In recent decades, the world has been transforming at a cosmic speed: technologies that previously seemed unattainable are now becoming part of everyday life. Most innovations have become possible thanks to engineers - specialists who have long ceased to "solder boards" and are solving global problems that improve human life.
Engineering professions are now one of the most promising in the world and in Ukraine in particular. Thanks to technological breakthroughs, digitalization of production, development of IoT - Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and automation, the demand for technical specialists is steadily growing. Every year, many new vacancies appear both in private companies and in state projects. In Ukraine, this trend is gaining momentum: engineers are needed to develop security systems, design infrastructure, automate production, etc.
According to the Kyiv School of Economics and the Ministry of Education, in 2024, engineering specialties were in the greatest demand on the Ukrainian labor market.
The popularity of engineering specialties is also confirmed by international studies. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the fastest growing percentage of demand is for specialists in big data analytics, fintech engineers, artificial intelligence and machine learning specialists, as well as software and application developers. And according to a British study in 2024, engineering graduates found work almost 70% faster than other specialists. Studies show that the market for engineering specialties will continue to grow. However, one of the key problems is the availability of a sufficient number of highly qualified specialists with vocational education who could meet the growing demand.
So what skills should a modern engineer have and where can you get a quality engineering education? In what areas can you work and what technologies can you create? And most importantly, what prospects does this profession open up? We answer all the questions in turn.
Who is a modern engineer?
In the 21st century, when the strangest ideas of science fiction writers have been realized, and humanity can no longer imagine itself without smartphones or GPT chat, for society, engineers remain mostly heroes of memes. They are portrayed as eccentric and reclusive geniuses who would rather spend time with a soldering iron than go out into the real world.
In fact, engineering has long since transcended outdated notions and today stands at the forefront of technological progress, creating jobs and opening up wide opportunities for professional fulfillment.
An engineer is a specialist who creates innovative products by combining creative thinking, knowledge of physics, mathematics and IT. In his work, he faces new challenges every day, conducts experiments, tests hypotheses and looks for non-standard solutions to complex technical problems. A modern engineer works with the latest tools and technologies: 3D printers, robotic devices, artificial intelligence systems, etc.
Technological engineering solutions cover a wide range of industries: development of alternative energy systems; design of smart buildings (intelligent heating, lighting, security systems); construction of robots for industry, medicine, defense; design of electric vehicles, unmanned control systems, and much more.
Such innovations can be created both in technological startups and in large international companies. For example, the R&D (Research and Development) department of Ajax Systems has over 1,000 engineers who develop smart security systems. Another international company, PetCube, creates devices that allow owners to interact with their pets remotely. Another company with Ukrainian founders and headquarters in New York, Esper Bionics, produces bionic prostheses for Ukraine and international markets.
Where to get the best engineering education in Ukraine?
The best start for an engineering career is studying at technical universities that provide academic education and at the same time actively cooperate with business.
Partnership with successful companies opens up many opportunities for educational institutions: modern scientific laboratories, educational tools and equipment, internships for students with the prospect of their employment. Therefore, applicants can take advantage of the preferences and get high-quality engineering education and practical experience at the following universities in Ukraine:
- National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute" (KPI);
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (KNU);
- State University "Kyiv Aviation Institute" (KAI, formerly NAU);
- National University "Lviv Polytechnic" (NULP);
- National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA);
- National Aerospace University "Kharkiv Aviation Institute" (KHAI/NAU).
Successful entrepreneurs and founders of global businesses studied at these institutions: Oleksandr Kosovan, founder of MacPaw, Oleksandr Konotopsky, founder and chairman of the supervisory board of Ajax Systems, Volodymyr Popereshnyuk, co-founder of Nova Poshta, Dmytro Dubrovsky and Vitaliy Dyatlenko, co-founders of Uklon.
From education to career: what opportunities does engineering education open up?
The engineering profession is consistently among the highest-paid in the world, according to both government bureaus of labor statistics and leading job sites. Technical professionals play a key role in the development of countries and industries that are changing under the influence of digital technologies. The shortage of engineering personnel only exacerbates this trend, stimulating competition for specialists and increasing wages, especially in the areas of hardware, embedded development, automation and artificial intelligence.
So, by choosing one of the engineering specialties, you can get ample opportunities for growth. For example:
- F7 Computer Engineering: Embedded Development, IoT, Smart Home, Data Security
- G5 Electronics, electronic communications, instrumentation and radio engineering: design of sensors, drones, medical devices, audio and video equipment
- G7 Automation, computer-integrated technologies and robotics: industry 4.0, automated production, robotic systems
- E6 Applied Physics and Nanomaterials: nanotechnology, photonics, optoelectronics, quantum computing, development of new materials, laser technologies
- G9 Applied mechanics: mechanism design, CAD/CAM systems, 3D modeling, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, additive technologies (3D printing)
Conclusion
Engineering is one of the few fields where technology and creativity combine to improve the lives of millions of people. In a rapidly changing world, engineers are creating solutions to global challenges.
For applicants, this is an opportunity to get a profession that will be relevant in five or 25 years, and to build a successful career. The demand for engineers is constantly growing, and Ukrainian companies demonstrate that our specialists and products are competitive and in demand internationally.