Career in Mechanical Engineering

Typical Work
The work of a mechanical engineer is usually in the areas of construction, assembly, fabrication, and design of mechanical devices. The work is often very hands on and involved. A mechanical engineer can be either very specific or work in the field of nanotechnology for example or work in a broad field such as air conditioning. The use of a variety of tools is often included in the life of a mechanical engineer. Typically you will work for industry in an automotive/mechanical company, a construction company, a consulting firm, a refrigeration company, or a tool supplier/maker.

Skills Needed
To become a mechanical engineer you need to obtain a bachelor's degree or college equivalency in a related field such as mechanical engineering, drill engineer, refrigeration engineer. The field covers a broad spectrum of engineering. Many schools offer broad programs while some (mostly Community Colleges) are very specific. You can also obtain a Master's or PhD in mechanical engineering. Also you can achieve designations in a variety of fields to improve your knowledge of the field.

Schools that offer programs in Mechanical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of California at Berkley
Stanford University
Purdue University
University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
University of Waterloo
Carleton University

Salary Ranges
$40, 000 (starting salary/technician) - $250,000 (executive, usually combined with an MBA).

Associations and Organizations
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers- http://www.asme.org
Institution of Mechanical Engineers- http://www.imeche.org.uk
Society of Manufacturing Engineers- http://www.autofact.org

Other engineering career choices

Other career choices