Career questions tagged mechanicalengineering
Mechanical Engineering Master's or Master's degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics?
I'm currently a Biomedical Engineering undergrad planning to work in the field of prosthetics. I've heard the BME job market isn't the best right now, so I was planning on doing an accelerated program with my university that would allow me to graduate with my mechanical engineering master's in the same 4 years as my BME bachelor degree. I thought this was a good idea to get more prosthetic knowledge overall and make my resume more competitive. I recently found out that if I want to work with patients and design prosthetics, I would need a specific master's degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics. This degree isn't offered at my university or many universities in general. I would have to spend 2 years pursuing this degree plus a 12-18 month residency. I'm questioning doing this because I don't want to spend the time doing this degree and boxing myself in. If I do the Master's degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics instead of mechanical engineering, I don't think I would have as much room to pivot fields if I decide to. I believe I can still create prosthetics with a BME or mechanical degree, but I just won't get to work directly with patients.
What softwares can I learn as a mechanical engineer that will give me an edge in the engineering field?
Any basic to complex softwares
Mechanical Automotive Engineer?
Challenges and Growth -What are the biggest challenges you face -What new skills have you had to learn
What do aerospace engineers actually do day-to-day?
I’m trying to understand the real scope of aerospace engineering beyond the basic “design airplanes and rockets” explanation. From what I’ve read, it seems like the field covers a lot—things like aerodynamics, propulsion, structural design, simulation, and testing—but I’m not sure what a typical workday actually looks like in practice. For anyone working in or studying the field: what do aerospace engineer do on a regular basis, and how much of it is hands-on vs computer-based work? I also came across this overview that explains the different areas pretty clearly: https://hydrasearch.com/what-do-aerospace-engineers-do/ Would appreciate real-world insights from students or professionals.
Does college ranking really matter? Purdue vs Northeastern (energy/renewable engineering)
I'm an incoming freshman choosing between Purdue and Northeastern for engineering. I have an Army ROTC scholarship covering full tuition at both schools, so cost is not a factor I'm considering. My career goal is currently in renewable energy and electric grid/storage technology (think grid-scale batteries, renewables, energy storage, not oil/nuclear) I acknowledge Purdue's incredible research opportunities, programs, and longstanding history within the industry. Though Northeastern seems to have somewhat caught up, with lots of partners in the Boston tech hub. Another big factor is location; I really love cities and do not prefer a college town like Purdue (I think). My dad's perspective is that I should be learning the fundamentals and learn from research/projects within the school, rather than focus on a specific field/discipline. But I'm not sure if I completely agree with that. My gut says Northeastern for renewable/electric energy specifically because of the Boston ecosystem and co-op pipeline, but I want to hear from people actually working in the industry: 1. Does the Northeastern vs Purdue distinction actually matter to hiring managers in renewable energy, or do employers in this space care more about co-op experience and skills than school name? 2. For someone targeting grid-scale storage or offshore wind, is Boston actually where the action is, or are there better geographic markets I should be thinking about? 3. How much does location really matter? Purdue has lots of opportunities within, and NEU has outside opportunities. 4. Do employers recognize a harder curriculum and research like Purdue, or real experience at co-ops/internships? Will I get enough experience at NEU coop that it can cover the gap in academics and reputation of Purdue? 5. In terms of alumni network, Purdue has over 600k, while NEU has about 300k total, with 54k within COE. Though is the density of these alumni in the energy industry, since Boston is the leading energy hub? Appreciate any perspective from people in the industry or who've done the military + engineering track.
How do I work on trying to find a job in roller coaster engineering after I graduate from college?
I am majoring in mechanical engineering, and my dream is to become a roller coaster engineer for amusement parks, but I have no idea how to find a job in this field.
What is the best route to take to pursue forensic engineering?
I am currently a high school senior that is planning to get my bachelors in mechanical engineering with the end goal of forensic engineering. How do I get into the forensic engineering field with a mechanical engineering degree?
What steps should I take during my first years of college as an upcoming mechanical engineer to stand out for internships and eventually land a career? #Spring25
I would especially love advice on what skills, experiences, or projects employers look for most. #Spring25
What is the best way to get into the Auto sports industry?
Should I get a degree in mechanical engineering? I want to design race cars but Im not sure where to start. #Spring26
What are the best ways to explore what type of engineering I should major in?
