Leo Myers

21 July 2018

This paper will highlight mechanical engineering as a career and the steps necessary to

start a career in the field. I will go over the education required, the competitive nature of the

engineering programs, career outlook, salary and the important details of a personal interview. It

will give a description of the some of the positions available in this field. It will go over an in-

depth overview of what to expect in this job field.

A mechanical engineering degree requires intensive mathematics and physics

coursework. Some of the mathematics coursework require is calculus, algebra, and linear

equations. Thermal dynamics and design are also included in the required coursework. The GPA

required for entry in the mechanical engineering program at the University of Utah is a 3.0

(Mechanical) at Utah State the GPA requirement is a 2.8 (Mechanical). When applying to

programs it is also important to have a background knowledge and coursework in chemistry,

physics, algebra, and technical writing. The state of Utah is ranked the second in the country in

mechanical engineering and aerospace technology and the requirements are extremely

reasonable.

Problem solving, a solid foundation of understanding in kinetic energy, familiarity with

computer programming, and time management are crucial skills necessary to be successful as a

mechanical engineer. There are many different fields related to engineering. Some engineering

fields are civil, electrical, computer science, and manufacturing. Job duties include analyzing,

designing and re-designing devices using computer aided program, and testing the devices for

defects. It can be difficult to decide what particular field to work in. It is possible to be work in

manufacturing and design and create large units of production. Start up companies utilize
engineering and may only require projects sporadically. New opportunities in renewable energy

is opening doors and needs for engineering. As technology advances there will only be a greater

need for experienced mechanical engineers.

Mechanical engineering is a versatile form of engineering and spans across many

industries. This kind of diversity creates a wide variety of choices when looking for a job.

Mechanical engineering is predicted to grow by 9% in the next 10 years, which is considered

average by the United States Department of Labor. (Mechanical, 2018) the Bureau of Labor

statistics found that “The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $85,880 in May

2017.” The Bureau of Labor also indicated that over $40,000 more than the average wage with

other jobs in the United States.

Most mechanical engineers work in offices and occasionally take visits in the field but

because it is a broad career field it depends on the position. The traditional position is in an

office drafting and planning on paper or through a computer program. Mechanical engineering is

ranked the number one career in engineering by U.S. News and World Report and ranked 34 out

of 100 on a best jobs list in the United States. (Mechanical, 2018)

The fact that most of your time is spent sitting in an office while staring at a screen is not

glamorous. Engineering will not afford you a lavish lifestyle, but it will allow for a comfortable

life. There are opportunities for more hands-on positions. There are companies that aim to make

a difference and enact social change that require mechanical engineers, but there are many

companies that are not as concerned about these pro-social changes. Renewable recourses need

mechanical engineering and similar fields are helping to improve the environmental situation.

Lori Laird has created a professional profile as a biomedical engineer, with Biomedical

Engineer Guidant Corporation out of Santa Clara California. She attended college at California
Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo and received her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical

Engineering. She designs surgical tools that are designed for noninvasive procedures related to

the treatment of blocked arteries. She speaks about the many different aspect of her job and how

diverse her typical workday is. She speaks about how she did not expect to pursue a career in the

medical field. After facing much frustration in her job search, she discovered that a career

relating to the medical field broadened her prospective job offers. Liard’s profile is a great

example of how diverse jobs are in the mechanical engineering field (Profiles).

There are many benefits to a career in mechanical engineering. One of the obvious

benefits include stable and high need employment regardless of what type of environment you

choose to pursue. Additionally, projected career growth is promising as highlighted earlier in this

paper. As technology continues to advance it serves to provide mechanical engineers as well

other engineers with new and exciting employment opportunities. A career in mechanical

engineering also provides opportunity for advancement as many engineers get offered

management and other upper level positions. Workplace benefits are a major pro to the

mechanical engineering field as well. Benefits include typically working a 40-hour work week,

as well as good healthcare packages and paid time-off. Furthermore, a career in mechanical

engineering provides multi-locational employment opportunities. Those employed in the field

can reside and work anywhere in the United States or even anywhere in the world.

Although the mechanical engineering field provides many positive opportunities for its

employees, there are some negative aspects as well. Since engineers spend much of their day

sitting inside working on the computer, it can make for a very tedious work day most days.

Engineer work is a thankless position at time, as well. Meaning you will likely put much time

and effort into your work, be an integral member of a team, but not receive the recognition or
credit you often feel you deserve. Mechanical engineering is a rewarding field but does not offer

high compensation for its employees. You are able to live a comfortable lifestyle, without

significant financial struggle, but a lavish way of life is unlikely.

I feel that a career in mechanical engineering is a good fit for me for several reasons. I

have a good memory which enables me to be taught or told something, pick up the skill quickly

and easily, and retain the information. I am also a dedicated individual with a good work ethic

and these character traits will make me an asset to any team or company I work for. I also have

great problem-solving skills and easily become committed to projects I start and do not like to

leave work low-quality or unfinished. I have a strong mechanical aptitude and have experience

working with a wide range of systems. I have worked on different types of engines on

automobiles and watercraft.

I interviewed Corey Bodily the CFO of Silverstone Automation Inc. He received his

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. I toured his manufacturing facility in Salt Lake

City. Corey discussed how his engineering degree has given him the skills and knowledge to take

his company to high levels of efficiency while staying abreast with the latest advancements in

technology. He eventually pursued his MBA in order to gain additional knowledge and skills

related to the business side of running the financial aspect of a company. Even though his new

position is not entirely related to engineering, he spoke to the importance of his background and

degree in mechanical engineering as it has proven to be an important a benefit to his CFO duties

and responsibilities. When I was younger Corey came to my family home to assist us in repairing

the plumbing. Corey commented on my eagerness to learn as well as my ability to quickly pick

up on novel ideas and concepts. He recommended to me that I pursue a career in the engineering
field. When I toured Corey’s facility he explained to me the importance of quick thinking as well

as how to problem solve as difficulties in production occur (C. Bodily, 2018).

Some of the best positions in as a mechanical engineering is achieved with startup

companies. This position allows for the greatest creative freedom and allow for innovative

designs. The downside is that the responsibility is greater and the it creates a bigger work load.

There is usually less team work and the companies become more dependent on your knowledge

and ability to problem solve. It can be much more stressful and requires much more personal

responsibility. These kinds of companies have a lack of resources and is often more inclined to

hire new hirers with less experience. The pay would most likely be lower, but the experience will

make up for it.

Think tank firms are another interesting way mechanical engineering. This firms are

contracted to solve problems brought to them form other firms. This can be less consistent, and it

can be feast or famine. This kind of set up can be rather difficult because each project is a case

by case basis. Creative problem solving is necessary in a firm like this and breeds innovation.

This kind of position would be great for someone who needs new challenges to overcome. In this

paper I have highlighted the role of mechanical engineering, its responsibilities and job duties,

salary, career outlook, and a personal interview from an individual active in the engineering

field.
C. Bodily. Personal Communication. 1 July 2018.

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engineer

Mechanical Engineering. 2018 Retrieved from

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Mechanical Engineering BS. 2018. Retrieved from

https://www.usu.edu/degrees/index.cfm?id=163

Mechanical Engineering Overview. 2018. https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-

jobs/mechanical-engineer

Office of Admissions. 2018. Retrieved from

https://admissions.utah.edu/apply/undergraduate/transfer/guides/slcc/meen.php

Profiles of Mechanical Engineers. Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.

http://tryengineering.org/sites/default/files/tryengineering_profile_14.pdf