Ever wondered how the complex, intricate realm of Game of Thrones could have anything in common with the multi-layered and elaborate field of engineering? Here we bring together these two different worlds through an interesting juxtaposition. Whether you are a fresh graduate about to step into the professional realm of engineering, or an experienced professional wanting to try your luck in a different kingdom, you should read on.
Mechanical Engineering: The House of Designers
Considered rulers of the most popular branch of engineering, mechanical engineers oversee the manufacturing of many products. They also design a variety of machinery such as power-producing machines and power-consuming machines, such as electric generators to air-conditioning systems. A degree in this field is offered in Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng. or B.E.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. or B.S.), Bachelor of Science Engineering (B.Sc. Eng.), Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech.), Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (B.M.E.), or Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) degree, in or with emphasis in mechanical engineering.
Civil Engineering: The Great Builders
Much like the Night’s Watch, who guard the Wall and protect the Seven Kingdoms, civil engineers are responsible for building structures of every kind – walls, bridges, towers and so on – ensuring the safety of those inhabiting and using these structures. Your metaphorical ‘watch begins’ in civil engineering jobs with a bachelor’s degree in the field. If you have the learning curve of Jon Snow, followed by an advanced degree, your way up the ladder will come by soon enough, even if you ‘know nothing’ in the beginning stage.
Computer Engineering: The Code-keepers
Winning her command over the Dothraki men required Daenerys to master their native language. If you are to be a competent computer engineer, you have to master coding. Only by knowing your codes in detail would you be able to work on and protect software systems from attackers. For you to safe-guard your kingdom, you must acquire and develop new skills or improve existing ones. The same holds true of computer engineers, in that they must keep up with rapid advances in technology. Computer engineering, as a branch, integrates several fields of computer science and electronic engineering required to develop computer hardware and software. As a graduate in this stream you have the option of delving into streams of software jobs or IT jobs, across industries.
Chemical Engineering: The Master Brewers
The ‘maesters’ of the engineering world, chemical engineers study principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology to design processes that convert chemicals, raw materials, living cells, micro-organisms and energy into useful forms and products. As a graduate in chemical engineering, you would learn about these subjects in detail.
Petroleum Engineering: The Hidden Catalysts
In the world of Game of Thrones, wildfire is a volatile green liquid that burns for a long time, created by the Alchemists’ Guild. The modern-day version would be petroleum. Both of these fuels are great sources of fire and power. As a petroleum engineer, you would have to design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from the ‘crypts’ of the Earth’s surface. While having a degree in petroleum engineering is ideal, you can opt for this field even with a mechanical or civil engineering degree.
Electrical Engineering: The Light-bringers
The ‘Lords of Light’ in engineering terms, electrical engineers design and develop new electrical systems, solve problems and test equipment. They study and apply the physics and mathematics of electricity, electromagnetism and electronics to both large and small scale systems to process information and transmit energy. Electrical engineering jobs typically ask for an academic degree that majors in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or electrical engineering technology.
Aerospace Engineering: The Rulers of the Sky
If the Targaryens have dragons, aerospace engineers have their own flying gear. This field of engineering delves into the development of aircraft and spacecraft, mainly through its two branches – aeronautical and astronautical engineering. If you are planning a career in this field, you can try for an advanced diploma, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. levels.
Finding the path to a successful career in engineering is not that different from the quest to the Iron Throne. While you may not have Tyrion Lannister as your Hand to counsel you, you certainly have a valuable resource in Monster to help you find the latest engineering job vacancies by role, industry and location.
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