3 answers
Zion
Student
Tonasket, Washington
1
Question
Updated
767 views
What is the hardest part about pursuing a career after graduating college as a Mechanical Engineer?
I am going to college as a Mechanical Engineer for Oregen State University. I know my graduation is not for a few more years. However, I am still worried about the whole "finding your career" aspect after graduation and how I can handle/manage that.
Login to comment
3 answers
Collin O'Brien
Director, Producer, 1st AD, oilfield engineer
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Collin’s Answer
Zion,
Finding a career is the hardest part but if I could have done anything differently I would have taken advantage of what the school provides. While attending make sure to get an internship somewhere. Befriend teachers and have them connect you to internships. It's all about who you know in most industries so start making connections. Whatever the internship is, even if you're not fully invested, it'll provide you access to real life, on the job examples of what the roles are like. If you don't like it, then try a new internship the next year. These people will be happy to help and be resources for further connections in any field that you're interested in. This experience will make it easier to find a find after graduating AND knowing what type of job suits you best.
Don't forget to have fun while doing it!
Collin
Finding a career is the hardest part but if I could have done anything differently I would have taken advantage of what the school provides. While attending make sure to get an internship somewhere. Befriend teachers and have them connect you to internships. It's all about who you know in most industries so start making connections. Whatever the internship is, even if you're not fully invested, it'll provide you access to real life, on the job examples of what the roles are like. If you don't like it, then try a new internship the next year. These people will be happy to help and be resources for further connections in any field that you're interested in. This experience will make it easier to find a find after graduating AND knowing what type of job suits you best.
Don't forget to have fun while doing it!
Collin
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
154
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Zion,
As you may be aware, destiny bestows upon us different talents and potentialities. Being able to discover and use them to the fullest is at the center of career progression. As a student, your involvement in internship programs is an ideal opportunity to explore and identify what suits you best. If what interests you the most happens to be what you are really good at, your career success becomes a lot easier.
In addition to formal knowledge and skills, experiential learning is what firmly puts you on your career trajectory. Starting something new often comes with challenges - this is natural and is true when starting a career.
Mechanical engineering is quite broad and career opportunities are available in many sectors: Aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, transport, services etc.
Roles exist in production, maintenance, utilities, design, projects, research and development, consulting & teaching in Institutions of higher learning.
Excellence in your persuance of a professional qualification remains paramount.
At the level of practice, competencies in best practices, emotional intelligence etc. are essential for a successful career.
Membership in professional associations exposes you to professional standards, regulations and best practices. These bodies also publish journals that expose you to the latest innovations and developments.
Membership is available to aspiring students.
They include:
1) American Society of Mechanical Engineers
2) Institution of Mechanical Engineers
As you may be aware, destiny bestows upon us different talents and potentialities. Being able to discover and use them to the fullest is at the center of career progression. As a student, your involvement in internship programs is an ideal opportunity to explore and identify what suits you best. If what interests you the most happens to be what you are really good at, your career success becomes a lot easier.
In addition to formal knowledge and skills, experiential learning is what firmly puts you on your career trajectory. Starting something new often comes with challenges - this is natural and is true when starting a career.
Mechanical engineering is quite broad and career opportunities are available in many sectors: Aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, transport, services etc.
Roles exist in production, maintenance, utilities, design, projects, research and development, consulting & teaching in Institutions of higher learning.
Excellence in your persuance of a professional qualification remains paramount.
At the level of practice, competencies in best practices, emotional intelligence etc. are essential for a successful career.
Membership in professional associations exposes you to professional standards, regulations and best practices. These bodies also publish journals that expose you to the latest innovations and developments.
Membership is available to aspiring students.
They include:
1) American Society of Mechanical Engineers
2) Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Sreedhar Chanda
Mechanical Engineer
46
Answers
Kentwood, Michigan
Updated
Sreedhar’s Answer
Hi Zion,
It is a good thing that you are thinking about your career. But career is not something that can be successfully planned beforehand. It is something that gets built as you move along in your job. You can have a satisfying career if you make an effort to understand your personality, your life goals, your strengths, your weaknesses. As you understand yourself better, you will be able to guide yourself in your job. My recommendation is for you to keep your grades as high as you are able to maintain them. Start talking to college counselor about advanced degree and the additional time it requires. Also, start talking to professors about what specialization they have and what research they are involved in. You might find the research work of one of the professors very interesting. Then ask that professor what types of jobs you can get in that specific field. The next steps to pursue will come to you automatically.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
It is a good thing that you are thinking about your career. But career is not something that can be successfully planned beforehand. It is something that gets built as you move along in your job. You can have a satisfying career if you make an effort to understand your personality, your life goals, your strengths, your weaknesses. As you understand yourself better, you will be able to guide yourself in your job. My recommendation is for you to keep your grades as high as you are able to maintain them. Start talking to college counselor about advanced degree and the additional time it requires. Also, start talking to professors about what specialization they have and what research they are involved in. You might find the research work of one of the professors very interesting. Then ask that professor what types of jobs you can get in that specific field. The next steps to pursue will come to you automatically.
Good luck!
Sreedhar