Last Updated on August 28, 2023

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Advantages of becoming an Engineer,Disadvatages of becoming an Engineer, What is a mechanical engineer?,Advantages and Disadvatages of becoming a mechanical engineer, Education needed to become a mechanical engineer, Licensure and accreditation for becoming a mechanical engineer, career and employment outlook in mechanical engineering

For many, a career as an engineering technician is an ideal job, but it’s not for everyone. Techs don’t generally need as much education as full-fledged engineers, and they make above-average income. However, finding a job may not always be easy. They need to constantly update their skills and are often required to work in less-than-ideal environments.

As a mechanical engineer, you will design machines across a broad range of industries. Depending on your specialization, you could end up working on anything from a micro-battery to a heating and cooling system for a skyscraper. No endeavor is too small or too big to require mechanical engineers.

Many high school students wonder whether they should study engineering at undergraduate level, constantly weighing the pros and cons of studying engineering. Even current engineering students wonder, at some point in their degree program, whether they should continue. Having doubts? Read on for five of the best reasons to study engineering – guaranteed to boost your motivation.

Advantages and Disadvatages of becoming an Engineer

Advantages of becoming an Engineer

1. Studying engineering brings prestige

Do not forget the prestige that comes with studying engineering. Non-engineers will be like “wow” when they hear that you are an engineer. Everyone knows how much effort is required to qualify as an engineer. They are also well aware of the sacrifices engineering students have to make during their studies. So the element of respect comes naturally.

2. It sets you up for professional success

Your entire thought process changes. You learn how to think like an engineer. You acquire logical thinking and critical analysis skills. Decision-making skills are improved. You become more objective and less emotional when it comes to work. All of these skills are greatly needed in the professional world, in any field. So, engineers tend to do better no matter which sector they choose, and they also tend to make good managers. So much so, engineering is the most common undergraduate degree among Fortune 500 CEOs

3. You’ll be ready for any problem

I am not saying that once you are done with the engineering degree, you will not encounter any more problems or difficulties in your life. You will. Probably even tougher than the ones faced during your degree. But at the same time, you will have acquired the skills and the confidence to deal with any kind of problem. You will know exactly how to go about it, and where to hit it. No problem – no matter how big – will seem insurmountable. In fact, you will start viewing every problem as a challenge and an opportunity to grow.

4. It brings financial security

If you are the kind of person who craves a lavish and exuberant lifestyle or simply longs for a better future for your kids, then engineering is for you. The majority of educational think-tanks, blogs and news portals rate engineering as one of the top-paid degree programs. To be exact, engineering programs take up almost 40% of the slots in the top 10 paying majors’ lists. The most prominent and lucrative engineering disciplines are chemical, computer, electrical, nuclear and petroleum engineering. Average starting salaries are about US$60k, with the potential to reach US$180k as your career progresses.

5. You get a chance to improve the world

It feels really wonderful when you know that you are actually positively contributing something to society. Words cannot describe the feeling when someone looks at a newly constructed bridge and says, “I built that bridge.” If you ever get a chance to ask an engineer about his/her work, notice how they beam with pride when talking about their contribution in creating something new, even if it is as simple as a “like” button on a website (see above – you know what to do…).

Disadvatages of becoming an Engineer

Limited Job Opportunities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that engineering technician positions will not grow as fast as the national economy. With the exception of environmental engineering technicians, which will slightly outpace the national average in job growth, most other engineering technician jobs will grow below average, or exhibit almost no growth at all. Here is a breakdown of the different types of engineering technician positions with the 10-year growth rate, as estimated by the BLS in 2016:

Limited Job Opportunities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that engineering technician positions will not grow as fast as the national economy. With the exception of environmental engineering technicians, which will slightly outpace the national average in job growth, most other engineering technician jobs will grow below average, or exhibit almost no growth at all. Here is a breakdown of the different types of engineering technician positions with the 10-year growth rate, as estimated by the BLS in 2016:

• Environmental: 13 percent
• Electrical and electronics: 2 percent
• Industrial: 1 percent
• Civil: 9 percent
• Mechanical: 5 percent
• Other engineering technicians: 1.4 percent

The growth rate for environmental technicians was based on the anticipation that state and local governments would be investing money in environmentally sensitive infrastructure, such as storm water and wastewater management. However, this will depend on government budgets.

Changes in Technology

One of the reasons why some jobs, such as industrial and mechanical engineering technologist positions, are not growing is because of an increasing reliance on technology. Advancing digital imaging and measurement systems, for example, have automated tasks that technicians once did manually, reducing the number of positions required. For those who do get a job, it will be important to keep abreast of any new developments. This means that you may need to constantly learn and re-relearn how to use the latest tools. Those who don’t keep up-to-date could find their job prospects limited.

Varied Work Environments

If you think being an engineering technician means you that will always be in an office, working regular hours in an office, think again. Environmental engineering technicians, usually do work in a laboratory with regular hours. However, they often need to go to remote locations. They often work with hazardous materials, which require a hazmat suit, heavy rubber boots and a respirator. Most other engineering techs work in potentially dangerous environments, including toxic materials and chemicals. This means that you will need to follow safety procedures carefully to avoid injury.

Seldom Being the Boss

Engineering technicians generally work under the direction and supervision of engineers and managers. For example, an electronics engineering tech may test and perform maintenance on new equipment, but how the equipment is designed and built will be up to the engineer in charge of the project, even if the tech knows the equipment better or has more experience. This is usually acceptable for those who prefer to do hands-on work, but if you’re not the type of person who likes to take orders from others, it can be a source of frustration.

advantages and disadvantages of being a mechanical engineer

So, I hope this piece has helped provide some motivation to high school students contemplating studying engineering. And as far as current students are concerned, I hope it has given sufficient motivation to get off the couch and finish that project they’ve been procrastinating about!

You can get your mechanical engineering career started with nothing more than a bachelor’s degree; or, you can earn a graduate degree and ascend to the ranks of upper management. With over 300,000 jobs available in the field, mechanical engineering offers a wealth of opportunities from the entry-level all the way to the top.

What is a mechanical engineer?

Mechanical engineers need problem-solving skills to handle their everyday responsibilities, which typically include:

• Conducting analyses to see how mechanical devices can solve problems
• Designing or redesigning mechanical devices using computer-aided design
• Troubleshooting equipment malfunctions
• Creating and testing design prototypes
• Performing analyses of these prototype tests
• Overseeing the production of potential electrical and manufacturing devices

A day in the life of a mechanical engineer

Scott Duncan, a mechanical engineer with General Dynamics Mission Systems, writes about a typical day on the job on the company’s website. Describing his duties and responsibilities, he notes: “I jump around tasks frequently. Some days I am hands-on and test components I designed in CAD (computer-aided design) programs or conduct failure analysis on equipment from our antennas.” Other days aren’t as active; he may spend an entire day at his desk, “updating our extensive diagrams and writing white papers or technical reports for the customer.” He conducts oversight on projects, reviewing “new developments to make sure the mechanical factors have been addressed”; he needs to be especially vigilant about “hidden costs due to product mounting or deployments that need documentation updates.”

In short, mechanical engineering is a grab bag of active and sedentary work, oversight, and record maintenance, and above all, the application of expertise in the service of business objectives.

What is it like to be a mechanical engineer?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mechanical engineers should expect the following working conditions:

• Office environment: Most mechanical engineers work in offices. Some may visit offsite locations where equipment needs repairs or extra attention.
• Schedule: Most have full-time jobs, with some working more than 40 hours per week.
• Teams: Colleagues will likely include other engineers, technicians, and professionals.

Advantages and Disadvatages of becoming a mechanical engineer

Advantages of becoming a mechanical engineer

• Generous compensation: The average salary for mechanical engineers is $69,857, according to PayScale. Many also enjoy opportunities to earn bonuses and commissions and participate in profit-sharing. Mechanical engineers in Houston, Los Angeles and Seattle, can expect to earn at least 10 percent more than their peers in average-paying cities. (Of course, those cities cost at least 10 percent more to live in than does your average city.)
• Job satisfaction: On average, people in the role rate their job satisfaction 3.7 out of 5, based on data from 5,357 plus mechanical engineers provided by PayScale. Payscale classifies a 3.7 score as “highly satisfied.”
• Strong job prospects: Mechanical engineering employees who specialize in training in the most up-to-date software tools for design and simulation are positioned for career success. Experience in three-dimensional printing and producing virtual simulations can provide a significant competitive advantage, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. PayScale reports that skills like project management, finite element analysis (FEA), and engineering design can increase your salary by as much as 4 percent. The BLS projects a 4 percent growth rate in mechanical engineering jobs between 2018 and 2028. That matches the growth rate for the job market as a whole.

Disadvatages of becoming a mechanical engineer

• Lack of gender diversity in the field: The gender imbalance in the profession may be as high as a 9:1 male-to-female ratio, per Payscale.
• Shrinking job growth in certain specialties: Some manufacturing sectors of mechanical engineering may have limited job prospects for some specialties. Manufacturing has been on the decline in the US for some time; Reuters reported that output hit a ten-year low in September 2019. Ongoing training is required to stay on top of the field and versatile enough to pivot with market changes.

