Finding that first job can be a challenge regardless of the field. Here are some sites and resources that might help:
Although your credentials may be excellent, and your GPA impressive, the layout of your resume and the wording of your cover letter must be impeccable to compete in today's market.
There are lots of books, guides, and websites to consult while getting all your background information together in an organized, meaningful, and effective way.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Mechanical Engineers "... research, design, develop, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Engineers in this discipline work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines. They also work on power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, material-handling systems, elevators and escalators, industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing. Some mechanical engineers design tools that other engineers need for their work. In addition, mechanical engineers work in manufacturing or agriculture production, maintenance, or technical sales; many become administrators or managers."
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Mechanical Engineers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm (visited April 01, 2015).
Specialties within mechanical engineering include:
Information on these and other careers may be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook
More information is in the Science Careers Directory
Many of the databases you rely on for scholarly information are proprietary (UWF has to pay for them based on the number of students that use them). Once you graduate, you are always welcome to come back and use our library's resources - in fact we would love to see you again and find out how you are doing in the "real world." Just remember that when you are no longer a student, remote access to our databases will not be an option.
Fortunately, many research facilities and other universities have their own libraries and there is always the local public library. Even if these libraries do not have all you need, they often offer interlibrary loan services.
Don't forget to use the open access resources listed on the Open Education Resources tab. These will remain accessible to you.
If you need funding to pursue great ideas, check these options:
