Graduate Opportunities

In Australia and New Zealand, engineers work in a diverse range of industries, from telecommunications to pharmaceuticals, mining to information technology. Traditionally, engineering has been divided into four broad disciplines: Civil, Chemical, Electrical, and Mechanical. The profession has changed in recent times and there are now numerous sub-disciplines and emerging streams of engineering, such as Environmental, Geomatic and Software.

The work

Civil engineers are involved in the planning, design and construction of the built environment and the physical infrastructure that supports modern society. This encompasses all forms of construction, including bridges, dams, sewerage systems, large buildings, railways and harbours.

Electrical engineers are responsible for designing, constructing and maintaining the systems used for the generation, transmission and utilisation of electricity. Electronics engineers specialise in the use of electronics such as those found in computer, communication and telecommunication systems.

Mechanical engineers design, organise and manage the construction, operation and maintenance of mechanical equipment and machinery.

Chemical engineers study the transformation process of raw materials into usable end products.

Environmental engineers assess and manage the effects of human and other activity on the natural environment.

The mining boom resulting from the rapid growth and industrialisation of China and other Asian economies has had a significant impact on the industry in recent years. Although the numbers employed in the mining industry are relatively small, mining remains an important industry to the Australian economy and has experienced exceptionally strong job growth in recent years.

Research indicates a possible skills shortage in certain areas, with 45.8 per cent of employers in Australia and New Zealand experiencing trouble sourcing Engineering graduates in 2007 (Graduate Outlook Survey 2007, Graduate Careers Australia).

What you need

Work experience in the relevant field is highly attractive to employers. Many graduate engineers have found that obtaining relevant work experience during the course of their degree makes them far more employable. The industry is becoming increasingly reliant on ongoing education and training. Many engineers undertake further training courses or do double degrees, combining Engineering with disciplines such as Law or Commerce. Graduates from such courses can expect excellent employment prospects and increased career opportunities in later years.

Money matters

Salaries for graduate engineers are among the highest graduate salaries in Australia, particularly for those working in remote regions. The 2006 Australian Graduate Survey indicated half of all bachelor students working as engineering managers, professionals or associate professionals, were earning $39,000-$55,000 in the year after graduation. Starting salary range for the middle 50 per cent of the major specialisations:

• Civil engineers $42,000-50,000
• Electrical engineers $42,000-$52,500
• Mechanical engineers $44,000-$55,000
• Mining and material engineers $53,000-78,000
• Engineering technologists $43,000-$51,250

With experience and a track record, salaries can exceed $100,000 for project managers and other senior roles (Hays Salary Survey, 2006).See www.gradsonline.com.au for current salary information.

Significant stats

Employment growth (five years to February 2007):

• Electrical/electronic engineers – 27.2 per cent
• Mechanical engineers – 3.2 per cent
• Mining engineers – 84.2 per cent
• Chemical engineers – 30.3 per cent
• Civil engineers – 16.9 per cent

Source: except where indicated, figures from "Australian Jobs 2007", Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.