engineering jobs and careers have got an ill-founded and ugly reputation. There is a geek element there - engineers, like scientists, conjure up stereotypes of bearded men with questionable taste in jumpers. The common misperception is that engineering jobs are nerdy, dirty and boring; this puts off young people from a bright, exciting, profitable future. Because of this the UK only produces 24,000 engineering graduates a year compared with 300,000 in China and 450,000 in India.

What young people are seemingly failing to realize is that the engineer is the 'creator' and not just the 'repairer' of beautiful things and can have a massive impact. Engineers play a fundamental role in designing everything you use around you.

This urban myth is in desperate need of being dispelled. After reading this article there should be no doubt in your mind that engineers are some of the most influential people in the planet and have shaped the beautiful world in which we live today. . .

Don't believe it?

Who do you consider to be the greatest Briton that ever lived? Who has impacted over 60m present day Britons in more ways than you can imagine?

In 2002 the BBC conducted a mass survey of the general public to see who they consider to be the greatest Briton of all time. The pioneering engineer - Isambard Kingdom Brunel - came in at number 2, featuring way ahead of fellow greats Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton and Queen Victoria to name but a few.

Hopefully that provides some intellectual nourishment to chew on for any budding engineer that might have become disheartened by the bad press that their profession has unjustly received. May the myth of the uninspiring, ball-breaking engineering never rear its ugly face again.

You can aspire to make a difference in the field of engineering and impact the world around you but still the question lies . . .

Which path do you want to follow?

Civil Engineering

We remember great civilisations such as the Romans, Egyptians and Maya - all were able to develop building techniques and systems to support life. They were founded by the actions of pioneers in civil engineering. Today, civilisation relies more than ever on teams of inventive people to design, build and maintain the sophisticated environment that surrounds us.

If you want to shape the environment around you then civil engineering jobs are likely to suit you.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering continues to play a key role in developing, operating and manufacturing new machines, devices and processes to benefit mankind. Mechanical engineers apply their creative imaginations and professional skills to combine both theory and practice in a variety of situations. For this, they need an in-depth understanding of scientific principles and engineering processes.

If you have a passion for machines then mechanical engineering jobs will suit you best.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers design, develop and maintain electrical control systems, machinery and equipment. The work plays an important role in a wide range of fields including:

"power generation, transmission and distribution

"renewable energy sources, such as solar panelling, hydroelectric and wind turbines

"transport networks, including rail electrification and signalling

"manufacturing and construction, including plant and machinery

"building services, for instance lighting, heating, ventilation and lift systems.

If you have a passion for everything electric then electrical engineering jobs will suit you best.