Mechanical Engineering is one of the broadest and oldest engineering field involving design of tools, engines, machines and other mechanical equipment. This field uses the principle of energy, materials and mechanics in the process of manufacturing. Mechanical engineers create processes and systems of all types that drive technology and industry.

1. Designing and implementing cost-effective equipment modifications to improve safety and reliability.
2.Developing, testing and evaluating theoretical designs.
3. Managing projects using engineering principles and techniques.
4. Planning and designing new production processes.
5. Producing details of specifications and outline designs.
6. Using research, analytical, conceptual and planning skills particularly mathematical modelling and Computer Aided Designs (CAD)
7. Monitoring and commissioning plant and systems.

To become a mechanical engineer, one should typically have a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering. Additional courses like CAD, CATIA, CREO, etc., will be very helpful.

Teamwork and Collaboration:
It is extremely important that mechanical engineers are collaborative with all the team members in the organisation, since their work transforms to key inputs for business decisions.

Problem-Solving skills:
Complex problem solving skills are required in order to analyse designs and find solutions to complex tasks and resolve discrepancies on efficiency.

Creativity and Innovation:
As a mechanical engineer, you should have creative mind too, come-up with new solutions and creatively help to visualize new systems and devices.

Technical Skills:
Mechanical Engineers should possess technical skills related to energy, heat, power mechanisms, mathematics, etc. They must be aware of tools such as CAD, CREO, ANSYS, Autodesk, robotics, etc.

Resource Management Skills:
It is important to ensure optimum utilisation of resources at the disposal of a mechanical engineer.

Average salary for fresher would be in between Rs. 2,00,000 to 6,00,000 per annum but the pay scale will increase Rs. 12, 000, 00 or more, based on experience.

After earning a bachelors degree, one can start their careers as junior engineers/design engineers and progress to becoming team leads. Further experience and qualification takes their position to project managers from which they develop and become Managing Directors.

Kumar Bhattacharyya. Founder of Warwick Manufacturing Group, click here to read more about him