Studying and completing the mechanical engineering course is a dream for most students nowadays. The vast exposure, challenging work scenario and the numerous high paying jobs have become distinct characteristics of this field. Hence, due to these beneficial reasons is why numerous aspiring candidates want to work in this old and prestigious field.
When someone thinks about mechanical engineering a lot industries tend to come in mind. As these specialised individuals tend to work in more or less all the sectors and fields. However, they have been primarily associated with two sectors in particular. One is the machinery production field and the other is the automobile and automotive parts sector.
An overview on mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and oldest branches of engineering. It primarily involves development, designing, production and usage of mechanical equipment in order to solve various mechanical problems. Mechanical engineers are mainly hired by numerous manufacturing companies.
Although, these individuals tend to have vast and numerous opportunities in both the public and private sector. These engineers even have considerable opportunity of working in various government sectors such as Telegraph, Post, Defence and many more. Moreover, they tend to have equal amount of opportunities all over the world.
This field is considered as an evergreen department of engineering. It deals with numerous concepts such as structural analysis of mechanics, fluid mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics and many more. Now, all these concepts are applied in numerous fields like the power sector, air conditioning sector, automotive sector, aerospace, refrigeration and numerous others.
However, the rapid advancement in technology and the rising number of opportunities have increased the prospects of mechanical engineering. Now, these opportunities have not been restricted to a particular area but are expanding at global scale breaking numerous geographical barriers. The ever growing shit in this paradigm has led to rise of new jobs and increasing opportunistic avenues for mechanical engineers.
Scope of mechanical engineers in a brief
According to recent studies published by the World labour statistics, it has been so found that almost 35% of mechanical engineers usually work in manufacturing of various transportation and machinery equipment. However, has been so established that in the recent future the total employment of these individuals is expected to rise by at least 11%. That is a growth rate which is twice as fast in comparison to average of other professions. The key factors that will be responsible for this sudden expansion would be primarily for sectors in particular. Which would be the demand from various automobile suppliers and the expected advancement and development of nascent nanotechnology industry?
In accordance to numerous reports and studies conducted by various companies states that major developing countries like India have huge scope and opportunities in this field. It has been so projected that these developing countries will move up places in the Global Manufacturing index. Hence, by this it proves that the scope of this field is not restricted to developed countries only but has a global effect in all. The ever-increasing job avenues and opportunities in this field have made a lot of aspiring candidates to opt for mechanical engineering.
The requirement for talented and innovative mechanical engineers is even more present now due to that rapid increase in advancement and sophistication of the manufacturing industry. With new schemes and initiatives being launched every day, the sector itself is trying to groom budding talents and bring about a new line of innovation from these individuals. So, candidates studying mechanical engineering will have numerous opportunities to build their careers in various sectors.
What should be the career outlook for mechanical engineers?
In general mechanical engineering tends to offer a host of professional career opportunities for aspiring candidates. There are a lot of industries that recruit such specialised individuals. However, the major ones that take more recruits are utilities and energy, automobile, aeronautical, space research, manufacturing and air conditioning. This is not restricted top just here. Mechanical engineers even have huge scope in working under various government departments and sectors. They might work in large manufacturing companies, turbine industries, agro companies, gas and oil industries and many more.
Also, with the ever increasing advancement in various technological fields, new opportunities and avenues are being opened for mechanical engineers to avail. These individuals can come build up promising career in various different fields like composite materials development, conservation of environment, nanotechnology, applications of biomedical and many more. However, one must have they necessary knowledge and skill set with different technology used in these sectors to build a career in it.
What is the latest market scenario?
It is seen that the job market for various mechanical engineers has always been perennial. Although, it is true that a certain number of mechanical industries have more or less faded away in these recent years. This is primarily because of the numerous technological advancements over the years which are lead to situation. However, that overall scenario is relatively much better than comparison to other streams of engineering.
Moreover, according to recent facts and figures, the average annual pay scale of a mechanical engineer is higher than of the annual salary in other streams of engineering. Also, those individuals who have learnt and developed specific skill sets are preferred over the rest Now, these skills might include the likes of CFD, concepts of automotive engineering, machining and current printing technologies. Having such specialised skill sets tend to carry more weightage while applying for jobs and also holds an increased value in order to raise the pay scale.
The primary goal of any mechanical engineering student is to get a good job with a higher salary package. Hence, having the appropriate the knowledge and skill set will have a significant impact on that. In order to land one of the top jobs with the best pay scale, one must possess the required attributes necessary for the job.
What is the situation for future career prospects?
