Online Course Programs – - Provide The Tools To Enter Into The Science Careers
Sunday, July 31st, 2011One of the biggest crises the world is currently faces is its dependence on non-replaceable energy resources. Oil and coal are being dug out of the earth faster than it can be replenished, and because of a new profession is being created to address the matter.
Energy engineers are true products of modern times. With the world’s current energy situation, their occupation is to audit and get the maximum use of power, particularly electric. This highly green-conscious field also looks at such things as the reconstruction of our nation’s power grid through making the most gas-efficient cars.
Those wanting to enter this nascent profession need to have done exceedingly well in basic STEM (science, technology, energy, math) classes. They also need strong written and oral communications skills. Once enrolled in an on campus or online college, their basic courses should be in mechanical and or electrical/electronic engineering. One should also consider minoring in accounting and business management as much of an energy engineer’s work is auditing a company’s use of power for waste. From there many of the bigger employers want certification from either their respective professional society.
After getting one’s 4-year degree, the next step is for post-grad courses. Most young engineers usually do this while working a regular job and taking courses through an online college. Because of the worldwide need in the specialty, a number of colleges are now offering Masters Degrees in the field. Still, talking to a college career consultant and groups like the Association is advisable.
Financial assistance for budding energy engineers is better than in many other engineering specialties thanks to the national agenda. As can be expected, there are the regular federal and state grants such as the Pell and SEOG. One can also apply to the National Science Foundation for S-TEM scholarships. If that isn’t enough, there are also a number of professional engineering societies and private corporations who are willing to help stock the labor pool ranging from the Association of Energy Engineers to Chevron.
Financially, all the effort is certainly worth it. The median salary of an energy engineer or auditor is near $90,000 with excellent benefits. The top 10% earn wages in the six-figure range. To top it, many set up their own consultancies.
Until recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics rated growth in the field as slow, but that is making a major turnaround. A recently issued report moved the growth rate to excellent thanks to the raising costs of power effecting corporate bottom line.
As it is, the world is rapidly realizing the energy crisis is truly coming. It needs skilled personnel such as energy engineers to help develop solutions and those engaging in online education programs will be in the lead. So maybe the occupation didn’t exist not too long ago, but one gets the feeling we’ll see a lot more energy engineers very soon joining the ranks of other professionals with Online Database Technology Degrees as they work on behalf of us all.