Mechanical Engineering

<h2 id="section---IsMechanicalEngineeringForMe">Is Mechanical Engineering for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerDescription">Career Description</h3> <p>As a mechanical engineer, you would work in an innovative field of mechanics. You would plan, create and produce different types of mechanisms and industrial devices. Some examples might include systems that control temperatures, machinery, motors and heavy equipment. </p> <h3 id="section---SpecializationsAndSkills">Specializations and Skills</h3> <p>Working in mechanical engineering, you might work as a chassis systems engineer, commissioning engineer, equipment engineer, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_the_Field_of_Mechanical_Engineering_Design.html">mechanical design engineer</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Do_Process_Engineers_Do.html">process engineer</a>, product engineer or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Systems_Engineering.html">systems engineer</a>. You could also work as a design engineer or design maintenance engineer. </p> <p>As a mechanical engineer, you need to be able to trouble-shoot problems, be able to determine actions that need to be taken to solve them and have good evaluation skills. You'll also need to be perceptive and possess good interaction skills. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentInformation">Employment Information</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Does_a_Mechanical_Engineer_Do.html">mechanical engineers</a> is expected to increase five percent between 2012-2022 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The BLS reported that employment prospects are expected to be generated from the development of new technology. In May 2013, mechanical engineers earned an average annual salary of $85,930, noted the BLS. </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInMechanicalEngineering">How Can I Work in Mechanical Engineering?</h2> <h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3> <p>Academic programs in mechanical engineering typically begin at the bachelor's degree level. The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) is an example. You can find these types of programs at universities. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Mechanical_Engineering_Bachelors_Degree.html">Bachelor's degree programs in mechanical engineering</a> might include studies in advanced mathematics, chemistry, engineering basics, circuitry and operation systems. You may also learn about the variance of calculations, the power of substances and objects, mechanical actions, mechanical liquid substances, motions in machinery, movement of energy and the process of designing machinery. Additionally, you would need to complete various mechanical engineering projects and lab studies. </p> <h3 id="section---Licensing">Licensing</h3> <p>If you're interested in becoming a mechanical engineer, you'll also need to become licensed. You'll need to hold an engineering degree from an accredited school, have at least four years of related job training and pass a state test. Some states may also have continuing education requirements as part of the licensing process.</p>