Have that technical bent of mind? Want to become an engineer? There are varied specializations that you can take in engineering and contribute your skills to the industry. Engineering is considered to be an evergreen aspiration for the science students. Are you one of the aspirants? Want to see yourself as an engineer? Go on with this piece of information.

There are many engineering colleges which are offering engineering courses. If you are keen on knowing the university then you can go online. Firstly, it is important to know what field you want to get into. Over the years engineering has diversified in different ways. Today, there are more engineering specializations you can choose from. For instance, you are keen to see yourself in the power industry so you can take up power system engineering. The course specifically focuses on the in and out of power. Some of the subjects that you get to learn are engineering mechanics, environmental studies, workshop technology, thermodynamics and heat engines, introduction to power generation technology, power plant operations & performance monitoring and much more.

While, you are search for a university, keep in mind certain parameters. To start with, focus on aspects relating admission criteria, fee structure, eligibility details, semester system, affiliations, duration and others. Some other important parameters are practical exposure and training. An engineering course is incomplete without getting internship facilities. Make sure you get to be an intern at renowned organization for a certain time period. This can get you chance to learn at large magnitude. There are much more specializations which you can go for are chemical engineering, Geo informatics engineering, energy technology engineering, aerospace engineering and others. Each specialization has terrific opportunities and growth ahead. Depending upon the university that you join, you can easily excel in the field as well.

It important to check the fact that the university has an excellent team of faculty members. Some of the other specializations you can go for are energy technology engineering, aerospace engineering and computer science engineering. The field of engineering is very promising and has lots of dimensions in the industry. Not only you can work in the country but also go abroad. Keep all your ambitions listed and make sure that you materialize them one day. Engineering is one ladder through which you can accomplish your goals. You are an intermediate and looking for a great career in engineering? Wait not. Just go ahead with Internet and find out the right specialization now.

Construction engineering can be seen whenever an airport, highway, dam, bridge, railway or other large building goes up. Construction engineering is not only seen in the actual building, but in the design of the building and in the execution of the construction. While design is an important part of the whole, so are such components as choosing the right materials or the right mix of materials and planning for all the different stages of construction.

Students who undergo construction engineering courses must also do construction management courses so that they know what goes on at the construction site and could actually work as a construction manager. However, a construction manager could not work as a construction engineer as he has not had enough training in the design aspect. Rather, his training focuses more on the methods of construction and on people management. They are more concerned with delivering a quality project on time and at the required budget.

So engineering is a great deal more about the design of a project and the construction engineer may even do such designing. However, often someone else such as an architect has the vision of the project and the construction engineering process is then brought in to find ways and means to make it work.

For instance, when the Sydney Opera House was designed by the architect, it was thought that such a design would never work. However, with a great deal of thought and a little bit of rearranging and experimenting by construction engineering experts, the look of the design was kept and the construction was able to go ahead successfully.

Engineers are basically problem solvers as they work out solutions to complex technical building problems using their capacity for scientific and analytical thinking along with imaginative flair. They must of course be highly trained and undergo a great deal of study and pass many difficult examinations. For this reason they should gain excellent passes in math and science.

Their studies include such things as engineering mechanics, engineering design and construction management which usually gives them a Bachelor of Science degree. This along with a little experience on the job will give them an entry into further university study which usually takes around five years to complete. Once they have the Professional Engineers (PE) license they can then expect to gain employment in any number of jobs with good salaries attached. Civil engineering is more about design than construction, although students for both must undergo the same examination to gain their PE license.

However the demand for construction engineers depends a great deal on the economic climate. In times of stable growth or good economy when many buildings are going ahead the employment chances are much better than in times of economic gloom.

Those interested in a career of construction should take care in choosing the right university that offers courses which are accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in America or the appropriate boards in their country of residence.

Mechanical engineering is an exciting career options that touch upon various facets of designing and production of tools and mechanical equipments, used in industries. There is an impressive line up of options to match your skill sets and interests. Without the advent of mechanical engineering the world would have been an archaic place to live. From thermal power stations to jet machines and combustion tools, mechanical engineering deals with almost all segments of our daily lives.

Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest disciplines and the second largest in this filed. Mechanical engineers would be applying principles of mechanics in designing various machines and devices that would make the life simple and more efficient.

In case you are interested in making engineering as your profession, you should take a degree in mechanical engineering where you would be learning about the design, operation and maintenance of various types of machines and their components.

Mechanical engineers are in demand in various well paid segments like automobiles, space centers, trucks, airplanes, and trains among others. They would also be dealing with many other useful activities like the economical combustion of fuels and the application of mechanical energy to do various tasks. The job profile of a Mechanical Engineer can be extremely challenging as it requires high end analytical and IT skills apart from interpersonal skills to work as a team. They would be required to work in adverse conditions like high temperature and amidst high noise levels of machines. They would also be dealing with financial and management professional while designing new products while analyzing their marketability and financial viability. They would be responsible to see that the plant is operated smoothly as per the design and plan and that the machines are properly maintained.

Mechanical Engineering offers a strong base for professional engineering practice, and in many other related segments. Students should have good analytical skills and logic to come up with innovative designs and creative ideas that would enhance the quality of life. Mechanical engineers would be required to work for long hours and also in night shifts if they are working on time bound projects like space shuttles. The deadlines and work pressures would be immense and they should not crack under pressure. The salary and perks are one of the best industry and proficient candidates would be able to climb up the career ladder easily as there are many disciples and career options in this vast field.

Specifics of the Job

Small engine mechanics perform routine maintenance checks on equipment to reduce the number of breakdowns. During these performance checks, mechanics inspect brakes, electrical systems, spark plugs, carburetors, and fuel systems. Necessary repairs or replacements are made at this time. When malfunctioning machinery is brought into a shop, a mechanic must diagnose the problem. Larger shops utilize computerized diagnostic tools to determine the trouble spot. Adjustments or repairs are then completed.

Small engine mechanics use a variety of tools. Hand tools, such as wrenches and screwdrivers are used often. Drills, grinders, and other power tools are utilized for customized repairs. They also use hoists for lifting heavy equipment and ammeters or voltmeters for locating faulty parts.

Motorcycle mechanics repair motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles. Many specialize in one kind of equipment. Others work for dealerships repairing a certain make or model of motorcycles or equipment.

Motorboat mechanics are often referred to as marine equipment mechanics. They repair and maintain inboard or outboard engines for small or large motorboats. The engines on small boats can be removed and taken to a repair shop. Larger boats with inboard-outboard engines are taken by water to a repair location. Repairs are done at the dock.

Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics service lawnmowers, chainsaws, edge trimmers, go-carts, snowmobiles, or snow blowers. This kind of work is very seasonal.

Necessary Qualifications

Most employers prefer candidates with formal training experience. However, very few vocational and trade schools offer programs in small engine mechanics. Therefore, the majority of small engine mechanics are trained on-the-job. Many employers send mechanics to programs offered through motorcycle or engine manufacturers.

Small engine mechanics should possess a basic knowledge of electronics. Mechanical aptitude is necessary. Communication skills are also needed when dealing with customers.

Earnings and Advancement

Some small engine mechanics gain enough experience and are promoted to shop supervisor or service manager. These individuals must demonstrate superior interpersonal and leadership skills.

Earnings fall between $7.00 and $21.00 an hour. Outdoor power equipment mechanics tend to earn less due to the seasonal nature of their businesses. Small engine mechanics who are employed by larger companies receive health benefits and paid vacation. Uniforms are often supplied, as well.

Without engineers, everything in the world would not operate as smoothly as it does. Engineers are responsible for creating clever solutions to man different problems, simply by applying an arsenal of precise knowledge coupled with mathematics and scientific methods. In fact the word “engineer” has Latin roots meaning “cleverness.” Since we live in a technologically advanced world that changes more and more every day, engineers will never be out of a job because they are the ones helping the world advance further and further from where it was previously. Without the aid of engineers, we would not have all the absolutely amazing machines that we do today.

The term “engineer” is a pretty broad topic; meaning that there are many different types of engineers. There is not just one type of engineer, although engineers all pretty much have the same job which is to come up with practical ways to solve different problems. However, most engineers work with one specific category meaning that some engineers may be genetic engineers while others may be aerospace engineers or chemical engineers. The list of different types of engineers goes on and on, with different types including industrial, topographic, civil, environmental, systems, materials, electrical, mechanical, structural and more.

Usually, a specific type of engineer will obtain schooling for the one specific type of engineering that they will be doing; for example, an electrical engineer will go to school strictly to learn the tricks and trades of electrical engineering. There are so many different types of engineers merely because it would be almost impossible to obtain all the engineering knowledge needed to work all the different types of engineering. Mechanical engineers strictly work with mechanical engineering, electrical engineers work with electrical engineering and so on and so forth; this is the most practical way to go about engineering.

Engineering is an extremely professional job that requires accuracy and precision; naturally, this means quite a bit of schooling. Engineers have to put up with grueling years of hard work, studying and tests before they can graduate with the title of engineer. The hopeful people pursuing the title of engineer, typically already know the type of engineering they want to get involved with before they even reach college; but if they do not know, they will have to decide on a type eventually. There are even types of engineering that do not require a degree from a college or university, rather they are trade certifications.

Engineers will always be in high demand because as long as the world is changing, engineers will need to be present to help it change practically, efficiently and economically. While it does take quite a bit of schooling to obtain the title of engineer, the rewards may be worth it afterwards because you will have a rewarding job that is always in demand, and will most likely yield a pretty great paycheck. If you think that becoming an engineer is something you would like to do, then more research can be done online to find out more about the different types of engineering, the best engineering programs and so on and so forth.

Mechanical engineering deals with the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of tools and devices. It interests the students, whose interests are inclined more towards operation and invention of mechanical devices. It requires years of dedication and practical exposure to become a mechanical engineer. Training and practical approach are the most relevant factors that every engineering student has to possess.

This course is pursued by students, who have science background. If you are a science student and have been thinking of learning more about the stream, you need to do your share of research. Once you are passed out of the high school, you have to appear for the entrance exams conducted for engineering in different colleges that you have been aspiring to get into. Once you clear this, you can further move on to the admission process as per the institute’s guidelines. The duration of Bachelor’s Degree for Mechanical Engineering is 4-5 years. The course surrounds mathematics, basic physical sciences, strength of materials and solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, mechanism and machine design, vibration, control theory and control engineering and many other engineering design and product design concepts. The students are also trained about computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) during the course.

The students to widen their career prospects can even head for the post-graduation courses. This definitely adds value to their profiles, once they start searching for jobs.

What does Mechanical Engineers Do?

This form of engineering brings job prospects in manufacturing or agriculture, maintenance, or technical sales. One can also get employed as an in charge of the designing of tools. Though they are not restricted to any single position, they may also work as administrators or managers. In India, the scope for this type of engineering seems to be in a good state. As a result of this, more students are found to be interested in pursuing it. They even can easily get into the industry as many multinational companies look out for mechanical engineers every year and many of them are hired through campus placements. To get into these organizations, one has to be clear on the core concepts and should also hold training experiences that are considered to be significant in this field.

Institutes for Mechanical Engineering in India

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Chennai
• International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad
• Institute of Technology, Varanasi
• College of Engineering (COE), Pune
• Delhi Technological University, Delhi

Reputed Companies that Hire Mechanical Engineers

1. Hindustan Motors Ltd.
2. Hyundai Motors India Ltd.
3. Royal Enfield Ltd.
4. Addison & Co Ltd.
5. Axles India Ltd.
6. Tractor and Farm Equipment
7. Tube Investments of India Ltd.
8. FIAT
9. Bharat Electronics Ltd.(BEL)
10. Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)

To be eligible for the criteria followed by these companies, you need to get into the reputed engineering colleges. Most of the multinational companies do hiring through campus placements. Thus, all the students aspiring to get into such brands need to emphasize on both academics and practical training.

As the summer months roll in and the war in the Middle East continues to rage on, fuel costs are steadily rising. Whatever reason you want to attribute the higher costs of fuel, it’s a simple fact that the prices are going up, and this could affect more than just automobiles. It also affects your mower. However, fuel efficient mowers are becoming all the rage now, and they’re making an impact on consumers and the fuel market. Small motors that are used in mowers are easy to maintain with the right knowledge or the right mechanic. They won’t suck up so much fuel as older models would have, which will save you a pretty penny in this time of expensive fuel and rising costs.

Mowers use small engines, which are relatively simple to build and maintain. They also use a lot less fuel than larger automobile engines. There are a couple reasons for this, one of which involves the fact that small engines are two-stroke, while larger engines are four-stroke. This means that it needs half the rotations in order for the fuel to spark and create the energy needed to power the mower, or whatever equipment that’s being run on the small engine. This helps with fuel maintenance while other aspects of a small engine simply make it easier to run. For one, since small engines don’t create as much heat, they can be cooled by the surrounding air, while larger engines need cooling liquid to run through it in order to properly cool down.

While power and performance are still important for mowers, manufacturers are spending more time and focus on fuel efficiency as a response to growing cost of fuel. Diesel fuels, which have always been used in small engines, such as the ones that are used in lawn mowers have always added to the machine’s fuel economy. Diesel contains greater energy content than gasoline, giving it more a bang, while also being generally cheaper than gasoline.

Conventional diesel engines, such as what is used in many mowers, can also be run by a form of alternative fuel, called biodiesel fuel. This reusable, natural fuel is made from vegetable oil and animal fat. It runs just fine in diesel engines and is much more fuel efficient. Not to mention there are numerous environmental pluses to using this type of fuel in addition to is being cheap to produce.

Propane is another fuel type that is being worked with by manufacturers, who are using this alternative fuel source to power newer models of mowers. Propane is cheaper and can be used to power many types of mowers, making it a popular new choice for people looking to save money in response to the rising costs of gasoline. Propane is also the most widely available type of alternative fuel and is great for the environmentally-conscious types, as it has much less noxious emissions than other fuel types.

A recent development in small engine mower technology is the addition of gasoline engines with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) systems. This technology, which has been used by Kohler small engines, a leader in EFI, helps with fuel economy in traditional carbureted engines. The monetary savings you get when using Kohler engines that enable EFI technology is reason enough to consider it as a fuel efficient new energy for a motor. For every $3.00 gallon of gasoline used in a mower, EFI technology will make it efficient enough to actually save $0.75. That’s an impressive feat, leading a number of top name brands to use Kohler engines in their products.

So, as price continues to rise on the fuel front, mower manufacturers are coming up with new technologies and alternative fuel sources. It’s changing the face of small engines and mower technology, and it’s very possible these changes will make a lasting influence on the fuel economy of mowers. It will be only a matter of time to see if these cheaper alternatives will stick around, if and when gas prices fall.

-Ben Anton, 2007