Mechanical Engineering is an important field of study—many of the modern conveniences we use today are thanks to the technological advancements made by mechanical engineers. A broad field of study, from designing and refining life-saving medical devices to running energy systems, much of the ease in our modern-day lives is due to feats of mechanical engineering.
So, what are the qualifications to become a mechanical engineer? We’ll walk you through what you need to start your career right away.
Why choose Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical Engineering is constantly growing, making it the perfect career for those who love problem-solving and puzzles. It sits at the forefront of innovation, design, and practical problem-solving.
The demand for mechanical engineers has been steadily rising for decades. Employment for mechanical engineers is projected to grow by 9% in the next decade, adding approximately 18,100 new job openings each year. With a growing demand for more qualified mechanical engineers, it is the perfect time to enter the field and contribute to new, potentially lifesaving technologies.
What jobs can a mechanical engineer do?
Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing, building, testing, and maintaining mechanical systems and devices. These systems are everywhere—from your refrigerator to the International Space Station. The daily work is often in the field, using the knowledge and skills from your training to problem-solve within a team.
Depending on what role and industry you’re interested in, you could be:
- Aerospace engineer: Build, develop, and refine systems related to the construction and operations of aircraft and spacecraft.
- Construction engineer: Design, plan, and manage infrastructure projects such as buildings, roads, bridges, and utilities.
- Production engineer: Design and refine production processes for your company, typically prioritizing efficiency.
Mechanical Engineering requires significant teamwork and diligence of study. You will often collaborate with other engineers, designers, and project managers to bring a project to completion. Work environments can vary, from offices and labs to on-site locations and even hybrid work models.
Whether you enjoy getting involved in building prototypes or prefer running simulations on a computer, there’s something in mechanical engineering for you.
How to become a mechanical engineer
Becoming a mechanical engineer is a multistep process. The best way to start? By completing a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, gaining hands-on experience, acquiring technical skills, and obtaining licenses along the way. We’ll unpack each step further below.
Education and licensing
While a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering is a strong foundation, not just any degree will provide what you need professionally. You’ll want to choose an ABET-accredited program. The accreditation takes the guesswork out of whether the program meets industry requirements and adequately prepares you for your career and licensing, should you choose to pursue them.
ABET accreditation is also essential for future certifications, such as the Professional Engineer (PE) license. Holding a PE license can open more doors to advancing within the industry or working independently. Even if you haven’t decided if you’re going for your PE, going to an accredited program provides the best opportunity for maneuverability within your career.
A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering will build strong, foundational knowledge and skills in math, physics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science. You’ll learn with a mix of classroom education, labs, and team projects.
As you progress, you’ll be exposed to many areas of mechanical engineering, which can help you narrow your focus.
Curriculum
Looking deeper into the details of your education, Mechanical Engineering programs can be both rigorous and flexible. Many courses are multidisciplinary, where you’ll learn skills that are applicable across several industries. A well-rounded understanding of computer-aided design (CAD) or finite element analysis (FEA) can be used in both automotive and biomedical engineering roles.
An academic advisor can help you plan your schedule to accommodate the courses needed for mechanical engineering. Most classes within mechanical engineering programs build upon each other, so setting up a sequential schedule to take them in order is important. Planning these classes sometimes years in advance will set you up for success when graduation rolls around.
If you’re looking to fast-track your education, some programs, like University of Bridgeport’s, offer an accelerated pathway to earn a master’s degree in just one additional year.
Experience and internships
Classroom knowledge is only one piece of the puzzle. Employers want to see that you can do the job in practice, which is why internships are important. By junior year of a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering program, students have enough of a knowledge base to be eligible for an internship.
Internships are a great way to apply classroom concepts to real projects and learn how engineering teams operate in real-world situations. While discovering what areas of mechanical engineering you resonate with the most, you’ll be simultaneously building your professional network.
Some internships can even lead to full-time job offers after graduation. They’re also valuable on your resume if you plan to pursue graduate school. Internship experience can give you a competitive edge.
Build your future with a BS in Mechanical Engineering
University of Bridgeport offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, designed with a student-first mindset. Coursework blends the courses needed for Mechanical Engineering with practical application to give you the most well-rounded education possible. Faculty support can often mean the difference between success and failure. At
UB, the faculty is invested in your future just as much as you.
UB students can complete a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in just one additional year of study. Having a master’s degree in hand expands your knowledge, thereby expanding your career options. Whether you’re hoping to join a Fortune 500 company, work with a space company, launch your own startup, or pursue research in graduate school, Bridgeport will help you get there.
Your future starts here
Becoming a mechanical engineer takes commitment and investment in yourself. It’s a pathway to a stable and exciting career with endless opportunities.
If you’re ready to take the first step, discover how University of Bridgeport’s BS Mechanical Engineering program can help you achieve your goals. Explore the program, talk to an advisor, and start building a future that’s engineered for success.