Mechanical engineers design, analyze, test, and install mechanical devices or systems in various fields. To become a mechanical engineer, one must possess creativity, problem-solving skills, and mathematical proficiency. A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is the minimum requirement, and additional courses in physics, mathematics, and other areas are necessary. Graduates can choose from various entry-level jobs, and advancement depends on technical knowledge, work experience, and obtaining a license or graduate degree.
Mechanical engineers work in a wide and diverse range of fields and disciplines. They can design, analyze, test and install mechanical devices or systems. Many mechanical engineers are also involved in the research and development of aircraft, medical devices and other machines.
A person looking to become a mechanical engineer must first consider whether they have the necessary traits and qualities to be successful in this career. To do well in this profession, a person must be a creative, detail-oriented problem solver and be able to think comfortably in mathematical terms. He or she must also have good communication skills and work well in a team.
If you want to become a mechanical engineer and feel that you have the basic traits needed for the job, then the next step is to learn about the requirements needed for this career. The minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Admission to a degree program will require students to have a good background in math and science.
In the US, most students can earn this undergraduate degree by enrolling in an accredited full-time or part-time study program. These programs usually take between four and five years to complete. To be accredited, mechanical engineering programs must meet certain quality standards set for the profession by the Council for Accreditation of Engineering and Technology (ABET). This ensures that undergraduate students are competent in core mechanical engineering subjects.
To get a job as a mechanical engineer, you will need to take many other courses in addition to core engineering topics. During the first two years of study, students will take introductory courses in a variety of areas such as computing, chemistry, social sciences and humanities. Physics and mathematics courses that include advanced calculus and partial differential equations are also essential. In the last two years of study, students focus on subjects such as vibrations, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, solid mechanics, thermodynamics, and stress analysis.
When a mechanical engineering student earns his or her degree, he or she can choose from a wide range of entry-level mechanical engineering jobs that may include technical sales, manufacturing, or robotics. Once you get a job as a mechanical engineer, advancement in most disciplines will depend on technical knowledge, work experience, and in some cases, obtaining a license or graduate degree.
Some mechanical engineers may decide to become licensed in their fields. To obtain a license, an engineer needs to have a certain amount of work experience and must pass a series of tests. The first exam is the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE). Most people who want to become a mechanical engineer and plan to obtain a license in the future must take this test either before they graduate or shortly after they graduate. After an engineer has several years of professional experience, he must take and pass the Engineering Principles and Practices (EP) test to obtain a license.
After becoming a mechanical engineer, another way to advance in your field can be to get a graduate degree. Depending on your career, there are several master’s and doctoral programs available. For example, a mechanical engineer with a doctorate in engineering might pursue a career in research or academia.
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