Mechanical Engineering Technology: What Do I Need to Know to Join this Field?
The United States has long been and continues to be a manufacturing giant, producing an incredible 18.2 percent of the world's goods. Of course, while the country continues to create, fabricate, and otherwise produce an outstanding array of products and building materials, what has changed in recent years is how things are manufactured.
Today's big manufacturers are increasingly adopting more sophisticated equipment, incorporating computer and AI technologies to increase the quality and efficiency of their manufacturing process. Although this machinery is replacing the human assembly line workers, it has created new opportunities for those interested in maintaining the automation technology. Every piece of advanced equipment requires installation, servicing, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
That's where Mechanical Engineering Technologists come in.
The Basics of a MET Degree
The Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) field is an ideal field for those individuals who love to tinker with electronics, figure out how things work, and improve existing processes or systems. Those who excel at math and enjoy working with machines may enjoy learning about this field. MET students learn how to design, manufacture, test, install, troubleshoot, and maintain machinery.
Graduates of an MET degree program often progress to a manufacturing environment or may opt for Research and Development (R&D).
Jumpstart Your Future with a Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree
Maybe you're a highly motivated self-starter who can confidently start at the bottom and work your way up, learning as you go. However, rapid developments in technology, automation, and manufacturing could pose some daunting challenges. A technical college with a respected and industry-relevant accreditation is the most viable option for the rest of us non-geniuses.
Search for an ABET accredited university with an MET degree program offering hands-on educational experiences. More important that being a so-called genius is the desire and willingness to learn. Students will experience new levels of mathematics they may never have encountered before.
Throughout a quality mechanical engineering technology degree program, students should learn from a rigorous curriculum which combines advanced computer classes with real-world hands-on work. A strong drive will also help MET students reach their professional goals, as a big part of the role is problem-solving and critical thinking to resolve mechanical issues. These skills, coupled with hands-on learning, could form a solid educational foundation for MET students preparing for the real world.
Viable Paths for MET Graduates
The sheer size of the manufacturing field yields a multitude of paths for MET graduates. This degree program is intended to help students build a foundation of knowledge from which to base their next steps. A few of the paths MET graduates may take:
- Materials technician: Material technicians develop, process, and test materials used in a variety of electronic and manufacturing products such as medical devices, and computer parts. These professionals study the characteristics and structures of everything from metals to new nanomaterials, in order to understand and create new materials and products.
- Mechanical engineering researcher: Mechanical engineering technology learn how to build, install, and maintain various pieces of equipment, but don't necessarily want a future in manufacturing. Many graduates use their knowledge and credentials to fill the role of consultant, becoming decision-makers instead of hands-on technicians.
- Transportation technicians: The transportation field is vast and an MET graduate may find fulfillment in a variety of roles. From repairing and manufacturing automobiles, to helping governments install and maintain public transportation vehicles and their associated infrastructure, there are plenty of opportunities within this field.
- Manufacturing plant maintenance and production manager: Even as a non-genius, graduates of this degree program can skip the started-at-the-bottom part of life as a mechanical engineering technologist. MET graduates could find leadership opportunities immediately after school, with the right credentials and experience. Take advantage of every hands-on opportunity in school, and inquire about industry-relevant certifications available at your university.
Get Started with a Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree Today
Pursuing a mechanical engineering technology degree is not for everyone. This is an intensive program for which students will need to come to with a willingness to improve their math and sciences knowledge, a dedication to learning and adapting new technologies, and the drive to roll up your sleeves for hands-on experiences. If that sounds like an education and experience that you are ready for, then maybe it's time to take the next step.
If you would like to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated rate. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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