What Is Marine Engineering? (Is A Marine Engineering Degree Worth It?)

Shane Hummus
31 Mar 202112:40
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe script discusses the merits of pursuing a marine engineering degree, highlighting its focus on the design and development of marine vessels. It emphasizes the degree's high earning potential, with starting salaries around $74,000 and mid-career pay around $125,000, and compares favorably to other engineering degrees. The script also notes high job satisfaction and meaning scores, though demand for marine engineering jobs is relatively low, with limited growth预期. Despite this, the degree's rarity and respectability can lead to diverse opportunities. The video concludes that marine engineering is a good fit for those passionate about the ocean and ships, but warns of its challenges and the need for advanced degrees for top positions.

Takeaways
  • 🌊 Marine engineering focuses on the research, design, construction, and development of marine vessels, including ships and submarines.
  • 🔍 The curriculum of marine engineering involves significant mathematics, science, and drafting components.
  • 🚀 Graduates can pursue careers as marine engineers, naval architects, and various supervisory or managerial positions in related industries.
  • 💰 Starting salaries for marine engineering degrees are around $74,000, with mid-career pay potentially reaching $125,000.
  • 📈 Engineering degrees, including marine engineering, lead to lifetime earnings of approximately $3.5 million.
  • 🌟 Job satisfaction and meaning scores for marine engineering are above average, with a score of 75 and 53 respectively.
  • 📚 Regret for engineering majors, including marine engineering, is relatively low with only about 15% of people regretting their choice of major.
  • 🔖 Job demand for marine engineering is limited, with only around 11,800 jobs available and a growth rate of 1% over the next decade.
  • 🎯 Engineering degrees are highly respected and can lead to opportunities in various fields, even those not directly related to marine engineering.
  • 🤖 The risk of automation for marine engineering jobs is low, and these positions often require in-person expertise and practical problem-solving skills.
Q & A
  • What is the primary focus of a marine engineering degree?

    -A marine engineering degree focuses on researching, designing, constructing, and developing structures and equipment that float in the ocean, such as ships, submarines, and their components.

  • What are some career paths for someone with a marine engineering degree?

    -Graduates with a marine engineering degree can become marine engineers, naval architects, or work in various shore-side supervisory or managerial positions. They may also work in routine maintenance, budgeting, contract preparation, and scheduling for ships in different ports.

  • How does the earning potential of a marine engineering degree compare to other degrees?

    -The earning potential of a marine engineering degree is on the higher side. Starting salaries are around $74,000 per year, with mid-career pay reaching up to $125,000. Over a lifetime, engineering degrees, in general, lead to earning around $3.5 million, which is the most out of all different majors according to the latest census.

  • What are the job satisfaction and meaning scores for marine engineering according to PayScale?

    -According to PayScale, the job satisfaction score for marine engineering is 75, which is above average. The meaning score, which measures the positive impact on the world, is 64, also on the higher side. For specific marine engineer roles, the meaning score is around 53, which is slightly above average.

  • How does the demand for marine engineering jobs look in the future?

    -The demand for marine engineering jobs is relatively low, with only around 11,800 jobs available and a growth of 1% over the next 10 years. However, the degree is relatively rare, which can be a plus side. Engineering degrees, including marine engineering, are also well-respected and can lead to job opportunities in various fields.

  • What are some x-factors to consider when evaluating a marine engineering degree?

    -X-factors include the potential to make good money regardless of the specific career path, the practical problem-solving skills that transfer well to other fields, the low likelihood of being automated or outsourced, and the potential to become an entrepreneur and create wealth. However, it's important to note that engineering degrees are challenging and have high dropout rates.

  • What are some pros and cons of pursuing a marine engineering degree?

    -Pros include great salary projection, a focus on ocean-related careers which can be fulfilling for those passionate about the ocean, and the potential for well-paying offshore jobs. Cons include the degree's rarity, the need for further study and experience for some roles, limited job openings, and the possibility of extensive licensing and certification requirements.

  • How does the work environment for a marine engineer on a ship compare to other engineering jobs?

    -Working as a marine engineer on a ship is more hands-on and may require living on the ship for extended periods, which can involve being away from family and working during holidays. This is in contrast to many other engineering jobs, which may involve more desk work or office environments.

  • What is the overall score for a marine engineering degree based on the discussion?

    -The overall score for a marine engineering degree, considering factors like salary, job satisfaction, demand, and x-factors, is 8.25 out of 10, making it a good choice for the right person.

  • How can one further explore and research marine engineering or other degrees?

    -For further exploration and research, one can use resources like the college degree ranker mentioned in the script, which provides a comprehensive comparison and analysis of different degrees. This can help in making informed decisions about which degree to pursue.

  • What are the implications of the 2020 pandemic on the marine engineering job market?

    -The 2020 pandemic has thrown off statistics and job market trends to some extent. However, even before the pandemic, STEM degrees, including marine engineering, were known for relatively good employment outcomes. The pandemic's long-term effects on the field are yet to be fully understood and may vary by region and specific sector.

Outlines
00:00
🚢 Marine Engineering Overview and Career Prospects

This paragraph introduces marine engineering as a field focused on researching, designing, constructing, and developing floating structures in the ocean, such as ships and submarines. It emphasizes the similarity between marine engineering, maritime engineering, and naval architecture. The discussion includes potential career paths for degree holders, such as becoming a marine engineer or naval architect, and highlights the importance of mathematics, science, and drafting skills. The paragraph also touches on the responsibilities involved in these careers, such as testing naval equipment, ensuring component functionality, budgeting, contract preparation, scheduling, and routine maintenance. The earning potential and job satisfaction associated with marine engineering degrees are also discussed, with an emphasis on the high salary and job satisfaction rates compared to other degrees.

05:01
💰 Earning Potential and Job Satisfaction

This section delves into the financial aspects of a marine engineering degree, providing statistics on starting salaries and mid-career pay based on PayScale data. It compares these figures to other high and low paying degrees, emphasizing the high earning potential of engineering degrees. The paragraph also explores the concept of job satisfaction and meaning, discussing how marine engineering scores above average in these areas. The importance of long-term career satisfaction over short-term job satisfaction is considered, and the paragraph concludes with a rating of 9 out of 10 for salary and 8.5 out of 10 for satisfaction, acknowledging the subjectivity of these factors.

10:02
🌊 Demand and Market for Marine Engineers

This paragraph addresses the demand for marine engineers and naval architects, presenting statistics on job availability and growth projections. It notes the limited number of job openings and slow growth rate but also highlights the rarity of the degree, which may work in favor of graduates. The paragraph discusses the respectability of engineering degrees in general and their potential to open doors to various career paths, even those unrelated to marine engineering. Despite the specific nature of the degree, the paragraph concludes with a rating of 7 out of 10 for demand, acknowledging the challenges and opportunities in the field.

