What can you do with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Colorado School of Mines?

First, some facts. Of the Mechanical Engineering graduates from Colorado School of Mines we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:

These are estimates based on AI analysis of 53 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 79%, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Colorado School of Mines have a much higher likelihood (+12%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

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Also, after graduating, only 28% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Mechanical Engineering graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

• What jobs can you get with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Colorado School of Mines?
• What do Mechanical Engineering graduates from Colorado School of Mines do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Mechanical Engineering degree from Colorado School of Mines? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Colorado School of Mines?
• What are the best colleges for Mechanical Engineering?

View a random Mechanical Engineering graduate from Colorado School of Mines and our analysis:

Relevance score: 67% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2017 from Colorado School of Mines with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Customer Service Representative Simple Energy Nov 2017 - Dec 2017 The role of Customer Service Representative does not require mechanical engineering knowledge or skills, focusing instead on customer service rather than technical or engineering principles. Operations Best Buy Dec 2017 - Jul 2018 The Operations role at Best Buy may involve some organizational and logistical skills that could loosely relate to engineering principles, but it does not utilize core mechanical engineering knowledge or skills on a daily basis. Implementation Consultant Fast Enterprises, LLC Aug 2018 - Mar 2022 As an Implementation Consultant at Fast Enterprises, LLC, some analytical and problem-solving skills established during the engineering degree may be applicable, but the core qualifications center around software and operational implementation rather than mechanical engineering. Mid-Market Implementation Consultant, Sr. BILL Mar 2022 - Present The position of Mid-Market Implementation Consultant, Sr. at BILL directly utilizes engineering problem-solving skills and analytical thinking, aligning closely with the core competencies developed in a mechanical engineering program. FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING M.S Engineering Technology Managment (ETM) Colorado School of Mines 2017 - 2018 ABOUT Graduated from Colorado School of Mines with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering were I studied static and dynamic design, object oriented and visual programming, as well as adaptive problem solving both individually and in collaborative group settings. I then went on to complete my M.S. in Engineering Technology Management in May of 2018 where I studied project management, data analytics, managing and marketing new products, and other STEM focused business studies. I am able to effectively communicate project details in formal and informal scenarios such as presentations and quick meetings, respectively. I consistently approach group oriented projects with an open-mind and the social awareness to make me an effective worker. With my STEM and business background, I am able to assess complex problems from both technical and organizational standpoints that give me and greater understanding of the problem at hand. I am interested and actively study product management, business strategy, and computer science.

What jobs can you get with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Colorado School of Mines?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:

• Project Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Engineering Intern
• Mechanical Engineer
• Mechanical Engineering Intern
• Research Assistant
• Intern
• Software Engineer
• Professional Racing Driver
• Software Developer

When we look at the career paths of graduates from the Colorado School of Mines with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, one thing stands out: the majority have found their way into roles that closely relate to their field of study. Many of these alumni have landed positions such as Mechanical Engineers, Project Engineers, and Design Engineers, which are all directly tied to the principles and skills honed during their studies. Companies like Lockheed Martin, BHP Billiton, and Shell frequently appear as employers, showing a strong connection between the degree and engineering roles in sectors like aerospace, energy, and manufacturing.

However, not all job titles seem to directly translate into traditional mechanical engineering roles. Many graduates have taken up less conventional paths, like project management or even positions that lean more into technical support, software development, or sales. While some of these jobs may allow for the application of problem-solving skills or basic technical understanding — skills that are indeed bolstered by their engineering background — they are not always centered around mechanical engineering principles. This trend suggests that while the degree provides a solid foundation, graduates sometimes find themselves in roles that don’t fully utilize the in-depth mechanical knowledge they acquired.

In summary, a significant portion of the alumni from Colorado School of Mines ends up in relevant, engineering-focused jobs where they can leverage their mechanical engineering knowledge. Yet, there is also a noticeable number who venture into areas where that knowledge might not be as pivotal. This diversity in career outcomes underscores the versatility of a Mechanical Engineering degree, allowing graduates to explore various industries and roles, even if some of those paths veer away from the core engineering functions they trained for in college.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Mechanical Engineering graduates (this is across all Mechanical Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Colorado School of Mines):

What kind of career trajectories do Mechanical Engineering graduates from Colorado School of Mines have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

If you’re considering a degree in Mechanical Engineering, it’s helpful to look at how graduates from schools like the Colorado School of Mines have fared in their careers. The profiles from LinkedIn tell a pretty interesting story about the paths these alums have taken, especially in terms of their first jobs after graduation and how their careers have evolved over the years.

