Have you ever crossed a bridge, made a telephone call or flown somewhere in a plane? If so, you’ve experienced the work of engineers, first-hand.

Engineers design the satellites that orbit our planet, undertake oil exploration in the ocean, build tremendously-tall skyscrapers and even create computers like the one you’re using right now.

Engineers make things possible!

Basically, they use math and science to create and build most of the products, buildings and structures we see every day.

Sound hard? Well, what would you think about being able to design and construct the most versatile skateboard; or the most powerful computer chip; the roughest, toughest mountain bike; or the scariest, but safest, roller coaster?

And that’s just some of what engineers can do! They put their scientific knowledge and design skills to practical use in many ways. Engineers work in many different fields, or disciplines. Here are just a few.

Civil Engineers: They’re the real beavers of the engineering world. They design and oversee the building of such structures as bridges, dams and towers.

Electrical Engineers: They design and test electrical systems – everything from tiny computer components to gigantic electric generators.

Mechanical Engineers: These are the creators of machines. They design, construct and test all kinds – from cars to vending machines to robots.

Chemical Engineers: They figure out how to change raw chemicals into products that we can use. Working with anything from cosmetics to explosives to food, they design safe production processes and new products.

Environmental Engineers: They try to keep our country clean by preventing and controlling pollution. They look for new recycling methods and ways to clean up hazardous dump sites. They also develop equipment to monitor and control pollution.

Aerospace Engineers: These are the "high flyers" of the engineering world. For example, it was Canadian aerospace engineers who designed the Canadarm on the space shuttle. They also design, construct and test aircraft and their components.

Other types of engineers include: materials, mineral and mining, biomedical, industrial, agricultural, computer/software, marine and ocean and petroleum.

Want to know more? Click here to find out how to be an engineer.