For decades, engineering has been the most sought-after degree course for students across the globe looking forward to building a secure yet demanding career in the future. And while there are numerous areas and subtypes of study within the engineering discipline, mechanical engineering continues to be the King of them all.

A career in mechanical engineering is lucrative as it not only offers high packages, but also innovation at every step. 

Some people possess what can be termed as an 'engineering mind' from a very young age. These people can be found taking things apart and putting them back together. They may enjoy repairing machinery or electronic equipment, learning computer programming, or tinkering with inventions. In essence, these individuals possess both a passion and an aptitude for figuring out how things work. This combination of innate ability and zeal is essential in a discipline that requires a high level of perseverance and diligence.

If you identify with these behaviors or are passionate about Physics and Mathematics, you should consider Mechanical Engineering as a career option. 

In this blog, we outline some of the reasons why Mechanical Engineering is a great career choice. 

1. Wide Range of Career Choices: Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering won't restrict you to a limited number of career options. Instead, it will pave the way for a broad spectrum, and you can choose from a range of sub-disciplines to specialize in a niche within mechanical engineering. Some of them are marine engineering, aerospace engineering, automobile engineering, and many more. 
2. Global Opportunities: Mechanical engineers have high demand worldwide since all the countries require skilled mech professionals who can contribute to their growth. Maintaining the old infrastructure and creating a new one is some of those tasks that only Mechanical Engineers can do. It means that this field of engineering gives you ample opportunities to work abroad and work with some of the world’s best countries that not just offer decent pay but also improve your overall life. 
3. Lucrative Salary: Year after year, engineering jobs are paid the highest average starting salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mechanical engineers have a median annual wage of $90,160 with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $58,410, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $141,060. The bottom line: it is well worth the time and effort it takes to become an engineer.
4. Jack of All Trades: Mechanical engineering colleges help individuals transform themselves into multi-talented people. When individuals pursue this degree, they can develop their knowledge in multiple fields, including Physics, Mathematics, Electricity, Structures, Computer Applications, and English, to name a few. Thus, you will not only become an expert in your core subject, but you will also build your knowledge on a wide variety of subjects.
5. Contribute to the Society: Perseverance and hard work combined with your knowledge in mechanical engineering could enable you to change the world. The world is currently facing various challenges, including after-effects of the pandemic, global warming, cyber-attacks, lack of enough clean water and food, and over-exploitation of energy resources. As a mechanical engineer, you can help humanity have a better future with the right innovation. Isn't it what matters more than earning money and success that comes with the mechanical engineering career.

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer: Steps to Take From High School

High School is the perfect time to explore career interests and possibilities to help set your course for the future. 

If you wish to become a Mechanical Engineer, you can start preparing in high school by gaining the background knowledge necessary for future studies. This will include courses in the STEM fields, and might also include electives in computer science or robotics. Physics, chemistry, and higher-level math classes will all be equally useful for a career in mechanical engineering. Courses like biology or anatomy may come in handy if you wish to pursue design work in medical devices. 

In college, your prep for a career in mechanical engineering will get a little more serious. You’ll need to pursue a mechanical engineering major and follow the prescribed coursework, which includes classes in calculus, engineering, physics, and computer programming. 

You might choose to look for an internship or gain experience working in a lab with your professors as they conduct research to gain practical knowledge. 

Finally, you might consider an accelerated program. Some schools have five-year degree programs that culminate in both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree. Although you only need a bachelor’s to get an entry-level position in the field of mechanical engineering, a master’s degree will likely accelerate your career growth and open up higher earning potential too. Doing this through a five-year accelerated program will not only save you time but also money over the long term.