There are nine essential skills you should have in order to find, acquire, maintain, and grow within a job.

Essential skills built through majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology include:

• Communication – Demonstrate effective written, oral, and graphical communication in both technical and non-technical environments.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills – Creative problem solving, attention to details, and solid math skills. Analyze and evaluate information gathered by observation, experience, and reasoning and integrate and apply it to inform decisions and actions.
• Technical skills and teamwork – CAD software, knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials selection and testing, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), thermodynamics, heat transfer, and mechanical design and drafting. Project management, teamwork, adaptability, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.

Click here to learn more about each essential skill.

Students graduating from Mechanical Engineering Technology find themselves in fields such as: aerospace, automobile, and biomedical

• According to the Bureau of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median salary for mechanical engineers in 2023 was $99,510.

Click here to explore career opportunities by major.

• M.S., in Mechanical Engineering @ Colorado State University
• MBA programs

Click here to learn more about applying to graduate school.

Major milestones consist of activities students should complete during their first year, middle years and last year at MSU Denver. These milestones will help prospective and current students explore major and career options and create a year-by-year plan to integrate curricular (what happens inside the classroom), co-curricular (what happens inside and outside the classroom, and non-curricular (what happens outside the classroom) experiences. For example, milestones might list specific classes student should take at specific times along their journey or may suggest when students should participate in research opportunities with faculty members.

Simply put, Major Milestones are meant to enhance your student experience and set you up for success.

To use this tool to the fullest, follow these steps

1. Click on your year in school from the list below.
2. Read the steps listed in each category: Cultivate, Engage and Prepare.
3. Complete any necessary steps listed.
4. Check out further resources by connecting with your academic advisor, the Classroom to Career Hub, and your department faculty.

All options listed below are available in-person and online unless noted otherwise.

• Attend orientation and register for classes.
• Meet with your Academic Advisor.
• Complete FAFSA/CASFA/COF and the General Scholarship Application.

• Join a student organization and get connected to support on campus.
• Declare a major, (explore our fully online programs!) or meet with an exploratory advisor to learn about options.
• Attend signature events on campus (Convocation, Fall Fest, Spring Fling, etc.).

• Attend Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) New Student Orientation to meet the advisors and learn more about the program.
• Meet with the Academic or Program Advisor to ensure correct course registration and explore a 4-year degree plan.
• Learn about career paths as a mechanical engineer.

• Join the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) club to further your knowledge and experience with Mechanical Engineering and explore other club opportunities.
• Attend Manufacturing Day at MSU Denver every October.
• Join a professional association as a student member to connect with professionals and other students in your field on the local and national levels.

• Begin to explore possible career pathways by discussing with faculty.
• Mechanical engineers need to become proficient in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
• Develop and refine critical entry-level digital skills such as researching information online or creating and managing spreadsheets and online documents.

• Consider adding a minor or certificate to your chosen major.
• Explore resources like the tutoring program or the writing center.
• Get familiar with MSU Denver’s Academic Planning Tool.

• Explore student leadership on campus and volunteering in your community.
• Earn credit and gain experience through an internship, study abroad, or community-engaged learning.
• Attend identity or interest-based campus events like the Richard T. Castro speaker series.

• Connect with the Undergraduate Research and Scholarship program.
• Attend an in-person Career Fair to network and secure a professional headshot.
• Connect with the Classroom to Career Hub (C2Hub) for opportunities for professional mentoring and job shadowing.

• Explore internship and student travel opportunities to attend conferences.
• Meet with a department advisor or MET faculty advisors to discuss progress to completion.
• Declare a mechanical engineering technology concentration: Mechanical or Manufacturing.

• Attend events through your professional association to network with industry professionals and peers.
• Attend professional conferences in your field of interest.
• Explore teaching assistant (TA) or supplemental instruction (SI) positions available in your field of interest.

• Use the Classroom to Career Hub (C2Hub), for resume review, interview preparation, graduate school resources, and internship/job board.
• Seek out academic mentors within your department.
• Participate in local or national STEM-focused competitions.

• Meet with your advisor to complete remaining graduation requirements.
• Ready to Graduate? Check out this guide from the registrar!
• Attend or present in-person at a major-specific or industry-specific conference or networking event.

• Attend in-person alumni and campus-wide networking events.
• Submit a proposal to present in-person at the Undergraduate Research Conference.
• Seek to collaborate with local civic organizations.

• Finalize your portfolio of relevant projects and skills.
• Attend in-person career-focused events with an industry-ready resume.
• Identify needs for Professional Certifications or MCAT/LSAT etc. and prepare for professional school admissions.
• Prepare and submit applications for jobs, graduate school, or relevant post-grad training.

• Participate in the ASME student club and explore network opportunities.
• Consider takingthe  Fundamental Engineering (FE) exam.
• Work with industry partners and mentors on senior design projects.

• Join American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)/ Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) /ASME and engage in network events through newsletters, webinars, and conference attendance.
• Engage with Colorado’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership Manufacturer’s Edge and/or the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association (CAMA).
• Engage in the Undergraduate research conference or symposium on campus.

• Attend career fairs or networking events offered by C2Hub, MET, MSU Denver, and professional associations.
• If applying for graduate school, connect with the  MET Director and faculty advisors for recommendation letters.
• Develop your professional portfolio, create a LinkedIn profile, and develop interview skills.