Explore multiple career avenues with a degree in Mechanical Engineering

16 Sep 2019

Studying Mechanical Engineering is a solid choice for career opportunities as it’s one of the most sought-after professions in the world.

Those who are qualified in Mechanical Engineering can also diversify their careers due to the employment opportunities in several different industries, as well as the multiple skillsets that come with learning this broad field of engineering.

According to Prospects, “Mechanical engineering deals with the design, development, installation, operation and maintenance of anything that has moving parts.

“Because of this, you will find relevant opportunities in a range of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, construction, energy, manufacturing, medicine, railway, and sport.”

The rise of new technologies such as robotics and 3D printing makes Mechanical Engineering an exciting and progressive career choice.

Mechanical engineers are increasingly expected to solve problems using innovative approaches and are responsible for tackling global issues, all while being aware of the impact on the environment and society.

Universities offering programmes in Mechanical Engineering need to sufficiently prepare graduates for the real working world. It’s a competitive field, and employers are increasingly looking for those who have some work experience.

An internship or other types of work experience in the field is incredibly valuable, giving students insights to the industry while helping them develop the relevant skills needed to become competent and capable mechanical engineers.

Here are four leading departments in universities across Europe who are preparing job-ready graduates in Mechanical Engineering.

DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING & DESIGN, UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX – UK

The Department of Engineering & Design is one of the few general engineering departments in the UK, offering degrees in in Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical/Electronic engineering and Product Design. This gives our mechanical UG students the experience of mixing in classes and projects with students studying for different degrees.

The Mechanical Engineering BEng programme provides students with the ideal training to lead multidisciplinary teams in the development of complex systems, such as sustainable power generation, modern power-trains for automotive vehicles and jet engines for aircraft propulsion.

There’s also the Integrated Master of Engineering (MEng) programme, suitable for those who want to specialise and further their studies in subjects such as Computational Fluid Dynamics, FEA, Advanced Mechanical Dynamics through optional modules and work on areas such as control, vibration, tribology, or aerodynamics through project work including Formula Student and Electrical-driven car projects

Over the past two years, the department has also been offering Mechanical Engineering with Robotics BEng (Hons) and Mechanical Engineering with Robotics MEng programmes.

University of Sussex

These programmes give students the chance to develop specific expertise in the field of robotics alongside mechanical engineering skills so they can work in sectors such as robot design and development to autonomous cars, robotics, automation, mechatronics, automotive, aerospace and renewable energies.

Students learn in the Future Technologies Labs that incorporates computer suites and new automation/robotics facilities, with a dedicated manufacturing lab and state-of-the-art facilities such as CNC machines and 3-D printers.

Along with supportive academic advisors, student mentors and engineering societies, Mechanical Engineering students here enjoy a fulfilling student experience and become career-ready graduates.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF MILAN (POLIMI) – ITALY

The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at this university in Milan, Italy, prepares professionals to independently develop projects related to product or process innovation, both in the industry and service sectors.

Both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science graduates receive in-depth preparation for a career in Mechanical Engineering, but the Master of Science programme delves further into the innovation and application of complex models to design and improve upon existing and new products and processes.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering’s aim is to foster a culture of research and innovation in new fields that are becoming more and more important to society.

Shutterstock

These include transport and sustainable mobility, power technologies, biomechanics and service robotics, bio materials, smart materials and hybrid materials, manufacturing and production systems, space and security.

Graduates with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from this university become independent engineers with the capabilities to develop the functional, construction and energy-related aspects of innovative products, processes and systems in industry and in the advanced tertiary sector.

LAPPEENRANTA-LAHTI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (LUT) – FINLAND

The LUT university in Finland is a pioneer in the region for combining technology and business – ever since its inception in 1969.

The diverse and international community consists of 6,000 students and faculty experts who engage in cutting-edge scientific research and quality academic education.

For Mechanical Engineering, students can enroll in the Bachelor’s Degree programme, or take their career to greater heights by joining either one of the four different Master’s Programmes in the field of Mechanical Engineering, housed within the LUT School of Energy Systems.

Lapeenranta University

These are: Advanced Structural Design and Robotised Welding, Industrial Design Engineering (Lahti campus), Mechatronic System Design and Sustainable Production in Mechanical Engineering.

The department is committed to developing graduates who are prepared to find sustainable solution for climate challenges such as climate change, food security and efficient use of energy.

As more and more engineers are needed globally to ensure safe, economic and low-emissions technology and energy production, as well as access to renewable energy sources, studies here combine modern mechanical engineering with the techniques and systems required for the production, transfer and use of energy and management of environmental impacts.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY (ET), UNIVERSITY OF TWENTE (UT) – NETHERLANDS

Located in the Netherlands, UT is a public research university where societal impact is a core value.

The Faculty of ET is one of the five faculties which combines Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering.

In the Bachelor’s Degree programme in Mechanical Engineering, students learn both scientific theory as well as how to apply it in practice.

Every module requires students to tackle a real-life problems and find innovative solutions by working in groups, which prepares students for the working world as well as helping them discover which team role best suits them (researcher, designer or organiser).

Shutterstock

The department is focused on teaching students how to become capable and independent professionals, based on Student-Driven Learning.

Understanding that graduates will be entering a working world with jobs that don’t yet exist, they are educating them to become entrepreneurial T-shaped professionals who are able to collaborate across different disciplines and have depth in their areas of expertise, so they are prepared for all kinds of working worlds.

Students here also are taught how to think innovatively and apply their knowledge in a broader context and across multiple industries so they can work in a wide range of jobs.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International