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researcherYou would find better ways for businesses and organisations to work and achieve their goals.
You would analyse systems and processes and work out how they can be improved using advanced mathematical, statistical and business theories. You would test your solutions to problems using statistical and computer forecasts and ‘models’. Your research and advice would help senior managers in companies and government departments solve business problems and make better decisions. You would:
You might work alone or in a small team. Good knowledge of business would be useful. You would also need to be able to explain complex ideas to people who are not experts. quality managerYou would check that products meet quality standards and are safe for customers to buy. You would also help to set up and manage quality control systems. You would:
You would also have specialised tasks depending on where you work. For example, if you worked in food and drink production, you would:
If you work in manufacturing engineering, you would:
You would need technical knowledge of your industry. You would also need good knowledge of quality control standards and legislation. business development managerBusiness development managers find new customers, and persuade existing ones to buy extra services. You will work in a variety of businesses across the public and private sectors, or for charities. Your day-to-day duties could include:
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agricultural engineerYou would assess the techniques used by farmers and landowners and explain how they can improve their land. You would plan and supervise construction projects to tackle environmental problems. You would work with specialist machinery used in farming, forestry and horticulture. For example, you might design the all-terrain vehicles which can move over uneven ground in different weather conditions. You would also help farmers, landowners and government departments understand issues such as crop diversity, sustainable land use and adapting to climate change. You would:
Depending on the size of the company you work for, you might also manage and coordinate sales, or do marketing and technical support. It would be important to be willing to work flexibly. You would need to keep up to date with new developments in technology and production methods. lecturerYou would help teenagers and adults learn new skills and get qualifications to improve their job prospects. You could work in colleges, community centres, prisons and the armed forces. You would teach students over the age of 16. You might also work with some 14 to 16 year-olds studying work-related subjects. There are different types of courses taught by further education lecturers, for example:
You would:
You could teach full-time, part-time (day or evening) or day release courses. You would need to have patience and a sense of humour and be able to relate well to students of all ages and abilities. aerospace engineerYou would design and build aeroplanes, helicopters, spacecraft, satellites, missiles and rockets.
You would design, build and maintain the aircraft and the parts and instruments that go inside them. You would make them safe and efficient for people to use. You would plan and organise projects to improve:
You would:
You would also be involved with estimating project costs and timescales, attending meetings, writing technical reports and manuals, and giving presentations to managers and clients. With several years' experience as an engineer, you could work on the investigation of air accidents. You need a comprehensive understanding of engineering licence regulations and a commitment to keeping up to date. Having European language skills might be helpful, particularly if you are working on a joint international project. |
automotive engineerYou would design, test and build the cars of the future to make them more reliable, fuel-efficient and stylish.
You could work on a variety of vehicles including domestic cars, racing cars, motorbikes and coaches, buses, trucks and tractors. You would make the vehicle more cost-effective and reduce its impact on the environment. You would make it safer for drivers and passengers and come up with exciting new designs for the way it looks. You might work on:
There are several stages to the motor manufacturing process. If you focused on design you would do research and use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed plans for vehicles. In the development stage you would:
If you worked in production you would
As a senior engineer, you would manage projects, supervise technical teams, write reports and negotiate with clients. |
biomedical engineerYou would research, design and develop medical products, such as joint replacements or robotic surgical instruments, design or modify equipment for clients with special needs in a rehabilitation setting, or manage the use of clinical equipment in hospitals and the community. You will be employed by health services, medical equipment manufacturers and research departments or institutes. Your tasks may include:
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chemical engineerYou would do research to improve the methods used to turn raw materials into fuel, plastics, food, medicine and more. You may also work on developing the machines used in the production process. You could work in a field such as food, gas or minerals. You could also work as a biochemical engineer. You might work on projects such as new medical treatments or sustainable energy sources. It is likely you would specialise in working in manufacturing or in research and development. However, some employers would give you the chance to work in both. If you worked in research and development, you would:
In manufacturing, you would:
You might also manage a team of chemical engineering technicians. |
civil engineerYou would plan, design and manage construction projects for large buildings, transport links and major structures.
You would explain your ideas to the client and make sure that the project is finished on time and to budget. The projects you would work on could be anything from bridges and tall buildings to transport links and sports arenas. You could work in one of these specialist areas:
At the start of the project you would:
Once a project is underway you would:
You would work closely with other professionals such as architects, surveyors and building contractors. |
Design EngineerYou would research and develop ideas for new products and the systems used to make them. You would improve the performance and efficiency of existing products.
