First, some facts. Of the Mechanical Engineering graduates from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College 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 24 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 78%, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College have a much higher likelihood (+11%) 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 12% 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: 50%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2023 from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College with a Bachelor of Engineering - BE in Mechanical Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONEnergy ConsultantAB Business Group Jul 2023 - Present ABOUTAn engineering student determined to do his best at whatever task lies ahead. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career paths of graduates from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, it's pretty clear that many of them have found jobs that directly relate to their field. The most common roles include Mechanical Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, and various engineering positions that focus on design and application of mechanical systems. Positions like Mechanical Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, and Plant Engineer are prevalent, showcasing a strong alignment with the technical skills and knowledge that students gain during their studies. For example, roles at companies like Westinghouse, Altec, and AK Steel Corporation show that many graduates are applying their education directly in engineering contexts. This suggests that they're making meaningful contributions in industries that rely on mechanical engineering expertise.
However, there are a few outliers where the jobs taken do not fully leverage their mechanical engineering background. Some graduates have ventured into areas like project management, real estate investing, or even retail, where the connection to mechanical engineering is more tenuous. Positions that involve project management often require a generalized engineering mindset, which can be beneficial but might not utilize their specific mechanical engineering training fully. While it's great to see graduates branching out, the bulk of their career choices remain within the engineering realm, validating the relevance and application of their degree in real-world scenarios. Overall, most graduates seem to be on the right track, using their skills in mechanical engineering to succeed in their careers.
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 Penn State Erie, The Behrend College):
Graduates from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College who studied Mechanical Engineering tend to follow pretty solid career paths after they finish school. For many, their first jobs are directly related to engineering, often working as Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineers. This early career experience usually helps them build a strong foundation in the field. For instance, you'll see profiles of graduates landing roles in well-known companies, taking on responsibilities in project management, design, or manufacturing. It’s pretty promising to see that many people not only start in good positions but also climb the ladder quickly, with some snagging supervisory or managerial roles just a few years after graduation.
Five to ten years down the line, most of these graduates are still very much involved in engineering or related roles, often advancing into senior or specialized positions. Many seem to stay within the engineering sectors, continuing to grow their careers in companies they started with or moving to new opportunities that challenge them. While there are exceptions—like a couple of graduates who ventured into less traditional roles like real estate and sales—the majority stay true to their engineering roots. All in all, if you’re considering mechanical engineering at Penn State Behrend, it looks like a solid choice with plenty of opportunities for growth and success post-graduation!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering can definitely be a challenge, and the program at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College is no exception. Like any engineering degree, it requires a solid grasp of math and physics, and you'll be tackling complex concepts, especially in subjects like thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and materials science. Some students find the workload to be pretty intense, with hands-on projects and lab work that can take up a lot of your time. While it's not the easiest degree out there, if you have a genuine interest in engineering and are willing to put in the effort, you can definitely make it through. Just be ready for those late-night study sessions and group projects!
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 job history of these Penn State Erie graduates, it seems like many of them have landed solid roles after graduation, which usually translates to good pay, especially in engineering. For instance, those who became manufacturing engineers or mechanical engineers often saw a progression into supervisory or managerial positions, which generally come with higher salaries. Some, like the seniors and project managers, likely earn even more given their roles and experience. However, not everyone followed that same upward trajectory—some started off in less lucrative roles or transitioned between low-paying jobs early in their careers, which could indicate a struggle early on. Overall, it looks like many are doing decently well financially as they gain experience and climb the ladder, but it’s clear there’s a mix in terms of earning potential depending on the specific paths each has taken.
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 Penn State Erie, The Behrend College). 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: