Mechanical engineering is the design, study, development, testing, construction of thermal and mechanical sensors and devices, including engines, tools, and machines. Mechanical engineering as a career caters to creating technologies for meeting a wide range of human needs. The subjects include manufacturing engineering, automobile engineering, power plant engineering, mechatronics engineering, Thermal Engineering, and others.
Mechanical engineers generally work in offices but sometimes need to go for field visits when a problem or equipment requires personal attention. Mechanical Engineering has its roots right from the industrial revolution to the advent of automated manufacturing, steam engine, and demand for railroad transportation.
Currently, mechanical engineering is one of the most in-demand career options that let the aspirants earn a handsome salary with great job satisfaction. One can pursue BTech in mechanical engineering to initiate a career in the same. Later, they can continue with higher studies like Mtech in mechanical engineering for better career exposure.
This blog in general covers what mechanical engineering is all about, what key skills, technical skills, communication skills, personal skills, professional skills, and software skills are required to be a successful mechanical engineer. Also, the blog covers details about how you can improve your mechanical engineering skills and what are the trending skills that are required for the present-day resume. Keep reading.
What Key Skills Do You Need to Be A Mechanical Engineer?
Having the right skill set is extremely crucial to becoming a good Mechanical Engineer. Students need to acquire a few key skills sets in order to make it big in the field. Check out some of the key skills for the mechanical engineer:
- Technical Skills Required for Mechanical Engineer
The technical skills of mechanical engineers must necessarily include product design, proficiency in utilizing mechanical engineering tools, proficiency in handling different computer software, and mathematical skills. Product designing is the creation and evaluation of new products in terms of customer functionality and requirement. Now, this is where the mechanical engineers need to understand the complete product design and development process. They must also have utilized a few common mechanical engineering tools like ohmmeter 3D printers, cold forming processes, calipers, and other tools. Also, they need to have prior experience using different software programs like Computer-aided manufacturing, Computer-aided design, and others.
- Communication Skills for Mechanical Engineers
Often, mechanical engineers have to develop products for their clients. They might have to explain complex devices on machines to people who are not at all familiar with mechanical engineering. Thus, they need to convey their ideas very precisely, clearly, and effectively, which requires strong communication skills.
- Personal Skills for Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers are required to have a strong analytical thinking so that they can solve problems that are raised by their employer or client. They need to analyse the results, adjust the designs if required, test and develop prototypes, design various mechanical device projects, ensure designs meet the safety requirements and legal guidelines, and lots more.
Mechanical engineering also entails the development and designing of products that range from batteries to medical devices to electric generators. Therefore, inventing products requires a lot of creativity which needs to be delivered within the challenging timeframes.
- Professional Skills of Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers work with people who are not always from their domain, like architects or computer scientists. In such cases, they need to have a team working and professional spirit with the members of other departments for developing successful and effective products.
- Software Skills for Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers make use of different computer programs and software applications. Employers these days prefer candidates who have good experience in using software programs like computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), computer-aided design (CAD), finite element analysis (FEA), construction software, visual basic for applications (VBA), and Microsoft Excel. Having prior knowledge of all of these programs will be useful for one’s productivity and efficiency.
Also read: Mechanical Engineering: A Good Career Choice, Undoubtedly!
How to Improve Your Mechanical Engineering Skills
Here are the top ways of enhancing your mechanical engineering skills:
- Pursue an advanced degree or certification
After completing your BE or BTech in mechanical engineering, you can pursue advanced degrees and certifications to sharpen your existing skills. For example, you can get certifications in HVAC, robotics, and CAD/CAM software. These advanced degrees and certifications are some of the desirable credentials which you can showcase as your expertise and qualification in mechanical engineering while you apply for jobs.
- Read professional development books
In order to advance your career in the mechanical engineering domain, you need to focus a lot on reading books that can improvise your problem-solving skills and boost your workplace productivity. This kind of reading will help you to understand things from a different perspective.
- Learn from skilled and experienced professionals
Work with experienced and skilled professionals in order to identify your weaknesses. With their guidance and advice, you can improve your skills and master a successful career.
Also read: What Does a Mechanical Engineer Do (Roles and Responsibilities)?
Mechanical Engineering Skills for Resume
Highlighting the right skills on your resume shows the employer that you are a good fit for the vacant position. But before listing down the key skills in your resume, know the job description well, and then jot down the skills required in order to grab a mechanical engineering job. Some of the common skills that can be included in a resume include:
- Analytical and creative thinker.
- Excellent mathematical skills.
- Knowledge of 10 + mechanical engineering tools.
- Great problem-solving skills.
- Ability to create high-end and innovative product designs.
- Great communication and listening skills.
Also read: Mechanical Engineering Interview Questions and Answers 2021 [Fresher & Experienced]
Final Thoughts
In a world full of cut-throat competition, organizations are now moving from the traditional ways to working with operational excellence. A career in mechanical engineering is both intrinsically rewarding and highly creative. An engineer with a solid educational background and training can grab a high paying Mechanical Engineering job. Few skills and abilities for mechanical engineering must be met for grabbing the right job. By developing the key skills, one can boost their chances of getting different opportunities and land into the best job.
Begin a rewarding career in mechanical engineering with NIET
NIET has been best known for imparting world-class education and is regarded as one of the top private-sector technical colleges in India. It offers excellent opportunities to students to broaden their experience to develop their skills and strength and their knowledge so that they would come under the eyes of potential employers.
Pursue an industry oriented mechanical engineering course at NIET and lead your way to a rewarding career. The department constantly strives to achieve excellence in education giving the students the best exposure to the state-of-art laboratories that help them gain both intellectual and practical experiences. The college sets up campus recruitment every year, which has actually got a pool of mechanical engineering graduates placed in different multinational companies.
If your interest lies in exploring the field of Mechanical Engineering, then NIET is the best place for you. To know more about the program objectives, curriculum structure, academic amenities, and the entire course details, apply today at the top and the leading mechanical engineering college of India, NIET.
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