Major Milestones: Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S.

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.

Learn more about essential skills.

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.

Explore career opportunities by major.

Students who choose to pursue a graduate degree often consider these pathways:

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

Learn more about applying to graduate school.

• 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.).

• Check out Career Link for on campus and career-aligned jobs.
• Attend Classroom to Career Hub (C2Hub) career workshops and events.
• Write your early experience resume and utilize resume resources from the C2Hub.

• 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.