need help on where to go in the engineering field

[sleepyeng1neer]

Hello everyone, I'm a mechanical engineering student needing help:I am struggling to decide where to go in life, my grades are good but just confused on where to go after university. I want to apply for a masters after but I don't know where to work in the engineering field. I want a job where it's secure and impactful on everyone's lives. During my time at university I have so far (I'm only in my second year):-worked in motorsports to reverse engineer parts and make molds for parts-won prestigious design awards for the university (beating high level russell group universities)-worked as a cad designer for an architectural company-variety of personal projects (3D printing, robotic arm, go kart, rocket with auto alignment)Anyone got advise on what I should do better and what would be a good field to be to create advancements and achieve high standards?(I have been rejected from 60 internships)Any help will be great!

 

[Ron247]

First, treat this as a "Goal to Achieve", rather than a "Problem to Solve". Define to yourself your "Goal in Life" as it exists today. It may change in the future. If you are not familiar with the steps in Goal Achievement, learn them first. First step, Define your goal in a non-political way with a reasonable outcome or expectation. Without that, you have no true guidance system.

Of what you have written so far: "I want a job where it's secure and impactful on everyone's lives." Does not exist. What is impactful to a billionaire is not impactful to someone starving. Sounds good, just not reasonable. All-inclusive words like "All, None, Everyone, No One" are rarely applicable. No job is secure. Some are more secure than others, but not secure.

Of what you have written so far: "what would be a good field to be to create advancements and achieve high standards?" High standards partly come from who you work for in addition to what you are doing. Nuclear facilities may have higher standards but may not be a field you care for.

You need to think about things like: Do you really want Mechanical Engineering? Do you prefer Cars to Planes or Trains? Whichever you choose, are you interested in what field related to them (Example: Robotics, innovative design, acceleration systems). That should give you a start.

 

[CDRfor Australia]

Hi there! First of all, outstanding work thus far. Your previous work in CAD, printing, motorsports and your own projects means you are already ahead of the curve. It is natural to feel unsure at this point in mechanical engineering, as it is a broad field.

Your experience already puts you ahead of the game thanks to your exposure with CAD, 3D printing, motorsport, and personal projects. At this point in time, that’s totally normal, especially in the broad field of mechanical engineering. These fields greatly value your real-world experience.

If you think of going for a master’s degree or doing a job then Australia can be an option.
There are a great number of engineers around the world but you need a CDR for Engineers Australia.

Engineering graduates need help in preparing effective CDRs that reflect their genuine capabilities. If you choose that option, feel free to visit cdrforaustralia.com!

Be confident; you have a great skill set and opportunity will come.

 

[swazimatt]

As someone who has redefined my role multiple times (all within the Civil Engineering field), and based on the post it looks like you do not have a definite preference, I would suggest you just start where you are offered a job. and if you do not like to trajectory (after giving it a decent amount of time 1-2 years should not negatively impact your CV, anything less is worrying to an employer), change it. If you start in a multidisciplinary company it is sometimes easier to change within the company, but also can be easy to be pigeonholed to do just what the company needs. You can always use your professional registration requirements as an excuse to force change.
The key thing is to look at what someone 4+ years ahead of you is doing and decide if that is what you want to do. As a grad it is a big change from Uni. At Uni you are always challenged and taught new stuff, as a grad you tend to be handed the work nobody more senior wants to do. Treat your first few years as part of the process - when you are a senior you will know when a new grad is messing around when a CAD drawing takes 3 times as long as you would have been able to do it in, or know how many hours to allocate to something when pricing a job. Very important is to always ask your seniors why they have designed something the way they have (sometimes they may be wrong, and you could shine if you ask the right questions making them realise they are wrong - you will also learn some diplomacy in the first few years!)

Some companies also have a grad programme (or professional registration programme) that is designed to expose you to multiple aspects of the company.

I assume you are also young, have you considered work travel? Australia, NZ, UK all offer work/travel visas for youngsters - if your degree is Washington Accord accredited there should be no issues getting employed in any of these countries. Travel in itself is a great teacher, and i have met multiple people who have travelled this way

 

[Taicho567]

If you have multiple offers, then you have the luxury to choose. Start by asking around, and get their feedbacks.

If you have a limited offer, or only one option then you have no choice but to grab that option and see where you go from there.