Q&A: Why is engineering a good career?

Ahmed Kotb is a Residential Coordinator for the London Engineering Project. He was a resident expert on the site and users had the chance to ask him their engineering questions.

One user asked: "Why do you think engineering is a good career?"

To answer this question, I ask you a few questions - What are your first thoughts when you think about engineers and engineering? All stuffy suits and nerdy know-it-alls?

Cast aside those misconceptions, like it or not, engineers are the ultimate trendsetters! Fact! Your high-street retailers and ad agencies may have been the first to tell you about the latest ultra-small mobile phones, the must-have fashion accessories or the latest sound systems but - wait for it - chances are that engineers were the driving force that brought these ideas from the drawing board to your shopping list.

Been to movies recently? Or seen the latest stage production? And what about the last gig or festival you went to? A blast, right? See those computer graphics? The special effects? The light show? The bone-shaking bass lines? Pretty amazing huh? Ladies and gentlemen, let us introduce you to the wonderful world of engineering.

Computer programmers, SFX and studio technicians, lighting and sound engineers - all on a mission to bring you the best experience in anything you do. They question what many people just expect. Not content to sit back and go with the flow, they challenge the norm and strive to take technology to uncharted waters, ultimately leading to better lifestyle experiences for us all.

Engineering affects everyone, everywhere in the world. Which is nice. And kind of cool don't you think? And, here's the thing - there's a global shortage of engineers out there. Employers - from big blue chips to start-ups - are looking for newly qualified workers by the bucket load.

There are so many different types of engineering, that it is worth investigating what is available to suit your own needs.