What are the specific features of a mechanical engineer?
Mechanical engineering is a varied, flexible, constantly evolving discipline with a leading role in modern industrial activities and future technological development. At the simplest level, mechanical engineering deals with the analysis, design and production of small components and devices (such as micro-sensors and labs-on-a-chip), ranging up to large systems such as spacecraft and power stations. Basically, mechanical engineering involves any system with moving parts! So it is not surprising that mechanical engineers play a central role in the automotive, aerospace, marine, biotechnology, IT and electronics industries and in sectors dealing with MEMS, energy converters, environmental control, automation, mechanical manufacturing etc.
There are many reasons for choosing a master's in mechanical engineering. Above all, mechanical engineers have the opportunity to "create something useful", which will be used by other people – they provide an important service to society. In addition, their study programme is very broad. As they learn a lot about many subjects, they develop a broad spectrum of sought-after skills. Given the flexibility of their profile, mechanical engineers have a broad understanding of the industrial and technological world. They are always in demand in industry and quickly find work after graduating. As mechanical engineers work in a very wide cross-section of industry, their careers are protected against economic fluctuations. It should also be said that mechanical engineers are paid particularly good starting salaries.
Examples of industries requiring contributions from mechanical engineers
The automotive industries
Mechanical engineers take part in the creative, design, implementation, testing and production stages of all vehicle components and subsystems, from propulsion to suspension and air conditioning.
The railway industries
Similarly, mechanical engineers contribute to all the stages of designing and developing railway systems, including engines, structural components, suspension, guidance systems and many others.
The aerospace and marine industries
Mechanical engineers also typically contribute to the design, production and maintenance of aircraft propulsion and fuselage systems and ships' engines and hulls. In addition, they are involved in the design of aircraft and shipping air and water systems and in many other systems such as heating, ventilation etc.
The energy sector
The activities of mechanical engineers in the energy sector are very broad, covering all aspects of the generation, storage and transmission of different forms of energy (electricity, fossil fuels, biomass, wind etc.).
Many other employment opportunities exist for mechanical engineers: the biomedical industries, the nuclear industry, production and construction (thermal and hydraulic systems for buildings) and many more. In addition, many mechanical engineers work as freelance consultants or auditors. With their analytical and quantitative skills, mechanical engineers can also find work easily in finance and management.