Mechanical engineering is one of the most interesting, satisfying, and exciting careers in our increasingly technological society. But because mechanical engineering is so diverse, there isn’t a very concise description of the field, nor is there any way to know exactly what you will end up doing as a mechanical engineer! So let’s start with what interests you and see how you might be able to pursue those interests through a career in mechanical engineering:

• Interested in the human body? The body is a mechanical system containing fluid flow and structural and dynamical components. Mechanical engineers are leaders in the solution of biomechanical problems.
• Exhilarated by air and fluid flow? Mechanical engineers apply the physics of gases and fluids to design devices like air conditioners, heating systems, respirators, engine cooling systems, aircraft and spacecraft.
• How about stiff, lightweight composites? Composite structures have become the standard for high performance sporting goods and aerospace vehicles. Mechanical engineers will lead the development of more and better applications.
• Interested in design? Engineering design makes extensive use of science but is concerned with creating new things — turning ideas into reality.
• Care about the environment? Mechanical engineering fundamentals are used to understand atmospheric transport and transformation of pollutants, their thermodynamic and chemical properties, and particle dynamics.
• Excited by manufacturing and processing? Modern manufacturing employs machines that mechanical engineers design and build.
• How about smart materials and controls? New engineering materials are exploited by mechanical engineers in novel sensors and actuators, and to provide detection and control for vibration suppression.
• Fascinated by failure? Mechanical engineers must anticipate how things fail in order to design them in the most efficient way.
• More interested in management, finance, law? Because mechanical engineers have such broad exposure to design, technology, and its development, they are often drawn into business, financial, or legal aspects of technology.

Last, but far from least, you can work in one of the many traditional jobs in industry. Mechanical engineers enjoy a wide range of opportunities in aerospace, air pollution, automotive, air conditioning, bioengineering, chemicals, composites, controls, design, and many other industries.