How to Start a Career in Mechanical Engineering?
Engineering is a large area with a wide range of specialities, which might be intimidating. However, once students have sifted through the options, the industry provides various employment options to suit a person’s tastes and talents. Several educational paths can be used to enter the field, and higher degree programs and certifications can increase earning potential and lead to employment progression. As you evaluate your engineering interests and ability, you might wonder if you’ll require considerable math coursework in college. Is a bachelor’s degree adequate for entry into the field?
The following how-to guide outlines all you need to know to become a mechanical engineer, from fundamental school prerequisites through graduate study to increase your qualifications.
What Does a Mechanical Engineer do?
Mechanical engineers work on tools, engines, and machines, among other mechanical and thermal equipment, to investigate, create, develop, and test them. The medical, energy and automated manufacturing industries use some of the most prevalent equipment. In addition, mechanical engineers operate in various industries, including general and automobile manufacturing and architectural and engineering service firms. Mechanical engineers also work in testing labs for research and development. They normally spend their days in professional office settings, although they may occasionally travel to job sites to troubleshoot current equipment.
Mechanical engineers work long days and put forth a lot of effort. According to data, in 2012, over two-thirds of mechanical engineers worked more than 40 hours each week. As a result, candidates who extend their education to stay current with technology advancements are more likely to land the finest positions in the sector.
Also Read – Industrial Training opportunities for Mechanical Engineering
A Few Tips on How to Start a Career in Mechanical Engineering
Obtain a Mechanical Engineering Degree.
Mechanical engineers are required to hold a bachelor’s mechanical engineering degree. Biosciences, math, related disciplines, engineering, and design are common study topics. Mechanical engineering technology is another degree option that focuses on implementing engineering ideas in a practical approach rather than mechanical engineering theory.
A master’s degree is required if you wish to proceed into a more specialised area of the profession, such as robotics or automotive technology. On the other hand, a Ph.D. is a good choice if you want to teach or do research.
Consider Alternatives to Mechanical Engineering.
Mechanical engineers are frequently charged with developing novel solutions and designing designs, which need abilities beyond those learned in mechanical engineering degrees. Some of the design difficulties you’ll confront and the tools you’ll need to employ may be outside your area of expertise. Top engineering companies also advise getting some training in fields other than mechanical engineering.
Learn the Principles of Business.
You could grab employers’ eyes if you have an excellent understanding of business principles in addition to mechanical engineering talents. Engineering organizations want qualified engineers who comprehend how overall production costs influence the decisions they must make. In addition, knowing how to read financial statements and accounting records could give you a leg up on the competition.
Obtain a Licence.
Consider being certified in your state if you wish to be more self-sufficient or attain greater levels of leadership. To do so, you’ll need a certain amount of relevant job experience and the ability to pass a licensing exam. In addition, internships, training camps, and entry-level positions can help you earn vital experience.
Improve Your Technical Abilities.
As a mechanical engineer, you’ll be utilising computers frequently, so it’s good to brush up on IT and computer science basics. If you’re working on incorporating sensors into machines or utilising technology to assess designs or perform simulations, having strong technical abilities will come in handy.
Improve Your Communication Abilities.
Employers need employees who can effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas to co-workers and clients who may not have been conversant with mechanical engineering vocabulary or systems. You may also be required to write reports. Therefore you must be skilled in written communication. In addition, excellent organization, organizational skills, problem-solving, and thoroughness are likely to be required.
Also Read – Why are Soft Skills more important than you think?
Look for a Mentor.
Working with somebody with more expertise in the sector might be beneficial when you’re just starting. This individual can assist you in navigating and shaping your professional path. Contact the HR department at your company or internship, join engineering societies, or interact on social media to locate a mentor.
Become Familiar With Popular Interview Questions.
It is not always anxiety-inducing to go on your first interview. So prepare for an interview by going over some typical questions beforehand to boost your confidence. Although each interviewer has their unique approach, you’re likely to be asked the following questions:
- Queries like the first item you created or how you’d explain intricate ideas to individuals who don’t have an engineering background are examples of general questions to obtain a feel of your experience and competence.
