First, some facts. Of the Mechanical Engineering graduates from Florida Atlantic University 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 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 74%, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Florida Atlantic University have a higher likelihood (+7%) 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.
Also, after graduating, 36% 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 you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Mechanical Engineering graduate.
See the details:
Relevance score: 78%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2023 from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Mechanical Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONEngineer - Off-Road Engines & CertificationsMAN Engines - A Division of MAN Truck & Bus SE May 2023 - Sep 2023 Intern - Advanced Applications & Analytics NextEra Energy, Inc. May 2024 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Science - MSFlorida Atlantic University 2023 - 2024 ABOUTAs a recent graduate with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Florida Atlantic University, I am embarking on a master's program in Artificial Intelligence, building on my passion for cutting-edge technology. I am honored to have received the NSF S-STEM Artificial Intelligence Scholarship, recognizing my commitment to academic excellence and potential in this evolving field.During my academic journey, I accumulated over a year of hands-on experience as an engineer and intern at MAN Engines, a division of MAN Truck & Bus SE. In this role, I actively contributed to projects focused on off-road engine certifications and testing. Utilizing my skills in SolidWorks and IPETRONIK data logging instruments/software, I conducted comprehensive analyses of emissions data and verified results.Throughout 2022 and 2023, I played a crucial role in completing testing for MAN's off-road engine family's emission system performance and compliance. This experience enhanced my technical skills and gave me a deeper understanding of the practical applications of mechanical engineering in the automotive industry.I am excited about the intersection of mechanical engineering and artificial intelligence. I look forward to leveraging my diverse skill set and academic background to contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving landscape of engineering and technology. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the LinkedIn profiles of graduates from Florida Atlantic University who earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering, it’s clear that a significant number of them have taken on roles that are very relevant to their field. Many individuals went into positions like Engineering Instructor or various roles in engineering at companies such as Pratt & Whitney and Aerojet Rocketdyne, where they can actively apply mechanical engineering principles. Positions such as Mechanical Engineer, Project Engineer, and Assembly Process Engineer highlight a strong direct connection to their mechanical engineering education, showcasing the practical applications of the skills they learned during their studies.
However, not all graduates ended up in roles that closely matched their degree. Some ventured into project management or quality assurance, which, while potentially benefiting from their engineering background, don't heavily rely on mechanical engineering principles. Others, such as those who became vice presidents or client success representatives, seem to have shifted away from engineering into more managerial or customer-facing roles that aren't directly relevant to their technical training. Overall, while many graduates of the program found careers that leverage their mechanical engineering expertise, there is a noticeable portion that gravitated toward positions where their engineering skills are not the primary focus.
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 Florida Atlantic University):
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from Florida Atlantic University with degrees in Mechanical Engineering, it seems like many students land solid jobs right out of college. For example, graduates from 2013 have taken roles as engineering instructors or research and development engineers, which shows they're diving into both education and applied engineering work pretty early in their careers. Fast forward five to ten years, and you'll notice that a lot of them have moved up the ladder into managerial positions, especially those who started in dynamic companies like RGF Environmental Group or Pratt & Whitney. It’s clear these graduates often stick around in engineering environments that allow them to grow professionally, as seen by those transitioning to senior roles and project management after just a few years.
On the flip side, while most of these graduates seem to have found their way into relevant engineering careers, there are a few who might not be sticking strictly to the engineering path. For instance, one 2021 grad ended up as a Client Success Representative, which might not fully utilize their technical skills. However, that appears to be the exception rather than the rule. Overall, most graduates appear to be building successful careers that leverage their mechanical engineering background, indicating that a degree from FAU in this field can be a solid stepping stone into a fulfilling career!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering can be pretty challenging, and Florida Atlantic University is no exception. The coursework typically involves a lot of math, physics, and hands-on projects, so you’ll need to be ready to tackle some tough concepts and put in some serious study time. It’s definitely got its moments of stress, especially with things like thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, but many students find it super rewarding as well. If you’re passionate about engineering and enjoy problem-solving, it might be hard, but it’s totally doable! Just be prepared for some late nights with textbooks and projects.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 3 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Looking at the job trajectories of these FAU Mechanical Engineering grads, it seems like they’re on pretty solid paths, and many of them are making decent money, especially in roles like project and senior engineering positions at places like Aerojet Rocketdyne and Pratt & Whitney, which are known for good salaries in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors. However, some of the earlier graduates are in education or less specialized roles, which might not be as lucrative. Fresh grads like the ones who just started their careers this year are still finding their footing, with internships and entry-level roles that typically pay less. Overall, while the pay varies quite a bit depending on their roles and industries, many of these engineers appear to have promising careers ahead with nice earning potential!
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 Florida Atlantic University). This may or may not be useful:
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: