Career Plan for Mechanical Engineers
Introduction
Mechanical engineers are in high demand, and the field is expected to grow in the coming years. With a solid education and experience, mechanical engineers can have a successful and rewarding career.
Education
The first step to becoming a mechanical engineer is to get a good education. Most mechanical engineers have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, but some also have master’s or doctoral degrees. There are many accredited mechanical engineering programs in the United States, and you can find a list of them at the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Experience
Once you have a good education, you need to gain some experience. The best way to do this is to get an internship or co-op while you are still in school. This will give you the opportunity to work on real-world projects and learn from experienced engineers.
After you graduate, you can start looking for full-time jobs. There are many different types of jobs available for mechanical engineers, so you should be able to find one that fits your interests and skills.
Career Path
The career path of a mechanical engineer is typically as follows:
- Entry-level engineer
- Mid-level engineer
- Senior engineer
- Manager
- Executive
The time it takes to move up the career ladder depends on your experience, skills, and education.
Skills
Mechanical engineers need a strong foundation in math and science. They also need to be able to work independently and as part of a team. Other important skills for mechanical engineers include:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Time management
Salary
The salary of a mechanical engineer depends on their experience, skills, and location. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for mechanical engineers was $90,160 in May 2020.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for mechanical engineers is expected to be good in the coming years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of mechanical engineers will grow by 5% from 2020 to 2030.
Conclusion
If you are interested in a career in mechanical engineering, there are many resources available to help you get started. You can find more information on the websites of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