Right now I'm thinking of either mechanical or industrial engineering.
What conditionals or certifications best help an engineering major, like a Fusion360 certification. And what are the main difference between engineering and engineering technology,?
I am trying to choose between these two for my major for LeTourneau Universiy. Thank you. (#Spring26)
What is the Best Minor if Majoring in Aerospace Engineering?
I am currently a Senior in High School, looking to pursue a higher education in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle in the Fall. I was wondering what minor would best coincide with my intended major? I was thinking Electrical, but none of the classes lined up, and the credits started to get a bit messy.
How do I explore more career path?
I am intrested in engineering and hands on jobs.
What is the hardest part of being an Engineer.?
Hello, I am a 7th grade student at Crane Middle School, I was wondering what is the hardest about being Engineer. I was also wondering what a normal day would look like and if different types of engineers would need more or less education. Ever since I was little I always loved to make things out of empty can and old cardboard. I have always been interested in engineering and construction, I also love to learn how machines work like lawn mowers and weed wackers.
What are options of majors i can take if im interested in engineering?
Im in high school and i found i like engineering but im not taking a engineering class at school. Im not knowledgeable on the different paths i can go.
How AI would add value to Mechanical engineering?
More particularly other sub fields of Mechanical engineering
I am a second year undergrad student pursuing mechanical engineering and I don't know how to navigate my future??
I want to break into space company like for example SpaceX or NASA or ISRO. What are the skills I need to develop?
Im a senior heading to college next year and I want to ask any engineers about their average work day and how it goes?
I'm planning on majoring in mechanical engineering and want to get a look into what the job looks like from a real perspective
How do I start a career in engineering, specifically HVAC?
I have no prior knowledge of how to start a career, know the very very basics of physics, and really just need to know what steps to follow to get my career started.
how many years do you have to go to become a robotic engineer ?
I want to become this in the future and i want to know how many years I need to study
What is the best way to connect with other people in the engineering field?
I am a senior in high school looking to go into Mechanical Engineering and want to know more about peoples lives within the field. #Fall25
What degree shall I pursue that will allow me a career in aviation possible piloting? Should I apply for mechanical engineering or other options available? Please let me know what your opinion would be. I really like to build things, but I also wanna fly.
I’m a high school student and my goal in life is definitely to fly. I really enjoyed building things as well. My GPS is 4.0 I’m very diligent about my school work and math is my favorite subject. I like to travel and visited 40 of the 63 National parks in the US. This is when I developed my love for flight.
How might someone get into the automotive flied by studying engineering?
Hi, I am studying engineering, and I am interested in the automotive industry. I study mechanical engineering and am trying to find a way in.
How do I know whether or not I am in the correct major? What do I do if things change??
I am attending Texas A&M University in Fall 2026. I plan on entering general engineering and pursuing a major in mechanical engineering.
What Engineering field is the best in regards to high growth and sustainability?
I am a high school Senior that is interested in Mechanical engineering. But as I go into college, I am concerned as to what Engineering major would take me the farthest, without worrying about major changes caused by AI or new technology.
What Engineering Job should I pursue ?
I am in college and my degree is Bachelor’s of science Engineering. I have really enjoyed graphics and the math side of my classes, any recommendations for Engineering Careers that would align with my interest.
How do I narrow down potential engineering fields?
Currently, I am stuck between chemical, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. All of these really interest me, but I cannot choose. Thank you!?
Do you think it is more beneficial to participate in a co-op or an internship for engineering degrees?
I am a high school senior interested in mechanical or electrical engineering.
How can I go to college to become a pilot for free? #fall25
What are the requirements to become a pilot? What kind of school should I attend to become a pilot? What's better, being a private pilot or being a commercial pilot? Can I study Aeronautical and learn how to fly a plane at the same time? What kind of engineering could I study that also connects to planes/being a pilot? Can I pursue a trade and attend flight school on the side to become a pilot? Is going to the Air Force a good way to learn about planes and how to pilot them? #fall25
How would I go about my interviewing process to get a job in mechanical engineering, and how would that differ for aerospace engineering and chemical engineering?
I have known that i have wanted to be an engineer since second grade, but i have been undecided between aerospace, mechanical, and chemical.