<p>Hey, I'm graduating from college with about a 3.6 GPA. My major is Physics and I have about 3 years of lab experience, but I'd like to work as a mechanical engineer. I do have a minor in mechanical engineering, but I have no actual work experience in engineering. Is there any chance of future employers taking interest in me? Thanks for any help!</p>
<p>Mmm, no, most likely not. What classes did you take, was your program ABET accredited, did you take the FE?</p>
<p>I’ve known several Fortune 500 companies to hire Physics majors to engineering positions. The mechanical engineering minor should help. The only issue you will have is working anywhere that wants you to eventually get licensed. Not having an internship is an issue, but you could probably relate the lab experience in some way to find a position. I would definitely say don’t give up. If you have to, you could always get a masters degree in engineering part time or online (surprisingly they do exist).</p>
<p>I have not taken the FE exam, and the engineering program at my school is ABET accredited. The engineering classes I’ve taken are Statics, Dynamics, Strength of Materials, Advanced Dynamics (my physics thermo double counted for major and minor) and Statics/Dynamics Lab.
I live in NY and am going to apply to SUNY stony brook for masters to save some money.</p>
<p>I’m also currently watching online lectures on Machine Dynamics, Fluid Dynamics, Machine Desgign, etc. And I’m watching MathCad tutorials so I can have a basis in that.</p>
<p>Would either of you recommend I study for and take the FE exam?</p>
<p>That depends entirely on what kind of work you want to do. I took it during my undergrad just to be safe, but now that I’m actually working I have no intention of getting licensed. Some government jobs or positions with engineering firms will desire/require a licensed mechanical PE, but not much else.</p>
<p>You should look at defense-related companies (there are a number of them on Long Island). They like to hire physics majors and your engineering courses will give you an advantage. You have to properly frame your resume and introduction letter though. Take advantage of your Career Center, they should be able to help you with the resume and letter and interviewing skills.</p>
<p>Taking a Masters in engineering is also a good thing but it might be better to do that part-time once you are in a job. As a physics professor at IIT, I see this kind of situation all the time and our majors are usually successful in finding positions in companies which value the problem-solving training that physicists get.</p>
<p>thanks very much to all of you! I’ll start taking a look at some defense companies around here and see if I can poke my resume through in a few places!</p>