Engineering a Career: How to stand out and succeed in a highly competitive field.

• Author: Orr, Vanessa
• Position: ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING SPECIAL SECTION

Engineering is a popular career choice for college students, and it's no wonder; not only does it pay well, with a median annual wage of $91,000, but it provides a wealth of job opportunities. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth of nearly 140,000 new engineering jobs between 2016 and 2026.

But how do students land these jobs and then chart a path to long-term career success? One of the best ways is to take advantage of educational resources and listen to the advice of those who already excel in the field.

According to Kenrick Mock, interim dean for the college of engineering at UAA, students should take part in internships and career fairs while in school, as well as join clubs that can help them make the right connections.

"During our twice-yearly career fairs, students can drop off resumes and talk to potential employers," he says. "Some of our student clubs ask employers for help with writing resumes or taking part in job interviews. We also use the Handshake platform at UAA, which is basically an electronic matchmaking program where employers can list the positions they have [available] and students can reply with resumes."

When competing against other graduates, it's important to stand out from the flock. Mock suggests becoming involved in community projects that include an engineering discipline.

"A lot of times, a student's capstone project can help them stand out," says Mock of the senior year project that ties together multiple technologies, tools, and techniques learned throughout one's academic career. "For example, a graduate who has worked on a coastal erosion project, or designed a creek-spanning footbridge, is able to show that they can apply their skills in a real-world setting."

Bruce Hopper, senior structural engineer at Stantec in Anchorage, has a long track record of working with students--from elementary through college--considering engineering careers. The 35-year veteran agrees with Mock--it's never too early to start focusing on goals.

"My interest started when I was in middle school; the father of a friend was a civil engineer, and he told us about shutting off the waterflow to Niagara Falls to study the rock formations underneath," he says. "That certainly piqued my interest."

Hopper graduated from Clarkson University in New York with a degree in civil engineering, then completed his master's degree. Trying to find employment during a recession, the structural engineer came to Alaska to take a job, and he now helps future engineers follow their dreams.

At middle-school presentations, he emphasizes the importance of studying math and science--but also history, art, industrial art, English...