What can you do with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Purdue University?

First, some facts. Of the Mechanical Engineering graduates from Purdue 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 91 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 82%, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Purdue University have a much higher likelihood (+15%) 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 26% 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 Purdue University?
• What do Mechanical Engineering graduates from Purdue University do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Mechanical Engineering degree from Purdue University? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Purdue University?
• What are the best colleges for Mechanical Engineering?

View a random Mechanical Engineering graduate from Purdue University and our analysis:

Relevance score: 87% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2019 from Purdue University with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Development Program Engineer - Digital Business System Architects Solar Turbines Jan 2022 - May 2022 The position as a Development Program Engineer at Solar Turbines requires mechanical engineering knowledge and skills, which are directly applicable from the Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Cooperative Education Student Engineer Caterpillar Inc. May 2019 - Dec 2020 The role as a Cooperative Education Student Engineer at Caterpillar Inc. may utilize some engineering concepts, but it is likely more focused on hands-on experience rather than core mechanical engineering qualifications. Development Program Engineer - Machine Performance/Simulation/Analysis Caterpillar Inc. Jan 2021 - Jun 2021 As a Development Program Engineer focusing on Machine Performance/Simulation/Analysis, the job directly applies mechanical engineering principles and problem-solving skills learned in the Bachelor's program. Development Program Engineer - Marine Analytics Caterpillar Inc. Jun 2021 - Oct 2021 The Development Program Engineer position in Marine Analytics involves applying mechanical engineering concepts related to marine systems, aligning well with the Bachelor's degree. Development Program Engineer - Machine Performance Testing Caterpillar Inc. Oct 2021 - Dec 2021 The Development Program Engineer role in Machine Performance Testing requires in-depth mechanical engineering skills and knowledge, making it directly relevant to the degree. Virtual Product Development Engineer Caterpillar Inc. Jan 2021 - Present The position as a Virtual Product Development Engineer at Caterpillar Inc. necessitates the application of mechanical engineering knowledge in product design and simulation, aligning well with the coursework from the Bachelor's degree. FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING Master of Science - MS Purdue University 2019 - 2020 ABOUT I believe in maximizing human potential and creativity, which is why I am driven to develop and leverage cutting-edge technologies to streamline the problem-solving process. I enable others to focus on innovation by developing comprehensive tools and programs that simplify complex processes.I was able to make a significant difference in this regard with my work on leveraging AI/ML tools to enable product design through process integration design optimization techniques.

What jobs can you get with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Purdue University?

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

• Mechanical Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Project Engineer
• Mechanical Engineering Intern
• Graduate Research Assistant
• Manufacturing Engineering Intern
• Production Supervisor
• Project Manager
• Research Assistant
• Design Engineer

When looking at the career paths of graduates from Purdue University's Mechanical Engineering program, a wide array of job titles emerges, showcasing a diverse set of roles they've taken on since graduating. The most common types of positions include mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, project engineers, and roles in design and product development. Many of these roles are firmly rooted in the principles taught in mechanical engineering, such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science. For instance, mechanical engineers often find their way into industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where they can directly apply their knowledge to design, analyze, and improve mechanical systems.

However, not every job aligns perfectly with the mechanical engineering curriculum. While many graduates secure positions that leverage their technical expertise, others have taken on roles that, while possibly benefiting from their engineering training, aren't strictly engineering-focused. Positions in project management, sales, or IT support, for example, may require some analytical skills but generally don't delve into core mechanical concepts. In essence, a fair number of graduates transition into jobs that are more managerial or customer-centric rather than technical. While many of these roles still benefit from a background in mechanical engineering, they do not necessarily require the specific engineering knowledge that the degree offers.

Overall, while there's a solid core of mechanical engineering-related jobs among Purdue graduates, it's clear that some of them venture into areas that are only tangentially related to their field of study. Many graduates do take full advantage of their technical training in roles that directly use mechanical principles. That said, the versatility of a mechanical engineering degree often opens doors to various fields, allowing graduates to adapt their skills in ways that might not have been anticipated when they first enrolled in the program. This mixture of applications illustrates the value and flexibility of a mechanical engineering background in today's diverse job market.

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 Purdue University):

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

When looking at the career trajectories of graduates from Purdue University's Mechanical Engineering program, it’s pretty clear they go on to have quite a variety of career paths, and many stick closely to their field. A lot of the graduates seem to kick off their careers in roles that are directly related to mechanical engineering, especially in areas like manufacturing, design, and project engineering. For instance, those who graduated in the early 2010s often started out as manufacturing engineers or project engineers, which shows a solid foundation in hands-on engineering work right after graduation.

Fast forward five to ten years down the line, and you'll see many of these individuals advancing into senior roles and even managerial positions. For example, if you look at someone who graduated in 2013, they started as an Engineer at Toyota and worked their way up to becoming a Mechanical Engineering Manager. It’s not just isolated cases either. Many grads who started as engineers at companies like Cummins, Ford, or even Tesla have moved into senior or specialized engineering roles, showcasing their growth in the industry. This upward mobility suggests that the skills and experiences they gained from their initial roles really prepared them to take on more responsibilities with time.

However, it’s not all sunshine and roses—while many graduates are indeed thriving in their fields, there are a few who veer off into less traditional engineering jobs. Some have found themselves in more general business roles or even in tech, which shows that a mechanical engineering degree can still be valuable even outside the traditionally expected boundaries. For instance, one graduate became a Client Services Manager at Walt Disney World, which is a big switch from the technical world.

Overall, if you’re considering mechanical engineering at Purdue, you should feel optimistic about the prospects. Most graduates seem to find solid footing in engineering-related careers, and many climb the ladder in impressive ways over time. Plus, even those who take a different route still often find success. That’s pretty encouraging for anyone looking to enter the world of engineering! So if you're passionate about design, manufacturing, or any sort of mechanical processes, Purdue's Mechanical Engineering program could be a great place for you to start your journey.

How hard is a Mechanical Engineering degree from Purdue University?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue is pretty challenging, but it’s definitely doable if you’re willing to put in the effort. You’ll encounter a lot of tough subjects like calculus, physics, and thermodynamics, and the workload can be pretty intense with problem sets and labs that demand a good chunk of your time. But the good news is that the program is well-structured and you’ll have plenty of resources and support to help you along the way. So, while it’s not a walk in the park, if you’re passionate about engineering and ready to hit the books, you can totally handle it!

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 Purdue University tend to make good money?

Looking at this list of Purdue Mechanical Engineering graduates, it seems like they've landed some pretty solid jobs after college. For those graduating around 2010, like the one working as a Plant Manager at Regal Rexnord, it’s safe to say they’re likely making a good salary, especially with their progression into management roles over the years. Other grads, such as the ones at Toyota and Apple, are also in positions that usually come with great pay, so it’s reasonable to assume they’re doing well financially. Manufacturing and engineering sectors tend to offer competitive salaries, and these job titles suggest they're not struggling.

As we look at more recent graduates from 2022 and 2023, many are starting their careers in solid engineering positions at reputable companies like Northrop Grumman, Procter & Gamble, and Boeing. These companies are known for rewarding their employees well, even at entry-level roles. While they may not be raking in the big bucks yet, they’re on a career path that could lead to substantial earnings as they gain experience. Overall, it seems like most of these Purdue grads have made decent money, especially considering the industry standards for mechanical engineering!

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 Purdue University). 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