Today’s young engineers are entering an unprecedented market, as their skills are in high demand due to the specific industry needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. It therefore comes as no surprise that with high demand comes a competitive climate. So, what does it take for young engineers to edge out the competition and land the job?
This month, we turned to Dr. Shouling He, engineering professor, adviser and program coordinator for the mechatronic engineering program at Vaughn College, for her advice and tips on how young engineers can become top contenders in today’s hottest engineering market.
Build from the basics
Dr. He began by reinforcing the basic building blocks for anyone with a passion for engineering. She said in order for students to be successful in the field, their work ethic must be deeply rooted in these fundamental elements:
Being a practical problem solver
Ensuring the solution to the problem makes sense, and particularly paying attention to units and the order of magnitude in engineering design and analysis
Breaking a complex problem into smaller and manageable pieces, and then solving them step-by-step
Ability to work in teams and being a good project planner
Top skills for today’s market
Today’s engineering market is fast-paced and changing before our eyes. Dr. He explained that for young engineers to capitalize on this trend, they should have a broad range of knowledge. She said Vaughn’s mechatronic engineering program is the perfect fit for today’s ever-changing market. The program focuses on mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, which are considered among the top skills that companies are seeking today. Were you aware that Vaughn’s mechatronic engineering program is one of only four mechatronic programs in the country accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC)? This distinction signifies the rigor of the program and is a reflection of Vaughn’s dedication of giving students the education and tools they need in order to have successful careers in the field of engineering.
Landing the job
In today’s COVID-19 era, competition may be more prevalent than ever. Competition can, however, be a good thing. It drives one to up their game and demands them to fine-tune their skills. Dr. He advises her students to focus on both their personal qualities as well as their professional ones. Here are some tips she offers young engineers to gear up for the job market:
Things to do during a job search:
– Read the job postings carefully
– Fine-tune résumés and prepare best samples from your course projects and labs
– Research the company
Key qualities to edge out the competition:
– Focus on strengths and do not feel intimidated
– Be an excellent communicator and share your thoughts and opinions
– Have confidence in your abilities
– Have hands-on experience
– Have a positive attitude and be willing to work in a team
In addition to the tips listed above, Dr. He emphasized the importance of students attending engineering conferences and job fairs hosted by Vaughn. Even in today’s climate, conference and fairs can be attended virtually. Did you know that more than 164 companies recruited at job fairs hosted by Vaughn last year? Vaughn students have landed jobs with industry leaders that include Lockheed Martin, Boeing Company and Daimler Trucks North America, just to name a few. Read the success story about recent Vaughn graduate, Atif Saeed ’20, and how his degree in mechatronic engineering landed him a job as a mechanical engineer at Lockheed Martin.
Attending conferences has proven to play a vital role in standing out among the competition. Read more about how attending these conferences can set you apart from the competition in our blog, “Top Conferences to Attend as an Aviation or Engineering Student.”
Standing above the competition
Will you be graduating soon? Earning your degree is a milestone and one to be proud of. Combining your knowledge with your unique personal strengths can prove to be a winning combination to a successful career. Here are some additional tips that Dr. He believes can position you for a chance to land your dream job:
Be willing to work hard
Complete tasks on time
Accept there will be challenges to face as technology changes rapidly
Have excellent oral and written communication skills
Have the capability to learn new things—and be prepared to learn them yourself
Dr. He’s Vision
With almost 35 years of experience in the fields of aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence, among others, Dr. He brings a host of knowledge to Vaughn and her students. During her nine years at Vaughn, she said nothing has made her happier than seeing her students follow their passion for engineering. As a woman engineer herself, she is proud to see more female students wanting to enter the field. “As a mostly male-dominated field, we are seeing women having an advantage over men in some aspects of engineering,” Dr. He explained. “Women pay more attention to detail and tend to be more consistent—especially when it comes to computer programming.”
As the world continues to change, Dr. He said one thing remains constant. “We give our students the knowledge and skills they can build on throughout their lives,” she said. “The exciting part is seeing how they will use them to develop and design new concepts and new products for our future.”
Since the coronavirus pandemic struck the United States earlier this year, engineers and technologists have remained in high demand. Dice, a leading technology career hub which connects employers with skilled technology professionals, analyzed the job positions and skills that rose highest in demand between February and March of 2020.
