2 answers
Aikaterini
Student
Danbury, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
866 views
What is it like to work in the field as a mechanical engineer? #Spring25
What is it like to work in the field as a mechanical engineer?
#Spring25
Login to comment
2 answers
Bobbi Stevens
16
Answers
Updated
Bobbi’s Answer
Hi Aikaterini,
Working as a mechanical engineer is an exciting journey that combines both desk work and hands-on tasks. You'll have opportunities to dive into programming while also getting involved with machines directly. The balance between these tasks can vary depending on the company, making each job unique.
If you enjoy math and solving problems, mechanical engineering could be a great fit for you. You'll use numbers and formulas to create programs and troubleshoot machines. When something doesn't work right, you'll figure out how to fix it, which is like solving a puzzle. Being detail-oriented is important because even small errors can impact the outcome.
This career can be very rewarding, both mentally and financially. While there can be challenging times and long hours, these often depend on the project's demands. I suggest finding a company you're interested in and seeing if you can shadow someone or chat with a mechanical engineer there. This experience will help you decide if this is the right path for you.
Working as a mechanical engineer is an exciting journey that combines both desk work and hands-on tasks. You'll have opportunities to dive into programming while also getting involved with machines directly. The balance between these tasks can vary depending on the company, making each job unique.
If you enjoy math and solving problems, mechanical engineering could be a great fit for you. You'll use numbers and formulas to create programs and troubleshoot machines. When something doesn't work right, you'll figure out how to fix it, which is like solving a puzzle. Being detail-oriented is important because even small errors can impact the outcome.
This career can be very rewarding, both mentally and financially. While there can be challenging times and long hours, these often depend on the project's demands. I suggest finding a company you're interested in and seeing if you can shadow someone or chat with a mechanical engineer there. This experience will help you decide if this is the right path for you.
Chrisanne M
engineer
10
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Chrisanne’s Answer
Hi Aikaterini,
Great question about what life after university could look like for you.
As a mechanical engineer, every day can be different, which can be exciting or a bit tiring, depending on what you like.
I started as a design engineer, creating system components. My days involved meeting clients to understand their needs, collaborating with other engineers to find solutions, and working on the design, including safety and structural testing.
I also worked as an engineering integrator, coordinating with various companies to ensure their designs fit together seamlessly. This involved understanding each design and making sure everything met the client's requirements.
As a build engineer, I took existing designs and worked with trades to build them, ensuring everything matched the plans.
I have also been a manager, leading design and integration engineers, and a project manager, handling budgets, schedules, and overseeing construction activities. This role involved a lot of paperwork.
Additionally, I led a factory making consumer products, working with finance and operations teams to optimize production lines.
One constant in engineering is interacting and influencing others. I recommend taking courses in communication, human psychology, and negotiation skills during your university days.
You have an exciting career ahead of you!
Great question about what life after university could look like for you.
As a mechanical engineer, every day can be different, which can be exciting or a bit tiring, depending on what you like.
I started as a design engineer, creating system components. My days involved meeting clients to understand their needs, collaborating with other engineers to find solutions, and working on the design, including safety and structural testing.
I also worked as an engineering integrator, coordinating with various companies to ensure their designs fit together seamlessly. This involved understanding each design and making sure everything met the client's requirements.
As a build engineer, I took existing designs and worked with trades to build them, ensuring everything matched the plans.
I have also been a manager, leading design and integration engineers, and a project manager, handling budgets, schedules, and overseeing construction activities. This role involved a lot of paperwork.
Additionally, I led a factory making consumer products, working with finance and operations teams to optimize production lines.
One constant in engineering is interacting and influencing others. I recommend taking courses in communication, human psychology, and negotiation skills during your university days.
You have an exciting career ahead of you!