Lana Oconnell
Mechanical engineering is a broad field that involves designing, developing, building, and testing mechanical and thermal sensors and devices. Mechanical engineers are in high demand, with a projected employment growth of 11% from 2023 to 2033. Universities offer various academic programs that prepare students for this field, but what qualities are they looking for in prospective mechanical engineering students? This guide will explore the entry requirements, desired qualities, and career opportunities for those aspiring to become mechanical engineers. We will also delve into the importance of internships, co-ops, and real-world experience in shaping a successful career in mechanical engineering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Academic qualifications | A strong background in mathematics and physics, advanced courses in these areas during high school, and good scores in standardized tests |
| Passion and interest | A passion for engineering, robotics, technology, mathematics, and research and development |
| Problem-solving skills | Good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products |
| Creativity | The ability to shape ideas into reality |
| Hands-on experience | Real-world experience through internships, co-ops, and research projects |
| Accreditation | Accredited degrees from reputable institutions |
| Professional skills | Leadership skills, technical skills, and interpersonal skills |
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What You'll Learn
Problem-solving skills
Universities seek students who can demonstrate problem-solving skills and a passion for engineering through extracurricular activities or relevant work experience. This could be through internships, co-ops, or lab courses, where students can apply their knowledge and gain real-world experience.
Mechanical engineering students should be comfortable with failure and view it as an opportunity to learn and improve. The engineering process involves learning from failures to ultimately achieve success, so resilience is key.
In addition to technical skills, mechanical engineers need to cultivate a passion for innovation and a strong understanding of the world around them. They must be able to apply their knowledge to real-world problems and use their creativity to shape ideas into reality.
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Passion for engineering
Intrinsic Motivation:
Universities seek students who are intrinsically motivated by their passion for engineering. This means going beyond academic requirements and demonstrating a genuine interest in the subject. Students should be curious about how things work, eager to learn, and driven by an internal desire to create and innovate. This intrinsic motivation is essential for success in a demanding field like mechanical engineering.
Extracurricular Engagement:
A true passion for engineering often translates into extracurricular activities and projects. Universities look favorably upon students who pursue engineering-related hobbies, competitions, or volunteer work. This could include participating in robotics clubs, engineering design competitions, or community projects that apply engineering principles to solve real-world problems. Such extracurricular pursuits demonstrate a deep-rooted interest in the field that extends beyond the classroom.
Hands-on Experience:
Creative Problem-Solving:
Mechanical engineering is inherently interdisciplinary, requiring creative problem-solving skills. Universities seek students who can demonstrate a passion for tackling complex problems by combining knowledge from various fields. Passionate students embrace challenges, think critically, and approach problems from unique perspectives. They are not discouraged by failure but see it as an opportunity to learn and improve, embodying the iterative nature of the engineering process.
Long-Term Commitment:
Universities also look for indications of long-term commitment to the field. Passionate students often exhibit a sustained interest in engineering, demonstrating consistency and dedication. This could be reflected in their academic choices, such as taking advanced mathematics and physics courses in high school or pursuing relevant extracurricular activities over an extended period. A long-term commitment indicates a genuine passion for engineering rather than a fleeting interest.
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Mathematics and physics
Mathematics is a common interest among current and aspiring mechanical engineers. Mechanical engineering programs often emphasise the practical application of mathematical and engineering principles. For example, mechanical engineers use mathematics to design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery, such as power-producing machines like electric generators and internal combustion engines, and power-using machines like refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Mathematics is also used to design material-handling systems, such as conveyor systems and automated transfer stations.
Physics is another important component of mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineers use physics to understand the workings of the world and apply that knowledge to create innovative solutions. For example, mechanical engineers specialising in biomechanics apply mechanical engineering principles to the human body and biological systems, studying areas like human movement, biomaterials, medical device design, and rehabilitation engineering.
In addition to a strong background in mathematics and physics, universities often look for prospective mechanical engineering students with demonstrated problem-solving skills and a passion for engineering. These skills are essential for success in the field, as mechanical engineers must be able to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products.
Overall, a solid foundation in mathematics and physics is crucial for students interested in pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. These subjects provide the necessary knowledge and skills to understand complex engineering concepts and apply them to real-world problems.
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Work experience
Universities offering mechanical engineering programs typically seek students with a demonstrated passion for engineering, which can be showcased through relevant work experience or internships. This not only indicates a genuine interest in the field but also provides students with valuable practical skills and knowledge that complement the theoretical understanding gained through their academic studies.
Mechanical engineering is a broad and diverse field, encompassing various sectors such as transport, manufacturing, healthcare, and energy production. Gaining work experience in these sectors can provide students with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the industry. Internships, co-ops, and research projects are excellent avenues for students to gain practical experience and apply their engineering knowledge in real-world settings.
For example, through internships, students can work alongside experienced engineers, learn about manufacturing processes, and contribute to projects involving research, design, development, and testing. These opportunities enable students to bridge the gap between classroom learning and its practical application, making the transition into the industry much smoother.
Additionally, work experience allows students to develop essential soft skills, such as leadership and interpersonal skills, which are highly valued by employers. It also helps students build professional connections and networks, which can be advantageous when seeking future employment opportunities.
In summary, work experience is a highly valued aspect of pursuing a career in mechanical engineering. It provides students with practical knowledge, industry exposure, and valuable skills that complement their academic studies. By gaining work experience, students can enhance their employability, better understand the industry, and make more informed career decisions.
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Accredited degree
Universities offer many different academic programs that enable graduates to develop the hard and soft skills necessary to thrive in mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineering programs usually include courses in mathematics, physics, life and physical sciences, engineering, and design. Mechanical engineering degrees usually last for three or four years at the undergraduate level.
Most employers prefer to hire students from an accredited program. ABET accredits programs in engineering and engineering technology. A degree from an ABET-accredited program is usually necessary to become a licensed professional engineer. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one's career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, relevant work experience, and a passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.
Students at universities can participate in the Mechanical Engineering Accelerated Master's program, which allows highly motivated students to attain both their bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering at an accelerated pace. Some colleges and universities offer 5-year programs that allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree. Some 5-year or even 6-year cooperative plans combine classroom study with practical work, enabling students to gain valuable experience and earn money to finance part of their education.
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Frequently asked questions
Universities typically look for students with a strong background in mathematics and physics, as these subjects are fundamental to mechanical engineering. Advanced courses in these areas during high school or equivalent are often expected. Additionally, universities may also look for demonstrated problem-solving skills and a passion for engineering through extracurricular activities or relevant work experience.
Many programs may require standardised test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Some universities also offer the option of a foundation year for students who don't have the necessary grades, which provides the knowledge needed to commence a bachelor's degree.
Mechanical engineering programs focus on the design, operation, and improvement of manufacturing processes and systems. You will study topics such as production planning, quality control, automation, materials science, and lean manufacturing. Specialisations within the field include biomechanics, which involves applying mechanical engineering principles to the human body and biological systems.
