You do not have to be a rocket scientist—although that is a cool career in engineering—to know that technology is ever-evolving at lighting speed. From manufacturing and medicine to artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy—among many others in between—the rapid pace of technological innovation has created a huge demand for engineers in every industry. And did we mention the salaries are well above the national average?
The proof is in the numbers
Today, it is all about filling the skills gap in many engineering fields—especially AI, robotics, cybersecurity and aerospace. According to employment projections data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of engineering is estimated to grow by 8.6 percent by 2033—which is faster than average for every other occupation within the next eight years. If those projections do not grasp your attention, maybe the salaries will. The reported median annual wage for the engineering sector is $91,420, compared to $48,060 which is the median annual wage for other occupations. That is an increase of more than $43,000 per year!
Best engineering degrees to meet future demand
If engineering is your passion, Vaughn offers industry-focused engineering programs tailored to high-demand industries. Here are a few of our engineering degrees and the careers they will prepare you for.
This course of study trains students to use their skills and knowledge to solve specific problems—and ultimately—to design systems according to the defined criteria for performing the functions as set forth by the project objectives.
Degree focus: Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Demand: Every industry depends on the world’s cyberinfrastructure to operate safely and securely. Over the past decade, cyberattacks have escalated throughout the world, which has created a great demand for computer engineers who have specialized training in cybersecurity.
Career opportunities:
Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Annual NY median salary: $171,000*
- Top skills: Communication, leadership, management, project management and operations
Data Warehouse Specialist
- Annual NY median salary: $153,000*
- Top skills: Communication, management, data management, problem solving and data analysis
Computer Hardware Engineer
- Annual NY median salary: $135,000*
- Top skills: Electrical engineering, communication, printed circuit board, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), computer engineering
Vaughn is the only institution in the Northeast that offers a mechatronic engineering degree program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. This not only ensures a recognized standard of quality in engineering education but establishes the College as a premier choice for students in the region. Read more about it in our blog: “Your Future in Mechatronic Engineering Starts at Vaughn College.”
Degree focus: Combines mechanical, electrical and computer engineering to expose students to the different areas of engineering while preparing them for this fast-paced and ever-changing industry.
Demand: The booming automation and robotics industry is fueling the high demand for engineers to design, program and maintain automated systems, thus creating excellent career opportunities across multiple industries.
Career opportunities:
Mechatronics/Robotics Engineers
- Annual NY median salary: $119,000*
- Top skills: Mechatronics, automation, robotics, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering
Mechanical Engineers
- Annual NY median salary: $106,000*
- Top skills: Mechanical engineering, communication, HVAC, project management and auto CAD
Manufacturing Engineer
- Annual NY median salary: $100,000*
- Top skills: Communication, manufacturing processes, problem solving and AutoCAD
Vaughn’s mechanical engineering degree program provides students with a solid foundation in engineering analysis and design. Students will have hands-on opportunities to learn analytical, computational and experimental methods of mechanical engineering, which are in high demand in the industry today.
Degree focus: This degree focuses on preparing well-qualified graduates for positions in a variety of engineering industries. Students will study and train in mechanical computer-aided engineering (such as computer-aided 3D interactive application), Patran, Nastran, engineering analysis utilizing MATLAB and finite element analysis.
Demand: Employment for mechanical engineers is expected to increase by 11 percent over the next eight years, which translates into openings for approximately 19,800 jobs on an annual basis. This is a significant and positive outlook for mechanical engineers, especially in states like New York and industries that are experiencing high employment levels and growth.
Career opportunities:
Quality Control Systems Managers
- Annual NY median salary: $130,000*
- Top skills: Management, quality assurance, auditing, communication and leadership
Aerospace Engineers
- Annual NY median salary: $122,000*
- Top skills: Communication, management, operations, planning and flight testing
This specialized degree program was developed to provide students with proficiency in sophisticated aviation electronics systems found on-board commercial, corporate and private aircraft.
Degree focus: The program places an emphasis on science and technology that can be applied to today’s fleet of modern aircraft.
Demand: The increase in air travel continues to fuel the demand for these skilled professionals as the sector continues to expand.
Career opportunities:
Electrical Engineers
- Annual NY median salary: $114,000*
- Top skills: Electrical engineering, communication, AutoCAD, project management, electrical systems
Avionics Technicians
- Annual NY median salary: $97,000*
- Top skills: Avionics troubleshooting (problem solving test equipment), electrical wiring, hand tools
Electrical Installers and Repairers of Transportation Equipment
- Annual NY median salary: $85,000*
- Top skills: Troubleshooting (problem solving), electronics soldering, oscilloscope, test equipment
If you’re looking for hands-on learning, cutting-edge labs and industry connections in the heart of world-class resources and opportunities, Vaughn College and New York City offer an exceptional environment for ambitious engineering students to launch futureproof careers. Want to learn more? Check out Vaughn’s engineering and technology, management and aviation degree programs. Apply today!
*Career and salary information based on Lightcast Data, jobs based within a 100-mile radius of Queens, NY
Cybercrime is a lucrative business that is predicted to cost companies—globally—an estimated $10.5 trillion by 2025. With a single cyberattack occurring every 11 seconds, organizations aren’t wasting time in hiring cybersecurity professionals to safeguard their data and computer networks. In fact, experts predict that companies could spend as much as $1.75 trillion for information security. So, who exactly are these professionals that companies are hiring to protect their data?
