What is Mechanical Engineering?
Modern mechanical engineering is interesting and diverse. It covers all manner of energy utilization with minimal pollution of the environment. It covers transport, machinery and manufacture and the efficient use of mechanisms without excessive vibrations and stresses. It covers materials and measurement and the research, economic, social and management dimensions that support its activity. All these aspects are coordinated through design and information technology. The result is an attractive diversity of the profession and a wide demand for its graduates.
Careers in Mechanical Engineering
A degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Canterbury equips graduates to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Our graduates are analytical thinkers with a sense of social responsibility that leads them to constantly seek better ways of doing things.
Most engineers choose a career in design, production, development, sales, research, management, or maintenance. During the early years of a career, it is usual to gather experience in different fields, and organisations often make this their policy for young graduates. There is also a wide choice of industries, each with a flavour of its own
- Aerospace: aircraft, satellites
- Building services: air conditioning, heating and ventilating
- Communications: television, radio, telephones
- Heavy manufacturing: ships, capital plant
- Light manufacturing: car assembly, consumer goods, clothing
- Processing: food, drugs, chemical, steel, oil
- Raw materials: mining and mineral
- Services: electricity, gas, water, transport
Mechanical engineering graduates are valued for their analytical skills and some have found other career outlets: insurance assessment, inland revenue, teaching, consultancy, civil service, accountancy, technical writing, banking, industrial archaeology.
Some graduates choose to travel overseas to either gain industrial experience or to study for a higher degree in a specialised area prior to returning to New Zealand.