The biggest factor that will be behind innovation, product development, manufacturing quality, patents and etc. is the job roles and skill set of mechanical engineers. With the advent of new initiatives, a number of visionary projects are being taken. This will ensure more demand for mechanical engineers and take the sector to higher level. Moreover, the number of industrial hubs is being developed and launched which will open up new avenues and increase the number of career opportunities in this sector.
Also, as mentioned before the number of opportunities is not restricted to a place but is available globally. As almost, every kind of technology that is being used nowadays involves the application and concepts of mechanical engineering. However, there certain specific variable as to why there is a rapid increase in such opportunities. They are primarily –
- Growth rate of the economy.
- Government efforts for development of infrastructure.
- Various initiatives and schemes that are being launched and developed.
- The inflow of massive foreign direct investments.
- Coming up with numerous ideas for advancement in technology.
- Development and setting up of R&D’s around the world.
- Development of infrastructure to encourage and ensure innovation.
What are the numerous career profiles available currently?
The work of a mechanical engineer is vast and has multiples roles in their job profiles. They are responsible for designing mechanical systems as well as ensure testing, process of manufacturing and maintenance. Thus, these individuals have a significant impact on each and every stage of manufacturing and production. Although, the above is stated as an example, mechanical engineers also play a massive role in other industries and sectors as well.
However, the various career opportunities of these individuals can be categorised into these following segments –
- R&D or Research and Development –
This is considered one of the most exciting roles with numerous job responsibilities. It involves the development of numerous merchandise and design. This is done through proper market research and implementation of various processes to get the desired outcome. Aspiring candidates who have knack for picking up new things with ease and are extremely curious by nature will thrive in this field. Mechanical engineers who are ready to explore new things and learn about the current technologies are best suited for this field.
- Production –
The job role of this field primarily involves overseeing the process of manufacturing of the various machines and components. Individuals who are interested in the manufacturing industry and are eager to experience and learn new techniques are best suited for this field.
- Design –
The role of an individual in this field primarily involves the drafting of numerous technical drawings. Which is done is done on the basis of design criteria via the help of computers or manually. This is a sector that is especially suited to those professionals who have knack for computer software and drawings.
- Testing and analysis –
This job responsibility primarily deals with the testing and analysis of numerous machines and parts. The reason as to why this is main characteristics of this job role is that it is to ensure that there are no problems and the machine functions smoothly and flawlessly. Individuals wanting valuable experience in the process of production can opt to work in this field.
- Maintenance –
The main duty of this job is to make sure that all the equipment is working in perfect order and without any hiccups. The tools should function flawlessly in accordance with the set specifications. Majority of core industries tend to have a specialised team of individuals to ensure just that. Their main work in the maintenance of machines, equipment and products. The one’s aspiring to work in this field must have hands down experience and appropriate knowledge necessary to do so.
What are the different skills necessary to improve job prospects?
There are a lot of skills that see necessary to improve one’s chance of landing a good job. However, there are a selected few things that one must essentially have in order to stand out from the rest. The following are certain things which carry more weightage and increases an individual’s overall value while searching for jobs –
- Proficiency of computers is a must have in this current market scenario. Getting acquainted with the various software used in different industries will only benefit the individual in the long run.
- It is essential to have good interpersonal and communication skills.
- One must have first-hand experience of theoretical concepts and must develop proper practical skills.
- It is quite necessary to get adjusted and acquainted with latest industrial technologies available.
- One must ensure to be up to date with current technologies by working on various projects.
- It is also beneficial to undergo and finish various professional courses to be step ahead of the rest.
- One must try to go above and beyond their capabilities by taking additional work in certain areas to showcase one’s managerial skills.
- It is absolutely crucial to develop and practice the correct team working methods and leadership qualities.
How can one better prepare for such opportunities?
By now, it is quite evident that the scope of this field is quite vast and diversified. However, the most unpredictable part is the skills of the engineer itself. So, it is quite crucial that one must ensure to possess the necessary knowledge and skills that is required to succeed in various fields. As with advancement of technology, companies and industries look for individuals that have a more hands down experience and required skill set.
So, in order improve one’s job prospects one must ensure to acquire more practical skills. Which should be in addition to what the college curriculum is? However, it is true most colleges might not be able to provide the appropriate platform and infrastructure necessary to support the advance learning of budding candidates.
Thus, this is where availing professional help comes most in hand. Opting to be guided reputed professional to further develop your skills will only help you.
Author Bio: Ms’ Nancie L. Beckett has been in this field for many years guiding and mentoring aspiring candidates. Her bio-data is also quite spectacular. She has hands down work experience in this field for over 6 years and she also holds a reputed MBA degree from on the colleges in USA, Berkley. Given her impressive resume and her working methods, she is the best person to guide budding talents to better succeed in the future.