Mechanical Engineering Technicians

You may be able to obtain part-time or summer work in a machine shop or factory. This type of work usually consists of sweeping floors and clearing out machine tools, but it will also give you an opportunity to view the field firsthand and also demonstrates your interest to future employers. Field trips to industrial laboratories, drafting studios, or manufacturing facilities can offer overall views of this type of work. Hobbies like automobile repair, model making, and electronic kit assembly can also be helpful. Finally, if you are in high school and interested in the engineering field, consider joining the Technology Student Association (TSA), which provides students a chance to explore career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, enter academic competitions, and participate in summer exploration programs. TSA administers a competition called the Tests of Engineering, Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS, https://tsaweb.org/teams) that allows high school students to demonstrate their technology skills.