5 Guidelines You Should Follow to Make a Career in Mechanical Engineering
We have an idea regarding what to expect when studying and opting to have a career in Mechanical Engineering. However, we rarely think about the jobs that we can look forward to when we obtain a degree in such a pivotal career. If you also think being solution-oriented, creative and having some knowledge of math and technology are the core traits needed, you’re just at the tip of the iceberg. There’s still some hiking to do for reaching its absolute peak. Before we dive deep into the steps that may help you become a successful mechanical engineer, let's look at what Mechanical Engineering really is. The area of mechanical engineering mainly emphasizes on the manufacturing, design, testing and improvement of different mechanical systems. They can also be used in any industry we can think of. One of the most important reasons why Mechanical Engineering students select this discipline is its versatility as well as the different career options that are available to them after graduation. You could also work in different fields such as construction, robotics, automotive industry, energy sector and several others. In this article, we will provide you 5 guidelines that you should follow to make a career in mechanical engineering.
Select a good engineering program
We all agree that a university having a good brand name could be highly beneficial for a student. It means that you have to be very careful when selecting a university. It will also influence how you impress your recruiters, even before they get to see your great mechanical skills at work. If you want to stand out from the competition, you must orient your Bachelor’s or Master’s studies for highly prestigious engineering schools. You should aim to get admission in some of the widely renowned and top-ranking engineering universities in the world to have a good career in mechanical engineering in the future.
Get a state license
In different parts of the world, all mechanical engineers that provide services directly for the general public should have a state license. Students are required to apply for a license after completion of a bachelor’s degree. For becoming licensed, some individuals have to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam provided by the National Council of Examiners for the purpose of surveying and engineering. After being employed for four or more years, engineers can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to become Professional Engineers (PEs). Many states need continuing education for the purpose of maintaining licensure. Employers should honor licenses from other states provided that had original licensing requirements and were equal for those within the new state.
Acquire professional certifications
Different professional certifications across the world provide individuals to illustrate their competency in various important fields of mechanical engineering. Some of these fields include stress analysis, advanced control systems design, dynamic systems, advanced materials mechanics and convection heat transfer. Even though optional, certifications could also benchmark one’s skills for employers as well as help qualify individuals for the purpose of career advancement. Also, by being able to join various organizations and professional mechanical engineering societies, current and potential engineers can improve their credentials.
Gain relevant experience
Selecting a good university does matter, so does selecting a country that has a demand for mechanical engineers. But, there is also something that employers also value more. It is a relevant experience. Relevant experience matters a lot for professional engineers. As a professional, you should start developing mechanical engineering skills by seeking internships, volunteering, taking part-time jobs and also shadowing professionals in your undergraduate degree program. This will allow you to get a chance to not only graduate with a great diploma, but it will also provide you with some practical insight regarding how to get the job done.
Getting inspiration from successful mechanical engineers
As an engineer, you can take inspiration from famous scientists and professional engineers such as Henry Ford, Nikola Tesla, Rudolf Diesel and Karl Benz who have a career in mechanical engineering. These scientists and engineers were able to manage as well as stay on top of their field to bring innovative ideas to the table. It is evident that you need to know about people that achieved something extraordinary in your field. You should follow their methods, to avoid making rookie mistakes and get inspired when you’re stuck or everything seems overwhelming.
