While liberal arts graduates have traditionally encountered problems finding a job in tough economic times, today, even engineers are feeling the pain—in particular, mechanical engineers. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), a report released on July 08, 2010 revealed that the average offer to mechanical engineering graduates took a slight dip this year, falling off by one percent to $58,457.
In fact, jobs for mechanical engineers are projected to grow more slowly though 2012. But it's not all bad news. The demand for mechanical engineers in manufacturing is expected to rise as manufacturers demand newer and more efficient machinery and machine tools. What's more, emerging technologies in materials science and biotechnology are expected to create new job opportunities for mechanical engineers. And because a degree in mechanical engineering can often be applied in other engineering disciplines, jobs will continue to inch up, particularly as the economy improves.
Specific areas where mechanical engineers are always in need include automotive (the new breed of electric cars and hybrids is coming); some aerospace as private entrepreneurs get into commercial space flight; computers as devices become smaller; communications facilities to handle our need to transfer information; and power generation to accommodate our never-ending thirst for energy. Moreover, mechanical engineers will be increasingly in demand in bio-medical and "green" fields.
While times have changed, the basics for entry into the profession have not. You still need a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university. And these days, a minor in energy or environmental science won't hurt. Neither will a Master's Degree as companies are increasingly flooded with applicants with BSME degrees.
In fact, jobs for mechanical engineers are projected to grow more slowly though 2012. But it's not all bad news. The demand for mechanical engineers in manufacturing is expected to rise as manufacturers demand newer and more efficient machinery and machine tools. What's more, emerging technologies in materials science and biotechnology are expected to create new job opportunities for mechanical engineers. And because a degree in mechanical engineering can often be applied in other engineering disciplines, jobs will continue to inch up, particularly as the economy improves.
Specific areas where mechanical engineers are always in need include automotive (the new breed of electric cars and hybrids is coming); some aerospace as private entrepreneurs get into commercial space flight; computers as devices become smaller; communications facilities to handle our need to transfer information; and power generation to accommodate our never-ending thirst for energy. Moreover, mechanical engineers will be increasingly in demand in bio-medical and "green" fields.
While times have changed, the basics for entry into the profession have not. You still need a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university. And these days, a minor in energy or environmental science won't hurt. Neither will a Master's Degree as companies are increasingly flooded with applicants with BSME degrees.
By: Alex Kecskes
Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients.
Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients.
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