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How to Become a Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers will find their skills in demand in a variety of fields and industries including medical, scientific research, construction, aerospace, acoustics, combustion, and automotive engineering. If a device requires movement or manufacturing, design, testing, or packaging, a mechanical engineer will most likely be involved.

Steps

1. Study a variety of subjects in high school, emphasizing mathematics and science. Study pre-calculus and, if possible, calculus at a high school level, and be sure to take chemistry and physics classes in high school.

2. Participate in math contests and science fairs. Try engineering contests, too, if they are active in your area.

3. Develop hobbies related to mechanical engineering. These may include astronomy, rocketry, geology, auto mechanics, bicycle repair, or even robotics. Any sort of tinkering is good practice.

4. Learn to use different sorts of tools. Hammers and screwdrivers are a great place to start, but there are many more types than that. If you have the opportunity to take a wood, metals, or plastics shop class, do so. Auto shop is also a good choice. Don't forget to learn about various kinds of measuring tools, too.

5. Take stuff apart. Ask friends and family to give you appliances and other machines that have broken, or gather them inexpensively from garage sales or even neighbors' curbs. Then, open them up and see what makes them go. If you can put something back together so that it works, great! If not, figure out what's inside and see what you can learn from it before throwing it out. If you're still not sure what's going on in there, look it up and find out.

6. Explore the field of electronics, which may include activities such as ham radio and computer repair. Build stereo speakers for fun. Constructing speakers requires both woodworking and electrical skills. Learn the resistor code for fun. Although electronics are more closely associated with electrical engineering, mechanical engineers need, at the very least, to be able to communicate with electrical engineers. More and more systems are electromechanical, so it's good to know a bit of both. Some mechanical engineers do specialize in electrical engineering and become electro-mechanical engineers.

7. Take drafting classes. Even though some engineering schools do not offer drafting classes, drafting classes may be available at the high school or community college level. If at all possible, learn a CAD (computer-aided drafting) program or two.

8. Develop solid reading and writing skills. Documentation and some technical writing skills are useful in many mechanical engineering jobs.

9. Invent something. It doesn't have to be the next light bulb, or even a new idea. It could be something as simple as a bent wire coat hanger to dislodge something that always sticks. It could even be a new process or a more efficient way of organizing your desk or going about your day-to-day tasks. Or, see how far you can make a mousetrap- or gravity- powered vehicle go.

10. Build something. Assemble boxed furniture or start from scratch. Make a potato launcher. Create your own lava lamp or trebuchet. Even fun or silly projects will help you get used to thinking about how things work, and how they are built.

11. Take an interest in manufacturing. Where do paper clips come from? How about computer chips or jelly beans? Part of a mechanical engineer's job is to design things so that they can be efficiently, inexpensively fabricated.

12. Develop your creativity, too. Although a lot of mechanical engineering is about being systematic and analytical, it is also about creative problem solving. Try drawing, writing, juggling, playing music, listening, playing, learning, and exploring. It will make you a better engineer and a more well-rounded person, in general.

Tips
* Focus on achieving the highest grade in science, math, and technical courses in high school.

* Utilize any opportunity to get hands-on experience throughout your education, as well as outside of class.

* Co-op programs or internships provide excellent experience. The federal government offers co-op programs along with junior engineer hiring programs. Some government engineers work with weapon systems and research projects. Check the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website for more information.

* Keep in mind that a university degree is often a requirement of many mechanical engineering jobs. Some states may offer certification through examinations. Those without degrees or state certification may work as mechanical designers or drafters, rather than as engineers.

* If possible, join your high school's FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics program. You get to work on advanced-level engineering problems much earlier than most students, and get a strong advantage on college applications.

Warnings
* A mechanical engineering curriculum is a rigorous course of study that will require discipline and hard work to complete, but it is well worth the effort. Having fun and keeping the bigger picture in mind will help you get through it.

* Engineering is a "professional" job and one that is currently in high demand. Starting salaries can depend largely upon one's graduating GPA and previous work experience in the field. The opportunity for advancement in many companies will be present, but it will take hard work to get to the top.

* Decide what type of school you would like to attend. Larger universities may offer a wider variety of coursework and the ability to specialize.

* Smaller colleges or technical schools may offer smaller classes and more of a "hands on" approach to engineering, and most offer accepted accredited engineering degrees. Some of the best engineering schools are small colleges: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, New Mexico Tech and Montana Tech are examples of small schools with excellent engineering programs. Beware of commercial trade schools that offer technical programs. Confirm all schools, colleges are universities offer regionally accredited programs.

* While anyone may tinker and invent, working as a mechanical engineer, and particularly calling oneself a "professional engineer" or certain other titles requires a license.

* Pay attention to safety. Use tools appropriately, unplug things before opening them up, and don't mess around inside televisions and CRT monitors. (The capacitors inside can hold a dangerous charge long after they are unplugged.)

* Becoming too committed to the study of Mechanical Engineering can negatively affect your communication skills, particularly with non-engineers. Take care to balance your time in school with social activities; the skills learned in that environment can be more beneficial to an engineering career than a good test grade.

External Links: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers View Article Source:
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