Mechanical engineering is among the broadest disciplines of engineering available to students. Its versatility allows individuals to pursue a wide range of interests and industries that best fits the student’s goals, interests, and expertise. Deciding a major can be difficult, but knowing what doors open as a result of the major you pursue can play a valuable role in deciding what you want to study and practice in the workforce. With the resources and opportunities here at USC, there are so many ways to pursue interests and dabble into different fields even during your college career. Here is a condensed breakdown of mechanical engineering and the opportunities that come with it!
Primary Areas of Study for Mechanical Engineers
1. Design and Manufacturing
Engineering focuses on improving efficiency and effectiveness of various products and systems. To develop the necessary analytical and design skills, mechanical engineering curriculum partially focuses on design and manufacturing. Improvements can be made at any level from conception to execution and mechanical engineers help to minimize error and maximize proficiency.
2. Thermodynamics
The field also focuses on heat transfer and energy systems. Heat is constantly being converted into different forms of energy and is subsequently used to power various machines and systems. Thermodynamics is particularly useful in the realm of engines and power plants.
3. Structural Analysis
Structural analysis analyzes the strength and stability of components under changing conditions in the real world. This field is imperative in ensuring the safety and reliability of products and static buildings. In my introduction to mechanical engineering course (AME-101), we utilized structural analysis to create bridges that could hold exponentially more than their weight!
Choosing an Industry
- Automotive:
With mechanical engineering being the design and construction of various machines, many mechanical engineers decide to pursue a career in the world of automobiles. They often focus on performance, fuel efficiency, and environmental impact of automobiles and constantly strive to improve on the already-existent ways of the industry. Especially with strong connections within the Trojan Family, USC will set you up for success if this is the area of expertise for you.
- Biomedical Engineering:
Surprisingly, mechanical engineers can also pursue a career within the field of biomedical engineering. Biomedical engineering focuses on the development of medical devices, prosthetics, and more. Although biomedical engineers have a much more focused scope on the application of mechanics to solve health-related issues, mechanical engineering’s commitment to the study of mechanics also makes it possible for students to go into biomedical engineering as well!
- Energy:
The energy sector is the field studying renewable energy and traditional energy sources and their evolving applications to the real world. With the deteriorating health of the planet, breakthroughs in this field have the potential to make significant changes to everyday life and longevity. Mechanical engineers may work on power plants, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy production, to name a few.
Evidently, pursuing mechanical engineering will introduce opportunities in a variety of different industries, as listed above. Of course, the industries and core areas of mechanical engineering are WAY more extensive than the few examples listed above, but it helps to have an idea of possible jobs that are related to this discipline. Mechanical engineering is a very versatile and practical degree to obtain, and beyond the technical skills, students develop problem-solving, organizational, and collaboration skills that prove to be incredibly important in the workforce. Classes and extracurriculars in Viterbi are incredibly enjoyable and an opportunity like none other. If this major seems like a perfect fit for you, consider pursuing it, Future Trojan!
