Trends in Mechanical Engineering Careers
According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, mechanical engineers hold nearly 220,000 jobs, with more than half in manufacturing: machinery, transportation equipment, computer and electronic products, and fabricated metal products manufacturing industries.
Biotechnology, materials science, and nano-technology are emerging fields that are expected create new job opportunities for mechanical engineers. Additional opportunities for mechanical engineers will arise because a degree in mechanical engineering often can be applied in other engineering specialties. In addition to those increased job opportunities, many openings will result from the natural replacement of workers who transfer to other occupations or retire.
Medical biotechnology is gaining more attention from mechanical engineers who specialize in design mechanics. This area involves the design of artificial limbs and organs. Mechanical engineers must work along with medical doctors to develop these products that will withstand stress and yet be compatible with the human body.
Career Education in Mechanical Engineering
Planning for your career as a mechanical engineer
Engineers must combine a good understanding of science, mathematics, and computers with a good knowledge of current technology. At the high school level, the emphasis is on mathematics. Two years of algebra plus courses in geometry and trigonometry generally are required. Other helpful classes include:
- calculus,
- chemistry,
- physics,
- biology,
- mechanical drawing and drafting, and
- computer courses.
In addition to the sciences and math, engineers need good communication skills. Therefore, consider four years of English and some background in the humanities and social science. Don't forget that many of the large industrial firms that employ mechanical engineers are global. That means a foreign language is highly recommended.
At the university level, mechanical engineering major students can expect to learn advanced mathematics, calculus, chemistry, and physics. After some of these core courses, mechanical engineering majors take specialized courses:
- fluid dynamics,
- materials science,
- robotics,
- manufacturing processes,
- thermodynamics and heat transfer, and
- environmental science.
They will also take advanced computer classes that deal with design.
A typical bachelor of science in mechanical engineering will require communication skill classes (i.e., composition, technical writing), humanities (history language, political science), basic science (chemistry, physics), business (accounting, marketing), mathematics, and basic engineering and computer skills. Usually the core mechanical engineering classes (fluid mechanics, engineering design, heat transfer) begin in the sophomore year.
Evaluate your potential future as a mechanical engineering major by asking yourself these questions:
- How are your grades in math and science? If you struggle, choose another specialty. If you do well and ask for more, mechanical engineering might be the right choice.
- Do you have a curiosity about how things work? Have you found yourself taking things apart and putting them back together? This curiosity is a natural attribute of the mechanical engineer.
- If you live to discover new or better ways to do things, you are definitely in the right track.
- Are computer games, mazes, and jigsaw puzzles fun for you? What could be better than doing work you enjoy?
- Do people turn to you for advice or trust your decisions? That means you think clearly and have demonstrated decision-making abilities in the past. It is an important requirement for a mechanical engineer.
Planning for a Career in Mechanical Engineering
Look for a university that has been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. While it is possible to work as a mechanical engineer with other engineering degrees, the accreditation is helpful.
After starting coursework in mechanical engineering, it is beneficial to have an internship or summer engineering job. These help learn the "real world" of engineering and offer an opportunity to apply all the theories and principles taught in class. An internship can also help you decide your likes and dislikes, your strengths and weaknesses.
Internship programs are a required part of some curricula, but for many others it is optional. Don't waste this valuable opportunity. Take advantage of a chance to learn outside the classroom, even if it is for low -- or no -- pay. Many corporations have semester-length programs posted with the university's mechanical engineering department or with the school's career program. Sometimes students can approach potential future employers with original internship proposals.
Is an Advanced Degree Needed to be a Mechanical Engineer?
A college degree at the bachelor level is enough to earn a quality, well-paid job in mechanical engineering, but many enter master or doctoral programs to study laboratory research and computational analysis.
Mechanical engineers often continue their education beyond college graduation because technology changes rapidly. Many of the skills and methodologies a student learned in college will become obsolete after only a few years. It is not necessary to earn an advanced degree, however. Many skills can be refined on the job, through online university credit, or with involvement in professional groups such as the Association of Mechanical Engineers.
Applicant eligibility requirements for master's programs
Most university master's degree programs require that an applicant hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or be in their final year of a bachelor's degree program. Minimum grade point averages may vary, but typically an acceptable GPA is between 3.0 and 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants whose native language is not English generally are required to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Many online and distance learning programs have different TOEFL requirements, so be sure to check. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may also be required. Again, this exam might be waived for some online and distance education programs.
Applicant eligibility requirements for Ph.D. programs
Students who plan to pursue a doctorate degree should determine if their school of choice has a qualifying examination requirement to be admitted into the program. The qualifying examination is used to determine the strengths or weaknesses of a student, as well as the student's ability to assimilate graduate-level subject matter.
When selecting online or distance education course, check to see if the college is accredited. Many professionals use college accreditation as a standard for hiring potential employees. Also determine the method of delivery for distance classes. Some may use video, CD or DVD; others may be strictly online via the World Wide Web. Finally, look at the residency requirement. Many colleges waive the residency requirement, but, if not, tuition and fees could be more expensive
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