According to the results of the Dice Tech Job Report*, the need for technologists is more critical than ever, as technology plays a key role in making this unexpected transition to a remote workplace a smooth and successful one.
Why techies are critical employees
Source: Labor Insight Jobs (Burning Glass Technologies)
The shift from businesses operating from their headquarters to a remote workplace had employers— almost overnight—examining their remote frameworks. Technologists were needed just as quickly to execute critical components to expedite the widespread conversion.
Here are some examples of how businesses pivoted to maintain communication and operations between employees and clients:
Meetings became video calls (Zoom being one of the most popular)
Conferences turned into webinars
Conversations shifted to instant messaging
To keep business flowing as usual, engineers and tech professionals were needed to work behind the scenes to meet the demands of a changing world and workplace. Here are a few job titles of the tech professionals needed to make all of this happen:
Engineers
Cloud architects
Systems administrators
Cybersecurity experts
Application designers/developers
And, here are two critical components that tech professionals addressed to keep the remote workplace running smoothly:
Ensuring remote frameworks and infrastructure are secure
Ensuring employees had reliable connectivity to work from outside the office
Where the jobs are
Source: Labor Insight Jobs (Burning Glass Technologies)
Technology, or tech giants, consulting agencies and government contractors top the list of tech employers who were hiring during the first quarter of 2020, according to the Dice report. This is great news for Vaughn College students who are currently pursuing engineering degrees, as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and the Boeing Company fall among the list of the top 25 tech companies listed in the Dice report.
Read about Vaughn graduate Atif Saeed ’20 who started a job at Lockheed Martin this summer working as a mechanical engineer.
Engineers and tech professionals may be interested to learn that between February and March of this year, online retail giant Amazon increased its technology job postings by 110 percent—looking specifically for software developers and network engineers. This comes as no surprise since consumers used Amazon as an alternative to shopping at grocery stores and other essential retailers during the lockdown. Walmart increased its technology postings by 64 percent in March—in addition to the 150,000 employees they pledged to hire—and specifically sought to hire software developers and project managers.
Source: Labor Insight Jobs (Burning Glass Technologies)
According to the Dice report, different states showed varying growth, depending on how each state reacted to the COVID-19 lockdown. In New York, for example, the state was quick to enforce a stricter “stay at home” order, compared to other states that were slower to require that non-essential employees work remotely.
Shift in job postings due to pandemic
Cybersecurity engineering jobs topped the list of having the most uptick in job postings, according to the Dice report. Cybersecurity engineering job postings surged by 20 percent during February and March of this year, as businesses took a proactive approach to combating pandemic-themed phishing and cyber-attacks. System engineers were also in demand, having placed at 11 percent, and showing a clear indication that companies were concerned with maintaining their network and computer infrastructure.
Discover a futureproof career at Vaughn
The job outlook for the engineering and technology fields remains bright, and will remain so, despite the recent surge in demand during the pandemic. If your passion lies within these futureproof fields, then now is the time to capture this opportunity by earning your engineering and technology degree from Vaughn College.
Are you prepared for your next job interview? You may be relieved to learn the commute may only be as far as your living room. Read on to learn the advantages of a Zoom interview and the best tips and practices to make it a successful experience.
Job interviews of today are getting more screen time as employers are opting to use video conferencing software, such as Zoom, to connect with job candidates instead of traditional in-person meetings. In light of the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing, Zoom interviews have become more popular than ever. If you have already been using Zoom to connect with family and friends, you may think you have a handle on using this video conferencing software. But how would you fare using it in a job interview?
Below we have prepared a checklist of tips to help you prepare for a successful job interview via Zoom. But first, let us start with some of the ways both employers and candidates are benefiting from screen-to-screen interviews in contrast to traditional face-to-face ones.
Advantages of Zoom Interviews
Interviewing for a job can be a bit nerve-wracking for some. And for the interviewers, scheduling them can be a challenge. Conducting interviews via Zoom can be beneficial for both parties, thus making the experience more convenient and less stressful. Here are some of the advantages of Zoom interviews over traditional in-person ones:
No face-to-face contact—which is particularly beneficial during COVID-19.
