To become a corrosion engineer, one needs a college degree in the field, industry experience, and membership in a professional organization. A bachelor’s degree is a good start, but specialized positions require a graduate degree. Joining a professional organization can provide access to job listings, training opportunities, and be viewed favorably by employers.
Someone wanting to become a corrosion engineer should plan to earn a college degree in this or a related subject and seek industry experience as well as membership in a professional organization. It can take a minimum of six years to become fully qualified and start working in areas such as oil and gas development or chemical manufacturing. Corrosion engineers study the processes involved in component destruction in order to develop better coatings, maintenance schedules, and other support systems.
A bachelor’s degree in corrosion engineering is a good start. School students may want to see if they can get internship opportunities to gain field experience and start making connections. This can be helpful on the path of becoming a corrosion engineer as it can open up more opportunities for candidates. If there is a chance to participate in a survey, that too should be taken, particularly for people planning to pursue a Masters in Engineering.
With a four-year degree, it may be possible to start working in the field and build skills. Specialized positions, however, require a graduate degree to become a corrosion engineer. For these jobs, people need the additional training offered by longer in school and they must also participate in research projects to develop a deeper understanding of the subject. Students may find it useful to pursue postgraduate education even if they are not exactly sure what they want to do, because of the increased opportunities this can provide.
College graduates can apply for positions on the product development and maintenance teams of companies in their fields of interest. This allows them to gain experience, initially under the supervision of qualified engineers. As they become more familiar with the field and any specific industry needs, they can do more independent and self-directed work. Once someone becomes a corrosion engineer with several years of experience, more positions may become available, and it may be possible to negotiate better pay and benefits.
Another option to consider in preparing to become a corrosion engineer is membership in a professional organization. Societies of engineers welcome members who meet their standards. They can provide access to job listings, trade journals and training opportunities. They are not open to the general public and may provide an advantage for a working engineer. Furthermore, these associations can be valuable in job applications, where they may be viewed favorably by prospective employers who want evidence that a candidate is committed to professional development.
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