4 answers
TM
Student
Bridgeport, Connecticut
1
Question
Updated
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How has a background/degree in mechanical engineering allowed you to work across different industries? #Spring25?
Also, what skills have been the most transferable across the industries?
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4 answers
ogundiji samson
Engineer
5
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
ogundiji’s Answer
A Mechanical Engineering degree provides a versatile foundation because its core principles (mechanics, thermodynamics, design, materials) are fundamental to nearly all physical systems. This broad applicability allows ME graduates to work across diverse industries like automotive, energy, aerospace, manufacturing, and biomedical.
The most transferable skills include:
Problem-solving & Analytical Thinking: Breaking down complex issues.
Design & System Thinking: Understanding how components work together.
Technical Analysis & Troubleshooting: Evaluating performance and identifying/fixing faults.
The most transferable skills include:
Problem-solving & Analytical Thinking: Breaking down complex issues.
Design & System Thinking: Understanding how components work together.
Technical Analysis & Troubleshooting: Evaluating performance and identifying/fixing faults.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
87
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Dear TM,
As you may be aware, mechanical engineering is quite a broad course as it overlaps both civil engineering (water resources management, structures) and electrical engineering (electronics & electrical machines)
The discipline allows you to work in a wide range of industries: Aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical, beverage, transport, agro processing etc.
Available roles include production, maintenance, utilities, projects, design, research & development, sales engineer etc.
Firm grounding in engineering principles is extremely important.
Analytical, problem solving, leadership & communication skills cut across all the available roles.
Ability to interpret drawings & technical reports are especially critical at the level of practice.
There are other important competencies for operational excellence that are required for success especially in the manufacturing sector. These include Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM)
TMP is the very foundation on which World Class Manufacturing is built: team based activities, elimination of waste, continuous improvement, operator involvement in reliability improvements (autonomous maintenance), workplace organization for safety and efficiency (5S) & competence of the workforce
RCM, on the other hand focuses on the realization of inherent equipment reliability and safety at minimum cost, by focusing on the failure process. It's based on the idea that every maintenance task should be created based on the consequences of equipment failures and that such tasks must target machine root causes (Ishikawa Diagram/Fishbone). Embedded in RCM methodology are advanced problem solving techniques that are used for the identification of potential machine root causes. These potential machine root causes are initially progressed through the first level of a decision logic (decision tree) to establish consequence of failure and then through a second level to identify an appropriate maintenance task based on technical feasibility and cost effectiveness. A maintenance task wheel is provided for this.
There are other important asset management business processes that mechanical engineers make use of in practice: work management, information management, inventory management, change management, maintenance tools & workshop equipment, projects & budget management etc.
Competencies in the above areas make mechanical engineers very competitive in the roles they occupy across the board.
As you may be aware, mechanical engineering is quite a broad course as it overlaps both civil engineering (water resources management, structures) and electrical engineering (electronics & electrical machines)
The discipline allows you to work in a wide range of industries: Aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical, beverage, transport, agro processing etc.
Available roles include production, maintenance, utilities, projects, design, research & development, sales engineer etc.
Firm grounding in engineering principles is extremely important.
Analytical, problem solving, leadership & communication skills cut across all the available roles.
Ability to interpret drawings & technical reports are especially critical at the level of practice.
There are other important competencies for operational excellence that are required for success especially in the manufacturing sector. These include Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM)
TMP is the very foundation on which World Class Manufacturing is built: team based activities, elimination of waste, continuous improvement, operator involvement in reliability improvements (autonomous maintenance), workplace organization for safety and efficiency (5S) & competence of the workforce
RCM, on the other hand focuses on the realization of inherent equipment reliability and safety at minimum cost, by focusing on the failure process. It's based on the idea that every maintenance task should be created based on the consequences of equipment failures and that such tasks must target machine root causes (Ishikawa Diagram/Fishbone). Embedded in RCM methodology are advanced problem solving techniques that are used for the identification of potential machine root causes. These potential machine root causes are initially progressed through the first level of a decision logic (decision tree) to establish consequence of failure and then through a second level to identify an appropriate maintenance task based on technical feasibility and cost effectiveness. A maintenance task wheel is provided for this.
There are other important asset management business processes that mechanical engineers make use of in practice: work management, information management, inventory management, change management, maintenance tools & workshop equipment, projects & budget management etc.
Competencies in the above areas make mechanical engineers very competitive in the roles they occupy across the board.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical engineer, researcher and Software Developer
195
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
A degree in mechanical engineering opens up many exciting opportunities, allowing you to shine in fields like aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, robotics, and more. This is possible because you gain a solid grasp of mechanics, thermodynamics, and system design, along with hands-on experience and strong problem-solving skills. As a mechanical engineer, you'll also build soft skills like adaptability, creativity, and time management, which will help you succeed in any setting.
Beyond technical know-how, you'll master tools like CAD software, data analysis, and project coordination. These skills make it easy to communicate clearly and work well with others. With such a wide range of abilities, you can effortlessly move between industries like aerospace and mechatronics, always bringing fresh ideas and tackling new challenges head-on.
Beyond technical know-how, you'll master tools like CAD software, data analysis, and project coordination. These skills make it easy to communicate clearly and work well with others. With such a wide range of abilities, you can effortlessly move between industries like aerospace and mechatronics, always bringing fresh ideas and tackling new challenges head-on.
Alejandra de la Hija
Mechanical Engineering
2
Answers
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Updated
Alejandra’s Answer
My background in mechanical engineering has been a solid base for working in various industries. It taught me to think systematically, solve tough problems, and adapt quickly to new technical settings. In product development for fuel tank systems, I learned design, testing, and coordination skills that I can use in many areas. Whether dealing with car parts or 3D printing, the basics of mechanics, materials, and process engineering are always useful.
The flexibility of my training has opened many doors. Mechanical engineering isn't limited to one field. It allows me to communicate well with both design and production teams, work with suppliers and customers, and organize projects across different areas. This adaptability has helped me move into roles that mix engineering with business strategy and sustainability, especially in new fields like additive manufacturing.
The flexibility of my training has opened many doors. Mechanical engineering isn't limited to one field. It allows me to communicate well with both design and production teams, work with suppliers and customers, and organize projects across different areas. This adaptability has helped me move into roles that mix engineering with business strategy and sustainability, especially in new fields like additive manufacturing.