Reduces pressure and puts candidates more at ease, since they are in their own environment.
More convenient for out-of-town participants—both employer and individual candidates.
Interviews can be arranged and organized quickly.
Employers can screen candidates efficiently.
Ways to Prepare for a Zoom Interview
Preparation is the key to success, especially when preparing for a Zoom interview. Here are some helpful tips to prepare for a positive experience:
Conduct practice interviews and record yourself to evaluate and fine-tune your answers and screen appearance.
Update your computer with the latest edition of Zoom software.
If using a laptop, check that it is fully charged.
Be sure you have a strong internet connection.
Advise household members of the day and time of your call to limit distractions.
Close out everything on your desktop before the interview.
Dress professionally.
Choose a:
Professional background with limited clutter
Room with good lighting—facing toward a window is better than having the light behind you
Quiet space that is free of distractions – make sure children and dogs are secured in separate rooms
Tips for Success Before the Call
There are a few simple things to do right before the call that could make or break the interview. Be sure to:
Silence your phone and put it away until after the interview.
Turn off all notifications from social media websites and other distractions.
Use a desktop or laptop when possible instead of the Zoom mobile app. Computer cameras are more stable and also provide a better view for the interviewer.
Tips for Success During the Call
Now that you have selected the best space for your call, fined-tuned your computer and are dressed for success, here are some important tips to keep in mind during the call. Remember, a Zoom interview is just as formal as an in-person one.
Use your mute button when you are not talking to eliminate any distracting background noises.
It has been proven that most people look at themselves during Zoom meetings, so you can hide your video from your display by right clicking on your video and selecting “Hide Myself.” This will enable you to focus on and make eye contact with the other people in the meeting.
Be aware of your body language. Maintain good posture and use non-verbal cues like smiling and head-nodding when listening to the interviewer.
Ask questions with confidence.
Vaughn College is dedicated to the success of its students. We hope you found these interviewing tips for a Zoom interview helpful. Remember: You only have one chance to make a good first impression. Now is your time to shine. Visit career services to learn more about how Vaughn College can help you on your path towards a futureproof career.
With several weeks of distance learning under our belts, most college students have a handle on their routines, study schedules and have settled into the social distancing groove in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. By now, students have established what it takes to keep their grades up. But good grades can only go so far. What about emotional and mental well-being?
To start, you can check with your college to find out what engaging virtual activities are being offered to students during this time. Vaughn is hosting virtual exercise classes, yoga, scavenger hunts and jeopardy games to help with mental and physical health – these are posted on Facebook and Instagram weekly, as well as on the events page.
In addition to these activities, we would also like to suggest some fun and functional ways to boost your mood and ease the stress and isolation that might result from distance learning. Whether you try one of these methods or all of them, keeping a positive mind-body balance is the best way to maintain good emotional and mental health.
Maintaining social connections
Social distancing may be keeping us from physically seeing our friends and families, but thanks to technology, there are other fun ways to maintain social connections. Did you know social connections are a powerful force in boosting your mood and overall health? Here are some fun ways to keep your lifelines open with family and friends:
Use Zoom, FaceTime and social media platforms to stay connected 24-hours a day.
Schedule a game night/day to play group games—social distancing does not apply.
Schedule venting sessions. Getting your thoughts or frustrations off your chest is a healthy way to clear your mind.
Exercise your body and your mind
These days, it is all too easy to get stuck in a rut. If you are becoming one with your couch, now is the time to get up, get moving and release those mood-boosting endorphins. Here are some ways to keep your body active while staying at home. Just be sure to follow proper Centers of Disease Control (CDC) social distancing guidelines.
Go for a walk
Take a bike ride
Do yoga
Dance to your favorite songs
Jump rope
Play tag with your siblings
We already know exercise does a body good. But what about giving your brain a boost, too? Before you say your brain is on overload from studying, consider this: Did you know playing brain-boosting games can relax your mind and help you shift gears into a more relaxed mental state? Between online learning sessions try playing one or more of these for a fun brain boost:
Puzzles
Crossword puzzles
Words with friends
Sudoku
Solitaire
Word search
Meditation
Mindfulness exercises, such as meditation can be the ultimate exercise for your brain. Here are some of the benefits meditation can bring to your mental health:
Instills internal calming and peace
Clears your mind
Rejuvenates your mind and energy level
Provides a peaceful escape from your surroundings
Easing Worries
It is not uncommon for college students to become anxious or distressed during today’s uncertain times. The experts at Psychology Today recommend for students to ease their worries with the SHHH tips: Structure, Health, Happiness and Hope. If you are already practicing some of these, try incorporating the others for a total wellness check to help ease your worries away.
Structure—Maintain a schedule and stick with it. Try going to bed the same time every night and remain diligent with your school schedule. The good news is once your work has been completed, you can make time for that Zoom call or FaceTime chat!
Health—It is easy to indulge in a snack marathon while social distancing, but maintaining a healthy diet now is more important than ever. Good nutrition can boost your immune system. Also, it is important to get enough sleep and work in some exercise, as we discussed above.
Happiness—This might be a tough one since many of the things that brought us happiness are off the list—for now. The good news? There are other activities that can bring you joy that you may not have discovered or have forgotten about. Some suggestions to consider: Trying out a new recipe. Or, play an instrument you haven’t played in a while. Start up an old hobby you used to enjoy, such as crafting, sewing, knitting or journaling. Finally, how about binge-watching a cool series on Netflix?
Hope—This may be the most important one of all. If history has taught us anything, it is that we are a country of resilience. As a nation, we have recovered from wars, pandemics and recessions. Looking to the future with hope and promise of better days to follow is one of the best ways to keep mentally fit.
Looking for more helpful information on distance learning? Check out our blog: Six Tips for New Distance Learners. So keep your head up, stay mentally and physically fit and prepare yourself for a bright future.
Are you looking for ideas on how to spend your spring break? It doesn’t have to be all about surf and sand. In fact, there are some great finds that are designed to feed your passion and your mind.
This month, Vaughn College has narrowed down some of the top college spring break destinations for the knowledge seeker. There’s something for everyone. From the traveling thrill seeker to those who want to stay close to home, this year’s spring break can be one for the books. (Oh, wait. Forget we said books. You’re taking a break from those!)
If you are looking to stay closer to home but still get out and enjoy a spring break trip, check out our top picks for places to visit in New York City. They’re not only fun but educational. (Forget we said the last part.)
The Hayden Planetarium
Explore the solar system and experience a virtual joyride of the universe at the Hayden Planetarium. Located on Central Park West in Manhattan, this $210 million planetarium will leave you with your head in the stars―and beyond. It’s a great day trip to take alone or with your friends.
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
This military and maritime museum is a favorite among plane and aviation buffs. Centered on the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is a permanent fixture on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. It showcases the cruise missile submarine USS Growler, the British Airways Concorde and the Space Shuttle Enterprise, among other transports. A trip to this military and maritime museum makes for a fun day out.
New York Hall of Science
You can’t drive through Corona and Flushing, Queens without seeing the landmark fixtures of the 1964-65 World’s Fair. The New York Hall of Science, which was originally founded during that time, remains a key part of the science education community. It offers 450 exhibits, demonstrations, workshops and activities relating to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Also on display are the Mercury-Atlas D and Gemini Titan II rockets. Whether you’ve been there before or thinking about going, a spring break trip to visit the New York Hall of Science is a great idea! It’s literally in your backyard.
If you’re looking to travel for spring break, here are our top picks for individuals interested in science, engineering or aviation.
Grand Canyon Skywalk
Experiencing the Grand Canyon Skywalk is an engineer’s dream. While most thrill seekers and tourists would see this as a breathtaking experience, engineering enthusiasts can appreciate the technical accomplishment of its structure. Did you know the Skywalk is designed to withstand an earthquake of up to 8.0 on the Richter scale? That’s some serious engineering. Find out how to get to the Grand Canyon Skywalk on your spring break trip!
National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, located in Washington, D.C., is the ultimate playground for aviation enthusiasts. The museum houses the largest collection of aircraft and spacecraft in the world. For New York City residents, it’s about a five-hour drive―and well worth the spring break trip―to experience aviation history at its finest. Plus, admission is free.
