Back to Manufacturing Engineering Technologists details

Plastics Technology - Helpful Information

Things to know

You need good communications skills to succeed in this field. A writing course, and probably a public speaking course, should be part of your program even if they are not required.

Consider taking some business courses. Engineering technologists and technicians often work closely with management. In addition, the skills you learn in these courses may later help you make a career shift into management. This can be a logical and fulfilling career path, especially if you are uninterested in becoming a licensed engineer (or if your state does not allow it).

A lot of people are unclear about the differences among an engineer, an engineering technologist, and an engineering technician. All work as part of an engineering team. Together, they solve practical problems by applying principles of science and math. The engineer tends to work more in theoretical terms and is more concerned with design. The engineering technologist tends to work more in practical terms and is more concerned with putting the design into practice. The technician gathers data and works with equipment to make the implementation work.

Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Back to Manufacturing Engineering Technologists details