What is Mech?
Engineers are problem solvers. Marsh Faber, a production engineer with HP, defines engineering as “…finding simple, elegant solutions to problems.” Mechanical Engineers take their knowledge of math and science and create solutions to improve our lives and make the world a better place.
Mechanical engineering is a diverse profession that goes far beyond designing machinery. A mechanical engineer is someone who applies physics and mathematics to analyze, design, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems.
Mechanical Engineers can create sophisticated computer controlled robots to perform jobs with great accuracy that may be too dangerous or tedious for humans; develop hip implants and other specialized medical or assistive devices; design cars, ships, and aircraft and work at making them more efficient and environmentally friendly; study fluid flow patterns and build industrial pipelines; find new clean energy solutions and advanced technology to protect the environment; and much, much more.
Because Mechanical Engineering is so broad, it allows you to follow your own special interests and reach your full personal potential – and UBC is ready to help you get there.
Why Mech?
Are you a creative thinker? Do you enjoy science and technology, and love to design new things and solve problems? Do you want to know how things work? Are you concerned about human welfare and the environment? Are you inspired to make a difference in our world?
Mechanical engineers continuously innovate, then refine and simplify solutions to the problems we face in our everyday (and not-so-everyday) lives.
What You’ll Do
As a profession, mechanical engineering is incredibly rewarding. You can constantly challenge yourself to learn more and expand your knowledge, try something new, solve a difficult problem or improve an old solution. By nature, mechanical engineering is very broad and the skills you will develop will qualify you for a range of job opportunities. So, whether you want to travel to new and exciting places, develop original research, apply your knowledge in industry, bring technology to developing countries or find a flexible job that fits with your personal and family goals, you will be able to find a job that is right for you. Check out the Careers in Mech page and Think Mech
for more information on what industries mechanical engineers work in.
Your Career
Engineers generally receive some of the highest starting salaries of graduating Bachelor’s students. After graduation, you are eligible to enroll as an E.I.T. (Engineer in Training) with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) or the other regional associations in the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers, which will allow you to apply for designation as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) after you have gained a specified amount of work experience.
Learning Opportunities
Mechanical engineering also gives you a broad foundation of knowledge that can lead to other professions. UBC Mechanical Engineers have gone on to earn their MBAs, or become physicians, lawyers and small business owners. Opportunities like the Minor in Commerce, the Minor in Information Technology, the Minor in Honours Mathematics and the Dual Degree program (offered with the Faculty of Arts) can add further breadth to your degree, while the Co-op program can provide you with valuable work experience.
Mechanical Engineers Profiles
Lauren Kulokas |
Lauren Kulokas, Energy Aware Technology Inc. Vice President of Operation
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Kat Louman-Gariner |
Kat Louman-Gardiner, M.A.Sc., Center for Hip Health and Mobility at Vancouver General Hospital, Biomedical Engineering Lab Coordinator
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Terence Lee |
Terence Lee, MDA, Spacecraft Systems and Integration Engineer
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Helmut Fandrich |
Helmut Fandrich. PhD, PEng, Fandrich Cone Harvesters
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Learn More:
- For more Profiles and information about mechanical engineering visit www.thinkmech.ca
