Mechanical engineering covers a wide range of services. Those trained to work for mechanical engineering companies can use their skills to build and repair mechanical systems, design mechanical systems, or consult with companies on customized systems. A mechanical engineering degree from a college or university is required, but there are also many other educational opportunities for those already in the field.

There is an abundance of mechanical engineering information to be learned to work as an engineer for any company or consulting firm. You can find this information through mechanical engineering education and training opportunities such as:

1. A college degree in mechanical engineering.

2. Continuing education and certification through online courses.

3. Seminars and workshops hosted by mechanical engineering services and organizations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get a college degree to start your career as a mechanical engineer

Mechanical engineering is a broad and complicated topic. This is why a full four-year education is necessary to qualify for work as an engineer. There are many schools throughout the country that have excellent mechanical engineering programs to fit your needs.

I recommend: Purdue University has a comprehensive school of mechanical engineering that provides many classroom hours and design courses. MIT offers a similar program, with a focus on mechanical design and real world experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics outlines the education and training requirements for mechanical engineers.

Get your license as a mechanical engineer

Engineers must be licensed by a state to work in the U.S. The first step is taking the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, typically just after graduation, followed by the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, after a required work period.

I recommend: Get the details on the licensing exams from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

Explore internship opportunities through schools and mechanical engineering firms

Internship opportunities are a great way for mechanical engineering students to get hands-on training in the workplace. Many schools provide students with a list of companies that offer paid or unpaid internships for credit. Students will be able to build upon what they've learned in the classroom while picking up practical work experience.

I recommend: Bechtel Plant Machinery, a manufacturer of Navy warships, offers internship positions to junior and senior mechanical engineering students. Disney also offers an internship program for mechanical engineers where they can get practical experience working with the mechanics who design rides and vehicle systems.

Attend workshops and seminars for the mechanical engineering industry

After you study mechanical engineering, you need to stay sharp and keep building on your skills. You can do this by attending workshops and seminars for the industry. These sessions teach professionals new skills, and introduce them to new innovations in design and technology that could change the way they work.

I recommend: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers provides seminars for students, as well as seminars for those in the workforce. The National Society of Professional Engineers offers seminars that help attendees study for licensing and get the skills needed to work with clients, among other useful topics.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you want to go into machine design for automotive or robotics, it is a good idea to join engineering organizations tailored to these concentrations.

Businesses need the services of a mechanical engineer to research, design, develop, construct and test mechanical devices. Mechanical engineering has applications across multiple industries, from manufacturing buildings, to product development. Engineers work in robotics, automotive, toys and biomedical fields to name a few. Mechanical engineers may design an entire machine or a small component necessary to make it function better. Regardless of the industry, when machines or systems are involved mechanical engineers are a vital part of the process.

A small engineering firm can compete with larger companies due to the demand for mechanical engineering services. A competitive market makes it easy to bid on projects. To establish your mechanical engineering business or find the services from a skilled engineer review the following:

1. Advertise your companies mechanical engineering information online.

2. Offer additional training related to mechanical engineering to in-house staff.

3. Purchase software designed for mechanical use to give the best mechanical engineering services to your clients.

4. Locate local engineers to fill in-house mechanical engineering positions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Advertise your mechanical engineering firm by networking online

Online bidding sites allow small companies to find customers and build up their reputation. Track bids in one place and create an online portfolio to showcase your work and automate other processes to free up time. Extensive search functions and category choices allow your company to bid on projects you specialize in and keep your rates competitive.

I recommend: Create a profile and bid on manufacturing and design projects at Guru.com. Join ConstructionDeal.com for access to local planning projects and marketing advice.

Find qualified mechanical engineers for your department

Find professionals with the experience and education your company requires. Job boards allow you to post company openings and quickly staff in-house positions with professionals who have experience working with at a mechanical engineering firm.

I recommend: Post job openings, search resumes and get alerts on candidates that match your request at MechanicalEngineer.com. Gain access to thousands of engineering professionals by listing job opportunities at The Engineering and Science Career Network.

Consider investing in software that performs mechanical engineering calculations and 3D graphics

Develop computer-aided designs, simplify complicated calculations and find correct codes and standards with engineering software. Products designed for mechanical applications feature user-friendly designs to aid those with different skill levels.

I recommend: Sign up for free 30 day trails of mechanical engineering software from MITCalc or AcadAME Software Developers. Complete sketches and drafts with AnvilCAD Lite software by Manufacturing and Consulting Services.

Offer in-house staff the option to receive ongoing training in mechanical engineering

Advanced understanding of math and physics are necessary skills to acquire in mechanical engineering. Industry changes occur often, beyond hiring outside engineers continuing education options allow your staff engineers to update knowledge and gain advanced degrees and certificates.

I recommend: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) provides needs assessments, workshops and courses to increase staff training in important areas of engineering and technology. Review free courses and videos in mechanical engineering with MIT OpenCourseWare.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most projects require more than one type of engineer. Mechanical engineering companies that employ engineers in several different specializations may have the advantage.