When we look around us, we see the impact of mechanical engineers around us. Mechanical engineering plays a critical role in our society. Some of these include the invention of cars, generators, refrigerators, drones, phones, and many more. Due to this effect, mechanical engineering is one of the best professions one can specialize in.
Additionally, mechanical engineers are sort after in diverse industries from transport to healthcare, construction, etc. We could go on and on. If you’re still wondering if this is a good career choice for you, I’ve put together all you need to know about mechanical engineering in this article.
Table of Contents
What is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineering is one of the most diverse fields of engineering. It is a field of engineering that is involved in the design, operation, maintenance, and repairs of machines. Professionals in this field are known as Mechanical Engineers.
Additionally, mechanical engineers build, develop, and assess all sorts of machinery. Regarding their in-depth knowledge, they may work in different industries.
Responsibilities of a Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers oversee the design and functionality of equipment such as generators, engines, air-condition, refrigerators, etc. Mechanical engineers work with other engineering professions.
Other duties of a mechanical engineer include
- Troubleshoot potential problems and provide solutions
- Provide technical suggestion
- Developing and designing software
- Monitor plants and systems.
Benefits of Studying Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is a challenging but interesting career path. Mechanical Engineering is a four-year undergraduate degree program that paves the way to a rewarding career. There are several benefits of studying mechanical engineering.
Here are some benefits of studying mechanical engineering
- Diverse career opportunities
- Vast academic options
- Technological advancement
- High earning prospect
Diverse career opportunities
This offers you an excellent opportunity to seek significant job roles across different countries. Every country has its engineering projects. Thus, the need for mechanical engineers in every country to design, create and maintain its infrastructure is relatively high.
Vast academic options
Mechanical engineers have proficiency and understanding of various subjects such as physics, chemistry, English language, electricity, computer applications, and robotics. Therefore, mechanical engineers can function in other fields of engineering.
Technological Advancement
Technology has become a significant part of our lives and has high prospects for the future. Therefore, being a mechanical engineer, you will discover modern technologies that will help and improve society. Mechanical engineering skills are helpful across every sector.
Mechanical engineering provides you with a wide range of skills, including problem-solving, and advanced technical skills that will equip you in dealing with various issues and finding practical solutions in any field.
High Earning Prospect
Everyone wants a career that has good earning potential regardless of career advancement. Mechanical engineering is a flourishing career in terms of earnings. Due to their vast experience and knowledge of several fields, they have good employment and earning prospect.
Mechanical Engineering Requirements
If you aspire to become a mechanical engineer, there are some requirements you need to possess to fit into this profession. Some of these requirements vary by college or university while others are essential soft skills.
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree
- Gain professional experience
- Earn certifications
Have a bachelor’s degree
One of the criteria for becoming a mechanical engineer is obtaining a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering takes four to five years of study. Though, students can take two years of pre-engineering courses to learn the basics of the profession.
Some colleges and universities offer online engineering degree programs. This helps students who may want to work and still pursue their degrees. Having a master’s degree is an added advantage.
Gain professional experience
Having experience is an integral aspect of becoming a mechanical engineer. This helps to build your skills and unlock different job opportunities.
Earn certifications
Certifications are a way of validating your skills and proving credibility to potential employers. There is numerous organization that offers mechanical engineering certifications. Certifications also help in building your confidence.
Mechanical Engineering Certifications
Certifications can help mechanical engineers validate their skills and create more career opportunities for themselves. Many employers may seek candidates with certificates over those who have none. Therefore, certifications can improve your job prospects. Earning certifications advances you from entry-level positions to mid and senior-level roles as a professional engineer.
Meanwhile, before choosing a certification program, it’s important to assess your current mechanical engineering skills.
- Certified Professional in Engineering Management (CPEM)
- Certified Associate in Engineering Management (CAEM)
- Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP)
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
Relevant soft skills
To become a mechanical engineer there are other skills you must possess. These includes
- Problem-solving skills: Mechanical engineers provide solutions to technical problems. They figure out operational malfunctions, the capacity, and the effectiveness of machines.
- Creative thinking: Besides analyzing, installing, maintaining, and repairing machines, mechanical engineers design and develop devices. Thus, you need to be creative to effectively function in this role.
- Excellent communication: Communication is an essential skill required in every profession. You will need to communicate with colleagues and clients. Also, it’s necessary to give reports and challenges to clients or management if you work in an organization
Mechanical Engineering Courses
These courses are designed to provide students with insights into the profession. These are also flexible courses and can be studied online through various learning platforms.
Here’s a list of some mechanical engineering courses below
- Introduction to Engineering Mechanics
- Machine Design
- Introduction to machining and machining fluids
- Introduction to fluids mechanics
- Introduction to mechanical micromachining
- Dynamics of machines
- Introduction to turbomachines
- Mechatronics
- Mechanical measurement system
- Mechanics of deformable structures.
#1.Introduction to Engineering Mechanics
This is an introductory course to give students the basics of what mechanical engineering entails. In this course, knowledge learned will be a combination of proficiency in subjects such as physics, maths, and other related science subjects.
#2. Machine Design
Machine design is concerned with the development of machines and mechanisms. Hence, students will be able to design engines, turbines, and other areas of machines. Furthermore, they will be taught the application of machine tools during the study.
#3. Introduction to machining and machining fluids
This course is essential for mechanical engineering students. It provides a basic conception of machining processes. And it emphasizes the effect of fluid emissions on machines, the environment, and water pollution. Students will be taught the application techniques and how it improves machining performance.
#4. Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
One main aspect in several engineering fields is Fluid mechanics. And this course gives precise training on the principles of fluid mechanics. Likewise the application of those principles in analyzing fluids mechanical systems.
#5. Introduction to Mechanical Micro Machining
Various methods used in determining the level of complex micro products made from several engineering materials will be taught in this course. Mechanical micromachining course teaches students the capacity of micromachines in breaking metals, polymers, and ceramics in very less processes.
#6. Dynamics of machines
This is the study of motion in machines. This course exposes students to vibrational behavioral patterns of systems and how to detect potential problems of a machine. The effect of inertia and the occurrence of vibrations are considered in this course.
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#7. Introduction to Turbomachines
The purpose of this course is to examine the various kinds of turbo machines. More so, the course educates students on the fundamental principles of designing and operating turbines.
#8. Mechatronics
This mechanical engineering course educates students on the fundamentals of creating digital machines that gather information. Students will be taught about the creation of robots and automated machines and the use of digital electronic or computer-aided designing software.
#9. Mechanical Measure System
This course entails mechanical measurement systems and measurement techniques. You will learn how to conduct accurate measurements and the different standard characteristics of measuring instruments.
#10. Mechanics of Deformable Structures
Deformation and failure of structures will be studied in this course. The concepts of material strength and how structures like elastics, viscoelastic, and plastic elements change when they exceed their elasticity limit are part of the learning process for students in this course.
How much do Mechanical Engineers Earn
Mechanical engineering is a versatile profession with good earning potential for those intending to pursue a career in this field. The average annual salary for professionals ranges from an estimated sum of $72,441 to $92,836. Although, this may vary due to some factors such as experience, education, location, and licensure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is mechanical engineering a good career?
Of course. Mechanical engineering is a good career with diverse employment opportunities in various industries.
Are mechanical engineers high in demand?
The demand for mechanical engineers continues to rise over the years as the manufacturing of machinery increases yearly. This creates a high demand for skilled professionals in the mechanical engineering field.
What's the difference between mechanical engineers and civil engineers
Mechanical engineers test, design, develop and oversee the maintenance of machines. While civil engineers may also design and construct buildings, bridges, water systems, etc. Although, they are both considered the top oldest form of engineering.
Is certification necessary in mechanical engineering
Certifications validate your abilities and proficiency in your profession. Mechanical engineering certifications are necessary for engineers to help build their confidence and credibility in organizations.
Conclusion
Mechanical engineering is a very interesting career. It plays an important role in several industries. Mechanical engineers make use of their expertise and knowledge in designing machines and providing solutions to machinery problems.
This is a good career fit for those who are passionate about machines. Additionally, mechanical engineers are well-paid engineers.
