Mechanical Engineering

INTRODUCTION:

Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest branches of engineering. It is
also referred to as the ‘mother’ branch of engineering. Another appealing feature of mechanical engineering is
that the application base of this field of study is extremely broad and diverse.
Almost all inventions during the
ancient period and a vast majority in
the modern era are direct
contributions of one or the other application of mechanics. Traditionally, mechanical engineers have to deal with concepts such as mechanics, thermodynamics, robotics, kinematics, structural analysis, fluid mechanics and many others. These concepts are applied in the process of designing state-of-the-art manufacturing units, different types of motor vehicles, aircraft and aerospace parts and a vast assortment of industrial machinery. Mechanical engineers also contribute in the development of various engines, power plant equipment, heating and cooling systems and other simple and complex machinery. Mechanical engineers not only design new mechanical systems but they are also responsible for testing, maintaining and manufacturing them. The aforementioned are the conventional roles and responsibilities
of mechanical engineers. However, times have changed. Nowadays the scope of mechanical engineering is
expanding beyond its traditional boundaries. Mechanical engineers are focussing their attention towards new
areas of research such as nanotechnology, development of composite materials, biomedical
applications, environmental conservation, etc. The ever increasing scope of this particular job profile now requires professionals to get into financial and marketing aspects of product development and even into people and resource management. All in all mechanical engineering offers a wide bouquet of job options to students who are looking for a stable and stimulating career.

IS THIS THE RIGHT CAREER FOR ME?

Like other career paths, the entry into this particular branch of engineering also requires you to possess certain basic traits. First and foremost, you must have a penchant for mechanical components and machinery and how these machines work. Then you must be good at physics, chemistry and mathematics. You must also have skills such as an analytical bent of mind, logical reasoning and problem solving. Further, you must have immense patience, physical strength, ability to work for long hours and an inventive spirit that are essential ingredients for becoming a successful mechanical engineer.

JOB PROSPECT

Since mechanical engineering is the

broadest of all engineering fields, the

job prospects on offer for skilled

mechanical engineers are aplenty and

unending. Mechanical engineers are

required to design, test, manufacture, install, operate and maintain a wide

array of machines and mechanical

systems that are used in countless

industries. These professionals can

find employment both in the

government and private sector undertakings. Major industries that employ

mechanical engineers include

automobiles, space research, aeronautical, energy and utilities, air conditioning, bio-mechanical industry. Other major employers include giant manufacturing plants, air conditioning and refrigeration industry, turbine manufacturing plants, oil and gas exploration and refining industries and the agricultural sector. In the government sector, mechanical engineers can provide their knowledge to various government run projects in the role of technical experts and consultants. They can also work in private engineering companies that provide technical consultancy to both government and corporate firms. These engineers can also hold high managerial positions in government as well as private sector organisations according to their field of expertise

and educational qualifications.

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