subject: Engineering Is A Growing Field As Technology Advances! [print this page] There are those who say mechanical engineers are essentially inventors. Their job is to create mechanical solutions and push technology to its limits. The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines the specialty as the research, design, development and manufacture of mechanical devices, making it one of the most diverse engineering disciplines. These days more and more students are entering this exciting field via an online engineering degree.
Mechanical is the second largest specialty of the engineering fields. There are nearly 250,000 of them as of 2008. The growth rate is expected to be about "average", with approximately 11% more needed by 2018. This is pretty much a minimum and subject to the expansion of technology. If you are interested in getting more information about computer science degree, check the internet.
Mechanical engineering is also one of the broadest disciplines. Many become administrators or managers, as another important thing they must have is excellent communication skills. Like other STEM (science, technical, engineer, math) professions, it's a field that requires constant education, even after getting a Masters or PhD. The profession also allows for, and often integrates nicely with, parallel tracks such as Computer Science, Civil or Electrical Engineering as machinery is also at the base for these other disciplines.
If one can stay on top, the compensation is considerable. Low end salaries are about $48,000. The high end is as well over $100,000. Median salary is about $80,000. Benefits include life and health insurance plans, retirement and investment programs, and continued educational assistance.
Aside from basic Pell Grants, the federal government and the National Science Foundation have teamed up to set up a series of what are called S-STEM scholarships, grants and low interest loans. Both private corporations and professional organizations have also set up their fair share of educational financial aid, both for on campus and online colleges. For an abundance of information about science degree, check the web.
This change is having its share of consequences though. Previously, the main form of regions of employment were heavy industry centers such as Detroit or Seattle; i.e., the automotive and airplane industries. This means a number of engineers have been forced to sell their homes and relocate to go where the jobs are. Also, many experienced engineers have set up subscription accounts with online schools so they can stay abreast of these constant changes. If one does this, they usually will find steady employment, even in these dire economic times.
What a mechanical engineer has to do is also stay on top of trends. The automobile and airline industries may be down, but the green tech and computer manufacturing fields are booming. Online colleges are an excellent way to stay on top for all experience brackets.
