» What is mechanical engineering?
Mechanical engineering is an important program in the engineering sciences, since it is responsible for the continuing development of technology. As the name suggests, all about the machine (almost) to machines of any kind, more specifically to the design, construction and manufacturing, in addition to research and development. The concept of the machine is very broad, so that it can be both machine tools and vehicles, as well as for machines and small appliances, or even to entire factories. In the development and operation of such facilities you work closely with engineers or architects.
To meet the different directions meet, the engineering has produced more and more differentiated courses of study that focus on eg automotive, shipbuilding, mechatronics (mechanical engineering in conjunction with electrical engineering and computer science), plastic or light engineering or quality management.
In the center is everywhere, of course, the technique, where both economic aspects and environmental concerns as well as social aspects play a role. Despite the differentiation of subjects also takes in "traditional" engineering the importance of information technology, especially knowledge of CAD (Computer Aided Design) are required.
» The Mechanical Engineering
The study of mechanical engineering will lead to a diploma or a Bachelor or Master of Science. It is offered mainly at technical colleges, so colleges or universities.
The course normally lasts 8 (FH) or 9-10 semester at the university. The bachelor's degree you can complete within 6-8 semesters.
Most practical work must be shown in the form of a multi-week or month internship for the purpose of studies already. As the practical experience is indispensable to be more internships while studying often required which can of course be helpful for orientation and in the later application. Employers also place great emphasis on practical experience.
The basic course teaches you first in lectures, seminars and practical exercises including foundations in the areas of mathematics, materials science, electrical engineering, chemistry, physics, mechanics, manufacturing technology and the law and economics scientific basis. After the preliminary diploma issue in the main study alongside the deepening of subjects with more advanced topics that can be designed very differently depending on the university and study focus. These priorities we have already mentioned at the outset of the differentiated programs. In addition, their additional qualifications such as language or international business can purchase.
» The occupations of the machine builder
As mechanical engineers your applications are very diverse. Basically, you will of course be used anywhere where it comes to machinery or plant construction - one of the largest sectors of German industry landscape at all. In numerical terms are machinery thus the academics who enjoy the greatest demand, and otherwise the prospects are good in this industry.
According to a report from the Federal Employment Agency from 2004 lies with the need for mechanical engineers focus on development and construction. Temporary employment agencies and staffing companies represented approximately 23% of the companies with the greatest demand, as many offers came from architectural and engineering firms. The relatively high proportion of "other" companies shows how widely dispersed mechanical engineers in the world of work. In addition to the above activities you are also in demand marketing or software development. Less typical, but sometimes it is possible to be active in fields such as manufacturing furniture or the food and beverage industry, rarely also in research or education.
Measured by the average of the starting salaries of graduates, to mechanical engineers can look good with an average of 35,000 € a year.
