What type of minor would go hand in hand with Mechanical Engineering.

Hi Austin,
Do something you enjoy. Here are some ideas that would also help with finding work in the field you like: 1. Get a mechanic certificate by taking the hands-on classes - whether it is for cars, airplanes (Airframe & Powerplant Mechanci), bikes, etc. It really brings to life all the theory you learn in class. 2. Get a minor in business. Companies like it when their engineers know to keep their designs within a budget or that they understand how to make a profit. 3. If you know another language, get a minor in that - being a global economy, any second language is an asset to an employer.

Any engineer would benefit from a minor in business and/or accounting. Most engineers will need to know how to communicate well so any minor that teaches composition and writing would also be worth looking into. And, a foreign language would be useful to many engineers -- French or Spanish, most likely. Chinese or Japanese would be useful but educated people in those countries almost all know English.

The thing to remember is that although the technical aspects of engineering are probably most intriguing right now and are essential for you to know, you will likely find yourself at some point later in your career needing business and communication skills to manage your responsibilities well.

When choosing a minor think long term and expect to be given increasing responsibilities with broader demands as your career develops. Engineers make good CEOs!

Hi Austin,

In a word: psychology. Minor in psychology. This will give you better experience in work related situations because it will give you an understanding of people and how people think and what motivates them. I wouldn't get a minor in a foreign language because the international language of business is English, so as long as you are a native English speaker, you will be OK, and if you were ever put in a situation where you needed to communicate in a foreign language, your company will provide a translator.

The other answers are good. I think that you need to answer what your interests are and take courses that will help you get a job that aligns. Interested in robotics, then EE and programming can help. Interested in agriculture, you can take classes there. Plastic Engineering is good as well. If you are looking at engineering to moving up in the company, the business courses are great. It also doesn't hurt to be well rounded either, with language courses or art courses. It is possible that you may travel the world as an engineer and understanding other cultures can help.

The point is that you can use your minor to pursue personal interests or you can use your minor to prepare you for your ideal career path. Both answers have their benefits. If they align, even better.