEnew window
Go to “Membership => Membership Types => Collegiate Member.  Fill out the form and join.  Membership is $15 for undergraduate students.

The American Astronomical Society (AAS), established 1899, is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America. The membership (~7,000) also includes physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers and others whose research interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising contemporary astronomy.

The mission of the American Astronomical Society is to enhance and share humanity's scientific understanding of the Universe.  The Society disseminates and archives the results of astronomical research. The Society facilitates and strengthens the interactions among members through professional meetings and other means. The Society represents the goals of its community of members to the nation and the world. The Society, through its members, trains, mentors and supports the next generation of astronomers. The Society assists its members to develop their skills in the fields of education and public outreach at all levels. .

Link: AASnew window 
Go to “Membership Services => Classes of Membership => Junior Membership.  Fill out the form and join.  Membership is $75 for undergraduate students.

Engineering for Change (E4C) LLC was founded in the spirit of engineers' harnessing a common passion for designing and applying creative technical solutions to a broad range of significant humanitarian challenges. 

E4C is a dynamic and growing community of engineers, technologists, social scientists, NGOs, local governments and community advocates whose mission is to improve quality of life in communities around the world by facilitating the development of affordable, locally appropriate and sustainable solutions to the most pressing humanitarian challenges.

Originally conceived by ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), E4C is a global alliance which now includes IEEE and Engineers Without Borders-USA (EWB-USA). The E4C alliance represents over 500,000 member engineers and technologists from industry and academia throughout the world.

Engineering for Change provides a forum to connect, collaborate, solve challenges and share knowledge among a growing community of engineers, technologists, social scientists, NGOs, local governments and community advocates, who are dedicated to improving the quality of life all over the world.

Link: Engineering for Changenew window Go to Register => Create an Account => Fill in the information and join.

SAE International serves its primary constituents in many ways. Through its globally-recognized magazines, Automotive Engineering International , Aerospace Engineering , and Off Highway Engineering , SAE keeps the mobility community informed on the latest developments in the field. Subscription to one of these magazines is one of the many benefits of SAE membership. SAE's broad array of technical, historical, and statistical publications are distributed to customers in more than 65 countries annually. SAE's Training and Professional Development capabilities have been expanded in the past 20 years - we now produce more than 450 separate professional development events every year.

Once students attend university-level engineering programs, SAE presents 12 different Collegiate Design Competitions - events that put classroom training into action by challenging students to design, build, and test the performance of a real vehicle in a competitive environment. SAE Collegiate Design competitions draw more than 4,500 students from 500 universities on six continents. Formula SAE, SAE Mini Baja, and SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge are a few examples of these exciting competitions.

SAE Student Members will receive Momentum , The Magazine for Student Members of SAE International, a new magazine designed specifically for students and featuring 24-pages of student related topics. The content is segmented into three major sections - Student Generation, Today's Engineering, and SAE Networking - in between news (Briefs) and product (Gear) departments. Six issues will be published to coincide with the major collegiate semester months of February, March, April, September, October and November.

As an SAE Student Member, you will enjoy the same discounts professional members receive on SAE books, Technical Papers, and Technical Standards. Shop the SAE store for those essential publications you need now! SAE Student Members can enjoy FREE registration for SAE Conferences (excludes symposia) and have access to one of the following SAE Magazine digital editions:

Link: SAE Internationalnew window
Follow the instructions to join.  Cost is $25 for a student.

OUR MISSION & VISION

We are leaders. We stand 12,000 strong. With 350 projects in over 45 developing countries, Engineers Without Borders USA has changed the lives of millions of people around the world.

Our VISION is a world in which the communities we serve have the capacity to sustainably meet their basic human needs, and that our members have enriched global perspectives through the innovative professional educational opportunities that the EWB-USA program provides.

Our MEMBERSHIP consists of professionals and students from a variety of professions including engineering, public health, anthropology and business. Through its projects and programs, EWB-USA provides innovative professional educational opportunities that provide a global perspective. We are passionate people, with over 250 dedicated chapters, including university chapters on more than 180 campuses throughout the United States.

Our MISSION -- EWB-USA supports community-driven development programs worldwide by collaborating with local partners to design and implement sustainable engineering projects, while creating transformative experiences and responsible leaders.

EWB-USA has chosen the delivery of smaller scale infrastructure projects within an overall community program framework as its program delivery model. At its core, the EWB-USA model is rooted in practical engineering solutions. However, in order to be successful, program designers must consider a wide range of inputs from the socio-cultural dimensions of the community to local project ownership and other requirements for long-term project viability. EWB-USA programs are full partnerships with a host community and one or more local non-governmental organizations (NGOs). EWB-USA members train local community members and local NGOs to successfully monitor and maintain the projects. It is these partnerships which form the basis of a long-term relationship in order to assure the basic infrastructure needs of the community are met and will remain sustainable long after direct chapter involvement ends.

Our PASSION is to make a difference. We are the emerging leaders on your campus, in your office, within your community, your neighbor, your son or daughter, YOU!

Link: EWB-USAnew window