Aimed at inspiring the next generation of innovators, Engineers Week 2024 takes place February 18 through February 24th. Started in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers, professionals and educational institutions participate in events throughout the week to tout the engineering profession to students.
The industry is evolving quickly, largely driven by advancements in technology, a greater focus on sustainability and shifting demands. This year will likely bring new trends, but one thing is certain: introducing the next generation to engineering careers is a perennial need as demand grows.
Nebraska Career Outlook
Lance C. Pérez, dean of the College of Engineering and Omar H. Heins professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said the outlook is bright for those considering a career in engineering.
“Projections by the Nebraska Department of Labor through 2030 indicate an 11% growth in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) related occupations by the end of the decade compared to less than 8% growth in non-STEM occupations,” Pérez said. “Nationally, it’s an even larger disparity with an 11.2% growth rate by 2030 in STEM jobs compared to a 7.2% increase in non-STEM jobs. Companies in Nebraska and nationally are hiring our graduates and we know the demand for qualified professionals in engineering, computing and construction remains high.”
to 2nd grade students at Disney Elementary School to build awareness for engineering careers. (Photography by Debra S. Kaplan)
Bill Epp, west regional manager for Benesch, said there are over 150 current openings at the company.
“The demand for talent is creating a lot of opportunity for engineers, which makes the industry’s future especially bright,” he said. “There is no better time than now to pursue an engineering career.
“The spectrum of work is extremely broad with opportunities in the office, field and remote. The significant number of job opportunities is creating demand and driving competitive salaries.”
Participants in Benesh’s internship program in Lincoln. (Courtesy of Benesch)
Epp said building an early foundation for students can be beneficial for a career in engineering.
Mary Wurst, P.E., associate principal at Alvine Engineering, highlighted opportunities that a career in engineering provides.
“Because of the growth and demand for great engineers, we are seeing engineers of all experience levels having the ability to ‘shop’ for the right employer, and truly find the right fit for their career aspirations,” Wurst said. “Employment is very competitive right now. My specific area, architectural engineering, has had 100% job placement for graduates of the Durham School [of Architectural Engineering & Construction at UNL] for as long as I can remember. Architectural engineers are highly sought after right now.”
E-Week Activities
Celebrated as one of the largest STEM events of the year in the United States, E-Week’s theme this year is ‘Welcome to the Future.’ DiscoverE, the organization behind E-Week, is working to inspire innovators through hands-on engineering activities, lesson plans and other information about engineering education and the careers available.
Local engineering firms, schools, and universities plan events to coincide with the national event. Pérez noted that the UNL College of Engineering has celebrated an Engineers Week of its own since 1913.
“The College of Engineering hosts several events with industry partners for students to participate, including industry mixers where students meet with engineering professionals; an engineer’s night out that’s popular with students and industry sponsors because it provides a unique engagement opportunity in a less formal setting; and industry and professional panels and workshops that focus on professional development and career growth,” he said.
high school students an opportunity to job shadow. (Courtesy of Benesch)
This commitment to building up the next generation of engineering professionals is evidenced by the university’s current $190 million multi-phase facilities project, including the completion of the $115 million Kiewit Hall.
“Funding from the university, the state, and corporate and private donors illustrates the dedicated commitment to helping position the college as a leading source of engineering, education, research and engagement in the nation while serving our statewide land-grant mission,” Pérez said.
The team at Alvine Engineering is also using E-Week to promote their profession.
“We do a lot of outreaches during this week and throughout the year,” Wurst explained. “We focus on promotion through partnerships in our communities, and through a social media campaign where we feature our employees and their unique engineering career paths and perspectives.
“Last year I personally had a great time reading an engineering storybook to second graders at a Ralston elementary school. They had so many good questions about what I do as an engineer. I also spent a class period at the Millard STEM Academy discussing engineering as a career and presenting some of my work.”
Alvine has had a longstanding partnership with the Durham School at the Peter Kiewit Institute on the University of Nebraska Omaha campus, not only through E-Week but also throughout the year.
“Our employees do a lot of mentoring and networking through events and classes,” she said. “This fall, I spent time reviewing resumes with students ahead of the career fair. We also have multiple employees volunteer with engineering classes at the university, specifically, an introductory class and a capstone class that Alvine Engineering has been involved in for years providing industry mentors.”
Benesch dedicates time for engagement throughout the year to conferences, career fair participation, and collaborations with local professional organizations. During E-Week, the firm’s team takes a more targeted approach to promote and celebrate the profession.
Sunny Mullen, a project manager for Benesch’s Omaha division, has been involved with DiscoverE’s ‘Future City’ competition for more than a decade, which is featured on day two of this year’s celebration. Future City is a hands-on cross-curricular educational program for students in grades six through eight and teaches them to use the engineering design process and project management skills to find solutions for citywide sustainability issues.
“Every year, I am amazed at the creativity and hard work these students put into this program,” Mullen said. “Witnessing their enthusiasm and desire to problem-solve and make a positive change in the world reminds me of the importance of engineering and why I am an engineer.”
In addition to these efforts, Benesch will be promoting engineering-focused activities. The company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee is working on launching a company-wide campaign to encourage financial donations to engineering-related nonprofits. Company leaders are also encouraging and rewarding volunteer hours that happen during that week.
“E-Week is a great time to make a societal contribution and is personally rewarding,” Epp said. “We are looking forward to contributing to local causes throughout the nation to foster interest and celebration of the engineering occupation. Knowing that our work contributes to improving the quality of life locally and beyond is a source of immense pride for Benesch.”
A Bright Future
Wurst said that with dedication, an engineering degree and education can take professionals to many places.
“Engineering is full of opportunity,” she said. “There is no set path for where your career will go after college graduation.
“As a high schooler or young college student, it can often feel daunting to choose a career that will impact the rest of your life, but I am thankful my engineering degree prepared me for a career path unique to me, which suits my skills and love for this field. An engineering degree shows you are a hard worker, and trains you to be a true problem solver. This makes you an ideal candidate for a successful career in a variety of fields.”
Pérez agreed that the sky is the limit.
“Professionals in the fields of engineering, computing and construction are in high demand and in many different areas where people contribute to the betterment of society,” he said. “It’s a challenging profession that takes time and problem-solving skills but the investment in an engineering education is worth it. Jobs are high paying, can take you anywhere in the world, and you can directly impact the quality of life for all living things.”
