First, some facts. Of the Mechanical Engineering graduates from North Dakota State 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 20 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Great! Overall, with an average relevance score of 95%, Mechanical Engineering graduates from North Dakota State University have a substantially higher likelihood (+28%) 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, only 25% 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:
Relevance score: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2022 from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Engineering - BE in Mechanical Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONResearch And Development Intern3M May 2022 - Aug 2022 Research And Development Intern 3M May 2022 - Aug 2022 Contract Engineer 3M Jan 2023 - Aug 2023 FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMastersUniversity of Minnesota 2023 - 2024 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the job paths of graduates from North Dakota State University who studied Mechanical Engineering, it’s pretty clear that a lot of them have landed roles that are solidly tied to their degree. The most common types of roles include positions like Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, and various engineering positions within product development or manufacturing. These jobs typically require a strong grasp of mechanical engineering principles, whether it's in design, analysis, or system integration. Many graduates have gone on to work for reputable companies in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices, which rely heavily on mechanical engineering expertise.
However, not every job listed is directly relevant to the mechanical engineering field. Some graduates have taken roles that involve project management or quality assurance, which while they may benefit from engineering knowledge, don’t always call for the deep technical skills you’d expect from a mechanical engineering role. It’s a bit of a mixed bag: while many graduates are indeed using their degree in practical and relevant ways, there are also quite a few who have drifted into roles that might utilize some of that knowledge but aren’t squarely in the heart of mechanical engineering. Overall, though, there's a solid connection for most, reinforcing the value of a Mechanical Engineering degree from NDSU in gaining meaningful employment in the engineering sector.
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 North Dakota State University):
Graduates from North Dakota State University's Mechanical Engineering program generally seem to have solid career trajectories. Many of them land relevant engineering roles shortly after graduation, often working as design engineers, manufacturing engineers, or in research and development positions. For example, those who graduated in 2011 are now in significant roles at companies like Cummins and Beckman Coulter, showing a clear progression from entry-level positions to senior engineering roles and management within just a few years. This trend continues for newer graduates, with many fast-tracking their careers into specialized roles at reputable firms like 3M and SpaceX, which is impressive for anyone fresh out of college.
Typically, after about five years in the field, many of these graduates are advancing to higher-level or specialized roles. For instance, individuals from the class of 2015 and 2017 have moved into senior engineering or project management roles, reflecting a positive and upward career trajectory. By ten years post-graduation, we see some alumni holding significant managerial positions or leadership roles in research and development, suggesting that the skills gained from their education at NDSU are highly transferable and valued in the industry. Overall, it appears that most graduates are finding success in mechanical engineering-related careers rather than straying into unrelated fields, which is a great sign for anyone considering this degree!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering can be pretty challenging, and North Dakota State University (NDSU) is no exception. You’ll be diving into a lot of tough subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science, which require good problem-solving skills and a solid understanding of math and physics. The workload can be intense, with projects, labs, and exams piling up, especially during your junior and senior years. That said, it’s definitely manageable if you stay organized and keep up with your studies. Some people find it tougher than other majors, while others thrive on the challenge, so it really depends on your interests and study habits!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Looking at the career paths of these Mechanical Engineering graduates from North Dakota State University, it seems like they’ve generally found solid opportunities in the field, which likely means they're making decent money. Graduates from 2011 and 2012 are now in senior positions or management roles at well-known companies like Beckman Coulter, Boeing, and Boston Scientific, which usually pay pretty well and come with good benefits. Even the newer graduates, like those from 2020 to 2023, are landing jobs with reputable firms right out of school. With engineering roles typically offering competitive salaries, it's safe to say these alumni are likely doing alright financially. So yeah, pursuing mechanical engineering from NDSU seems to lead to some good job prospects and decent pay!
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 North Dakota State 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: