Become An Engineer With The Help Of Government Grants!
One way or another, the environment has managed to become a fixation for the general public. Yes, part of this is due to President Obama’s campaign promise to steer the country towards a “green economy”. At the same time, one need only look around for a few feet, pay their utility bill or buy gas for their car to see something needs to be done. As such, one of the fastest growing professions is environmental engineering and the demand for those with a degree in engineering shows no signs of slowing.
High school students interested in this budding profession should understand there is no one absolute method of getting a degree in the field. They should contact the university of their choice, whether on campus or at an online college, to see about the Bachelor’s programs in the already established, yet logically related engineering fields, such as chemical, biochemical, civil, electric/electronic, nuclear, petrochemical or mechanical. Also find out if the school offers courses that help ecological concerns, while taking their four or five year degree program. If you need more information about financial aid, look on the internet.
Now armed with a B.S. in some form of engineering, it’s time to take the important step, a position. Finding a job in a company or agency that is sympathetic is key, if possible. It’s good work-study experience.
From there, it’s time to put in some work. As soon as one can, start making enquiries about going on for a Master’s, preferably in a related field. The way the Bureau of Labor Statistics puts it, a good Aerospace engineer usually started as a mechanical one, then specialized in aerodynamics and other related fields in their post-graduate education. Apply the same principle with an emphasis on green subjects.
Along with a Master’s, another good idea is to get certification from the American Board of Engineering and Technology. As there is no true certification for environmental, it’s probably a good idea to just get the certification in one’s general specialty, knowing that adding the “PE”, Professional Engineering, letters attached to one’s title is a solid calling card.
As it is, where one works will determine how much of an environmental engineer one is. Most of the biggest employers are companies with strong interests in green issues, as well as the government. From there, it gets interesting as car manufacturers and energy companies are now starting to hire as well, for obvious reasons. No matter what, the salary is overall pretty good. A new engineer usually starts at about $55,000 and it can go up to triple that amount to the tops in the field. There is an abundance of information about scholarships and grants on the web.
As for financing the entire affair, there’s more than just the Pell and similar grants. Like any other form of engineering, being an environmental one is open to the National Science Foundation’s S-STEM scholarship. Sit with a college financial aid officer as there are many other scholarships out there, ranging from political organizations like Greenpeace, private charities to sympathetic companies and pro societies.
In the end, not only will you have an online bachelors engineerring degree and a career with solid future potential, but you’ll have one that makes the world more green. Apply for S-STEM and student loans and see what aid is available.