Engineering and Architecture Pathway
Why Choose A Career in Engineering and Architecture?
Think about building brand new houses, retail stores or even world-renowned structures such as the Empire State Building in New York, the Sears Tower in Chicago and the Space Needle in Seattle.
Now think about what it takes to create such wonders from the ground up: a strong foundation in drafting, engineering and architecture.
If you travel down the Engineering & Architecture Pathway you could find yourself sitting at an architectural table working on blueprints, teaming up with contractors to talk about the electrical components needed on a residential remodel or even helping to design new elements for the International Space Station.
If you are the type of person who looks at a building and instantly comes up with ways to improve its appearance and efficiency then this could be the pathway for you.
Do you enjoy discovering how things are built? When it comes to design and engineering, do you often wonder, “If I changed this one element, what would happen?” Would you like to restore or remodel houses or buildings?
Then consider a career as an architectural drafter, civil, chemical or electrical engineer or architect. Still not sure? Not to worry as there are more jobs focused on Engineering & Architecture. The overall job outlook is competitive due to advancing technologies, forcing companies to improve and stay current on product designs.
Pathway
For a plan of study that should serve as a general guide throughout your career path, see the Engineering and Architecture Plan of Study.
- High School Expectations
- Find out what you need to be studying now. Information about earning college credit and career related learning experiences.
- Preparing for College
- How prepared are you? Learn about college expectations at PCC and beyond.
Occupations
Click on the occupations below and read the job description. You can also explore resources on the Oregon Labor Market Information System (OLMIS) website. Once at the website, click on the “full report” and view the employment outlook, current job openings, industry licensing information, wage information and skills employers want for specific occupations.
Related Resources
- Industry Certifications
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
- Certified Electronic Technician (CET)
- Certified Drafter (CD)
- Certified Industrial Technologist (CIT)
- Certified Professional Chemical Engineer (CPChE)
- Try Engineering - TryEngineering.org is a resource for students (ages 8-18), their parents, their teachers and their school counselors. This is a portal about engineering and engineering careers. Young people can visit this website to understand better what engineering means, and how an engineering career can be made part of their future.
- National Kitchen and Bath Association - source for kitchen and bath information and education.
- Northwest Society of Interior Designers - The Northwest Society of Interior Designers is a regional organization of professional interior designers and resource affiliates dedicated to promoting excellence in design through career development, peer networking, continuing education, and adherence to high ethical standards.
- Society of Women Engineers, The - The Society of Women Engineers (SWE), founded in 1950, is a not-for-profit educational and service organization.
- Society of Women Engineers, Columbia River Section - The Society of Women Engineers stimulates women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expands the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrates the value of diversity.
- Software Association of Oregon, The - Formed in 1989, the Software Association of Oregon (SAO) fosters an environment that fuels the growth of Oregon's software industry.
