First, some facts. Of the Mechanical Engineering graduates from University of Central Florida 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 72 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 80%, Mechanical Engineering graduates from University of Central Florida have a much higher likelihood (+13%) 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 23% 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 University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Engineering - BE in Mechanical Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIngeniero de operacionesECars LLC Dec 2022 - Present ABOUTA dedicated professional with strong communication, leadership and interpersonal skills; seeking a challenging career opportunity that utilizes and strengthens my current skill set while affording me the opportunity to acquire new skills. Seeking full-time employment where my dedication and professionalism will be valued |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the job trajectories of graduates with a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Central Florida, a mix of roles emerges, reflecting the diverse applications of their education. Many graduates have taken on positions as Design Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, and roles in areas like project management and system engineering. These positions often require the core skills and knowledge acquired during their studies, including proficiency in engineering principles, technical problem-solving, and design methodologies. For instance, jobs like Design Engineer and Manufacturing Engineer directly utilize the mechanical engineering skills learned in their academic programs, contributing to successful product development and efficient manufacturing processes.
However, not all graduates work in roles that are directly related to their degree. There’s a noteworthy number of alumni who find themselves in fields like insurance, sales, education, and project management. Positions such as Claims Adjusters, Sales Associates, and Technical Project Managers can lack a strong connection to mechanical engineering principles, often focusing more on soft skills like communication and organizational abilities. In fact, many of these roles primarily draw on general business practices rather than engineering-specific knowledge. For example, the job of a Licensed Insurance Agent or Math Teacher doesn't involve any application of mechanical engineering skills, showing that some graduates have diverged from their technical roots.
In conclusion, while many UCF Mechanical Engineering graduates secure roles that are highly relevant to their degrees, a significant subset pursues careers in unrelated fields. The skill sets developed during their studies can certainly be valuable in various industries, but the correlation to mechanical engineering varies widely. Therefore, while many graduates effectively leverage their education, some may find themselves in positions where their mechanical engineering knowledge is not utilized to its full potential.
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 University of Central Florida):
So, let's talk about what kind of career paths graduates from the University of Central Florida in Mechanical Engineering typically follow after they leave campus. First off, it's worth noting that many graduates do land jobs that are pretty closely related to their field. The early days after graduation often see them starting in roles like design engineers, manufacturing engineers, and research assistants. For instance, a lot of the profiles show that folks diving into positions at impressive companies like Lockheed Martin, Siemens, and Northrop Grumman right away. These first jobs not only align well with their studies, but they also set a strong foundation for career growth.
Now, if we zoom out a little and look at where these grads tend to be five or even ten years down the line, we see a good mix of career evolution. Many of them stick with engineering roles, climbing the ladder within companies or shifting to slightly different but still relevant positions. For example, some grads move from technical roles into project management, engineering supervision, or even leadership positions. However, there are also a few paths that veer off from the traditional engineering track. A number of individuals shift into roles in sales, teaching, or even other fields entirely. This suggests that while a strong baseline exists for many mechanical engineering grads, there's also flexibility—meaning a degree opens doors for various opportunities, and not all of them remain strictly in engineering.
Overall, the picture that emerges is largely positive. Most UCF graduates with mechanical engineering degrees appear to be making successful strides in their careers, particularly in engineering-related fields. Yes, there are a handful of cases where individuals ended up in jobs that don't closely relate to what they studied, but that's fairly common across many degrees. On the whole, though, those who stick to their engineering roots see solid career trajectories. If you're considering a mechanical engineering degree, UCF graduates' experiences suggest that it can lead to promising and fulfilling career paths that leverage your skills and knowledge in meaningful ways.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, whether at the University of Central Florida or anywhere else, can definitely be a challenge. It’s not the easiest path, and you’ll find yourself diving into tough subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science—lots of math and physics involved! There’s also a good amount of hands-on work with design projects and labs that can get pretty intense. But if you’re genuinely interested in how things work and enjoy problem-solving, it can be really rewarding. Just be prepared to put in some solid effort and time; it’s definitely a rigorous program, but many find it worth all the hard work!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Alright, so let’s break this down. When you look at the career paths of these Mechanical Engineering grads from UCF, you can see a mix of salaries and job stability. Some have climbed the corporate ladder pretty quickly – like those who ended up at companies like Lockheed Martin, NASA, and Siemens. Generally, these spots pay well, so graduates in those roles are likely pulling in decent salaries, especially as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities. For instance, someone starting as an engineer at Lockheed Martin could be making a solid mid-six-figure salary within a few years of experience. So, you can bet they’re making some good money.
On the flip side, you do see some graduates who have taken a slower path or ventured into less technical roles, like teaching and retail. These positions usually don’t pay as well, especially starting out, so they might be facing some financial challenges compared to their peers who got into engineering-focused jobs right away. Plus, transitions between roles within industries can impact earnings as well. Overall, it seems like those who have stuck with engineering roles are on their way to making decent money, while others might be exploring different avenues that don’t pay as much. So, if you're considering a future in engineering, sticking to the field seems like a smart move for those dollar signs!
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 University of Central Florida). 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: