Exploring Engineering Careers

Want to make a positive difference in the world and bring innovative solutions to a variety of problems? Wonder whether a career in engineering is right for you?

Attend Exploring Engineering Careers via Zoom on Monday, February 22 at 2 p.m. Anyone interested in gaining insight into what a day in the life of an engineer could look like, and different fields of engineering and career trajectories, is welcome. Meet engineers from:

• Boeing
• Halff Associates
• North Central Texas Council of Governments
• Texas Instruments
• Toyota Motor North America.

Hear about about their work, their favorite projects and the education and tools that make them successful.

3/5/2021: Below is a recording of the Exploring Engineering Career panel:

Plano library has many resources to explore different engineering careers and learn about engineering concepts and principles. The following resources are all available for free with your Plano library card.

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Databases

Browse engineering in general, or specific disciplines within engineering such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and more with the Science in Context-GALE database. Get field descriptions and discover a plethora of articles and learning resources.

If you’re looking to explore different occupations then  LearningExpress Library offers a career assessment tool, resources about changing careers, and a collection of practice tests for college entrance exams.

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Video Resources

Do video-based resources sound more appealing? Explore engineering through engaging documentaries by accessing Plano Public Library’s video streaming service:

• Big Dream: Young Women Entering STEM Fields
• Engineering – Bridges by Design
• Robotics – Advances in Engineering

Looking for a more thorough video courses about engineering? Great Courses like Everyday Engineering and Do-It-Yourself Engineering are also available through Kanopy. To learn more about using Kanopy, check out our Getting Started Guide.

If your looking for more formal interactive online courses, access Lynda.com to earn certificates in topics and skills related to engineering. Sample courses offered include: Become a Civil Engineering CAD Technician and Practical Engineering.

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Hands-On Resources

If you’d like a more hand’s on approach, check out one of our teen STEAM kits. Get creative and invent something with the Makey Makey STEAM Kit, or try your hand at building and programming electronic contraptions with the littleBits Arduino Kit.

Check out how you can develop your 3D design skills through the Plano library. At this time, 3D printing is available at Davis, Harrington and Parr libraries.

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Inspiring Reads for Teens and Adults

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Resources to Inspire Young Children

Do you have some young children in your life that you’d like to inspire to explore engineering? Check out our preschool and elementary level STEAM kits. Our preschool Science Motion and Simple Machines kit and elementary Engineering for Earthquakes are just a couple of options to get your youngest engineer engaged.

Check out our STEAM for Preschoolers page, with tips on exploring science, technology, engineering, arts and math with your little one, as well as simple activities you can do with items around the house.

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Be sure to register for Exploring Engineering Careers via Zoom on Monday, February 22 at 2 p.m. to gain insight into what a day in the life of an engineer could look like, and different fields of engineering and career trajectories.