【Original】What should one do after graduating from a mechanical engineering program?

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First, let me introduce myself: I graduated from the mechanical engineering department! I chose mechanics because I like it! At school, I deal with topics such as mechanical drawing, mechanical manufacturing, and fundamentals of mechanics on a daily basis. At first, drawing was done manually in two dimensions, and that’s how I developed a passion for drawing! Later, CAD was gradually used; people said that the mechanical engineering department was like a class of “monks”! And I am one of the two most beautiful girls in the class! Hehe! People say that girls who choose this major must be crazy! But I don’t think so; at that time I believed that as one of the most popular subjects in the field of science and engineering, it would offer good job prospects and a bright future! They simply ignore the issue of employment for men and women! I’m confused about this! The machinery industry is the mother of industries and a very important sector of the national economy. Yet many people, after four years of university study and on the verge of graduation, realize that they know nothing about this industry! What exactly does a career in mechanical design and manufacturing entail? What will I do after graduating? Now let’s talk about employment issues: first, mechanical design. As an important part of mechanical engineering, mechanical design is the first step in mechanical production and the most crucial factor determining the performance of machinery. Mechanical design relies on the experience of the designer! The most common problem faced by beginners in design is a lack of experience; many people, after several years in university, only learn how to open and close software! That would be even more awkward! There are a wide range of employment opportunities in this field, but precisely because there are so many options, many people feel confused and do not know which position to choose! This is a common problem among college students! Some people would say that there are many job opportunities in this field, such as mechanical design and manufacturing engineers, equipment management engineers, mechanical process engineers, machine operators, mechatronic engineers, product engineers, mechanical procurement engineers, mechanical R&D engineers, and mechanical drafters. Let me share my own experience! After graduating, I went to a large machinery company for an interview for a quality control position. The interviewer handed me a drawing and asked me to explain it; this was no problem for me, as I had a strong background in this field, and I was confident enough to do so. The interviewer seemed satisfied with my response, and then asked me what qualifications were required for this position I’m talking about professional knowledge! The interviewer said you can go now! I say why! The interviewer said that for the quality inspection role, you need to be “careful”! Damn! So it can be done this way too! Is this a brain teaser for professionals? Some got angry after graduation and went into sales! It’s to prove that I have not only skills but am also versatile! Let’s talk about the relatively popular mold industry. Many people may not be familiar with it, and for graduates who decide to work in this field, there are mainly two possible career paths. 1. For this type of work, certain software is required; one needs to be able to understand basic 2D drawings and have some knowledge of materials, such as skills in blacksmithing, CNC machining, or wire cutting. The entry barrier is low, but the working conditions and salary levels are relatively poor. Of course, there are also many skilled professionals in this field. Many graduates who enter this industry end up feeling dissatisfied with their situation – the initial salaries are low, and they feel that the work they do doesn’t require much technical skill, which leads them to consider quitting… Many of us, after graduating, struggle between choosing a career we love and one that we’re good at, hoping to earn over 10,000 per month, reach the peak of success in life, and marry a wealthy and beautiful partner. But reality keeps shattering our dreams time and again. In the quiet of the night, we can’t help but ask ourselves: Why can others do it while I can’t? Why can others enjoy life with high salaries, while we have to keep working overtime just to make ends meet? That’s not the case. College graduates like us often can only see the surface of things, failing to recognize the efforts and dedication that others put in. I know someone who is an expert in his field; his child is around my age. This expert has been working in design for over 20 years now, with an annual salary of over 500,000. In my mind, at his age he should be enjoying life, but instead he spends his days on site and reads books until late at night. Now I realize that such a salary is well-deserved. Looking back at myself, after work I would immediately take out my phone to watch various funny videos on Bilibili, or go out with friends for a drink and sing to vent my frustrations about life, the world, and the unfairness of it all, as well as to express my hardships in life. Looking at it this way, we are enjoying life at an age when we should be striving, while those who should be enjoying it are still working hard. What do we have to compete with others on? Survival of the fittest is an eternal law of this world; I hope everyone can understand this. Most of the time, it requires one’s own determination and effort to make changes. Well, everything that needs to be said has been said. Give yourself a decision, give yourself a chance so that you won’t fall along the path of growth; let’s start, you and I, to end youthfulness filled with confusion!