JSS3, TOPIC 3: Career Prospects and Opportunities in Technology

What is a Career?
 A career can be defined as a profession or job one is trained to do for the rest of his/her life time. Doing this career brings monetary benefits and fulfillment.

Technology Related Careers

Careers related to technology includes the following in Nigeria:
1. Mechanical Engineering
2. Electrical/Electronic Engineering
3. Civil Engineering
4. Building Engineering
5. Production Engineering
6. Chemical Engineering
7. Computer Engineering
8. Automobile Engineering
9. Metallurgical Engineering
10. Mining Engineering
11. Petroleum Engineering
12. Aeronautical Engineering.

                                    Importance of Technology Related careers

1.Mechanical Engineering: The skill and training in this profession has led to the invention of machines used in transportation, manufacturing, plumbing installations, pipe-network construction for gas, water and petroleum products.

2. Building: This is a professional who interprets the plan documents drawn by an architect, into a physical reality.
3. Automobile Engineering: This is a field of engineering that deals with the design, construction and maintenance of automobiles.
4. Aeronautical Engineering: The study that deals with the design, construction and maintenance of aeroplanes is called aeronautical engineering.
5. Production Engineering: This is the field of engineering that deals with how to put different machines together (called assembly lines) used for manufacturing goods like brewing.
6. Metallurgical Engineering: These are professionals that that focus on improving the strength, performance and durability of metals.

                        EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS FOR TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS

The different areas where students of technology can be gainfully employed in Nigeria include the following:

Private Companies: In Nigeria, there are employment opportunities in most private industries that render services related to engineering. Manufacturing companies, banks and other industries also employ technicians and engineers.

Educational Sector: To train future engineers, secondary schools, polytechnics and universities employ engineers as tutors and lecturers to impart knowledge to younger ones.

Public Sector: In most government ministries like transportation, science and technology, power and mining, etc, it is engineers that the government  sort after for gainful employment to man these parastatals.

Consultancy: This is a partnership between different fields of engineers providing services of their choice. These consultancies can employ graduates from diverse engineering disciplines also.

Independent Practice: Engineering graduates can also set-up personal enterprise of their choice to employ other graduates so as to earn a living.

To succeed as an engineering student, you must be interested and take the following subjects seriously:
Mathematics, Basic Technology, Physics, Chemistry and Technical drawing.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. List five areas where engineers can work both in Nigeria and overseas.

2. In your own words, what do you think could delay becoming a successful engineer in Nigeria

3. State FIVE steps you will take to prepare yourself for an Engineering career.

4.Define career.
5.List 7 technology related careers.
6. Explain the functions of 5 of the technology related careers listed above.

ASSIGNMENT
What are the functions of the following professionals:
i. Computer Engineer
ii. Mining Engineer
iii. Petroleum Engineer
iv. Chemical Engineer
v. Civil Engineer.

Download Our FREE Books and Videos