This month, Vaughn College explores the demand for cybersecurity professionals and the various jobs in this field. Read on to learn how a degree in computer engineering from Vaughn could be your pathway to cashing in on this futureproof career.
Demand for cybersecurity professionals
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts are among the fastest growing occupations in the country—with a projected growth rate of 35 percent over the next nine years. In the U.S. alone, it was reported there are more than 700,000 job openings in the cybersecurity-related field, with approximately 1.8 million positions worldwide that will go unfilled this year. With demand at an all-time high—and no end of sight for the need to protect company data—the future is bright for a career in cybersecurity.
Companies with the greatest need
Every industry—including banking, utility companies, government organizations and healthcare—has come to depend on the world’s cyber infrastructure in order to operate. Last year, the heads of industry giants Google, Apple, Microsoft and Amazon were among the leaders who met with President Biden at the White House to discuss how the nation’s cybersecurity might be improved through a collaboration with the government and private sector. It’s important to note that cybercrime doesn’t discriminate against big corporations. Were you aware that approximately 43 percent of cyberattacks are directed at small businesses? On any given day, owners of these businesses have their hands full in juggling several responsibilities, thus leaving their interests vulnerable to be exploited by cybercriminals. In fact, only about 14 percent of these small businesses are prepared to defend their data.
Cybersecurity careers to meet the demand
As you can imagine, there are several different cybersecurity careers—each with its own set of critical roles—to protect companies from cybercriminals. Here are some career paths to consider:
Cybersecurity engineer
These professionals are responsible for protecting a company’s network and data from unauthorized access—or cyberattack—by designing cybersecurity platforms and building emergency plans in the event of a disaster.
Here are some of the duties and responsibilities of a cybersecurity engineer:
- Develop and enforce security plans, standards and protocols
- Collaborate with other teams to maintain overall security
- Create and install firewalls and intrusion detection systems
- Update security software, hardware and facilities
- Running encryption programs
- Moving data and information after a detected security issue
Required skills:
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to explain complex issues to management and offer solutions for current security plans and procedures
- Ability and willingness to work with law enforcement following a cyberattack
- Risk assessment
- Computer forensics
- Secure coding practices
Education and certifications:
- A bachelor’s degree—or higher—in computer engineering, cybersecurity, infosec or a related field is required to work as a cybersecurity engineer.
Cybersecurity analyst
Anyone in this role analyzes reports to identify and examine cyber threats that include viruses, worms, bots and Trojans. Cybersecurity analysts develop malware protection tools to ensure that practices are properly implemented and followed. The scope of their responsibilities is expansive.
Here are some of the duties and responsibilities of a cybersecurity analyst:
- Monitor security best practices, protocols and procedures to detect, contain and remediate threats
- Control file access and credentialing, network updates and firewall maintenance
- Perform penetration testing and vulnerability scans
- Recommend relevant changes to improve security
- May be enlisted to train employees on cybersecurity hygiene, due to their expertise in security risks and best practices
Required skills:
- Solid understanding of how data is stored and managed
- Solid understanding of various kinds of cybersecurity threats
- Proprietary testing
- Risk assessment
- Data encryption
- Firewall design, configuration, deployment and maintenance
- Security incident triaging
Education and certifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, infosec or a related field is required to work as a cybersecurity analyst.
Network security architect
Similar to an architect who designs plans for buildings and structures, a network security architect plays a critical role in the design of security structures that are used to prevent malware attacks. In addition to performing vulnerability tests, a network security architect maintains network productivity, efficiency, availability and performance to ensure ongoing security of the company.
Here are some of the duties and responsibilities of a network security architect:
- Helps translate business needs into functional systems
- Defines appropriate policies and procedures for the systems
- Monitors budgetary and operational constraints
- Undertakes defensive measures such as firewall and antivirus configuration, as well as offensive measures like penetration testing
- Oversees network changes
- Stays aware of computer systems’ networking requirements such as routing, switching and trust domains
- Has knowledge of security best practices, technologies and industry-standard frameworks.
Required skills:
- Excellent people, managerial and presentation skills
- Strong IT experience
- Risk management experience
- Knowledge of TCP/IP networking and networking security
- ITIL and COBIT IT process models
- Intrusion detection systems
- Knowledge of VPN layers and connections
- Open Systems Interconnection (OSI): 7-layer model
Education and certifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is required, although a master’s degree in cybersecurity is preferred.
How Vaughn can get you there
As you’ve read in this blog, the ever-growing field of cybersecurity and computer engineering demands well-trained individuals for a broad range of industries. Vaughn’s degree program is designed to give students the knowledge and skills that are necessary, and where they each can play an important role in the technologies that define modern day life and society.
The computer engineering curriculum emphasizes two well-defined concentrations: cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). These two concentrations work hand in hand to secure network systems. Although it’s believed that AI will never take the place of cybersecurity jobs, this concentration and machine learning are viable players in the growth of the industry.
Are you interested in an in-demand, high-paying job in cybersecurity? Vaughn’s computer engineering degree program could be your pathway to an exciting futureproof career. Apply today!