You will need to understand engineering and design principles. You would use your knowledge of the qualities of materials and of methods of construction and manufacturing to create products that a company can sell and make a profit. You could work in a wide range of industries, from electronics to synthetic textiles. For example, you might work on the redesign of a mobile phone or work out how to construct motorbike parts from carbon fibre materials. Your role could vary depending on the project. You would research the product or process. You would use mathematical modelling to work out whether new ideas and innovations would work and are affordable. Then you would turn the research ideas into technical plans for prototypes. You would use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-assisted engineering (CAE) software to create the design. Next you would use prototypes to test the design. You would collect and analyse data from the tests and use the findings to make the design better. Then you would re-test. You might go though this process several times before a product is ready for manufacture or installation. Throughout the development process you would write progress reports or do presentations for the project managers and clients. You would look at a range of features when developing ideas for a new product, such as:
You would also have to take into account the environmental impact of the product, how it would be manufactured and how to dispose of it safely when it’s no longer usable. |
electrical engineerYou would design, build and maintain the electrical systems and equipment that are vital to industry, the railways and manufacturing.
There are many industries you could work in, such as:
You would use computer-assisted engineering and design software to draw up new project plans and circuit diagrams for high and low voltage electrical equipment. You would lead the installation of a system and make sure it meets the safety regulations. Depending on the industry, you would:
You would also have to write reports, attend meetings and give presentations about projects. You would need a good understanding of electrical health and safety regulations. You would work on projects with other professionals, such as civil engineers, architects, engineering technicians and IT staff. |
turbine engineerYou would design and construct sites to generate energy from the wind, sun and water. You could also drill for and extract gas and oil. You would research, design and oversee construction of power generation plants that use renewable and sustainable natural resources, such as:
You could also be involved in drilling for gas and oil. You would use mathematical and computer models to research and design new generating sites. Depending on the type of project you work on, you could decide on the best locations for installations like wind farms, solar panels or hydropower plants or you might plan and oversee a production programme for sites like drilling platforms or hydroelectric plants. You would:
You would work with other professionals such as geologists, geophysicists and specialist contractors. |
manufacturing engineerYou would design and install new equipment and assembly lines in factories and manufacturing plants. You would try to make the production process as efficient as possible so the factory can make goods on time and at the right cost and quality. You would work with production managers to get the most out of existing systems and to develop new systems. You might also be involved in the building of new manufacturing plants. You would help to manage each phase of a project, overseeing the work of technicians and other professionals. You would:
You would need to understand manufacturing processes and follow health and safety regulations. |
marketing EXECUTIVEYou would use your creativity to promote the goods and services offered by your business or organisation to potential customers.
You would plan the best ways to connect with people so they have a positive impression of the products, services or brand. Your job would vary depending on the organisation you work for and the sector you work in. You could specialise in certain types of product or market, such as fashion, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) or financial services. You would:
You would plan the marketing activity for a campaign. You would think of new ways to get your message to the customers. You might work with other organisations to find out more about customer satisfaction and expectations. Data from market research will be useful to help you find ways to make your campaign more effective. At the end of each campaign you would assess its success and report to marketing directors. You could lead a team of marketing executives and assistants who you’d motivate to make each marketing campaign a success. |
mechanical engineerYou would design and test components and machines like wind turbines, pumps for clean water and medical prosthetics to help people who have mobility difficulties.
You would oversee the set-up of the machines and check that they work properly. You could work on different projects in many industries including:
For example, you could work in renewable energy to install off-shore wind turbines. You could design the pumps and valves that deliver clean water to homes and businesses or you could design and test improvements to prosthetic implants to help people with limited mobility. Depending on the job you would:
You would support the contract team in your company when they bid for new projects. You would manage and lead a project team of technicians, designers and craftspeople who carry out installation and maintenance work. |
naval architectYou would design, build and repair vessels such as ships and boats, and offshore structures such as drilling platforms. You would:
You could specialise in a particular area, such as design, building and repair work, research and development, or consultancy. You could also work for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency as a ship surveyor. You would then check the safety of ships and marine structures. sales representativeYou would use your people skills to sell your company’s products or services to businesses, shops or individuals. Products you could sell include medicines, consumer goods or engineering parts. You would:
This job can come with a lot of pressure, as you may have to meet difficult targets. In some jobs you will be paid on commission, which means that for every item you sell you will make more money. |
maintenance technicianYou would look after and fix electrical and mechanical equipment used in industry, from factories and power stations to aircraft and escalators.
You would follow manufacturer's technical manuals and use testing instruments and tools to help locate faults. You would need to understand engineering drawings and be aware of health and safety legislation. You could work on:
If you work in preventative (planned) maintenance you would:
In emergency maintenance you would respond immediately when equipment breaks down. You would fix the problem there and then or, if necessary, arrange for the equipment to be replaced. You would also explain the problem to production managers and tell them how the repairs are progressing. You would organise your team to make sure that they can respond to breakdowns at any time of day or night. production managerYou would be involved with the planning, coordination and control of processes. You will make sure goods and services are produced efficiently and that the correct amount is produced at the right cost and level of quality. The job is also referred to as operations manager. As a production manager, you will need to:
You will be involved in the pre-production (planning) stage as well as the production (control and supervision) stage. A large part of the job is dealing with people management. |