4 answers
Penelope
Student
San Rafael, California
1
Question
Updated
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How do you know what career path you want to take after college more specifically than just your major? I am sure that I want to go into some career related to mechanical engineering but there are a lot of paths to take.
career advice
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4 answers
Brian Swain
Mechanical Engineer
62
Answers
Modesto, California
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi Penelope,
The simple an un-glamourous answer is "Whatever you can find in your local area, or the area you are able to commute too" unless you have prior experience, it can be very difficult to find a job at all. So the very first job you take may not be ideal, but you can use the experience gained to move elsewhere, or you may discover that the position/industry you started in works for you.
The simple an un-glamourous answer is "Whatever you can find in your local area, or the area you are able to commute too" unless you have prior experience, it can be very difficult to find a job at all. So the very first job you take may not be ideal, but you can use the experience gained to move elsewhere, or you may discover that the position/industry you started in works for you.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Start by thinking about your passions, what you enjoy, your strengths, and your career goals, whether that’s designing things, solving problems, working hands-on, or diving into research. Listen to your inner voice, as it can often guide you toward the path that feels right. If you enjoy mechanical engineering, pursue it, but also explore other engineering fields in detail to see how they align with your dreams and compare which options feel most exciting to you. Gaining real-world experience through mechanical engineering internships, co-ops, or student clubs, and talking to your school advisor, teachers, or professionals in the field through informational interviews or shadowing, can give you a clearer picture of day-to-day work. It also helps to stay aware of industry trends, as specialized areas like robotics, renewable energy, and 3D printing are growing fast, and to connect with mentors who can guide you.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
150
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Penelope,
As humans, we generally have aspirations/dreams. Such aspirations are often informed by our natural gifts, interests, role models, our fascinations with what surrounds us and curiosity.
It's important to love and enjoy what you do as well so you can pursue it with passion, diligence and commitment.
Obtaining a qualification is a starting point. What you do with such a qualification defines your contributions to society.
Mechanical engineering is a very exciting discipline and offers you a wide range of opportunities in the field of practice: production & manufacturing generally, utilities, aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals sectors etc.
To be able to pursue a course in engineering, you need to have a good grasp of mathematics and physics in high school. Other important subjects include chemistry, computer applications, design and graphics.
Like in any worthwhile human engagement, honest effort is critical for success. Working smart will help you get ahead in a truly meaningful way.
As humans, we generally have aspirations/dreams. Such aspirations are often informed by our natural gifts, interests, role models, our fascinations with what surrounds us and curiosity.
It's important to love and enjoy what you do as well so you can pursue it with passion, diligence and commitment.
Obtaining a qualification is a starting point. What you do with such a qualification defines your contributions to society.
Mechanical engineering is a very exciting discipline and offers you a wide range of opportunities in the field of practice: production & manufacturing generally, utilities, aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals sectors etc.
To be able to pursue a course in engineering, you need to have a good grasp of mathematics and physics in high school. Other important subjects include chemistry, computer applications, design and graphics.
Like in any worthwhile human engagement, honest effort is critical for success. Working smart will help you get ahead in a truly meaningful way.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Penelope,
If you are still in high-school or in your first year of college, you don't need to know exactly which path your are going to take. You need to know that you enjoy things like math and physics and that you like to be creative, build things and solve problems.
It's good that you are aware of some career paths, you will learn a lot more about different specialties within mechanical engineering and other career paths while you go through your degree program. You'll get to know areas in mechanical engineering that you didn't even know existed, and you'll find the areas you enjoy and excel in and the ones you don't like.
Get involved in research as soon as you can. Try to get some interesting internships. Go to poster exhibits and career days, talk to professors and to the graduate students who will be your TAs and find out what you are most interested in.
At the end of the day, your career path will depend on choices you make but also on opportunities that present themselves at a certain point in time when you are ready.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
If you are still in high-school or in your first year of college, you don't need to know exactly which path your are going to take. You need to know that you enjoy things like math and physics and that you like to be creative, build things and solve problems.
It's good that you are aware of some career paths, you will learn a lot more about different specialties within mechanical engineering and other career paths while you go through your degree program. You'll get to know areas in mechanical engineering that you didn't even know existed, and you'll find the areas you enjoy and excel in and the ones you don't like.
Get involved in research as soon as you can. Try to get some interesting internships. Go to poster exhibits and career days, talk to professors and to the graduate students who will be your TAs and find out what you are most interested in.
At the end of the day, your career path will depend on choices you make but also on opportunities that present themselves at a certain point in time when you are ready.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP