Almost every industry today makes use of mechanical systems, be it in the development of products and technologies or for resource management. Thus, Mechanical Engineering as a career has immense scope. Here?s a look at the entry requirements needed to be a mechanical engineer, as well as salaries and conditions in the industry.

Mechanical Engineering: Entry Requirements
To gain entry into any industry as a mechanical engineer, you need to have a recognized honours degree in any one, or a combination of, the following branches of engineering.

? aeronautical engineering
? nuclear engineering
? agricultural engineering
? mechanical engineering
? computer-aided engineering
? engineering science
? manufacturing engineering

In addition to an honours degree, importance is also paid on the general and people skills of the candidate concerned. While a degree or HND is required in most cases, some employers may even consider hiring a candidate who is over 35 years of age and has sizeable experience of 15+ years in the field of mechanical engineering that has included being a project manager.

However, for those interested in a chartered status (CEng), an accredited MEng degree is mandatory. A combination of a BEng (Hons) that is accredited for CEng with a suitable Masters degree will also get you the chartered status.

Mechanical Engineering Jobs: Salary
? A mechanical engineer who is just starting out can expect a salary that is in the range of ?19,000 to ?28,000.
? Those with about 10-12 years of experience can command between ?40,000 and ?55,000 plus per annum.
? The salary offered depends on which company you?re working with as well as the sector you?re employed in as some sectors have higher demand thereby commanding higher salaries.