Mechanical Engineering

A mechanical engineering degree is a combination of maths, science, technology, business and management. Throughout your studies, you acquire not only an understanding of general engineering principles, but also a range of transferable skills. You should consider these skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile.

Working as a Mechanical Engineer

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Prospects

A 2010 HESA survey of 2009 graduates, indicates that six months after graduation, just over 60% of mechanical engineering graduates were in employment in the UK or overseas. Of these, just over half secured professional engineering roles while nearly 8% were working in the commercial, industrial and public sectors.

Many employers in the engineering sector offer graduate training programmes, which usually support progression to chartered engineer status with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

The engineering sector is currently experiencing a skills shortage and opportunities are readily available for new graduates. Generally speaking, as a mechanical engineer, you will also have plenty of opportunity to work abroad if you wish.

Where are the jobs?

Mechanical engineering is widely reputed to be one of the most diverse engineering disciplines and you will find opportunities in a broad range of engineering fields; energy & utilities, transport, defence, oil and gas, automotive. Within these organisations, you may be involved in design, testing, research and development, production and manufacturing.

You will also have the skills necessary for careers in business and management, IT, finance and law.

Consider the following potential employment areas open to mechanical engineers:

• Engineering - this is a vast and diverse sector, including areas such as transport, rail, energy and telecommunications.
• Manufacturing - typical employers would include automotive and aircraft manufacturers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and consumer goods.
• Energy and utilities - you may be interested in exploration, drilling, construction, diving supplies, energy transportation, petrol retailers, or refineries.

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Mechanical.
• Aeronautical engineer
• Automotive engineer
• Petroleum engineer
• Maintenance engineer

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Mining engineer
• Water engineer
• Production manager
• Patent attorney
• IT consultant

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it's not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

You can find more about the skills you develop during your course, the jobs listed above, plus case studies and where to find these jobs at Prospects.

Included with the permission of AGCAS. For the latest version of this publication, see www.prospects.ac.uk. For permission to reproduce, contact copyright@agcas.org.uk