Job Spotlight: Mechanical Engineer
For those of you who are interested in studying an Engineering course, or perhaps you already are, you might be wondering what career options you have. The world of Engineering is one that is constantly evolving and as such new jobs arise within this industry on a regular basis. However one career that has remained unchanged in today’s society is Mechanical Engineering, making it the perfect job to apply for. Here at Discuss we thought we would shed some light on this essential career to see if it’s for you.
Functions
So your first question might be, well what does a Mechanical Engineer actually do? You could be doing anything from designing and developing mechanical systems to processing materials for test manufacturing. Using engineering software like CAD, CAM and CFD would become a daily activity.
There will be times when you have to work alone and others times when you have to work as part of a team in an environment that is heavily regulated. So for all you impatient people out there, maybe this isn’t the career for you.
Skills
The mechanical engineering industry is one that is fast paced, therefore you must be able to thrive in this type of environment. It requires a specific skill set that is taught during an Engineering based degree. These skills include:
- Communication skills
- Analytical skills
- Team work
- Problem solving
- Planning and decision making
- Creativity skills
- Numerical skills
- Information Technology skills
Salary
The average salary for a Mechanical Engineer in the UK is £30,000. However, this is often after a sufficient amount of work experience has been gained. In this type of career there is room for progression meaning you won’t remain in that entry level position for years to come. Something else to bear in mind is with Engineering jobs there is the possibility of overtime. Definitely something you need to ask in an interview!
Entry Criteria
When applying for a job within this field you will find that many organisations require a recognisable qualification in Engineering, whether that be a BTEC or an Engineering based degree. Obviously the higher the level of qualification that you possess the higher paid jobs you will be able to apply for.
Having said that work experience is highly desirable in the Engineering industry. It is all well and good knowing the theory but if you are unable to use the equipment to a high standard you will soon find yourself out of a job.
A typical Mechanical Engineering job would require:
- A degree in Engineering
- Relevant work experience
- The ability to use engineering software
- A wide range of knowledge
If you think that this might be a career for you why not study Engineering at CU Coventry, CU London or CU Scarborough.