As an engineer, you will undoubtedly be called upon to write specifications, design documentation, and perform various other types of engineering tasks – however, you will not always be required to do so. In fact, some of the most common engineering jobs do not call for you to write at all. Instead, they may simply ask you to analyze data, speak with customers, or design mechanisms.
Analyst
Analyst, as with most other occupations, is generally considered to be a combination of technical knowledge and professional judgment. While you may be required to write quite a bit of detailed analysis and technical documentation as part of your role, you will generally not be expected to use your creativity in the same way as you would in the design of a new product. Most analysts focus on gathering and interpreting data rather than coming up with innovative solutions to complex problems. Still, creativity does emerge in the form of problem solving and data interpretation. What is more, you will often have to communicate your findings and recommendations to customers or superiors in written form. All of these things do require that you have a good command of the written word. However, you should not consider this to be a disadvantage.
Design Engineer
A design engineer is generally considered to be someone who takes a more creative role in the engineering process. Essentially, a design engineer will come up with innovative solutions to complex problems through their technical knowledge and creativity. For example, they may identify a need for a new product or process, determine the optimal way to meet that need, and then design and implement the solution. Given that design engineers generally create things, they will often be expected to use their hands for various tasks such as crafting drawings, diagrams, or models. Furthermore, they may be asked to work with other engineers and non-engineers to create a functional product that meets the needs of the company or community.
While you will certainly be asked to write specifications and present designs to clients, you should not underestimate the amount of hands-on work that goes into each project. Even relatively simple mechanical objects like locks and hinges require a certain level of creativity and innovation to design and then manufacture.
Electrical Engineer
An electrical engineer is someone who specializes in electrical theory and application. This includes everything from designing electrical circuits to specifications, to troubleshooting electrical problems, and everything in between. If you are asked to design and perform electronic experiments, analyze data, or write documentation, you will most likely end up writing quite a bit of technical information. Still, you should not consider this to be a disadvantage, as you will often be expected to communicate your findings and recommendations to other engineers and non-engineers. What is more, you will be expected to design and perform electronic experiments, analyze data, and write documentation on a regular basis – all of which requires that you have a good command of the written word.
Chemical Engineer
In the world of chemicals, you will frequently be asked to perform experiments, write detailed analyses, and present your findings and conclusions. Much like with electrical engineers, you will be expected to design and perform electronic experiments, analyze data, and write documentation. The difference with a chemical engineer is that they may also be asked to analyze and interpret lab results, draw up process schematics, and teach others how to perform certain tasks as well. The more technical or scientific the role, the more you will be expected to write. What is more, you will also be expected to communicate your findings and recommendations in written form to other engineers or scientists. You may even be asked to present your work to the public in the form of scientific lectures or publications.
Civil Engineer
A civil engineer is someone who specializes in the design, analysis, and management of the built environment, most often structures. This includes everything from roads and bridges to buildings and foundations. Much like with the other “traditional” engineering roles, you will be expected to write quite a bit of documentation and present designs to clients. Still, you should not consider this to be a disadvantage, as you will often be asked to perform experiments, analyze data, and write documentation on a regular basis. What is more, you will be expected to communicate your findings and recommendations in written form to other engineers or scientists. You may even be asked to present your work to the public in the form of scientific lectures or publications.
Mechanical Engineer
A mechanical engineer is someone who specializes in the design, analysis, and manufacture of mechanical systems and devices. This includes everything from engines and vehicles to industrial machinery. Much like with the other “traditional” engineering roles, you will be expected to write quite a bit of documentation and present designs to clients. Still, you should not consider this to be a disadvantage, as you will often be asked to perform experiments, analyze data, and write documentation on a regular basis. What is more, you will be expected to communicate your findings and recommendations in written form to other engineers or scientists. You may even be asked to present your work to the public in the form of scientific lectures or publications.
As you can see, not all engineers are created equal. While you will certainly be required to use your creative and intellectual skills to solve complex engineering problems, you should not let that get in the way of your ability to write. For a while, at least. As long as you can prove that you can do the job – that is, as long as your technical skills are up to date – you should have no problem getting a high-paying job in one of the above mentioned fields. Just make sure that you can show that you can do the job – that is, make sure that you can write well. If that is not possible, then you should seriously consider another field.