Mechanical Engineering Career Map

Awareness

First Year

• Develop attention to detail, time management skills, the ability to meet deadlines, good teamwork, and communication skills.
• Take ME 135: Engineering Graphics and Communication - Teaches essential skills like 2D and 3D technical drawing, freehand sketching, and crucial Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software proficiency. Establishes the universal language for communicating designs and prepares students for subsequent engineering coursework.

Middle Years

• ME 228: Computational Engineering -  Introduces programming concepts and computational tools vital for mechanical engineers.
• EG 284: Dynamics -Develops students’ ability to analyze and predict the motion of particles and rigid bodies using Newton’s laws, energy methods, and momentum principles.
• ME 312: Mechanical Engineering Thermodynamics - Students will learn to analyze energy systems, apply the laws of thermodynamics, and evaluate the performance of engines, refrigerators, and power cycles.
• For details on specific courses, review the curriculum flow chart.
• Pursue research experience with a Mechanical Engineering faculty member or opportunities with the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Last Year

• Apply to graduate.
• Apply for jobs.
• Apply for graduate school (optional).
• Apply for scholarships and/or assistantships for graduate school.

Exploration

First Year

• Explore student organizations and leadership opportunities through Involve South.
• Explore the UTeach South Program and find out if it is a good fit for you.
• If you are considering medical school, review the Pre-Health Advising web page and complete the Pre-Health Interest Form.

Middle Years

• Join professional associations such as the American Society of  Mechanical Engineers (ASME); Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International); American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); Society of Women Engineers (SWE); National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE); or Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES).
• Apply for honor societies, such as Tau Beta Pi, and explore their scholarship offerings.
• Explore Study Abroad opportunities.

Last Year

• Be aware of the requirement to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination on the last examination date prior to anticipated graduation.
• Research medical or graduate programs

Preparation

First Year

• Log in to Accelerate South and build profile strength to 75%+.
• Contact Career Development. Meet with a career consultant to discuss career goals and research fields of specialization.

Middle Years

• Prepare to apply for internships, Co-op, summer jobs, or volunteer positions.
• Attend career fairs and networking events to become knowledgeable about career opportunities available. 

Last Year

• Prepare for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.
• Decide between a job search and graduate school before the final semester.
• Meet with Career Development to finalize resume and job search or graduate school planning.