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College of Engineering / Career Development and Corporate Relations / Engineering Pathways / MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Mechanical engineers are involved in the conceptualization, design, manufacture, testing, marketing, and maintenance of devices and machines in a wide variety of industries such as power, textile, computer, electronics, automotive, and more.

COURSE SELECTION

Freshman

  • Familiarize yourself with engineering requirements and explore interest areas
  • Complete pre-engineering courses

Sophomore

  • Maintain a strong GPA, seek academic support early and often
  • Complete gateway courses
  • Consider adding a minor

Junior

  • Complete major courses
  • Work with departmental advisors to select 3 technical electives for plan of study

Senior

  • Complete technical electives
  • Register for Comprehensive Design I and II in consecutive semesters
  • Schedule graduation check with Engineering Students Services academic advisor one semester prior to graduation
  • Register for the graduation list, Univ 4AAO EN1, for your final semester

ASK FOR ASSISTANCE

Freshman

  • Meet with Academic Advisor each semester to develop your academic plan and course schedule
  • Talk to professors about specific areas of interest
  • Check out free ESS tutoring, study partners, and academic coaching
  • Visit the Engineering CDCR to discuss majors of interest and begin career planning

Sophomore

  • Form study groups with class mates. Continue to seek free Academic Support resources such as Study Partners, Supplemental Instruction, and academic coaching
  • Attend ME orientation and advising in Wiggins Hall once in-major
  • Meet with the Engineering CDCR to help you build a resume, learn about internships, and complete your Handshake profile

Junior

  • Access free group tutoring offered weekly for junior year gateway courses
  • Meet with the Engineering CDCR to explore companies, update your resume, and gain customized career assistance
  • Continue to meet with your departmental advisor to gauge your progress and modify planning as needed

Senior

  • Meet with the Engineering CDCR to explore career opportunities and for assistance with strategies for your full-time job search
  • Meet with your departmental advisor to review progress and plan for graduation

GAIN EXPERIENCE

Freshman

  • Identify someone in a professional position of interest to you. Conduct an informational interview with them to learn about what they do
  • Look for job shadowing opportunities in your areas of interest
  • Explore the Co-Op Program. Co-Op orientation take place during the first 3 weeks of each semester

Sophomore

  • Intern and/or participate in Co-Op to add valuable work experience to your resume
  • Explore study abroad opportunities
  • Explore undergraduate research. Learn more through Engineering Undergraduate Research and University Undergraduate Research. Talk to faculty and advisors for guidance
  • Attend fall and spring Career Fairs
  • Create a LinkedIn account and profile to increase your visibility to potential employers

Junior

  • Continue with Co-Op or Internships
  • Attend on-campus seminars by engineering professionals
  • Attend fall and spring Career Fairs
  • If you are considering graduate school, start studying and take the GRE. Get involved with undergraduate research projects and explore publication opportunities. Attend the Graduate and Professional School Fair
  • Use LinkedIn to identify alumni who can assist you in your job search

Senior

  • Attend fall and spring Career Fairs
  • Attend graduate and professional school recruiting events
  • Continue gaining experience through co-op, internships, part-time jobs, or job shadowing that will assist you during interviews for full-time employment

GET INVOLVED

Freshman

  • Check out AU Involve and Engineering organizations to identify groups of interest such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and War Eagle Motorsports

Sophomore

  • Consider leadership roles in organizations you are currently involved in
  • Seek campus and community service opportunities
  • Continue involvement in an organization where you can develop your interests, build social connections, and enhance your resume

Junior

  • Attain leadership roles in ASME, SWE, War Eagle Motorsports and other University-wide organizations
  • Become a student member in professional organizations related to your major
  • Attend regional and national conferences for professional and/or student organizations. Submit proposals to present your work

Senior

  • Become a team leader or project manager
  • Begin to use the connections you made through campus involvement and College or department alumni contacts to begin your full-time job search

SAMPLE JOB TITLES

Industrialization Engineer
Minimum Education: B.M.E.
Entry Level Salary Range: $49.2K - $65K

M.E. of Operations and Maintenance
Minimum Education: B.M.E.
Entry Level Salary Range: $55K - $90.3K

Quality Control Engineer
Minimum Education: B.M.E.
Entry Level Salary Range: $59.5K - $75K

 

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