Education needed to become a mechanical engineer

Typically, entry-level candidates have bachelor’s degrees from one of many mechanical engineering colleges. Courses and program offerings include:

• Calculus
• Chemistry
• Computer programming
• Design and manufacturing
• Differential equations
• Dynamics and controls
• Energy systems
• Engineering
• Heat transfer
• Materials science
• Mechanical design
• Physics
• Thermal sciences

Top programs include:

• California Institute of Technology
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Georgia Institute of Technology – Main Campus
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Purdue University – Main Campus- Stanford University
• University of California – Berkeley
• University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign

The U.S. Department of Education’s Financial Aid website offers information about FAFSA and other sources of aid for students seeking afour-year degree.

If you’re still in high school, you can still explore steps to becoming a mechanical engineer. Get a first taste of the field by attending an engineering summer camp.

A master’s degree in mechanical engineering isn’t always necessary, but can be helpful (and, in some instances, required) for senior management positions. Some schools offer combined five-year and six-year bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for engineers. PhDs are usually necessary for higher education teaching and research positions.

Top mechanical engineering master’s programs include:

• California Institute of Technology
• Cornell University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Northwestern University
• Princeton University
• Stanford University
• University of California – Berkeley
• University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign The University of Texas at Austin

Online master’s programs in mechanical engineering include:

• Pennsylvania State University – World Campus
• University of Southern California
• Colorado State University – Global Campus

Licensure and accreditation for becoming a mechanical engineer

Whichever school you attend, make sure that it offers an ABET-accredited mechanical engineering program. Most companies prefer candidates with degrees from accredited programs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Licensure is not required for entry-level positions in mechanical engineering. However, you may want to consider becoming a licensed professional engineer as you advance in your career.

To qualify to receive state licensure for engineering, candidates usually:

• Receive an engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program
• Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam
• Accrue at least four years of relevant work experience
• Pass the Professional Engineering exam

Some states may require engineers to undergo continuing education to renew their licenses regularly. Licenses from one state are generally accepted in other states.

career and employment outlook in mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering is as diverse a field as the types of products and devices engineers produce and design, which includes everything from medical equipment to elevators and escalators. Here are some common concentrations of mechanical engineering careers (with average salary, according to Payscale.com):

• Auto research engineers: Do you have a passion for cars? You’ll improve auto suspension, aerodynamics, and alternative fuels ($76,579).
• Heating and cooling systems engineers: You’ll work behind the scenes to ensure airplanes, trains, cars, schools, and computer rooms maintain controlled temperature and humidity settings ($72,500).
• Robotic engineers: As a pioneer in robotics, you’ll be a part of a team that specializes in planning, building, and sustaining robots ($81,795).

Other occupations with similar job duties and promising starting and median salaries, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, include:

• Drafters typically have associate’s degrees; their median annual income is $55,550
• Materials engineers typically have bachelor’s degrees; their median annual income is $92,390
• Mathematicians and statisticians typically have master’s degrees; their median annual income is $88,190
• Mechanical engineering technicians typically have associate’s degrees; their median annual income is $56,250
• Natural sciences managers typically have bachelor’s degrees; their median annual income is $123,860
• Nuclear engineers typically have bachelor’s degrees; their median annual income is $107,600
• Petroleum engineers typically have bachelor’s degrees; their median annual income is $137,170
• Physicists and astronomers typically have doctoral or professional degrees; their median annual income is $119,580
• Sales engineers typically have bachelor’s degrees; their median annual income is $101,420

How to find a mechanical engineering job

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top locations for mechanical engineering jobs are:

States with the highest employment of mechanical engineers

• Michigan:Nearly 44,000 mechanical engineers are employed in the state.
• California: More than 27,000 mechanical engineers are employed in the state.
• Texas: More than 20,000 mechanical engineers are employed in the state.

Metro areas with the highest employment of mechanical engineers

• Detroit, Michigan: More than 31,000 mechanical engineers are employed in the area.
• Chicago, Illinois: Nearly 12,000 mechanical engineers are employed in the area.
• Los Angeles, California: Nearly 10,000 mechanical engineers are employed in the area.

What industries have jobs for mechanical engineers?

There are more than 300,000 mechanical engineers employed in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018 data. The top sectors hiring the position include:

• Architectural, engineering, and related services: 20 percent
• Machinery manufacturing:14 percent
• Transportation equipment manufacturing:11 percent
• Computer and electronic product manufacturing: 7 percent
• Scientific research and development services: 6 percent

Which companies are the top employers of mechanical engineers?

top employers of mechanical engineers, based on overall company rating, number of job openings, and approval ratings of the CEO. Companies that made the list include:

• Microsoft
• Johnson & Johnson
• SpaceX
• Boston Scientific
• John Deere
• Apple
• Google
• Boeing

As long as there are machines, the world will need mechanical engineers. With so many applications across so many businesses, mechanical engineering is a field that offers professionals an unusually broad range of career options. Pick the area that excites you, start studying and accumulating hands-on experience, and get ready for an engaging and remunerative career in mechanical engineering.