- Behavioral questions aimed to understand how you operate, such as inquiries about prior blunders or instances of scenarios in which you had to present evidence to back a critical choice.
- Technical queries concerning cold drawing procedures or the purpose of heat treatment, oriented toward your specialty or the expertise required by the work.
Make a Résumé That Stands Out.
Make your CV stand out by emphasizing the most applicable abilities to each engineering position you apply for. Emphasize relevant professional and educational experiences as well. Make sure your CV is full of keywords and industry-specific terms since this will help it get passed automated systems.
Make Friends With Others.
Your university, mechanical engineering groups, and networking events might help you find your next great job. Maintain a strong connection with others and aggressively seek new connections to expand your network. It’s also crucial to keep studying once you obtain a job to stay up to date on the latest technology and skills.
How Can I Get Into a Mechanical Engineering B.Tech Program?
B.Tech ME (Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering) is one of the most popular programs among students who want to be creative and inventive. The admissions procedure for this course involves many phases that must be completed before admission may be granted. To begin a career in mechanical engineering, students must usually pass an entrance examination.
When applying for a B.Tech in mechanical engineering, a candidate must have several papers.
- 10th and 12th-grade mark sheets
- Photographs in passport size
- Certificates of completion for the 10th and 12th grades
- Certificate of Character
- Certificate of transfer (in case of going outside hometown to study)
Top B.Tech Mechanical Engineering Entrance Exams
Joint Entrance Examinations
JEE Main is a nationwide test for admission to India’s premier engineering institutes, known as IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology). Before taking the JEE Mains, there are a few things to consider, which is a doorway to India’s famed IITs, where applicants may pursue their B. Tech. in Mechanical Engineering. The JEE main test is designed to identify candidates who may be eligible to pursue their goals of becoming mechanical engineers or engineers in their chosen profession.
JEE Advanced
JEE Advanced is a level of the Joint Entrance Examinations (JEE) that is open to candidates who have completed their 10+2. JEE is a test that looks at quality rather than quantity in applicants. As a result, before taking the JEE advanced exam, students must be well-versed in their subjects.
VITEEE
Vellore Institute of Technology Entrance Exam is comparable to JEE; however, there are certain differences in the framework. The test will include 125 questions and a time constraint of 2 hours and 30 minutes from a structural standpoint. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers on this exam. The exam is a computer-based online test with multiple-choice questions.
Physics, Chemistry, English, Aptitude, and Mathematics/Biology are the five areas of the test. All engineering programs will accept applicants taking Maths, Physics, English, Chemistry, and Aptitude. However, only B.Tech Bio stream programs are open to those who have taken Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and Aptitude.
Colleges Offering B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering:
- Arya College Main Campus, Jaipur
- Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
- Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
- Vellore Institute of Technology
- SRM University
- Manipal University of Technology
Job Options
Jobs directly related to a mechanical engineering degree include:
- Aerospace engineer
- CAD technician
- Automotive engineer
- Nuclear engineer
- Contracting civil engineer
- Maintenance engineer
- Control and instrumentation engineer
- Mechanical engineer
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
- Acoustic consultant
- Corporate investment banker
- Clinical technologist
- Mining engineer
- Land-based engineer
- Production manager
- Patent attorney
- Water engineer
- Technical sales engineer
Experience in The Workplace
Employers admire prior job experience, particularly related to the field you want to pursue. Some degree programs include a year in industry, which is beneficial since it allows you to hone your abilities and gain commercial knowledge.
If you want to work in engineering, but your degree doesn’t provide a placement, try finding one over your summer vacation. Contacting huge engineering firms directly demonstrates that you are serious about your job. In addition, the job is typically hands-on, and it gives you a thorough understanding of the technical world. It’s also a smart idea to shadow many engineers to assist you in determining which field you want to pursue.
Mechanical engineers work in various industries and businesses, from small start-ups to Fortune 500 corporations. They work on developing new knowledge through study, creative design, development, and building, controlling, managing, and selling the technologies and systems that society requires. Some mechanical engineers also apply their skills to non-traditional professional paths such as medicine or law.