The path to a successful engineering career begins with careful planning to gain the right skills. Learn more about the skills needed for a career in engineering and find engineering programs and training options.
Having the right skills and knowledge will help increase both your career options and your confidence.
Being successful in your career will require both occupational and soft (employability) skills. Occupational skills are the specific technical skills and knowledge you need to do a job. Soft skills, sometimes called employability skills, are the foundational skills you need to work, communicate with others, and problem solve. You can improve your soft skills with awareness, training, and practice. Learn more about soft skills.
Competency Models
Use this competency model to understand the soft and technical skills and knowledge workers in the engineering industry are expected to have. It may appear complicated at first. But using this will help you to make better decisions about building the skills needed for your engineering career. This interactive model links to competency block definitions and occupational competency profiles.
What are Engineering Employers Really Looking For?
Minnesota Engineering Employers Speak from various regions of the state. They reveal what they are looking for in their new hires and current workforce, the skills and experience employers need but are not finding, and how educational institutions can help to address these gaps. Employers' spoken quotes are organized into general themes and issues.
Programs
Get Started
If you’re just getting started you can learn about majors in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers. Select any major to find related careers, schools that offer the major, related majors, and information about preparing for college.
Enroll
Minnesota State offers a variety of engineering programs. Both online and in-person options are available. Use the Campus & Program search to find engineering programs at Minnesota State colleges and universities. To find engineering programs, select the "Search Programs" button. You can find relevant programs in the Engineering and Engineering Technologies and the Information Technology categories. You will be able to FILTER RESULTS by the type of Degree/Award and Location. Use the MAP view to find programs near you.
You may also want to learn about the types of degrees that transfer from a two-year program to a four-year major. If you plan to transfer, it is important to know which degree path is right for you. Not all two-year college programs are intended to transfer to a four-year bachelor's degree. Talk to a transfer specialist early to make sure that you enroll in the right program.
Other Types of Training
Certifications are credentials showing that you have mastered a specific skill or technology. Having a certification can make you more competitive in the job market. The CareerOneStop Certification Finder will help you find certifications for transportation occupations. Either search for an occupation you're interested in by keyword or select "Professional and technical services" from the List of Industries to find certifications related to "Architectural and Engineering Services."
Financial Aid 101
Learn about applying for financial aid.
Scholarship Websites (CAREERwise)
Do you need help paying for college? Find resources that will help you locate a scholarship.
Vouchers and Training Funds
You may qualify for state or federal dislocated worker training funds. To find out if you qualify, contact a counselor at CareerForce online or at any of the 49 CareerForce locations in Minnesota.
Learn more about careers in engineering at the Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence.
Get Help
Do you need help with your career plan? CAREERwise representatives are waiting to assist you. Chat with us at the Info Hub.
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