Generally speaking, many graduates kick off their careers in entry-level engineering positions related to their field. For instance, several individuals from the classes of 2010 to 2015 landed roles as Hardware Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Project Engineers, and in various internships within well-known companies like Lockheed Martin, Shell, and BHP. This is a promising sign, as these positions reflect a direct application of their mechanical engineering skills. Fast forward five or ten years, and many of these graduates have continued to advance within their companies, moving up to senior roles or specialized positions. For example, we see alumni going from being Project Engineers to Senior Project Engineers or even taking on managerial roles, like the Team Lead at Chevron mentioned. It indicates a solid career progression that remains closely tied to their engineering roots.

However, there are also some outliers who have diverged from the typical mechanical engineering roles. A few graduates ventured into completely different fields, like professional sports or roles unrelated to engineering, which might make one wonder about the job landscape for engineering grads. Some have taken on roles that could be seen as a stretch from their degree focus, such as positions in sales or even non-engineering sectors altogether. This suggests that while some graduates follow a traditional engineering path, others might explore personal interests that lead them away from engineering.

Overall, the data presents a mixed but hopeful picture. A good number of Colorado School of Mines graduates appear to be successful in securing relevant engineering jobs, advancing in their careers, and potentially earning impressive salaries in well-established companies. On the other hand, there’s a segment of graduates whose careers have branched off into unexpected territories. This might not be alarming, as interests and career choices can evolve over time. It’s essential to weigh these trajectories when considering your own future in mechanical engineering, as they highlight the various opportunities you might encounter.

How hard is a Mechanical Engineering degree from Colorado School of Mines?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, like the one at Colorado School of Mines, can be pretty challenging. It’s definitely on the tougher side compared to many other degrees, mainly because it combines a lot of math, physics, and hands-on design work. You’ll dive into complex subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mechanics of materials, which can be a lot to handle. The coursework is rigorous, and you’ll spend a good chunk of time on projects and labs that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. So, if you're up for a challenge and enjoy applying science and math to real-world problems, it can be super rewarding, but be prepared to hit the books hard!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Do Mechanical Engineering graduates from Colorado School of Mines tend to make good money?

Looking at the career paths of these Colorado School of Mines graduates, it seems like most of them have landed pretty good jobs, especially considering the nature of mechanical engineering. Many have gone straight into engineering roles at well-known companies like Lockheed Martin, Shell, and even BHP, which usually pay decent salaries. For example, the graduates who started at Lockheed Martin in 2010 have consistently moved up in the company, suggesting they’re probably making a solid income now. Generally, engineering roles tend to start with a competitive salary, often ranging from $60,000 to over $80,000 a year right after graduation, depending on the company and location.

It’s worth mentioning that a few grads have taken some unique paths, like a Project Engineer who later transitioned into a role as a professional slackline performer. While that certainly sounds fascinating and adventurous, it might not stack up financially compared to others in more traditional engineering roles. Others have hopped around a bit and may not be making top dollar yet, but as they gain experience, their earning potential will likely increase. Overall, it looks like most of these Mines alumni are doing pretty well financially in their careers, especially with the kind of education they’ve received. So, if you’re thinking about going into mechanical engineering or a similar field, it seems like a smart choice for both interest and finances!

