What do you do if you lack the key qualities employers look for in entry-level Mechanical Engineers?

You may seek help of your professors to identify the area you need to work upon. Facing interviews are a great way of identifying our own limitations. One can work on quite a few of these limitations such as developing skills on software tools, building communication skills or rather soft skills. Try to seek technical internships that would help you to acquire professional skills as well.

At the entry level, mechanical engineering graduates should focus on developing soft skills based on their target job interests. However, almost all employers commonly look for candidates with good communication skills, adaptability, time management, a hunger to learn, and leadership skills (these are my personal picks). The easiest way to develop these skills is when you are an undergraduate. Yet, a graduate can still find a way to improve these skills by enrolling in a management trainee program, internship, or dedicated workshops.

It depends on the field you would like to enter. What problems are they trying to solve, what fabrication methods are utilized to make similar products either in the same industry or similar industry and learn all about those processes/materials/part design, and reach out to experienced mechanical engineers in that industry who might be able to mentor you and/or provide you with assistance. Your contacts are one of the most vital things you can leverage to find a job!!!

For all entry level Mechanical engineers it's a tough thing to crack the first job.So we must increase our skills in various areas using the numerous available online studies.This can be done as per areas interest.It can be CAD,CAM,Engineering Physic and maths related Analysis, Cfds, Ansys,etc.After dedication we can get a job in development and designs.Similary, mechanical engineers can study courses related to operations management and supply chain to be a junior industrial or production engineer.Additionally, Mechanical engineers can go for planning and project management related trainings for those roles.Then there is quality related engineering on assurance, testing,metrology and Six Sigma lean certifications for advancement.

The more technology develops and takes a bigger role in daily life, the more specialized engineers become and the less new grads will use what they learned in school. An increasing part of your education will be on the job. Start as early as possible with internships or co-op jobs. Sign up for as much company training as your new manager will allow. If your employer has education benefits, start grad school at night.

Soft skills is a key factor in acing interviews apart from your technical skills. To enhance your soft skills, one can do the following: 1) Join Non-Governmental Organizations and help them achieve their initiatives. 2) Join debate clubs like Model United Nations(MUN) Society, Toastmasters and others. 3) Take part in Team Events(Team building is a key for a long-career) I worked with my NSS team during my UG days at MSRIT,Bangalore. This helped me improve my self-confidence while interacting with strangers to organize high-profile events. I was an avid MUNner. MUNning helped me improve my oratory skills and the pace at which I speak. I have a podium finish in 15 out of 17 MUN international/national conferences that I have taken part.