## How to Build a Career in Mechanical Engineering
Introduction
Mechanical engineering is a diverse field that offers a wide range of career opportunities. Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and maintain mechanical systems and devices. They work on everything from small appliances to large-scale industrial machinery, and they play a vital role in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy, and healthcare.
If you’re interested in a career in mechanical engineering, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself. First, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited university. Second, you’ll need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is the first step towards becoming a licensed professional engineer. Third, you’ll need to gain experience in the field, which you can do through internships, co-ops, or entry-level jobs.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in mechanical engineering.
Education
The first step to a career in mechanical engineering is to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited university. There are many different universities that offer mechanical engineering programs, so you’ll need to do some research to find the one that’s right for you.
When choosing a mechanical engineering program, you’ll want to consider the following factors:
* **Accreditation:** Make sure that the program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This accreditation ensures that the program meets the highest standards of quality.
* **Curriculum:** The curriculum should cover all of the core mechanical engineering topics, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, machine design, and control systems.
* **Faculty:** The faculty should be experienced and knowledgeable, and they should be able to provide you with the support you need to succeed.
* **Facilities:** The university should have state-of-the-art facilities, including labs, workshops, and computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Experience
Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to gain experience in the field. You can do this through internships, co-ops, or entry-level jobs.
**Internships** are a great way to get hands-on experience in mechanical engineering. Internships typically last for a summer or a semester, and they can be paid or unpaid. Internships can be found in a variety of industries, so you can find one that matches your interests.
**Co-ops** are similar to internships, but they are typically longer in duration. Co-ops typically last for a year or more, and they are paid. Co-ops can be found in a variety of industries, and they can provide you with valuable experience in a specific area of mechanical engineering.
**Entry-level jobs** are a great way to get your foot in the door of the mechanical engineering field. Entry-level jobs can be found in a variety of industries, and they typically require a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Entry-level jobs can provide you with valuable experience in a specific area of mechanical engineering, and they can also help you build your resume.
Licensing
Once you have a few years of experience in the field, you may want to consider becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE). PEs are licensed by the state in which they practice, and they are required to meet certain qualifications, including passing the Professional Engineer (PE) exam.
The PE exam is a challenging exam, but it is also a valuable credential. PEs are in high demand, and they can earn higher salaries than non-PEs.
Career Paths
There are many different career paths available to mechanical engineers. Some mechanical engineers work in design and development, while others work in manufacturing, testing, or maintenance. Mechanical engineers can also work in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy, and healthcare.
Some of the most common career paths for mechanical engineers include:
* **Design engineer:** Design engineers design and develop mechanical systems and devices. They work with other engineers and technicians to develop new products and improve existing ones.
* **Manufacturing engineer:** Manufacturing engineers plan and manage the production of mechanical products. They work with other engineers and technicians to ensure that products are produced efficiently and to a high standard of quality.
* **Test engineer:** Test engineers test mechanical products to ensure that they meet specifications. They work with other engineers and technicians to develop and implement test procedures.
* **Maintenance engineer:** Maintenance engineers maintain and repair mechanical systems and devices. They work with other engineers and technicians to ensure that equipment is operating properly and efficiently.
Salary
Mechanical engineers can earn a good salary, especially those with experience and advanced degrees. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for mechanical engineers was $88,870 in May 2021. The top 10% of earners made more than $132,720, while the bottom 10% of earners made less than $54,030.
Conclusion
Mechanical engineering is a rewarding career that offers a wide range of opportunities. If you’re interested in a career in mechanical engineering, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself. First, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited university. Second, you’ll need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is the first step towards becoming a licensed professional engineer. Third, you’ll need to gain experience in the field,