Hale Telescope
Galactic thrill seekers will marvel at the Hale Telescope, located at the Palomar Observatory in San Diego, California. Built by Caltech, the Hale Telescope is one of the world’s largest and most powerful reflective telescopes. Did you know the Hale Telescope has shown us thousands of asteroids and provided us the first direct evidence of stars in distant galaxies? Wow, that’s technology that’s literally out of this world!
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry, located in Chicago, Illinois, is the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere. With so much to see and do, it’s best to put a plan together before your visit. You can find out all this museum has to offer as a fun college spring break destination.
Boeing Aviation Center
If you ever wanted to visit the Pacific Northwest, the Boeing Aviation Center is one destination to consider for your spring break trip. Located in Mukilteo, Washington―which is about an hour drive from Seattle―the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour provides visitors entry into the Boeing Everett Factory. There, visitors can view all stages of construction of aircraft, which includes the 747, 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner. The tour includes several other exciting exhibits throughout the Center. Did you know the manufacturing complex holds the Guinness World Record for the largest building in the world by volume? It measures 472 million cubic feet and covers 98.3 acres! The structure of the complex is a wonder in itself.
How ever you decide to spend your time off, Vaughn wishes you and all other students and faculty a fun, safe spring break.
The excitement continued last December as the Vaughn College robotics team participated in the VEX Robotics Competition Tower Takeover in Cancun, Mexico, winning the Build Award for the first time in the team’s history and placing second overall in the competition.
Team players
As one of the top competitors of the renowned VEX U Robotics World Championship, Vaughn’s seven-member team was invited to participate in Mexico’s VEX U Reeduca Robotics Competition for the fifth year as part of the 2019 Torneo Internacional de Robótica VEX Reeduca.
Game on
The VEX Robotics Competition Tower Takeover was the name of the game—and a challenging one it was at that. This game was played on a 12′ x 12′ square field. Two alliances―composed of two teams each―competed in matches consisting of a forty-five-second (0:45) “Autonomous Period,” followed by a one-minute and forty-five-second (1:15) “Driver-Controlled Period.” The object of the game was to place cubes in towers or to score cubes in goals. The team to score the highest number of points is declared the winner.
How it played out
In the first qualifying competition, Vaughn competed against four Mexican teams and won all four matches. During the next qualifier, Vaughn won six out of seven matches, which advanced the team to second place in the playoff round. In a nail-biting quarterfinal match, Vaughn finished second, losing to Universidad Tecnologica de Matamoros, 7-6.
Winning the Build Award
For the first time in Vaughn’s VEX Robotics Competition history, the team won the coveted Build Award. To receive this outstanding recognition, a team must construct a robot that can demonstrate effective use of materials and efficiently use mechanical and electrical components. The robot must be high-quality, robust, demonstrate reliability on the field and be able to hold up under competition conditions. “Our team did an outstanding job,” said Dr. Hossein Rahemi, chair of the engineering and technology department at Vaughn. “I’m extremely proud of them. Winning the Build Award is a great achievement.”
Regaining their World Championship title
Vaughn’s robotics team is gearing up for regional competitions over the next few months to vie for a qualifying position in the VEX World Robotics Competition in April for a chance to regain their World Championship title. Having held the World Championship title in 2016 and competed in the playoff round of the World Championship since 2014—the 2020 Vaughn robotics team is hard at work to show the world that they’re ready to win it all again.
“Our team has what it takes to win the title back again this year,” Rahemi said. “We even have some seniors on the team that have been with us from the start. It would be wonderful to see them, and our other great team members named ‘world champions’ once again.”
For college students, the end of the semester can bring on stress from final exams, research papers and projects. The days of cramming and burning the midnight oil are old news as today’s savvy students are upping their studying and working game by taking a new approach to making the mark and ending the semester on a high note. How are they doing it? And if you are a student, how can you learn this approach? It’s all about finding your individual groove along with implementing some tried and true methods.
Vaughn College has done the research for you. Think of this as our holiday gift to you. We have outlined 10 fun and strategic work and study tips to help lighten the mood so you can get the most out of your work or study time.
Location, location, location—Switching up where you study or work is proving to be a productive way to force your brain to associate material with specific locations, which in turn strengthens your sense of memory. Try visiting familiar places, such as your favorite coffee shop. You’ll be surprised how it can help you focus while keeping things fresh in your head. Plus, drinking a cup of coffee or tea can help keep you alert.
