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I want to get into the path and education of mechanical engineering, what type of jobs or examples should I know, and what type of starter jobs are there out there that I should take in advance, so I know what this path is about. Any recommending websites to find these best fit jobs?
I have one more year left in highschool.
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3 answers
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Ryan:
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 are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
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 acceptance to the applied college of 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
Another recommendation is to look for Mechanical Engineering professionals on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com). You can send the professional a message and let him or her know that you are interested in learning more about his or her professional background, work experience, education, etc. Also, reach out to Mechanical Engineering professors at the colleges and universities that you are interested in to ask for their advice, insights, etc.
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 are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
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 acceptance to the applied college of 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
Another recommendation is to look for Mechanical Engineering professionals on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com). You can send the professional a message and let him or her know that you are interested in learning more about his or her professional background, work experience, education, etc. Also, reach out to Mechanical Engineering professors at the colleges and universities that you are interested in to ask for their advice, insights, etc.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Mechanical Engineering!
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hi Ryan!
Pursuing a career in mechanical engineering can open up a range of exciting opportunities for you. Here’s an overview of potential career paths, examples of entry-level jobs, and recommended resources to help you get started on your journey.
1. Understanding Mechanical Engineering Careers
Mechanical engineering is a broad field that encompasses various industries and roles. Here are some common career paths you might consider:
Design Engineer: Responsible for creating and testing product designs, often using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software.
Manufacturing Engineer: Focuses on improving manufacturing processes and efficiency in production.
Product Development Engineer: Works on developing new products, from conception through to production.
Systems Engineer: Integrates different engineering disciplines to create complex systems.
Quality Assurance Engineer: Ensures that products meet specific standards and requirements through testing and evaluation.
Research and Development (R&D) Engineer: Involves working on innovative projects and developing new technologies.
2. Entry-Level Jobs to Consider
As you prepare to enter the field of mechanical engineering, consider these entry-level positions that can provide valuable experience and insight into the profession:
Mechanical Engineering Intern: Provides hands-on experience in various engineering tasks, such as design, testing, and project management. Internships are often available at engineering firms or manufacturing companies.
CAD Technician: Involves using CAD software to create technical drawings and plans based on engineers’ specifications. This role helps you become proficient in design tools.
Manufacturing Technician: Assists in the manufacturing process and works closely with engineers to implement improvements in production efficiency.
Engineering Technician: Supports engineers by conducting tests, collecting data, and helping with the design or assembly of equipment and machinery.
Quality Control Inspector: Monitors products and processes to ensure quality standards are maintained, which gives you insight into manufacturing and production practices.
Field Service Technician: Involves installing, repairing, and maintaining equipment, providing hands-on experience in mechanical systems and customer interaction.
3. Recommended Websites for Job Opportunities
Here are some websites where you can find suitable jobs, internships, and other entry-level opportunities in mechanical engineering:
LinkedIn: Create a professional profile and use LinkedIn’s job search feature to find internships and entry-level positions in mechanical engineering.
Indeed: A popular job search engine where you can filter for internships and entry-level roles in mechanical engineering.
Glassdoor: Offers job listings as well as company reviews, providing insights into the work environment and culture.
SimplyHired: A job search site that aggregates job listings from various sources, allowing you to search for relevant positions.
WayUp: A platform specifically designed for students and recent graduates to find internships and entry-level jobs.
NACElink: The National Association of Colleges and Employers provides job opportunities, particularly focused on students and recent graduates.
Engineering.com: A dedicated site for engineering jobs, including mechanical engineering positions and internships.
4. Get Started Now
Join Engineering Clubs: Seek out engineering or robotics clubs in your school or community that can provide practical experience and networking opportunities.
Participate in Competitions: Engage in competitions such as robotics competitions or science fairs that can enhance your problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Take Relevant Courses: Focus on STEM courses like mathematics, physics, and technology during your last year of high school to prepare you for college-level engineering courses.
As you approach the end of high school, explore opportunities related to mechanical engineering through internships and entry-level positions. This experience will not only enhance your skills but also clarify your career path. Utilize job search websites to find relevant openings that match your interests and qualifications. Good luck on your journey into the field of mechanical engineering!
Pursuing a career in mechanical engineering can open up a range of exciting opportunities for you. Here’s an overview of potential career paths, examples of entry-level jobs, and recommended resources to help you get started on your journey.
1. Understanding Mechanical Engineering Careers
Mechanical engineering is a broad field that encompasses various industries and roles. Here are some common career paths you might consider:
Design Engineer: Responsible for creating and testing product designs, often using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software.
Manufacturing Engineer: Focuses on improving manufacturing processes and efficiency in production.
Product Development Engineer: Works on developing new products, from conception through to production.
Systems Engineer: Integrates different engineering disciplines to create complex systems.
Quality Assurance Engineer: Ensures that products meet specific standards and requirements through testing and evaluation.
Research and Development (R&D) Engineer: Involves working on innovative projects and developing new technologies.
2. Entry-Level Jobs to Consider
As you prepare to enter the field of mechanical engineering, consider these entry-level positions that can provide valuable experience and insight into the profession:
Mechanical Engineering Intern: Provides hands-on experience in various engineering tasks, such as design, testing, and project management. Internships are often available at engineering firms or manufacturing companies.
CAD Technician: Involves using CAD software to create technical drawings and plans based on engineers’ specifications. This role helps you become proficient in design tools.
Manufacturing Technician: Assists in the manufacturing process and works closely with engineers to implement improvements in production efficiency.
Engineering Technician: Supports engineers by conducting tests, collecting data, and helping with the design or assembly of equipment and machinery.
Quality Control Inspector: Monitors products and processes to ensure quality standards are maintained, which gives you insight into manufacturing and production practices.
Field Service Technician: Involves installing, repairing, and maintaining equipment, providing hands-on experience in mechanical systems and customer interaction.
3. Recommended Websites for Job Opportunities
Here are some websites where you can find suitable jobs, internships, and other entry-level opportunities in mechanical engineering:
LinkedIn: Create a professional profile and use LinkedIn’s job search feature to find internships and entry-level positions in mechanical engineering.
Indeed: A popular job search engine where you can filter for internships and entry-level roles in mechanical engineering.
Glassdoor: Offers job listings as well as company reviews, providing insights into the work environment and culture.
SimplyHired: A job search site that aggregates job listings from various sources, allowing you to search for relevant positions.
WayUp: A platform specifically designed for students and recent graduates to find internships and entry-level jobs.
NACElink: The National Association of Colleges and Employers provides job opportunities, particularly focused on students and recent graduates.
Engineering.com: A dedicated site for engineering jobs, including mechanical engineering positions and internships.
4. Get Started Now
Join Engineering Clubs: Seek out engineering or robotics clubs in your school or community that can provide practical experience and networking opportunities.
Participate in Competitions: Engage in competitions such as robotics competitions or science fairs that can enhance your problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Take Relevant Courses: Focus on STEM courses like mathematics, physics, and technology during your last year of high school to prepare you for college-level engineering courses.
As you approach the end of high school, explore opportunities related to mechanical engineering through internships and entry-level positions. This experience will not only enhance your skills but also clarify your career path. Utilize job search websites to find relevant openings that match your interests and qualifications. Good luck on your journey into the field of mechanical engineering!
Updated
Cody’s Answer
If you're seeking an initial job between high school and college for mechanical engineering, think about working at a machine shop or manufacturing plant. Gaining firsthand experience in operating the machinery you'll likely design in the future can be incredibly beneficial.