Who is an engineer and what do they do? Build a future-proof career

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• An engineer is a problem solver who uses technology to create real-life solutions and directly influences our everyday lives.
• An engineering education opens doors to various fields, from software and robotics to science, business, and industry.
• Engineering offers a future-proof and diverse career with good development opportunities and competitive salaries.

At the end of high school, many young people are faced with the question of which field of study to choose. One field that offers a secure future, diverse career opportunities, and the chance to truly impact the world is engineering. But who is an engineer, and what do they actually do?

Engineers as problem solvers

The work of an engineer is primarily characterized by the ability to identify problems and create effective solutions for them. Tõnis Tiimus (Starship Technologies), a graduate in computer engineering, encourages young people to consider engineering: "If you feel that you have an inventive spirit or enjoy tinkering with things, then engineering is the right place for you."

An engineer is someone who uses technical knowledge and logical thinking to create, develop, and improve various technical solutions. The work of engineers results in the technologies and systems we use every day, from software and smart devices to buildings, transportation solutions, and robotics.

According to the Estonian Association of Engineers, an engineer is a specialist with a technical education who designs, develops, constructs, or manages the creation and operation of technical equipment and systems. Engineering is not just about using existing solutions, but also about creating new opportunities and continuous development. Engineers combine science, technology, and mathematics to solve problems and make everyday life easier, more efficient, and more innovative. Simply put, engineers seek answers to the question of how things can be improved.

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Your future in engineering

It is often believed that engineering is strictly technical and that creativity belongs only to artists. In reality, engineers are creative problem solvers. The work of engineers is diverse and depends on the field, but in general it involves analyzing technical problems, developing new solutions, and implementing them in real life. Engineers often work in teams with other specialists and put ideas into practice.

To become an engineer, you need a technical higher education, where theoretical knowledge goes hand in hand with practical training. Today's engineers are also expected to engage in continuous self-development and be skilled in using modern technologies and digital tools. A strong foundation in science, analytical and creative thinking, and the ability to work in a team are important, as most engineering solutions are developed through collaboration. Patience, consistency, and a willingness to learn help engineers adapt to the rapidly changing world of technology.

Engineering education, including bachelor's studies in computer engineering and master's studies in computer engineering and robotics taught at the University of Tartu, opens doors to a wide variety of fields. Computer engineering alumni include developers and software engineers working in robotics companies, as well as popularizers of science and technology, such as Nathan Metsala, the chief organizer of Robotex, and Raid Vellerind, the science editor of the TV show Rakett 69, who help bring engineering and technology to a wider audience. In addition, graduates of computer engineering at the University of Tartu now work in software and technology companies, robotics companies, industry, research and development, and as project managers and product developers. Engineers also create successful companies and contribute to the development of both the Estonian and international technology sectors.

Martin Appo's career shows how flexible an engineering career can be. Starting in information systems development and continuing with his master's studies, he moved into the field of robotics and has led several self-driving vehicle development teams. According to him, computer engineering is one of the fields where theory and practical application go hand in hand.

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How much does an engineer earn?

Statistics Estonia data show that people with technical education earn higher than average salaries in Estonia. Among engineering fields, computer and software engineering, which are related to rapidly developing technologies, currently offer the highest incomes. Specialists working in the fields of artificial intelligence, cyber security, big data, mobile application development, and drone technology are highly valued, as their skills are needed in a wide range of sectors, from IT and healthcare to finance and defense. Electronics and industrial engineering also offer high-income career opportunities, especially for those who move into management or international positions over time. In addition, a generational change is taking place in engineering, which means that new young engineers are in high demand in the labor market.

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If you are interested in how things work, enjoy logical thinking and problem solving, and want to do work that has a real impact in the future, engineering may be the right path for you. Engineering is not just a profession, but a way of thinking that helps shape the future.

Find out about engineering study opportunities at the University of Tartu.

Bachelor's program: Computer Technology (in Estonian)

Master's program: Robotics and Computer Engineering (in English)