Get moving—Did you know walking and keeping your body physically active can increase your brain’s processing speed and improve cognitive function? It’s true and so easy to do. Take a break and go for a walk – when you come back, you’ll have a renewed sense of motivation and refreshed perspective, which is especially helpful for writing research papers or doing project work.
Tune in—Research reveals studying to music is a great stress reliever. We all have our favorite tunes, but classical music tops the list as the best for relieving anxiety and stress. Check out our blog―Studying to Music Can Put Your Brain in the Right Frame of Mind―for more of an in-depth explanation.
Chew on this—You may get a green light from your dentist with the news that chewing gum or snacking on crunchy foods stimulates your mind and keeps you focused. Plus, it gives your brain a boost when it needs it most.
Work in color—Using different colored index cards, sticky notes and even ink when taking notes is a great way to help with your visual memory and can be a game-changer to studying effectively. It not only helps with categorizing information but makes studying more visually stimulating. Also, ditch the highlighter if you’re using one. It can have an adverse effect. Simply highlighting information in a textbook or in notes is passive – it doesn’t require active understanding or output. Taking notes or making flash cards is a far more effective way to boost retention and recall.
Story time—Some information can be overwhelming to remember. Try turning the details into either a funny story or something that you can relate to. It’s a fun way to recall the information and is a great stress reliever, too. You might even discover the writer in you!
Distracted? There’s an app for that—We all do it. Checking social media pages and emails can be a huge distraction when you need to focus. Did you know there’s an app for that? It’s called FocusMe. It’s a great tool to help you unplug and keep you focused when you need to be.
Bedtime brain boost—You may be sleepy, but did you know studying before bedtime is one of the best ways to increase retention? Here’s how. While you’re sleeping, your brain strengthens new memories, thus allowing you to remember what you read before falling asleep. (Just remember to keep your books and notes out of your bed. You need a good night’s sleep.)
Try spaced repetition—This new learning technique is all about breaking down information into smaller more digestible sections and then reviewing them consistently over time. For example, instead of trying to memorize large scale blocks of information, you can learn smaller sections every day. The key is to review each section before starting a new one.
Break time—Give yourself a break—lots of them. Long cramming sessions can leave you feeling overwhelmed and diminishes retention. Instead, schedule shorter sessions and take breaks in between. You’ll feel recharged and ready to focus.
Other helpful study tips:
Make a study and work schedule
Declutter your space
Quiz yourself on material
Recopy your notes by hand instead of typing them
Read information out loud
Create an outline for a research paper (before you start writing)
Conduct research in a timely manner
Try mediation or yoga
Treat yourself to a holiday cookie or your favorite snack
When all is said and done, just remember your grades do not define your worth. Just do your best. Your mental health and well-being are what truly matter.
Engineering is all around us. But did you ever stop to think about the extent to which engineering plays a role in our daily lives, and how important engineering jobs are? If there were no engineers, we wouldn’t have working navigation systems, electric generators, motors, elevators or air conditioning systems. You’d be amazed at how almost everything around us is designed, built and maintained by engineers.
Vaughn College remains a leading institution for students who choose to pursue careers in engineering and technology. Did you know today’s engineering and technology jobs are so much more than designing things to sustain us? It’s true. Today’s engineers are creating and inventing innovative designs to help advance society and solve some of humanity’s greatest problems to keep us on the planet longer. Your college major can play a crucial role in how much money you earn after graduation. With technology advancing and engineering demands increasing, there’s never been a better time to pursue a career in these fields. With an impressive curriculum that encompasses all aspects of engineering, it’s no wonder Vaughn engineering graduates are succeeding in their fields. Want proof? Check out the recent success stories of Thomas Dekenipp ’18, Emily German ’18 and Jefferson Maldonado ’16.
We have narrowed down the top five most valuable engineering degrees and matched them with engineering jobs that have the highest salaries in the industry today. Discover all the opportunities available to you with an engineering degree from Vaughn College.
