Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Depending on whether you attend a technical college for a vocational certification or a four-year college to earn a degree, there are a variety of certifications and degrees offered to students who focus on technology. You might opt to major in a field such as engineering, mathematics or programming. Be sure to consult your school’s course catalogue to determine the best program for your needs.
Among the certifications and degrees offered for the technology field are:
- Vocational Certificate
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
Information technology career paths are accessible within a wide gamut of career training or education levels.
If time is important, you could finish a technology program at a vocational college in just a year. But if you’re willing to invest more time in your education, you could earn a Bachelor’s Degree in four years or less. Remember that many companies structure their pay scales based on education level.
How to Become a Mechanical Engineer
A mechanical engineering career may be for you if you have an interest in gears, pneumatics, robotics, and hydraulics. Mechanical engineers study the mechanics of the ways in which machines function, from a simple pulley or hydraulic jack to the rotating components of a jet engine. Mechanical engineers have a strong interest in mechanical technology and are typically employed to design and develop new products.
A career in mechanical engineer science or technology can be demanding because of advances in science and computers. For instance, computer assisted design is constantly evolving with technological advances.
Training Required for a Mechanical Engineering Career
A career in mechanical engineer technology is typically started with a four-year degree, although for some positions a graduate degree is preferred. A mechanical engineer offering services to the public must be licensed, although this is not typically necessary. Coursework usually includes concentrations in math, science, physics, and mechanical engineering. Successful mechanical engineers start their careers by taking math and science courses in high school. While in college, they take internships and summer jobs in order to gain valuable experience and on-the-job training.
In order to stay current, most mechanical engineers continue to learn new skills while on the job in order to sustain a career in mechanical engineer technology or science. People interested in pursuing research and development in mechanical engineering will need a master's or Ph.D. degree.
Colleges need to be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) for a graduate to be considered a requirement for an engineer to be licensed. A mechanical engineer who becomes licensed is known as a Professional Engineer (PE). The licensing process requires not only graduation from an ABET-accredited college, but also requires four years of experience and passing an exam.
Mechanical Engineer Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median mechanical engineer salary is $72,500. The top ten percent of mechanical engineer salaries is above $106,200. The middle fifty percent of mechanical engineer salaries fall between $59,200 and $94,400. The bottom ten percent of mechanical engineer salaries fall below $47,900. (Salary data retrieved 7/10/11)
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