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In the mechanical engineering field, what should I expect to be doing on a day to day basis?
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4 answers
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Benroy’s Answer
The range of mechanical engineering is so broad, that it really boils down to what you're interested in. My mentor used to tell me that mechanical engineering is basically the study of anything that moves (whether fluids or solids). On top of that most ME courses these days include programming. I've been to construction, FMCG, semiconductor, and IT industries. My protip would be to figure out what field you want to be in first. If you're not sure, do research and talk to professionals from fields or better yet, do multiple internships to figure that out yourself. Try your best to know before you graduate so that you will be able to focus on building a career in that field of interest (i.e. not wasting time u-turning if it was not what you wanted). Good luck!
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Baljinder’s Answer
It all depends what kind of job you would like to do after completing your Mechanical engineering Degree. For example: R&D engineer, Application Engineer, Product Engineer etc.
But there are some commonality between all. Like you will be understanding and learning about your product in beginning of your career by doing small projects. In your mid career you will be responsible to perform or lead small or mid size projects with minimal supervision. and once you become senior in you career. You have to learn and perform by your self and guide junior level engineer also.
If you chose R&D: Than I would say your day would be like developing concept and doing analytical studies to validate you concept. And build the prototype to give the actual shape to your idea. And working in test lab to run various kind of tests to see how your product react to those conditions. You will working with Vendors/supplier to source your parts and explaining them the specifications to bridge any kind of communication gap. Participation in design review meeting to share your results or hurdles. And if everything will be delivered on time than of course after work Beer and food on company expenses.
But there are some commonality between all. Like you will be understanding and learning about your product in beginning of your career by doing small projects. In your mid career you will be responsible to perform or lead small or mid size projects with minimal supervision. and once you become senior in you career. You have to learn and perform by your self and guide junior level engineer also.
If you chose R&D: Than I would say your day would be like developing concept and doing analytical studies to validate you concept. And build the prototype to give the actual shape to your idea. And working in test lab to run various kind of tests to see how your product react to those conditions. You will working with Vendors/supplier to source your parts and explaining them the specifications to bridge any kind of communication gap. Participation in design review meeting to share your results or hurdles. And if everything will be delivered on time than of course after work Beer and food on company expenses.
Updated
Simon’s Answer
Mechanical engineers can do work from structures, machines and vehicles, to chemical process and distribution facilities/systems. The options and opportunities are endless if you keep an open mind. The great thing about studying engineering is that it gives you the skills to identify problems and improve on them, if not eliminate them. Engineers usually work in teams, so each individual brings in skills to solve the problems. There are also engineering companies that specialize in particular field that you can hire and oversee the project. I'm a mechanical engineer and worked in the chemical field as a project manager for 35 years building new chemical facilities and utilities, Find a field you are comfortable with (mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical) and use that as a basis to study engineering. The engineering process and skills are as important as the particular specialty. Good luck and make the world a better place!!!!
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Nitin’s Answer
Mechanical Engineering is a very broad field as MEs work in several different industries from Automotive, Technology, Oil/Gas and others. And Mechanical Engineers can also do a variety of jobs depending on their interest and experience like product design, manufacturing/operations, product development, quality engineering etc. A day to day in a life of ME depends on the job but it will always include working on challenging projects, engaging with cross functional team members, brainstorming and solving problems. Some jobs may be more hands on like in manufacturing industries while others in product design/development will be more lab/desk jobs spending more time on computer. Opportunities are end-less and in ME field, you can definitely carve your own path and career however you want. Hope this helps, good luck!!