Getting a job as a Mech. E

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Hey, I'm attending Rensselaer (RPI) in August and was deciding on engineering majors I may want to explore. </p>

<p>I know that I like physics and designing stuff, Im decent at math (taking diff eq in the fall semester). Im currently undeclared.</p>

<p>Considering this, I saw mechanical as a possible path, having said this I'm worried about job security as the government site on job statistics (dont remember the address) said that job growth was slower than average etc.</p>

<p>Just wanted to know how hard it would be getting a job (any engineering related job) with a mechanical engineering degree from RPI (how valuable are RPI engineering degrees?)</p>

<p>thanks</p>

2

<p>The BLS statistics are a good reference but by no means a definite trend--while it notes that manufacturing jobs might leave the US, not all MEs are focused in that area and therefore shouldn't be threatened.</p>

<p>From my experience, my ME friends/classmates had no trouble finding a job once they graduated.</p>

3

<p>good to hear, did your friends graduate from RPI?</p>

4

<p>No they did not. </p>

<p>However, looking at the RPI stats:
Career</a> Development Center: Recruiting Statistics</p>

<p>It seems that only 10% of the 2007 class were still seeking employment upon graduation. I'm not sure the specific breakdown by major but traditionally the science/engineering disciplines have more secure jobs than liberal arts.</p>

5

<p>thnaks for the info nshah, also does anyone know if a focus in nanotechnology is possible with an initial Mech E. major? O ris that more Material Sci.?</p>

6

<p>Mechanical can be a good major to segway into nanotechnology, as in ChemE, EE or BME. While Material scientists still have an edge in creating the tiny nanonparticles, other majors might be the actual engineers to design the thermal or electrical subsystems.</p>

7

<p>I just read something on Yahoo listing Mechanical Engineer as pne of the top 5jobs. It said alot of engineers will be retiring soon.</p>

8

<p>ME is most versalitle field of engineering. I would not worry about getting a job with ME from RPI.</p>

9

<p>Just wish that S uses his ME degree on a fulltime job instead of bumming around on shortterm research positions with microsoft. :)</p>

<p>ME is a good springboard into other fields of interest. S used ME to move into technology design but not software programs.</p>

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<p>RPI is a very reputable school. I'd expect most employers to see it as a plus.</p>

11

<p>I am a MechE working in the electric utility industry. It was very easy for me to get a job and I think the industry has good job security.</p>

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<p>from what I have done research on, Materials (Science) Engineering seems to be the most broad engineering path- please, correct me if I'm wrong- next in line is Mechanical.
If you could design/discover a new material- polymer, metal, plastic, etc.- you could be working with anyone under the sun from medical folks to fuel folks.
The industrial window is a portal to the world- this is also why MSE is my major.</p>

13

<p>
[quote]
instead of bumming around on shortterm research positions with microsoft

[/quote]
</p>

<p>it's tough to get into MS even with CS. nobody goes to MS with ME degree (well, almost... there are always exceptions). near impossible. unless you take extra CS courses as electives.</p>

14

<p>It seems to be that engineer grads will not have a problem finding a job, especially if you are a hardworking student. If you network, you will find even more job offers. As far as ME jobs being shipped overseas, I think most jobs that are shipped overseas are the low skilled positions. These are jobs that don't require a college degree essentially. ME's are most likely employed by companies who value their educational and skills they have learned and will learned. I doubt they will have to worry about job security in that aspect.</p>

15

<p>^ Wasn't that true with CS people and IT people? First call centers then low level software and now server support/maintainance?</p>

<p>I do suppose though ME positions are harder to transfer since they arent a location insensitive. </p>

<p>Though its good to hear that ME has broad applications and that my school will make my job search easier, thanks.</p>

16

<p>
[quote]
unless you take extra CS courses as electives

[/quote]
</p>

<p>There are many fields in CS that do not require traditional CS. S has not taken a CS course in the programming languages. Much as one uses a hammer, one does not need to be a journeyman carpenter to pound a few nails. S does not have a job at MS, only a shortterm internship in their research subsidiary,</p>

<p>Great rapport with his professors and mentors go a long way. Proven completion of projects whatever they may be is a definite advantage over those who barely get it done.</p>