🌟 X Factors: Additional Considerations for Marine Engineering

The final paragraph discusses additional factors to consider when evaluating a marine engineering degree. It touches on the lifetime earnings potential of engineers, the transferable skills learned, and the low likelihood of automation or outsourcing for these roles. The paragraph also notes the entrepreneurial potential of engineering graduates and their ability to become millionaires. However, it warns of the difficulty of engineering degrees, with high dropout rates due to the rigorous academic demands. The paragraph concludes with a rating of 8.5 out of 10 for the x factors, providing a balanced view of the advantages and challenges of pursuing a marine engineering degree.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Marine Engineering
Marine Engineering is a field of engineering that focuses on the research, design, construction, and development of marine vessels and their components, such as ships and submarines. It is closely related to maritime engineering and naval architecture, requiring a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and drafting. In the video, the speaker discusses the various career paths and responsibilities associated with a degree in marine engineering, emphasizing the hands-on and technical nature of the work.
💡Earning Potential
Earning potential refers to the expected income or salary that an individual can earn in a particular career or job role. In the context of the video, the speaker provides statistics on the average starting salary and mid-career pay for marine engineering graduates, comparing it to other degrees and highlighting that it is on the higher side. The earning potential is a significant factor for individuals considering their future careers and educational paths.
💡Job Satisfaction
Job satisfaction is a measure of how content and fulfilled an individual feels in their job role. It encompasses various aspects of work, including the work environment, tasks performed, relationships with colleagues, and the sense of accomplishment derived from the job. In the video, the speaker discusses the job satisfaction and meaning scores for marine engineering careers, indicating that they are above average, which suggests that individuals in these roles generally find their work enjoyable and meaningful.
💡Demand
Demand in the context of careers refers to the number of job openings and the overall need for professionals in a particular field. High demand often correlates with more job opportunities and potentially better job security. In the video, the speaker addresses the demand for marine engineers and naval architects, noting that it is relatively low with only around 11,800 jobs available and a growth rate of 1% over the next 10 years.
💡STEM Degrees
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and degrees in these fields are known for their focus on technical and analytical skills. The video emphasizes that STEM degrees, including marine engineering, are less likely to result in unemployment and are generally respected by employers, even if the specific degree is not in high demand.
💡Automation
Automation refers to the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention. In the context of the video, it discusses the likelihood of a marine engineering job being automated, which is considered low. This suggests that the role requires a level of technical expertise and practical problem-solving that is difficult to replicate with current technology.
💡Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is the process of designing, launching, and running a new business, often involving innovation, risk-taking, and leadership. In the video, it is mentioned that engineering degrees, including marine engineering, can lead to entrepreneurship because they teach practical problem-solving skills that are valuable in business creation and growth.
💡X Factors
X Factors refer to additional considerations or unique aspects that may not have been previously mentioned but are still important when evaluating a career or degree. In the video, the speaker discusses various X factors related to marine engineering, such as the potential for high lifetime earnings, the low likelihood of automation, and the possibility of entrepreneurship.
💡Career Paths
Career paths are the various professional routes that an individual can take within a particular field or industry. In the video, the speaker explores different career paths for marine engineering graduates, including onshore and offshore positions, as well as supervisory and managerial roles.
💡Licensing and Certification
Licensing and certification are formal qualifications or permissions granted by a regulatory body that allow an individual to practice a profession or trade. In the context of the video, it is implied that marine engineering graduates may need to obtain certain licenses or certifications to practice in their field, which can be a significant factor in the career planning process.
Highlights

Marine engineering is about researching, designing, constructing, and developing anything that floats in the ocean, including ships, submarines, and their parts.

Marine engineering is similar to maritime engineering and naval architecture, requiring a lot of engineering skills with mathematics, science, and drafting.

Graduates of marine engineering can pursue careers as marine engineers, naval architects, and various shore-side supervisory or managerial positions.

Starting salaries for marine engineering degrees are around $74,000, with mid-career pay reaching $125,000.

Engineering degrees, in general, lead to lifetime earnings of about $3.5 million, the highest among all majors.

Job satisfaction for marine engineering is above average, with a score of 75, and meaning scores are also on the higher side with a 53.

Engineering is the third least regretted college major, with only 15% of people regretting their choice.

Demand for marine engineer or naval architect positions is low, with only 11,800 jobs available and a growth of 1% over the next 10 years.

Despite low demand, marine engineering degrees are well-respected, and graduates may find opportunities in related fields or positions that value their engineering background.

Engineering degrees, including marine engineering, are less likely to be automated due to the practical problem-solving skills they teach.

Engineering graduates, including those with marine engineering degrees, often become entrepreneurs and have the potential to create wealth.

Marine engineering is a challenging major with high dropout rates, but offers great salary projections and ocean-related career opportunities for those passionate about it.

Many marine engineering jobs are hands-on and may require extensive licensing and certification.

Some marine engineering roles involve working on ships or submarines, which can involve being away from family and working during holidays.

Onshore jobs in marine engineering may involve desk work at docks and can sometimes be performed by mechanical engineers.

The marine engineering degree is rated 8.25 out of 10, making it a good choice for the right person with an interest in ocean-related careers.

Transcripts
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