How to Find the Right Career in Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is a career that applies to almost everything you use on a daily basis. The difficulty in choosing a career in mechanical engineering is to choose an industry and a specialty that provides challenges and the opportunity to learn new things. According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers International (ASME), "virtually every aspect of life is touched by mechanical engineering. If something moves or uses energy, a mechanical engineer was probably involved in its design or production."
Mechanical engineers work in everything from automobiles and manufacturing to medical equipment and nanotechnology. In addition, the field of mechanical engineering is so broad that most people within it specialize in a specific job function such as conceptual design, product design, systems engineering, manufacturing, research and development, testing, technical operations/services or sales.
According the the Engineering Workforce Commission, the number one engineering specialty in colleges across the United States is mechanical engineering.
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To prepare for a degree in mechanical engineering, you need to take as many math, science and communications courses as you can in high school. As preparation for college entrance and for college course work, you will need to have completed high school courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus. In addition, you will need to have taken a variety of science courses in high school, including chemistry, biology and physics.
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Decide between an emphasis in mechanical engineering or in mechanical engineering technology. According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), to be successful in either emphasis you need to be good at math and science, solving complex problems, working in teams and with practical applications such as taking things apart and putting them back together.
However, the main difference between these two degree programs is that mechanical engineers are generally considered to be innovators while mechanical engineering technologists are considered to be doers. Decide which description best fits you and your career goals. -
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Determine if you want to tackle a two-year program at a community college or a four-year program at a college or university. In many instances, your financial situation and that of your parents will play a role in this decision.
Decide on a college location. You may prefer to attend the college that offers the best degree program in your emphasis. However, financial considerations may require that you attend a college close to home to save money.
The good news is that most state universities offer programs in mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology.
Choose a college that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). In the United States, there are more than 265 universities and colleges that have earned this distinction. In other countries, look for universities and polytechnics that are accredited by the government or the mechanical engineering association of that country. -
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You can find the top engineering programs in the country by looking at the "U.S. News and World Report" annual guide to engineering programs. However, be warned that those top programs are very selective.
The best mechanical engineering programs require good grades in advanced mathematics and science classes as well as good grades in English, technology and even social studies courses. Some schools are also interested in any design or engineering contests that the applicant has entered or won. In addition, many engineering programs require admission essays to be written. Personal interviews are also required for many top-tier schools. -
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After choosing a college and being admitted, it is vitally important that you do well in your coursework. Some companies will want to review a transcript of your grades throughout your program before they will consider hiring you for your first job.
It is also important that you find summer jobs or internships in your field. While attending classes during the semester, search for local summer jobs or internships.
Look for them online or network with other engineering students and faculty to find summer opportunities. Although internships may not be paid positions, they can offer a good deal of real-world experience that can help you get a better job after you complete your degree.
Many companies that recruit on campus are interested in the non-paid engineering work that you may have done as an intern. In addition, many of those non-paid summer programs will hire their interns for full-time jobs after the interns have graduated. -
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During the summer and on semester breaks, attend mechanical engineering conferences in your region. If possible, attend those conferences with graduates or faculty from your school. While attending these conferences, network with other students and with future employers. Asking questions and meeting with presenters after their panels can make it easier for you to find summer jobs, internships and full-time job opportunities.
Another reason to network is to find out which specialty that you might like to work in once you graduate. Because mechanical engineers can work in industries as diverse as automobiles, aeronautics, manufacturing, medical devices, fluid power and nanotechnology, you may want to talk to actual engineers within each industry to see what each does day-to-day on the job. -
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As soon as possible, finish your degree and attempt to find a full-time job.
Create a comprehensive resume that highlights your summer employment, internships and awards earned while in college.
In order to find your first job, send copies of your resume to everyone you met at a conference, during summer employment or at an internship. Meanwhile, work with your college's placement office and your mechanical engineering department to find entry-level positions in local companies.
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