6 fun facts about engineering to celebrate engineering month.

When you hear the word engineering, most people think about solving complex problems and innovation. Math, physics, and technology play an essential role in what engineers do. And some of the project's engineers work on are intriguing. They build bridges, superstructures, create technology systems, and have a hand in all types of societal innovation. Engineering can also be a lot of fun.

Here are some fun facts about the engineering profession:

the first engineer

The founder of engineering dates to ancient Egypt. The first civil engineer is Imhotep. He is believed to have planned and played a key role in the development of the Pyramid of Djoser (a Step Pyramid) at Saqqara in Egypt around 2630-2611 BC. The work engineers did back then is very different than the best engineering jobs in Canada for 2023. But it laid the groundwork for modern day engineers and the engineering profession.

the first female engineer in the world

Elisa Leonida Zamfirescu is the first female in the world to receive a degree in Engineering. She graduated in 1912 with a degree from the Royal Academy of Technology Berlin, Charlottenburg.

Nina Cameron Graham also completed a degree in civil engineering in 1912. She graduated from the University of Liverpool. Back then it was very much a male dominated profession and it still has work to do today to become more diverse.

The engineering profession has made significant strides to become more diverse and inclusive. There are significantly more minorities and women in stem careers today. The profession will only become stronger as more people from all backgrounds have more opportunities to become engineers in Canada.

engineers play a key role in entertaining the masses

Engineers play an important role in interactive television technology. They help create high-definition signals, better quality sound systems, and all the special effects technology people enjoy while watching movies. Engineers also play a key role in the designing and building of roller coasters and theme parks.

engineers make space travel possible

The launch of the spacecraft is a result of the work of engineers. From the Apollo to modern-day space flights, engineers play a significant role in all facets of space travel and aerospace engineering. They have a hand in innovation in energy use, the materials used, computer technology and communication to make space travel possible.

world famous engineers

You probably have heard of some of these famous engineers who have played a large role in the development of the world as we know it today:

• Thomas Edison: He invented the lightbulb, motion picture camera, and phonograph.
• Leonardo da Vinci: He created many designs that were later built, including the hand glider and the precursor to the helicopter.
• The Wright Brothers: They invented the first powered airplane.
• Nikola Tesla: He played a key role in the invention of the radio, the X-ray machine, and induction motors. 

engineers are part of an exclusive society

Have you heard about the story behind the iron ring in engineering? Engineering is a profession deeply rooted in tradition. One of those is wearing an iron ring on the pinky finger as a reminder of the professional standards engineers are expected to uphold. Engineers receive the ring when they graduate from university and enter the profession.

fun inventions by engineers

Engineers have had a hand in many different types of inventions. Some of the fun inventions they are part of include:

• The snowboards
• The Ferris Wheel
• The design and development of theme parks and roller coasters
• The slippery part of water slides
• Air conditioning and the furnace
• Running shoes
• Virtual reality and 3D modeling

Engineers have played an essential role in the development of society, and it's not all serious. Whether you are crossing a bridge, going to the movies, or even hitting the slopes on your snowboard, just remember an engineer has played a role in all aspects of modern society. That’s the truth about STEM jobs and the possibilities that await you if you choose to become an engineer.