What to expect after graduating from Mechanical Engineering school?

What sorts of jobs can I expect if I specialize in solid mechanics in Mechanical Engineering graduate school?

• Also, what if I specialize in Thermofluids? I know I'll enjoy Mechanical Engineering, but any information or insight into these specializations would be great so I can make an informed decision as to which direction I should head.

• Answer:

  If you choose Solid Mechanics, you can certainly spend a good deal of time working on stress calculations, designing models that won't exceed the expected failure of criteria, etc. One of the most interesting research topics growing in Solid Mechanics is the use of Nano materials. Engineers basically pose the question of how we can use these materials to our advantage. Some are looking into modeling fins out of nano materials to help scuba divers, others are looking into using these materials for military research, etc. In the field of Bio-medicine, you can look at ways on engineering human tissue, or even modeling the viscoelastic properties of arteries and veins. Basically, the classes you take in Solid Mechanics (ie Continuum Mechanics, Materials, etc) will be useful in any field. Continuum Mechanics is and should be a requirement for all engineers no matter what their sub-field is. Thermo-fluids, as you might be aware, is a combination of Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics. The advantage of choosing this field will be the option(s) you have of either going the Thermo route, Fluids route, or somewhere in between. Due to the energy crisis, the search for alternative energy is in high demand. Take geothermal energy for instance. Companies need engineers who can design heat exchangers for such processes, or even see how the temperature of the water is changed as its brought to the surface. You can even work on analyzing the combustion processes inside an engine, whether it is a rocket or a car. Depending on how much fluid mechanics you encounter, you can even work on aircraft design to see how you can improve it to reduce drag, or further study the onset of turbulence. Sorry about the long descriptions, but the point is I don't think you can go wrong with either. I fell in love with Fluid mechanics the first day I sat in that class, and three years later I am still learning things that just blow me away. Go with what you really feel is exciting to learn. If you can't decide, see if you can conduct some research rotations in both fields, or take couple of classes. I think two or three classes into it, you will have a fairly good idea of what you want to do. Good luck in your studies.