An entry level mechanical engineer is someone who has just qualified as a mechanical engineer and is ready to enter the job market. Like other people in entry level positions, an entry level mechanical engineer does not have work experience, but has benefited from the most recent training available. Since many people view mechanical engineering as a lifetime career, entry level mechanical engineers are at the start of their working careers as mechanical engineers.
Typically, an entry level mechanical engineer holds a bachelors or masters degree in mechanical engineering, and may have done some additional graduate level work. Part of the training for mechanical engineers includes some practical experience with mechanical fabrication, the software utilized by mechanical engineers, and other tasks, so these engineering professionals have some experience. In some cases, they may have participated in internships which have given them more hands-on experience.
Many companies are constantly looking for entry level mechanical engineers to hire for basic positions, offering promotions over time. A skilled engineer with a drive to innovate can stay with the same company for life, working his or her way up through the ranks. Others may drift from company to company, following particular interests in the engineering field or acquiring a broad depth of skills. After substantial experience, mechanical engineers may also start their own companies to develop projects they are interested in.
Mechanical engineer jobs can include positions in aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and almost any industry which involves tools and machines, because mechanical engineers work with anything which has mechanical parts. An entry level mechanical engineer has a wide range of career paths to choose from. Companies looking for newly qualified mechanical engineers usually specify that a position is entry level, making it easy for entry level mechanical engineers to find appropriate job listings.
As with all people at the start of their careers, an entry level mechanical engineer may not have a very impressive resume. The important part of the mechanical engineer's qualifications is the training he or she has received. A resume should definitely make note of any honors received, special projects the entry level mechanical engineer was involved in, and internships which have offered practical experience. It can also help to have letters of recommendation or introduction from engineering professors; while professors are not obligated to help with job placement, many are willing to assist talented students when they start building their careers.
By Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a All The Science researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.