Mechanical engineering major is a noble course that enables people to establish successful careers in various sectors. Individuals who have pursued this course have the opportunity of specializing in General Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Sciences or Mechanical Systems. General Engineering is essentially recommendable for individuals who need to have broad mechanical engineering background. Thermal Sciences focus on conversion of energy from one form to another and its use. Mechanical Systems concentrate on the synthesis and optimization of various devices and machines.
Besides being a noble career, most people choose mechanical engineering major because it has high job security and encouraging remuneration. Recent statistics highlight that employment in the engineering sector presents the potential of growing by 4.5% over the next decade (Princeton Review 82). Mechanical Engineering major offers broad job opportunities; however, the number of individuals who have graduated with this course is considerably small. This explains the high employment opportunities offered by the course. According to Garner (78), mechanical engineering graduates are easily absorbed into various opportunities.
Various jobs that cut across different areas need a major in mechanical engineering. The training offered prepares mechanical engineers for careers in most manufacturing operation, research, government and academic organizations. These graduates take up assignments that include aspects such as research and development, supervision production, administration, testing and examination of machines and plants, designing of equipments, and teaching. The training offered mainly focuses on empowering graduates with engineering background and concepts to enable them address present and future challenges (Garner 28).
Some of the jobs that need this course include careers in industries such as Aerospace, Automotive, Chemical, Construction, Defense, Electronics, material and metal, pharmaceuticals, and marine among others (Garner 37). Other areas such as architecture, nanotechnology and alternative energy present unique opportunities for mechanical engineering graduates. Mainly, a graduate of mechanical engineering major can work as a quality assurance officer, project engineer, combustion technician, systems engineer, control system specialist, or a production researcher among others (Princeton Review 69).
According to Bureau of labor (BLS) statistics, most mechanical engineers mainly earn a median salary of about $ 90 000. The best-paid mechanical engineers earn about $ 130 000, while the lowly paid get about $ 50 000 (Echaore-McDavid and Richard 134). Industries that pay the best salaries include gas and oil extraction and video and audio equipment manufacturing. Recent surveys highlight that the highly paying metropolitan centers for the mechanical engineering occupation include Idaho, Bloomington, Mass and Taunton. The demand for mechanical engineers remains high; explaining the good remuneration attached to careers in this field. The BLS indicates that mechanical engineers take up about 200 000 jobs. Furthermore, studies predict an increase of about 10,000 engineering jobs by 2016 (Echaore-McDavid and Richard 134).
A bachelor’s degree is needed for one to be certified as a professional in this field. The educational requirements leading to awarding of a degree mechanical engineering includes coursework, practical and an internship. In most cases, an associate degree offers one the opportunity for getting an entry-level job. Often, managers are expected to attain higher education levels such as masters (Garner 57). Besides having a degree from certified program, most occupations in mechanical engineering require one to have relevant work experience. Furthermore, individuals providing their service on an independent basis should pass a state exam for licensure. Once certified as a mechanical engineer, one can work take up a job in various sectors. It is apparent that mechanical engineering major is a splendid and promising course that prepares one for numerous opportunities.
Work Cited
Echaore-McDavid, Susan, and Richard A. McDavid. Engineering. New York: Infobase Pub, 2006. Print.
Garner, Geraldine O. Careers in Engineering. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2009. Print.
Princeton Review. Guide to College Majors: Everything You Need to Know to Choose the Right Major. New York: Random House, 2005. Print.
