Mechanical engineering course enables an individual to build their career in mechanical engineering. Besides establishing a career in mechanical engineering, individuals choose to pursue mechanical engineering at academic levels for a number of reasons. Learners choose this field due to its broad nature, which gives them a chance to specialize in one of its sub-branches. It offers design and manufacturing, energy systems, nuclear engineering, biomechanical systems, dynamics, vibrations and controls, applied mechanics and automotive engineering as fields of specialization. Individuals also enroll for mechanical engineering to advance their knowledge regarding machines and mechanical systems (Iowa State University). In this case, people enroll to major in mechanical engineering as they seek to achieve their goals. People with prior knowledge regarding mechanics also enroll for this major in order to attain higher levels of learning.
People choose a mechanical engineering major because it leads to a career in mechanical engineering, which offers them job satisfaction. Some individuals choose this field because it acts as a bridge to advanced robotics and robot design. Mechanical engineering also acts as a link for specialization in nuclear energy. Both robotics and nuclear energy have emerged as new fields in the science world and this major provides a link to advance in both fields (Iowa State University). Finally, students choose this field because employers’ highly value mechanical engineering graduates in their companies.
Mechanical engineering provides numerous application options, which include analysis, manufacturing, testing, control, and operating mechanical systems. The field also involves the maintenance of mechanical systems. A mechanical engineering graduate can take up a variety of jobs. These jobs include research in the aerospace industry and maintenance of aircrafts. In the automotive industry, the graduate can design, manufacture, and distribute motor vehicles. An individual may also venture into the chemical industry as an analyst for new chemical technologies (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Other jobs include infrastructure design in the construction industry and support services in the defense industry. These jobs mainly relate to mechanics and engineering. An individual may also seek for jobs outside the engineering fields. Such jobs include jobs in the information technology field such as design and implementation of software for mechanical engineering companies. They may also seek for teaching jobs in sciences. Finally, a graduate may venture into the self-employment world to work as a consultant for mechanical engineering firms that outsource these services (Iowa State University).
According to the bureau of labor statistics, a mechanical engineer should receive a minimum of $40.75 per hour. In terms of annual wage, a mechanical engineer receives an average of $84,770 per year. However, this only indicates the minimal wage level. In some states, a mechanical engineer earns an average of $88,230-$103,840. Mechanical engineers work in office environments where they analyze and design different machines.
Works Cited
Iowa State University. "What Does a Mechanical Engineer Do?." Mechanical Engineering. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. <http://www.me.iastate.edu/jobs/what-does-a-mechanical-engineer-do/>.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "17-2141 Mechanical Engineers." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. <http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172141.htm>.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Summary." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. <http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm>.