What buzzwords do Mechanical Engineering graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering (this is across all Mechanical Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Colorado School of Mines). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Mechanical Engineering?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Mechanical Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College	Score	Count
North Dakota State University	95	20
University of Tennessee, Knoxville	94	12
University of Michigan-Dearborn	94	11
University of Minnesota	93	14
University of Illinois at Chicago	93	13
Binghamton University	93	14
University of Minnesota Duluth	93	15
Oregon Institute of Technology	93	12
Minnesota State University, Mankato	92	10
Wright State University	92	15
University of Delaware	91	24
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities	91	23
University of Massachusetts Lowell	91	30
University of Maryland Baltimore County	91	19
University of Wisconsin-Platteville	91	23
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville	91	11
Kettering University	91	27
The University of Alabama	90	37
University at Buffalo	90	19
University of Colorado Denver	90	12
University of North Dakota	90	10
University of North Florida	89	14
Washington University in St. Louis	89	15
University of Oklahoma	88	19
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	88	29
Lamar University	88	18
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology	88	24
Iowa State University	87	65
Portland State University	87	16
UC Irvine	87	16
Oakland University	87	24
Worcester Polytechnic Institute	87	42
Texas A&M University-Kingsville	87	11
Florida International University	86	17
University of Wisconsin-Madison	86	31
San Jose State University	86	23
Temple University	86	19
Brigham Young University - Idaho	86	19
Northern Arizona University	86	20
University of Kentucky	86	24
Ferris State University	86	11
University of South Carolina-Columbia	86	13
Wentworth Institute of Technology	86	18
University of Tehran	86	10
University of Arizona	85	19
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo	85	51
California State University-Sacramento	85	22
Kansas State University	85	34
Baylor University	85	22
University of Nevada, Reno	85	16
Villanova University	85	18
Michigan Technological University	85	51
University of New Orleans	85	14
Shanghai Jiao Tong University	85	10
Brigham Young University	84	40
San Diego State University	84	22
Washington State University	84	43
University of Utah	84	23
University of South Carolina	84	14
California State University, Long Beach	84	15
University of Massachusetts Amherst	84	13
University of Louisville	84	19
Utah State University	84	26
Montana State University-Bozeman	84	41
University of California, Los Angeles	83	20
Auburn University	83	26
Oregon State University	83	46
University of Pittsburgh	83	33
Northeastern University	83	43
Boise State University	83	18
The University of Kansas	83	10
University of Alabama	83	15
The University of Akron	83	36
Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis	83	12
University of Idaho	83	15
University of South Alabama	83	13
University of Toledo	83	27
Missouri University of Science and Technology	83	30
University of Portland	83	19
Clarkson University	83	33
University of Michigan College of Engineering	83	10
Penn State University	82	87
University of Florida	82	53
Michigan State University	82	42
Purdue University	82	91
North Carolina State University	82	44
Louisiana State University	82	24
University of California, Riverside	82	20
Drexel University	82	38
University of Dayton	82	36
Florida Institute of Technology	82	10
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology	82	10
Arizona State University	81	38
University of Washington	81	24
University of Houston	81	46
Colorado State University	81	27
Texas Tech University	81	50
University of Cincinnati	81	23
California State University, Fullerton	81	19
University of North Carolina at Charlotte	81	30
University of Maryland	81	27
Old Dominion University	81	30
Rowan University	81	14
Rutgers University	81	12
San Diego State University-California State University	81	10
University of Louisiana at Lafayette	81	32
University of Maine	81	19
Lehigh University	81	17
Purdue University Northwest	81	13
University of Central Florida	80	72
University of South Florida	80	27
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona	80	49
The University of Texas at San Antonio	80	29
The University of Texas at Arlington	80	23
West Virginia University	80	20
University of Arkansas	80	20
Georgia Southern University	80	20
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga	80	13
University of California, Merced	80	21
Arkansas Tech University	80	10
The Ohio State University	79	48
University of Missouri-Columbia	79	24
Clemson University	79	35
California State University-Long Beach	79	18
Georgia Institute of Technology	79	88
The University of Texas at Dallas	79	31
University of Maryland College Park	79	20
Mississippi State University	79	35
Cornell University	79	21
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee	79	20
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale	79	12
Rochester Institute of Technology	79	42
California State University, Chico	79	10
Tennessee Technological University	79	13
Louisiana Tech University	79	13
Colorado School of Mines	79	53
Bucknell University	79	12
Valparaiso University	79	13
Lafayette College	79	14
University of California, Davis	78	32
University of Michigan	78	37
University of Colorado Boulder	78	42
Oklahoma State University	78	39
Miami University	78	14
Kennesaw State University	78	15
University of Rhode Island	78	12
The University of Texas at El Paso	78	28
University of Massachusetts, Amherst	78	14
Stanford University	78	10
University of Colorado Colorado Springs	78	10
University of Denver	78	12
Stevens Institute of Technology	78	20
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College	78	24
Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani	78	13
Ohio University	77	15
University of Connecticut	77	19
UC Santa Barbara	77	13
University of California, Irvine	77	10
Eastern Washington University	77	13
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	77	34
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley	77	11
Carnegie Mellon University	77	14
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	77	25
University of Georgia College of Engineering	77	11
Virginia Tech	76	35
University of Nevada-Las Vegas	76	19
University of Mississippi	76	14
University of Hawaii at Manoa	76	12
Wichita State University	76	12
Gonzaga University	76	12
University of Rochester	76	13
Prairie View A&M University	76	15
Manhattan College	76	14
Texas A&M University	75	76
University of California, Berkeley	75	17
University of Southern California	75	19
Boston University	75	16
University of New Hampshire	75	16
Bradley University	75	16
SUNY Polytechnic Institute	75	11
Florida Atlantic University	74	11
California State University, Northridge	74	11
University of Texas at Tyler	74	13
The University of Toledo	74	12
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology	74	16
Northwestern University	73	16
New Jersey Institute of Technology	73	32
The University of Texas at Austin	72	44
Milwaukee School of Engineering	72	16
Auburn University, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering	71	10
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	70	29
University of Virginia	70	20
University of Nebraska-Lincoln	70	18
University of California, San Diego	70	10
The College of New Jersey	70	10
New Mexico State University	70	18
Savitribai Phule Pune University	70	28
Florida State University	69	11
Visvesvaraya Technological University	69	13
University of Notre Dame	68	17
Tufts University	68	11
SRM University	68	11
Northern Illinois University	67	13
Vanderbilt University	66	15
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University	66	14
University of Mumbai	66	24
University of North Texas	65	10
United States Naval Academy	64	16
Rice University	63	10
University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez	62	10
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University	60	16
Vellore Institute of Technology	59	18
Anna University	55	13
Osmania University	50	12
United States Military Academy at West Point	48	10