Graduate Mechanical Engineering Jobs: What should you look for?
Finding your first Graduate Mechanical Engineering role can feel like a big decision.
You might have several job adverts in front of you, all offering similar salaries and asking for similar qualifications. But your first role can have a huge impact on your technical development, professional qualifications and long-term career.
So, what should you actually look for when comparing Graduate Mechanical Engineering jobs?
From professional development and project experience to company culture and career progression, here are some of the key things to consider before accepting your first graduate role.
- Look beyond the starting salary
Salary is obviously important, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider when comparing Graduate Mechanical Engineer Jobs.
A slightly higher starting salary isn’t necessarily the better offer if another employer provides significantly better training, broader project experience or stronger support towards professional qualifications.
When comparing salaries, consider:
- Starting salary
- Salary reviews
- Bonus opportunities
- Pension contributions
- Professional subscriptions
- Travel expenses
- Additional benefits
- Salary progression after qualification
The key question: Where could my earning potential be in three to five years time?
Your first job should be viewed as an investment in your career, not just your first pay slip after university.
- Find out what training you’ll receive
One of the biggest differences between Graduate Mechanical Engineering jobs can be the training and support provided.
Moving from university into a professional engineering environment is a big step. You’ll be expected to apply your academic knowledge to real projects, work with clients and colleagues, and develop your understanding of industry standards and regulations.
Look for employers that offer:
- Structured graduate training
- Mentoring
- CPD sessions
- Technical training
- Software training
- Site visits
- Shadowing experienced engineers
- Regular development reviews
- Support towards professional qualifications
Don’t just look for an employer that says “training provided”.
Ask what that training actually involves.
- Look at the projects you’ll be working on
Your project experience can have a huge influence on the direction of your career.
Before accepting a Graduate Mechanical Engineer position, try to understand what types of projects you’ll be involved in.
Depending on the employer, this could include:
- Commercial offices
- Residential developments
- Healthcare
- Education
- Industrial buildings
- Data centers
- Retail
- Leisure
- Manufacturing
- Infrastructure
- Sustainable buildings
You should also consider the size and complexity of the projects.
Will you be working on smaller local projects, large-scale developments, or a mixture of both?
The more varied your experience is early in your career, the better understanding you’ll develop of where your interests and strengths lie.
- Ask about professional qualifications
If your long-term goal is to become a Chartered Engineer, find out how the employer supports professional development.
Ask potential employers:
- Is there a structured development programme?
- Will I have a mentor?
- Is there support towards professional registration?
- Are professional subscriptions covered?
- How often will progress be reviewed?
- How many Chartered Engineers are already in the business?
A company that actively supports professional development can make a significant difference to your progression.
If you’re currently looking for your first Graduate Mechanical Engineer position, you don’t have to navigate the market alone.
At Konker, we work with employers across the MEP and building service sector and regularly speak to graduates looking to take their step into mechanical engineering.
View our current vacancies here.
Can’t see the right opportunity? Send us your CV and we’ll let you know when a suitable role comes up.
