Engineering – A Growing Field As Technology Advances
Mechanical engineers are essentially inventors. They create mechanical solutions and push technology to its limits. They enjoy complex problem solving. It’s defined as the research, design, development and manufacture of mechanical devices. Mechanical engineering is also one of the broadest disciplines. An online engineering degree would help you enter this field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mechanical engineering is the second largest of engineering specialties with nearly 250,000 certified practitioners as of 2008. Growth is expected to be “average”, with the U.S. needing 11% more by 2018.
Like all of the STEM (science, tech, engineering, math) professions, it’s a field that requires constant education, even after getting a Masters or PhD. This is due to constant technological and mechanical innovations having a profound effect in the world in general. Since most mechanical engineers work together, they also must be team players and have excellent communication skills; both written and oral. Strong math, computer and drafting skills are a definite need. Many become administrators or managers. The profession also allows for parallel tracts such as Computer Science, Civil or Electrical Engineering.
The rewards can be worth it. The Bureau reports the lowest end of the salary bracket is just about $48,000. It can go as high as well over $100,000. Median salary is about $80,000. Benefits include life/health insurance, retirement and investment programs and continued educational assistance.
Aside from basic Pell Grants, the federal government and the National Science Foundation have teamed up to set up a series of what are called S-STEM scholarships, grants and low interest loans. Both private corporations and professional organizations have also set up their fair share of educational financial aid, both for on campus and online colleges.
At the same time, if any STEM field is going through its fair share of flux, it’s mechanical engineering. The main centers of employment, heavy industry centers such as Detroit or Seattle, are retooling due to energy costs and other financial issues. At the same time, new opportunities are coming. President Obama’s green energy initiatives promise an incredible number of job possibilities for mechanical engineers. As such, many are enrolling in online college courses to get them. Even though the field goes through its share of change–and the career suffers layoffs because of it–it doesn’t mean the country doesn’t fear a possible shortage.