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How will I know if mechanical engineering is the right career for me and what opportunities come with mechanical engineering?

- 12th grade
- Aspire to be an engineer
- I want to get at least a bachelor's degree in engineering

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Yusoff’s Answer

Hi Johnny, that's a great question! I don't have a simple answer, but I can share my experience, which might help you decide. I graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering back in 1999. You might wonder how I knew it was the right path for me. Honestly, I didn't. My brother, who also studied Mechanical Engineering, influenced my choice. Plus, I was curious about what the field involved, which kept me motivated.

After graduating, I began as a Process Mechanical Engineer, working on design and sustaining work for a test and measurement equipment company. I loved the challenges and technical work, and eventually, I moved into management, where I am today.

From my experience, if you're curious and passionate about understanding how things work, any engineering field can be exciting and rewarding. If you're particularly interested in mechanical movements, robotics, or manufacturing technology, you might also consider Mechatronic Engineering, which combines Mechanical and Electronic Engineering.
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

Mechanical engineering is a broad field that could be the right path if you are strong in math and physics and enjoy designing machines and systems, understanding how things work, and solving problems. You can explore this field by participating in robotics or engineering clubs, attending workshops, or working in labs. Mechanical engineering graduates can find opportunities in aerospace, energy, robotics, manufacturing, research, design, project management, and academia. When choosing this path, it’s important to consider your specific passions, strengths, potential, long-term career goals, and the job market to determine if it truly fits you.

If mechanical engineering is not your first choice, related fields can be good alternatives. Mechatronics is closely related, combining mechanical systems with electronics and control systems, which opens doors in automation and advanced manufacturing and overlaps with electrical engineering in areas like embedded systems and controls. Robotics also connects to mechanical engineering but emphasizes programming, artificial intelligence, and electronics, making it relevant to both electrical engineering and computer science.

If you are not interested in these three engineering fields, you can consider careers in other high-demand areas, such as computer science, renewable energy systems, embedded electronics, and control systems. Choosing a field should reflect your personal interests, abilities, and long-term career goals while also considering future job market demand and global opportunities.
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William’s Answer

High Johnny,
Your interest in engineering is a very good starting point. Fundamentally, you need to be good in such subjects as mathematics and physics to be able to pursue a career in engineering. Other important subjects include chemistry, graphics & design as well as computer applications.
Often, children pick interest in engineering at a very early age by fixing faulty appliances, bicycles, motorbikes etc. Involvement in repair work gives you insight into how parts fit together to form a given piece of equipment.
Mechanical engineering is quite wide. It include such areas as design, manufacture (construction), operation (production) and maintenance. Opportunities exist across all manufacturing sectors: aerospace, automobile, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage sector, industrial machinery, earthmoving equipment, mining etc. Mechanical engineers also work in utilities companies, consultancies, research & development. Engineering students in colleges and universities are largely taught by engineers. Additional competence in management & leadership skills enable engineers to work at all levels of the organizations they work in.
More importantly, success depends on the effort you put in: passion, diligence, perseverance, curiosity and involvement in practical work at every available opportunity.
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Sreedhar’s Answer

Hi Johnny,
If you are not sure which engineering major to select, you will find a general engineering degree offered in many universities. During the coursework of such a general degree, you will most likely, be able to pick a specific major. If you are still not able to, that is fine because you can still graduate with a general engineering bachelor's degree, which is accepted by many employers.
So, relax, get good grades, apply to colleges on time.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
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