Engineering

Overview of Engineering

Engineering is a branch of science and technology focused on designing machines, structures, and systems. There are many disciplines within the field.

What's it like to be an electrical engineer?

View the video

Electronics engineers design and test electronic devices from portable music players to global positioning systems, and computer hardware. They oversee device production and may install and maintain it as well.

Get details on the salary and job security of these Engineering careers:

Get Career Ready for Engineering

Find out what it takes to land a career in Engineering

Earn A Degree

To work in the field of Engineering, it is recommended you have a strong in math, science, or technology. Check the Mason Catalog for degree requirements.

Along with your degree, professional certifications like these may increase your employment options:

The Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate is available to recent graduates and current undergraduate students in accredited programs.
The USGBC provides LEED Certifications and continuing education to engineers focused on green design.
The Project Management Professional certification is issued by the Project Management Institute.
INCOSE Systems Engineering certification is a formal recognition of the knowledge and experience of systems engineers, regardless of where they may be in their career.

Specialized knowledge and training in these technical skills are in high demand:

Network Security
AutoCAD
Agile
MATLAB
SQL
SolidWorks

Gain Experiences

Employers expect at least six to twelve months of related experience to be competitive for full-time positions. Gain experience while you are a student at Mason.

Here are the types of experiences most valued by Engineering employers, and where to find them:

Internships/Jobs

Dice
Handshake
iHireEngineering.com
Interstride (international opportunities)

Projects

Faculty-sponsored research projects: Ask your professors about research projects.
Capstone courses/Design projects: Consult your academic advisor about capstones in your department.
Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP): Get academic credit and financial support for research projects.
Freelance/Independent projects (Example: Upwork).

Market Yourself

You need to be able to communicate the knowledge, skills, and experiences you have gained in and outside of the classroom.

Below are top ways to showcase your qualifications to Engineering employers:

Resume

Technical Interview

Online Portfolio

An engineering portfolio gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and experience in a visual format. It can include sketches, engineering projects, graphics, diagrams, AV clips, a modified resume, and/or writing samples. Here are a few websites where you can create a portfolio:

Career Ready

George Mason grads have gone on to work for Engineering employers, such as:

ALA	Northrop Grumman	MITRE	US Department of Energy
Boeing	Dominion Energy	Leidos	US Patent & Trademark Office
Dewberry	M.C. Dean	Capital One

Join the Engineering community

Get involved with academic and professional societies to grow your network while you're still a student.