Aerospace Engineer
Annual Salary: $115,220*
Education: Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering
Aerospace engineers top our list as the highest paid professionals with engineering degrees. Without sounding cliché, working as an aerospace engineer is literally “rocket science.” Aerospace engineers are responsible for designing aircrafts, spacecrafts, satellites and missiles. They also work with new inventions and technologies, creating and testing prototypes to ensure they function according to their design. Although many of these professionals choose to pursue a career with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), most work primarily for large aircraft manufacturers, such as Boeing, for example. They specialize in areas that include manufacturing, analysis and design, and research and development, and are frequently employed by the federal government. (Aerospace engineers who work on projects related to national defense may need a security clearance.)
Computer Hardware Engineer
Annual Salary: $114,600*
Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering
The job of a computer hardware engineer comes in at a close second as one of today’s top engineering jobs. Not to be confused with software engineers, hardware engineers build components that are used in computers, network systems and other commercial products. Computer hardware engineering combines electrical engineering and computer science, which goes hand in hand with the task of planning the manufacture of computer chips, circuit boards, printers, PCs and modems. These professionals typically work in research laboratories that build and test various types of computer models.
Electrical engineers design, install, test and maintain large-scale electrical equipment such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communication systems and power generation equipment. Basically, if a device has an alternating current (AC), an electrical engineer is most likely involved in creating it. Nearly every industry needs electrical engineers, which makes this an appealing profession. Electrical engineers work in a variety of industries that include research and development, engineering services, manufacturing and telecommunications. These professionals are frequently employed by the federal government. While they mostly work indoors in offices, some jobs may require them to visit sites to address a problem or observe equipment.
Mechanical engineering is the most common area of engineering and the broadest discipline in the industry―and for good reason. Basically, mechanical engineers are experts when it comes to designing and maintaining anything that is composed of moving parts. Wow! That includes so many things! These professionals require a strong understanding and comprehension of many areas such as dynamics and thermodynamics, materials science, structural analysis and electricity. Generally, they work in offices primarily for engineering services, research and development and manufacturing. Occasionally, their jobs may take them off-site to assess problems or equipment which may need attention. Since mechanical engineering is applicable across all industries and fields, these professionals are highly employable.
Mechatronic engineers have a competitive edge in the industry. That’s because these professionals have a multidisciplinary knowledge of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering. Their knowledge of robotics, electronics, computers, telecommunications, aerospace, systems control, and product engineering make them standout candidates in high-tech industries. A broad knowledge in engineering will position mechatronic engineers to work in all aspects of product development―from design and testing to manufacturing. With technology advancing at lightning speed, mechatronic engineers are a valuable asset and will be in high demand for many years to come.
Are you interested in pursuing an engineering job with a bright future? Vaughn’s career services department is there to offer engineering enthusiasts a wide range of options where they can find the perfect engineering job with a certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree. Our engineering degrees prepare students to succeed in their career of choice.
**Salary for mechatronic engineers is reported by The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) which is developed under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA) through a grant to the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The salary is based on 2018 median pay.
Whether you’re studying to become a pilot, pursuing engineering, or dreaming of working in airport/airline management, it’s safe to say that Vaughn College students have a passion for aviation and the mechanics that go into it. We’re proud to say that our students have a thirst for knowledge and are obsessed with becoming the best they can be.
The exploration of this dynamic field doesn’t have to stop when you step out of the classroom! We love that our students want to continue exploring their passion on their own time. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of fun aviation-inspired activities to take part in on the weekends:
Visit the Cradle of Aviation
Take a trip to Garden City, New York, and visit the impressive Cradle of Aviation Museum. Here, you’ll find more than 75 air and space crafts, 12 cockpits, and 30 hands-on exhibits, including a hot air balloon and even an actual Apollo Lunar Module. In addition, the Cradle of Aviation hosts several events every month. You can throw it back to the ‘80s by taking part in their ’80s Arcade and Karaoke Night, or indulge your sweet tooth and attend the 2019 Chocolate Expo―all while surrounded by inspiring aviation history.
Having the pleasure of going to a United States Navy Blue Angels show is nothing short of a privilege. With over 70 years of demonstrations, the flying aerobatics are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The flight demonstration squadron is comprised of a total of 16 officers. The aviation team consists of tactical jet pilots, support officers, and Marine Corps C-130 pilots. The Blue Angels travel the country throughout the year. Visit their website to view the complete show schedule for 2019.
