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What do I need to begin my career in Mechatronics engineering?
I have a degree in mechanical engineering and I'm looking to specialise in Mechatronics engineering
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Olasunkanmi,
So, you have a bachelors in mechanical engineering, and want to switch to mechatronics. Are you looking at further education or would you want to go to industry immediately?
If you would like to get your masters and/or PhD, I would think that you can enter a graduate program in mechatronics without too much trouble. For graduate school, you don't have to have the exact same degree. People cross over and specialize in another discipline all the time. It would help, if you can identify individual professors who you would like to work with and ask if they would take you on.
You got the mechanical part covered which is about 70%. You can learn the remaining 30% while you work towards your graduate degree. I can obviously not speak for any colleges, but you can look up colleges with mechatronics programs and send a polite e-mail expressing your interest and ask if they would consider you for graduate school.
If you want to go to industry, there are a number of different scenarios:
Look up advertised job openings on job search sites like LinkedIn and Indeed and check what they are looking for. Often, it just says "engineer" anyway.
Make a LinkedIn profile if you don't have one yet and start networking. Connect to people in the industry and to recruiters, express your interest, apply to positions and ask for advice.
You could take an internship or trainee program for engineering graduates to gain practical experience and add the "electrical" to your resume.
You could apply to mechanical engineering positions. If hired you'll get some job experience and can work on your next move from a secure position. If the company employs different flavors of engineers, you might be able to train up (or sideways) within the company. They might even pay for you to take some extra courses if you are good and make your aspiration known.
You could just apply to mechatronics engineering positions. Sometimes, the exact flavor of engineering is not all important for entry-level positions. It might be worth a shot.
If you want to add the electrical part to your qualifications, you could take some classes at a community college, maybe get a diploma or an associates.
I hope this helps a bit! All the best! You got this!
KP
So, you have a bachelors in mechanical engineering, and want to switch to mechatronics. Are you looking at further education or would you want to go to industry immediately?
If you would like to get your masters and/or PhD, I would think that you can enter a graduate program in mechatronics without too much trouble. For graduate school, you don't have to have the exact same degree. People cross over and specialize in another discipline all the time. It would help, if you can identify individual professors who you would like to work with and ask if they would take you on.
You got the mechanical part covered which is about 70%. You can learn the remaining 30% while you work towards your graduate degree. I can obviously not speak for any colleges, but you can look up colleges with mechatronics programs and send a polite e-mail expressing your interest and ask if they would consider you for graduate school.
If you want to go to industry, there are a number of different scenarios:
Look up advertised job openings on job search sites like LinkedIn and Indeed and check what they are looking for. Often, it just says "engineer" anyway.
Make a LinkedIn profile if you don't have one yet and start networking. Connect to people in the industry and to recruiters, express your interest, apply to positions and ask for advice.
You could take an internship or trainee program for engineering graduates to gain practical experience and add the "electrical" to your resume.
You could apply to mechanical engineering positions. If hired you'll get some job experience and can work on your next move from a secure position. If the company employs different flavors of engineers, you might be able to train up (or sideways) within the company. They might even pay for you to take some extra courses if you are good and make your aspiration known.
You could just apply to mechatronics engineering positions. Sometimes, the exact flavor of engineering is not all important for entry-level positions. It might be worth a shot.
If you want to add the electrical part to your qualifications, you could take some classes at a community college, maybe get a diploma or an associates.
I hope this helps a bit! All the best! You got this!
KP
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Olasunkanmi,
Embarking on a Mechatronics Engineering Career with a Mechanical Engineering Degree
1. Grasp the Concept of Mechatronics Engineering: Mechatronics engineering is a diverse field that merges elements of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to devise and build smart systems and products. To kickstart your career in this field, it's crucial to thoroughly comprehend these core disciplines and how they interlink to create mechatronic systems.
2. Develop Pertinent Skills: Given your mechanical engineering degree, you already have a robust foundation in the mechanical facets of mechatronics. To further specialize in mechatronics engineering, it's necessary to develop additional skills in areas like electronics, control systems, robotics, programming, and automation. These skills are vital for the design and development of intricate mechatronic systems.
3. Undertake Further Education or Training: Consider engaging in advanced education or specialized training programs in mechatronics engineering to enrich your knowledge and skills in this domain. Seek out graduate programs or certifications specifically tailored to mechatronics that can equip you with the expertise needed to thrive in this field.
4. Acquire Practical Experience: Practical experience is priceless in mechatronics engineering. Pursue internships, co-op opportunities, or entry-level roles that let you work on real-world mechatronic systems projects. Such experience will not only boost your skills but also make you more appealing to prospective employers.
5. Curate a Robust Portfolio: Compile a portfolio that exhibits your projects, designs, and achievements in mechatronics engineering. An impressive portfolio can display your abilities and creativity in devising and executing mechatronic solutions.
6. Forge Industry Connections: Networking is key to career progression in any field. Participate in industry events, conferences, workshops, and seminars related to mechatronics engineering to forge connections with field professionals. A robust professional network can unlock new avenues for career advancement and growth.
7. Stay Abreast of Emerging Technologies: Mechatronics engineering is a swiftly evolving field with continuous technological advancements. Keep up with the latest trends, tools, and technologies shaping the industry by perusing journals, research papers, and industry publications. Lifelong learning is essential to remaining competitive in the mechatronics engineering field.
By adhering to these steps and constantly broadening your knowledge and skills in mechatronics engineering, you can effectively transition from a mechanical engineering background to specialize in this dynamic and innovative field.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET): The IET is a professional body that offers resources, guidance, and networking opportunities for engineers across diverse disciplines, including mechatronics engineering.
IEEE Robotics & Automation Society: IEEE’s Robotics & Automation Society provides valuable insights into the most recent developments and research trends within the robotics and automation field, which are closely related to mechatronics engineering.
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME): SME concentrates on manufacturing-related technologies and processes, including those pertinent to mechatronics engineering. Their resources can be advantageous for individuals looking to specialize in this field.
These sources were referenced to ensure accuracy and reliability in providing guidance on embarking on a mechatronics engineering career with a mechanical engineering background.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Embarking on a Mechatronics Engineering Career with a Mechanical Engineering Degree
1. Grasp the Concept of Mechatronics Engineering: Mechatronics engineering is a diverse field that merges elements of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to devise and build smart systems and products. To kickstart your career in this field, it's crucial to thoroughly comprehend these core disciplines and how they interlink to create mechatronic systems.
2. Develop Pertinent Skills: Given your mechanical engineering degree, you already have a robust foundation in the mechanical facets of mechatronics. To further specialize in mechatronics engineering, it's necessary to develop additional skills in areas like electronics, control systems, robotics, programming, and automation. These skills are vital for the design and development of intricate mechatronic systems.
3. Undertake Further Education or Training: Consider engaging in advanced education or specialized training programs in mechatronics engineering to enrich your knowledge and skills in this domain. Seek out graduate programs or certifications specifically tailored to mechatronics that can equip you with the expertise needed to thrive in this field.
4. Acquire Practical Experience: Practical experience is priceless in mechatronics engineering. Pursue internships, co-op opportunities, or entry-level roles that let you work on real-world mechatronic systems projects. Such experience will not only boost your skills but also make you more appealing to prospective employers.
5. Curate a Robust Portfolio: Compile a portfolio that exhibits your projects, designs, and achievements in mechatronics engineering. An impressive portfolio can display your abilities and creativity in devising and executing mechatronic solutions.
6. Forge Industry Connections: Networking is key to career progression in any field. Participate in industry events, conferences, workshops, and seminars related to mechatronics engineering to forge connections with field professionals. A robust professional network can unlock new avenues for career advancement and growth.
7. Stay Abreast of Emerging Technologies: Mechatronics engineering is a swiftly evolving field with continuous technological advancements. Keep up with the latest trends, tools, and technologies shaping the industry by perusing journals, research papers, and industry publications. Lifelong learning is essential to remaining competitive in the mechatronics engineering field.
By adhering to these steps and constantly broadening your knowledge and skills in mechatronics engineering, you can effectively transition from a mechanical engineering background to specialize in this dynamic and innovative field.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET): The IET is a professional body that offers resources, guidance, and networking opportunities for engineers across diverse disciplines, including mechatronics engineering.
IEEE Robotics & Automation Society: IEEE’s Robotics & Automation Society provides valuable insights into the most recent developments and research trends within the robotics and automation field, which are closely related to mechatronics engineering.
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME): SME concentrates on manufacturing-related technologies and processes, including those pertinent to mechatronics engineering. Their resources can be advantageous for individuals looking to specialize in this field.
These sources were referenced to ensure accuracy and reliability in providing guidance on embarking on a mechatronics engineering career with a mechanical engineering background.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Updated
Antigone’s Answer
Dear Karin,
Put your degree to good use by seeking employment in a company that specializes in motors or automation. After all, mechatronics is all about combining electrical and mechanical systems. Therefore, actively look for opportunities in this sector that will allow you to gain practical experience in applying this integrated knowledge.
Take good care of yourself!
Put your degree to good use by seeking employment in a company that specializes in motors or automation. After all, mechatronics is all about combining electrical and mechanical systems. Therefore, actively look for opportunities in this sector that will allow you to gain practical experience in applying this integrated knowledge.
Take good care of yourself!
Updated
Abiola’s Answer
Have a pre-requisite knowledge of electrical with a combination of mechanical engineering and you will be good to go
Hi Abiola! Can you give Olasunkanmi some more information about what electrical knowledge is needed? Possibly some courses or other resources.
Sharyn Grose, Admin
Updated
Abiola’s Answer
Have a pre-requisite knowledge of electrical with a combination of mechanical engineering and you will be good to go.Electrical knowledge like control systems from the google app will help sail through Mechatronic engineering.