To become a professional mechanical engineer, you must have postsecondary education, relevant work experience, pass the certification exam, and go through the job interview process. A professional mechanical engineer must obtain a mechanical engineering degree from an accredited university. Mechanical engineers are primarily concerned with the application of fundamental physics and chemical properties to the design of manufacturing facilities and related machinery.
This is a rewarding career for people who are mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and have excellent interpersonal skills. In most cases, a mechanical engineer works in the manufacturing industry. Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing, analyzing, and implementing complex mechanical systems.
To become a professional mechanical engineer, you must first complete a mechanical engineering post-secondary education program. Although candidates with a general bachelor’s degree can be hired in other fields, engineering is a unique discipline. Engineering programs typically last four to five years and include a rigorous course load.
A job placement, cooperative, or internship arrangement is the most common way to gain related work experience. These positions are usually included in engineering programs because they are the only way to gain mechanical engineering experience. Some schools, on the other hand, offer a professional experience year. Instead of four-month work terms, the student can work in a professional setting for a full calendar year. Over a longer period of time, this type of job placement provides more opportunities to learn about what a mechanical engineer does.
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying administers the certification exam to become a professional mechanical engineer. To become a professional engineer and use the designation P.Eng., you must pass two exams. The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam is the first exam, and it is usually completed before graduation. The Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, which is usually completed three to four years after graduation, is the second exam.
Take the time to prepare for the interview when applying for a job as a professional mechanical engineer. Make a list of common interview questions and prepare your responses ahead of time. You should be able to discuss concepts and technical issues during the interview as a professional engineer. Take the time the night before to review pertinent information to refresh your memory. Practice using the correct terminology so that the employer can verify that your abilities are current.