Join the Manhattan Flight Club
Forget “Fight Club.” Why not join the Manhattan Flight Club? If you can’t wait to get back in the cockpit, head on down to Madison Avenue and join this robust community of pilots, students, CFIs, ATPs, passengers, and just plain lovers of aviation. The members of this flight simulation club believe “that flying creates better people, stronger communities, and a happier world.” (And we couldn’t agree more.) Non-members can book time in The Sim Lab for just $40 an hour.
If you prefer flying planes to jumping out of them but have always been interested in skydiving, then bodyflight is for you! At iFLY Indoor Sky Diving, we offer the bodyflight indoor skydiving experience—one of the most exciting, fastest-growing sports in the world. In addition, iFLY offers the option to add a little aviation fantasy to your trip with their virtual reality (VR) “” experience. This fully immersive, highly exhilarating experience is perfect for the inner child in you — and it’s the closest thing the “Game of Thrones” fan in you will get to riding a dragon. First-time flyers can buy two flights for about $90.
While this is one of the pricier aviation adventures on our list, the ZERO-G Experience® is also one of the most exciting. This is NOT a simulation. You’ll actually get to experience true weightlessness. You’ll get to take flight on their specially modified Boeing 727, where parabolic arcs are performed to create a weightless environment, allowing you to float, flip and soar as if you were in space. The ZERO-G Experience® will be coming to Newark Liberty International Airport on May 25, August 3 and September 28 of 2019.
Make the most of your weekends and school breaks. Go on a #VaughnAdventure today.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but amid the shopping, gatherings, planning and studying, it can be hard to find time to slow down, catch your breath, and take care of your own well-being. This season may be the happiest time of the year, but it is also the busiest and most stressful. To help you through the next few weeks of holiday hustle and bustle―and the crunch of studying for finals―we have put together four of our favorite meditation apps that will help you stop for a second, catch your breath, and work on you!
1. Stop, Breathe and Think
It’s amazing what can be accomplished when you take a minute to soak in your surroundings and really focus on what you’re doing in that very moment. This free app encourages you to do just that. It offers over 30 free sessions―most of which are only about 10 minutes long―to help you cleanse and refresh your mind. Use the “Stop, Breath & Think” app to find a few minutes of peace whenever you need them in the course of the day. Eventually, it will become second nature to take a moment to be in the here and now.
2. Chill
With the busy task of studying during the holidays, it can be hard to find time to chill. “The Chill” app is a free subscription that sends mindful messages throughout the day, like “It exists right here, in this moment,” and “Come back to your body,” to make you stop and slow down―even just for a second. When you open the notifications, inspirational quotes from the likes of Buddha and Lao Tzu are presented to you.
3. Calm
The “Calm” app offers a huge variety of soothing sounds―from falling rain and thunderstorms to a crackling fire and white noise. You can play these sounds in the background along with the option of listening to music at the same time, which can be extremely relaxing. You also have the chance to practice breathing and meditation with the “Seven Days of Calm” daily free meditation guide, as well as set reminders throughout the day to take breaks. In addition to these features, this app also has a subscription―at $4.99 per month―to unlock meditation sessions for commuting and “sleep stories.”
4. Headspace
The “Headspace” app shows you the necessary steps to follow for taking care of yourself and becoming a better, calmer, and more content person. It starts with 10 free sessions to help make you feel more comfortable with meditation. If you like these and want to try more tailored sessions that focus on commuting, sleeping, stress and more, a subscription can be purchased at $7.99 per month. Additionally, the paid subscription offers SOS exercises to provide relief when you feel over your head and need to calm down quickly. This app’s blog is also a great resource as it offers helpful tips on how to practice mindfulness as well!
We hope these apps help you unwind as you stop and take a moment for yourself. Good luck with finals and have a wonderful holiday season, remembering, of course, to make time to take care of yourself.
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The VEX Robotics Competition Tower Takeover was the name of the game—and a challenging one it was at that. This game was played on a 12′ x 12′ square field. Two alliances―composed of two teams each―competed in matches consisting of a forty-five-second (0:45) “Autonomous Period,” followed by a one-minute and forty-five-second (1:15) “Driver-Controlled Period.” The object of the game was to place cubes in towers or to score cubes in goals. The team to score the highest number of points is declared the winner.
