Skills Needed to Be a Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design manufacturing equipment like this welding robot.

Mechanical engineers design and test mechanical devices for a number of different applications and uses. While some mechanical engineers work on refrigeration, air conditioning and heating equipment, others design engines and turbines. Still others work on robots and machines for industrial facilities. Some mechanical engineers even work in the biomedical field, designing diagnostic equipment, prosthetic limbs and other health-related systems. Besides having a passion for the sciences, successful mechanical engineers are creative and analytical.

Academic Aptitude and Interest, Especially in Science and Math

Becoming a mechanical engineer requires putting yourself through a rigorous four-year college engineering program. Getting into one of these competitive programs can be difficult and requires a solid high school foundation in all academic subjects, but particularly in mathematics and science. Once you make it into college, you'll study mathematics and the hard sciences (chemistry and physics) at a deeper level to understand how these disciplines apply to real-world problems. Although most undergraduate degrees in engineering are designed to take four years, some can take longer due to the heavy course load. A passion for these subjects and a desire to understand the intricate workings of mechanical systems are also important for keeping up your motivation to study.

Creativity and Problem Solving

According to MichiganTech's prospective students website, problem solving is the essence of engineering. Mechanical engineers use their knowledge of chemistry, physics and mathematics to come up with the best practical solutions to applied problems -- how to design a packaging machine that can box up as many toys per minute as possible at the lowest possible cost, for example. Successful engineers enjoy approaching problems from different angles, looking at the pros and cons of possible solutions and thinking outside of the box to find better ways to perform tasks. Consider whether this kind of systematic and detail-oriented thinking meshes with your personality.

An Interest in Application

If you love science and math, but prefer to sit and solve abstract problems rather than getting your hands dirty in the lab, re-think a career in mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineering and engineering in general are about the real world. While you need to excel at academics, you also need to be good at applying theory to examples. Work in the real world is never textbook perfect. Every solution will have its complications and trade-offs. While being detail-oriented is important, budgets and limited resources will force you to make sacrifices as well as decisions.

Networking, Cooperation and Management Skills

Being able to network is important not only for securing that first job right out of college, but throughout a mechanical engineer's professional life. The more connections you have, the more options you'll have for advancement and transitions as your career unfolds. An ability to communicate and discuss work with peers is necessary, as most mechanical engineers work on project teams. If you aspire to high-paid management positions, knowing how to coordinate resources to get a project completed on time and on budget is essential. Mechanical engineers with people skills earn the respect of coworkers and are sought after as team leaders.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Engineers
• MichiganTech: Prospective Students