Engineering ecology - the department is like a river

Man had, has, and probably always will have delusions of grandeur. Humanity has already achieved unimaginably much in its development, and every now and then we try to prove to ourselves how wonderful we are, how much we can do and how easy it is to overcome all obstacles and break new boundaries. And yet the environment in which we live regularly convinces us otherwise, that we are not “the best” at all and that there is something stronger - nature. However, we strive to overcome consistent setbacks and are constantly trying to learn how to use this environment to meet our needs. Run it to work for people. Design, manage and build - that's what environmental engineering does. So, if you want to control the Earth even more and adapt it to our needs, we invite you to the department of environmental engineering!

Environmental engineering research is carried out mainly in polytechnic universities, but also in universities, academies and universities. There will be no problem finding the right faculty, because the field of study has been very popular for many years - either on its own or in combination with other fields such as energy, spatial planning or civil engineering. This is not an accidental marriage, as all these issues are clearly and naturally related to each other.

Find your specialization

The training of the first cycle lasts 3,5 years, supplementing another 1,5 years. They are not easy, but they are not among those with whom you should have a relationship longer than the due date. Universities don't set scoring thresholds too high. Usually it is enough to pass the exam in the basic version, and if someone wants to be sure of entering the faculty, we recommend writing an entrance exam in higher mathematics and additionally in physics, biology or chemistry. We also have to remember that there is often an extra set in September, so this place takes care of the latecomers.

Candidates are waiting for specializations that will develop the student's skills for a future profession. For example, the Krakow University of Technology offers: Hydraulic and Geoengineering, Thermal and Medical Installations and Devices, and Sanitary Engineering. In turn, the Warsaw University of Technology offers: heat engineering, heating, ventilation and gas engineering, sanitation and water supply, waste management and environmental protection as a separate area. The Kehl University of Technology adds to these specialties: Water supply, as well as wastewater and waste treatment.

Between temptation and science

So, the first step is to choose a university, the next step is to enter it, the third step is to save it in the student list. To achieve this, you must expect a bumpy road. This is overcome as long as we know how to drive.

When asked about engineering environmental protection, our interlocutors warn against the great temptation to plunge into student nightlife in good company - apparently, at this faculty you will not complain about the lack of interesting acquaintances of both sexes. Compared to other technical occupations, ladies are not uncommon here. There are many temptations, and the first three and a half years of study at the first stage pass very quickly. Therefore, in order not to miss the moment when it will be too late to catch up, one must always remember the obligations that await the student.

This is especially true for people for whom mathematics is not the love of their lives. This is the point that will be the most, and it can cause quite a lot of problems in the first year. In total, during the first three years of study, you should count on 120 hours. Some of our interlocutors say that it is enough to make some effort, but the vast majority had problems with mathematics. Of course, a lot depends on the university, but in general it is much easier for students to study chemistry, physics and biology with ecology, which are 60 hours each. Kos includes fluid mechanics with 30 hours of lectures and technical thermodynamics with 45 hours of lectures. Many graduates have problems with technical drawing and descriptive geometry, but if we call them graduates, it means that over time they coped with these obstacles.

Internships, more internships

Every year, many students defend on time, so they should not be afraid of studying. However, they demand respect for science and the aforementioned prudence in the planning of social life. Time is very important here, because it would also be necessary to devote some time to internships, in a broader dimension than the curriculum requirements of the university. We discuss this topic when discussing most areas of study, and in this case it is very important - employers are looking for people with experience. Of course, it will be easier for a graduate who can independently start working in a chosen position than for a graduate who requires a lot of support from the employer. It is also important because of the building qualification. An already working environmental engineer can try to get them when he has worked the required number of hours. Entitlements are followed by greater employment opportunities and, of course, higher wages.

The construction industry is waiting

After completing your first cycle training, you are free to look for a job. They will gladly hire an environmental engineer for the construction site. The construction industry is a place where an engineer after IŚ is looked forward to. The corresponding economic situation increases the number of jobs in construction, and hence employment. Design offices may be more of a problem, but there is a chance to work. It increases significantly with a master's degree, especially as it becomes a pass for the aforementioned building qualification exam.

You can also look for a job in the following areas: spatial planning departments, design offices, water supply and sanitation companies, thermal utilities, industrial enterprises, public administration, research institutions, consulting offices or industrial production and trade companies. If someone is very lucky, he can take part in the construction of a sewage treatment plant or an incineration plant.

Of course, earnings will vary depending on the company and position, but a graduate immediately after graduation can count on about PLN 2300. Design offices and administration tend to offer lower rates than contractors. However, there you should focus on managing a team of employees. If you have knowledge, leadership qualities and mastery of persuasion techniques, you can get a job at a construction site and receive a salary in the region of 3-4 thousand. złoty per month. As you can see, environmental engineering offers a lot of job opportunities and thus it doesn't close or classify it into a specific profession, allowing you to change the nature of your business.

Is this department a good choice? We can evaluate it only after graduation and starting work. The lessons themselves are not easy, but you can enjoy it. This is a typical technical department at a very decent level, so you have to assume that the people who go there know what they are doing. Environmental engineering has many branches. It is like a river with many tributaries, where everyone can find something for themselves. Thus, even if the choice was not entirely correct, graduating from this faculty opens up many opportunities. People who are passionate about this topic will certainly be satisfied and should not have big problems finding a job.