Engineers are the unsung heroes of the sky

I recently delivered a careers talk to students introducing the mechanical engineering profession. I was asked whether a background in mechanical engineering would be helpful in becoming a pilot or an air-traffic controller.

While becoming a pilot may sound glamorous, we shouldn't forget the vital role engineers play in making sure planes fly safely. We design, build, test and overhaul planes. Air-traffic control directs air traffic on systems developed and maintained by engineers. Engineers are behind the scenes at every step, and there would be no air travel without them.

So while on the surface becoming an engineer might not sound as fancy as becoming a pilot, don't rule it out. If you keep your feet on the ground, you'll learn that engineering is by no means an inferior profession. In fact, we are the unsung heroes of the sky.