Discusses the human, plant and animal, and industrial dimensions of biotechnology, focusing on current uses in such fields as: (1) genetics; (2) electronics; (3) prosthetics; (4) drugs; (5) agriculture; and (6) the environment. (JN)

Summarizes the results of the 1987 National Engineering Student Employer Preference Survey and compares them with those reported by three previous biennial surveys. Lists the top 25 employer choices in electrical, mechanical, computer science, industrial, chemical, civil and astro/aeronautical engineering. (TW)

Lists and describes seven languages (COBOL, FORTRAN, BASIC, PASCAL, C, ADA, and LISP), pointing out that familiarity with one or more will enhance employability. Also lists and describes four operating systems (MSDOS, UNIX, MVS, and VAXX/VMS), indicating that knowledge of these systems will further enhance employability or on-the-job performance.…

Presents the case for taking the Engineer in Training examination (EIT), also called the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination, and the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), indicating that they can affect future employment opportunities, career advancement, and post-graduate studies. Includes subject areas tested, test format, and how to prepare…

Discusses civil engineering employment opportunities; indicates that the field is shrinking. Presents national placement and enrollment statistics. Identifies building and construction materials, and public works as areas of current and expanding opportunities. (CW)

Reviews job prospects for electrical/electronic E/E engineers, indicating that 1985 was not a banner year due to problems in the semiconductor manufacturing industries and in telecommunications. Also indicates that an upturn is expected for 1986 E/E graduates. (JN)

Discusses assessments offered by a report on the definition and characteristics of the engineering profession. Historical development, long-range impact, and career management concerns are addressed. Concludes that the expanding roles for engineers throughout today's society contribute to the definition dilemma. (DH)

Describes the importance of communication skills to engineers. Gives a step by step method for preparing and giving a professional presentation at the corporate level in engineering. Suggests uses of graphic aids in presentations. (CW)

Several resources to consider are offered to ease the squeeze created by the computer market downturn. Areas addressed include: job-shop option; other-industries option; overseas option; graduate school option; entrepreneurial option; military option; job fairs; and weighing locations. Notes that colleges are looking for engineering teachers,…

Provides rules to help engineers develop an effective writing style. Wordiness, verb usage (considering direct and buried verbs), the passive voice in scientific writing, sentence length, and the use/misuse of negatives are considered. Numerous examples are provided to illustrate the points being made. (JN)

The job situation for new chemical engineers with bachelor's degrees is continuing to reflect the gradual improvement that began in 1983. However, companies are looking for graduates with technical expertise as well as marketing, sales, or communications skills. Smaller classes may lead to shortages of chemical engineering graduates in the future.…

Because of the impetus on how to improve productivity in companies, the demand for graduating industrial engineers continues to be strong from a variety of sources. Starting salary offers for graduates have been averaging $26,784. Enrollments in industrial engineering programs are increasing (with 3,923 graduates in 1984). (JN)

Coming from a variety of disciplines, manufacturing engineers are keys to industry's efforts to modernize, with demand exceeding supply. The newest and fastest-growing areas include machine vision, composite materials, and manufacturing automation protocols, each of which is briefly discussed. (JN)

As the debate over nuclear safety continues, the job market remains healthy for nuclear engineers. The average salary offered to new nuclear engineers with bachelor's degrees is $27,400. Salary averages and increases compare favorably with other engineering disciplines. Various job sources in the field are noted. (JN)

About 50 students from six Boston area high schools participated in the summer Massachusetts Pre-College Engineering Program (MassPep) at the Northeastern University campus in Boston. The program is designed to guide talented minority students toward college and technical fields. A description of the program is provided. (JN)