Professional Engineering 101
Professional engineering is all about using your creativity, imagination, and technical skills to design, build, and improve things that make the world a better place.
Are you interested in creating things that can change the world? Do you want to be a part of the future and work on cutting-edge technology that can make a difference in people's lives? Then perhaps professional engineering is the one for you!
Whether it's developing new software, designing advanced medical equipment, building sustainable infrastructure, or developing renewable energy sources, professional engineers are at the forefront of innovation and progress.
As a professional engineer, you'll be part of a team of brilliant minds, working together to solve complex problems and create groundbreaking solutions. You'll be using the latest technology and tools, and constantly learning and growing as you take on new challenges.
If you want to be a part of shaping the future and making a real difference in the world, then professional engineering might just be the perfect career for you.
Engineer vs Technologist vs Technician: What's the difference?
At Waikato, we offer the BE(Hons) accredited based on the Washington Accord - the gold standard of engineering.
Find out the difference between different "engineering" degrees and where they can lead.
| Professional Engineer | Engineering Technologist | Engineering Technician | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree | BE(Hons) | BEngTech | DipEng |
| Length | 4-years | 3-years | 2-years |
| Typical entry requirement |
University Entry + 16 credits in Level 3 Calculus + 14 credits in Level 3 Physics |
University Entry (inc. Level 3 Maths as a subject) + 14 Level 2 credits in Physics |
No University Entry NCEA Level 2 (inc. maths as a subject) |
| Accreditation | Washington Accord | Sydney Accord | Dublin Accord |
| Meets requirement for CPEng (Chartered Professional Engineer) in NZ | Yes | No | No |
| Problems able to be solved | Complex problems with no obvious solution, requiring in-depth analysis and thinking | Standard problems solved by application of well-proven analysis techniques | Well-known problems solved in standardised ways |
| Level of innovation | Creative use of engineering principles and research-based knowledge in novel ways |
Use of new materials, techniques or processes in non-standard ways | Use of existing materials, techniques, or processes in modified ways |
Careers in Professional Engineering
Professional engineers enjoy competitive salaries. An Engineering New Zealand survey found that in 2019 the median salary for new graduates is $60,000 and with 4 years’ experience is $71,000. For full-time Chartered Engineers (CPEng), the median salary was $110,000.