Through special opportunities, mechanical engineering students learn the processes for addressing and solving real engineering problems, and gain valuable experiences in communicating their ideas and results to the sponsors of special projects, workshops and seminars. Over 90 percent of UD students take advantage of the personal and professional development afforded by participation in cooperative education, internships and other experiences.

Career opportunities
All mechanical engineering students are afforded the opportunity to put classroom knowledge into practical use while still in school through the cooperative education program. Cooperative education results in early career identification and greater motivation and helps significantly with financing an education. In this program, students alternate semesters of full-time study with full-time work experience in positions related to their major. Generally, students remain with the same employer during alternating terms. Most students are eligible to interview for their first work term during their third semester of full-time study.

Beginning the first day on campus, students are encouraged to visit Career Services. Career Services provides students the necessary support (résumé critiques, mock interviews, networking tips and on-campus interviews) to obtain co-op or experiential learning positions and to facilitate job placement after graduation.

The mechanical engineering department also provides a number of tools to aid in the job search process. To receive announcements about available internships, entry level permanent positions and positions for experienced engineers, individuals may subscribe to our job notice listserv.

Students and alumni are also encouraged to visit the AfterCollege Career site to browse jobs, receive résumé assistance and interview tips, complete a salary wizard and more.

Any employer interested in advertising a position directly to mechanical and aerospace engineering students may contact Dr. Kevin Hallinan, chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering by e-mail or phone (937-229-2835).

International opportunities
Through international opportunities, students are provided with a global perspective and an opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge in other countries and within other cultures.

Service opportunities
Mechanical engineering students can apply their acquired skills and knowledge to design, manufacture and problem solving, both nationally and internationally, through service opportunities. The University of Dayton is one of only a few universities in the nation offering service clubs in engineering including ETHOS (Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities for Service-learning). Many students also participate in service organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Habitat for Humanity.

Professional opportunities
Clubs and organizations offer students an outlet for networking and professional growth in their field. Students may join one or more of a number of professional organizations and student groups for mechanical and aerospace engineers. Opportunities include the American Society of Engineers, Tau Beta Pi, the Society of Automotive Engineers, Pi Tau Sigma, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers.