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What types of skills/experiences should I have to pursue a career in mechanical engineering What are the best UC's and opportunities I should look for?
I am interested in careers related to mechanical engineering. What are some skills I should have? Should I be going for mechanical engineering or should I be branching to all types of engineering?
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4 answers
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
I have an engineering degree and my son is currently a Mech E student (sophmore). He had excellent grades, something if you're looking at engineering you'll need. Especially math, physics and other science related classes. Mech E is popular because it allows you to not only have more options when you graduate, it allows you to more easily change your major a couple of years in if you want to concentrate in something else.
As for which schools, we had that issue where he made many schools but wasn't sure where to go. We have a close friend who worked in business and recruited for companies. His advise (which was very sound in the end) was unless you are going to one of the most prestigious engineering schools (MIT, CalTech, Carnegie Mellon because non traditional engineering employers recruit them), most are very similar. You're better off selecting one that not only matches your goals but also preferences like size (some big schools can be a tough transition), cost and options like Co-Op and things like that. The name matters less.
As for which schools, we had that issue where he made many schools but wasn't sure where to go. We have a close friend who worked in business and recruited for companies. His advise (which was very sound in the end) was unless you are going to one of the most prestigious engineering schools (MIT, CalTech, Carnegie Mellon because non traditional engineering employers recruit them), most are very similar. You're better off selecting one that not only matches your goals but also preferences like size (some big schools can be a tough transition), cost and options like Co-Op and things like that. The name matters less.
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Ivan, the skills you will need for your chosen field of engineering will be fairly well laid out within the engineering program that you pursue. However, all fields of engineering require an aptitude for thinking spatially and logically. And, in almost all fields of engineering it will be a benefit to be skilled in the development and use of spreadsheets. As far as colleges, I think most undergraduate degrees are fairly similar since the material is basically the same. But, for undergraduate degrees you will likely get more technical and specific job training from a school such as Cal Poly. If you decide to pursue a masters degree, UC San Diego, UC Berkely, UCLA and UC Davis are all excellent choices. All the best!
Updated
David C’s Answer
Hi Ivan,
It's clear that academic qualifications are crucial for earning a degree. However, I never had the opportunity to go to college. Instead, I dedicated myself to acquiring the hands-on experience necessary to become a proficient Mechanical Designer. I've held various roles related to Engineering, although I can't officially call myself an "Engineer" without the degree. My career journey began as a welder, advancing to a welder fabricator, then a foreman, followed by a welding manufacturing engineer, drafter, designer, and finally a machine designer. The key to my success and expertise before retirement was my deep love for design, drafting, conceptualizing, and primarily thinking in 3D. It's essential to pursue a career that brings you joy. I was so content with my career that even in retirement, I continue to engage my mind by creating personal design programs.
If you could share your age and interests, it would be helpful. College isn't always the best path for everyone. In the past, I had opportunities to move into management, but I always declined, preferring to remain in design. That's where my passion lies, even today.
Best,
Designer Dave
It's clear that academic qualifications are crucial for earning a degree. However, I never had the opportunity to go to college. Instead, I dedicated myself to acquiring the hands-on experience necessary to become a proficient Mechanical Designer. I've held various roles related to Engineering, although I can't officially call myself an "Engineer" without the degree. My career journey began as a welder, advancing to a welder fabricator, then a foreman, followed by a welding manufacturing engineer, drafter, designer, and finally a machine designer. The key to my success and expertise before retirement was my deep love for design, drafting, conceptualizing, and primarily thinking in 3D. It's essential to pursue a career that brings you joy. I was so content with my career that even in retirement, I continue to engage my mind by creating personal design programs.
If you could share your age and interests, it would be helpful. College isn't always the best path for everyone. In the past, I had opportunities to move into management, but I always declined, preferring to remain in design. That's where my passion lies, even today.
Best,
Designer Dave
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Ivan:
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Mechanical Engineering. Physics and chemistry will be the core science courses. For math, statistics and calculus will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail and observation skills; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, partner departments and clients occur on a daily basis. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills since analysis reports are generated and findings are presented to colleagues and other professionals who deal with Mechanical Engineering. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Mechanical Engineering.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Mechanical Engineering:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Purdue University (West Lafayette)
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- California Institute of Technology
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Texas (Austin)
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate-mechanical
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and to gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are some top careers in Mechanical Engineering:
- Aerospace Engineer
- Automotive Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Business Executive
- Construction Engineer
- Entrepreneur
- Intellectual Property Attorney
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Management Consultant
- Mechanical Engineer
- Patent Lawyer
- Production Engineer
- Project Lead
- Project Manager
- Petroleum Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Product Designer
- Quality Engineer
- Sales Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Technology Specialist
- Thermal Engineer
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/articles/what-you-can-do-with-a-mechanical-engineering-degree
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Mechanical Engineering!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Mechanical Engineering. Physics and chemistry will be the core science courses. For math, statistics and calculus will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail and observation skills; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, partner departments and clients occur on a daily basis. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills since analysis reports are generated and findings are presented to colleagues and other professionals who deal with Mechanical Engineering. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Mechanical Engineering.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Mechanical Engineering:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Purdue University (West Lafayette)
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- California Institute of Technology
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Texas (Austin)
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate-mechanical
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and to gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are some top careers in Mechanical Engineering:
- Aerospace Engineer
- Automotive Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Business Executive
- Construction Engineer
- Entrepreneur
- Intellectual Property Attorney
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Management Consultant
- Mechanical Engineer
- Patent Lawyer
- Production Engineer
- Project Lead
- Project Manager
- Petroleum Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Product Designer
- Quality Engineer
- Sales Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Technology Specialist
- Thermal Engineer
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/articles/what-you-can-do-with-a-mechanical-engineering-degree
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Mechanical Engineering!