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

First, some facts. Of the Mechanical Engineering graduates from Vanderbilt 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 15 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 66%, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Vanderbilt University have a slightly lower likelihood (-1%) 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 20% 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 Vanderbilt University?
• What do Mechanical Engineering graduates from Vanderbilt University do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Mechanical Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University?
• What are the best colleges for Mechanical Engineering?

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

Relevance score: 12% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2019 from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Engineering - BE in Mechanical Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Body Systems Engineer Nissan Motor Corporation May 2019 - Aug 2019 As a Body Systems Engineer at Nissan, the role is highly relevant as it directly utilizes mechanical engineering principles and skills learned during the Bachelor's program. Engineering Consultant PRCI - Pipeline Research Council International Feb 2020 - Jul 2020 The role of Engineering Consultant at PRCI involves some mechanical engineering knowledge, but it primarily focuses on pipeline research which is not directly aligned with the core skills from the Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Management Consultant Credera Jul 2021 - Jan 2023 As a Management Consultant at Credera, this position does not require mechanical engineering knowledge or skills and is more focused on business strategy and management rather than engineering. Senior Management Consultant Credera Jan 2023 - Mar 2023 Similar to JOB #2, the role of Senior Management Consultant at Credera lacks relevance to mechanical engineering principles and instead focuses on management practices. Senior Associate Alvarez & Marsal Apr 2023 - Present The position of Senior Associate at Alvarez & Marsal also does not utilize mechanical engineering knowledge, as it centers around management consulting rather than engineering applications. FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING Master of Science - MS Texas A&M University 2019 - 2021 ABOUT I am motivated by what I can create and strive for solutions. I used analytical and numerical analysis at Nissan Motor Corporation on the design team to implement solutions on their trucks. At Texas A&M, I synthesized data to help industry leaders improve system efficiencies and dramatically save costs, and researched emissions reductions to obtain a Master of Science. At Credera, I have led internal staffing and financial workstreams for a leading global quick-service restaurant, worked on a strategic engagement with a leading financial holding company, aligned high priority HR policies for a fast-growing medical equipment supplier, and led a team of developers to build an API for a Fortune 500 transportation and logistics company. I am motivated by working with teams and eager to explore new challenges to develop inspiring products and insights that help people and propel technology forward.

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

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

• Project Manager
• Junior Software Developer
• IT Specialist
• Body Systems Engineer
• Engineering Consultant
• Management Consultant
• Senior Management Consultant
• Senior Associate
• MyChart Technical Services Manager
• Patient Experience Buddy

When looking at the job paths of graduates from Vanderbilt University's Mechanical Engineering program, it's interesting to see a mix of relevance to their degrees. A lot of graduates landed in roles like process engineers, product engineers, or even technical program managers, where their mechanical engineering skills are directly applicable. Positions at companies such as Raytheon and Boeing highlight how engineering principles are foundational in fields like aerospace and defense. Even roles in project management or technical analysis can still benefit from an engineering background, even if they aren't solely focused on engineering tasks. Overall, a substantial number of graduates seem to stay connected to their engineering roots in their careers.

However, not everyone found themselves in roles that closely relate to mechanical engineering. There are cases where graduates ended up in positions like ski instructors, IT specialists, or project management roles that don't directly require mechanical engineering knowledge or skills. This broad pattern suggests that while many Mechanical Engineering grads do pursue careers that leverage their technical training, there’s also a significant portion of them that explore diverse paths outside the traditional engineering realm. So, in a nutshell, the connection to mechanical engineering is strong for many, but not universal, showing that an engineering degree can open many different doors depending on personal interests and career goals.

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 Vanderbilt University):

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

When looking at the career trajectories of Vanderbilt University graduates with a Mechanical Engineering degree, it’s clear that many have successfully found their footing in roles relevant to their field right after graduation. For instance, those who graduated in the early 2010s often started off as process engineers or in similar technical roles with companies like Raytheon and the Department of Defense. Fast forward about five to ten years, many of these graduates have climbed up the ladder to positions like senior product engineers, program managers, or even team leads, indicating that a degree from Vanderbilt provides a solid foundation for a thriving career in engineering and technology.

However, it's also worth noting that not every graduate has taken a direct path into mechanical engineering. Some opted for roles that are less traditional, such as teaching or transitioning into software and IT-related fields, as seen with some of the 2018 graduates. Yet, even many of these alternative career paths still leverage their engineering backgrounds in unique ways, like project management or compliance engineering. Overall, while there are some variations in job titles and industries, the general trend is positive; most graduates seem to secure relevant and rewarding positions within a few years post-graduation, showcasing the versatility and demand for a Mechanical Engineering degree from Vanderbilt.

How hard is a Mechanical Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering can be pretty challenging, and at a school like Vanderbilt, it’s no exception. You’ll dive into a mix of tough math, physics, and mechanical concepts, all while juggling labs and projects that really test your understanding. The workload can be intense, and the material often feels like a steep learning curve, especially if you’re not super passionate about the subject. That said, if you’re willing to put in the effort and seek help when you need it, you can definitely handle it! Just be prepared to work hard and stay organized, because it’s going to be a ride.

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 Vanderbilt University tend to make good money?

Looking at these Mechanical Engineering graduates from Vanderbilt, it seems like they're doing pretty well for themselves in the job market. The ones who graduated a bit earlier, like those from 2010 to 2014, have landed roles at major defense and aerospace companies, which typically come with decent salaries and growth opportunities. On the other hand, some of the more recent graduates are still finding their footing, with roles that might not be as high-paying right away, like teaching or freelance work. Overall, it looks like they’ve got a solid foundation and are on track to earn good money, especially as they gain experience in their careers. So, if you're thinking about going into Mechanical Engineering, you probably won't be struggling financially!

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 Vanderbilt 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