Why You Should Consider a Mechanical Engineering Degree

Before you invest the time necessary to earn a mechanical engineering degree, you should think about whether a mechanical engineering degree is right for you. As a graduate of a top mechanical engineering program, I worked for several years as a mechanical engineer in a manufacturing environment and am familiar with both the mechanical engineering coursework, as well as what it is like to be a practicing mechanical engineer. I have also made the career switch from mechanical engineering to business, deciding to get my MBA and work in the financial analysis field instead of mechanical engineering. For those who are willing to devote the many hours necessary to becoming an engineer, mechanical engineering can be a great career choice. Here are some reasons why.

First, mechanical engineering is typically thought of as the broadest of the engineering disciplines. If you decide to complete a mechanical engineering degree, you will be trained in a variety of topics, including engineering design, thermodynamics, stress analysis, and fluid dynamics. With this broad background, you are qualified for any number of roles, including manufacturing, equipment design, process design, and project management. You can work for almost any company that you want and in any location that you would like since many companies have a use for mechanical engineers.

Of course, the high salary that mechanical engineers demand is another reason why many students considering earning a mechanical engineering degree. According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the average starting salary for a mechanical engineering major was $52,800 in 2005, which is much higher than most recent college graduates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mechanical engineer made $70,000 in 2005, so those with a mechanical engineering degree can expect their salaries to continue to increase considerably over time.

So, what does it take to be a mechanical engineer? Well, you definitely want to have sharp analytical and problem-solving skills. If you want to get your mechanical engineering degree, you'll have to be ready to make assumptions based upon the information given and have the patience to solve engineering problems which may not always have one right answer. Having a strong math and physics background can also help you in gaining your mechanical engineering (although you probably won't be breaking out the Calculus book when you become a practicing mechanical engineer). If you are ready to persevere through the challenging coursework ahead, then a mechanical engineering degree may be the right choice for you.