Career Investigation Report

Joey Goodman
Career: Mechanical Engineering Technologist
Describe one or two employment opportunities related to the field of studies you
have chosen. How will your personal background enable you to be successful in this
field?
As a mechanical engineering technologist two possible job opportunities are gaining
employment by a consulting, manufacturing, or processing company or being employed
by the government. I feel that I have a very good set of problem solving skills and as well
as knowledge surrounding a variety of tools. I also think that my passion for design
would contribute towards this career.
What is a typical workday like in this profession? What does an employee do?
Mechanical Engineering Technologists spend their days fulfilling a variety of tasks and
duties. These include preparing and interpreting both conventional and CAD engineering
designs, drawings, and specifications for machines, power transmission systems, and
piping/heating/ventilation systems. As well they conduct tests and analysis of machines,
components and material to determine their performance, strength, response to stress and
other characteristics. Another typical duty is inspecting mechanical installations and
construction.
What skills/abilities are required to be successful in the field?
Some important skills and abilities to be successful in this field are solid problem solving
skills coupled with critical thinking. Along with this it is important to have good
communication skills, both verbal and written. Another useful skill is possessing good
time management skills in order to complete projects on time and meet deadlines. As well
Mechanical Engineering Technologists need to have good reading, writing, and math
skills.
What kind of education and training are required?
To successfully become a Mechanical Engineering Technologist you must complete a 2-3
year college program in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Along with this a period of
supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.
What are the starting, average, and maximum salaries in this occupation? Are there
opportunities for promotion?
According to ALIS the starting salary in Alberta averages at $70,000, however this
depends on what field you are working in. The average salary is around $100,000 a year,
and the maximum is around $130,000 a year. There is a potential for promotions to a

supervisory or managerial role within a larger company or to become a self employed

consultant.
Where are these jobs most likely to be located and what are the working conditions?
These jobs are often based out of larger cities, however, depending on the field they will
require travelling in order to manage onsite needs. The working conditions vary from
office based work, shop work, and field work.
Is the job typically full-time, part-time, seasonal, or contract? What are the normal
hours of work?
If employed by a larger company it usually is a Monday to Friday job with an average
working week of 40 hours. However there is opportunity for overtime and can require
flexibility in work hours in order to get projects and tasks done.
How is the future outlook for this career? How stable is employment in this
occupation?
The outlook for this career largely depends on employee turnover in the field, however
this is projected to increase due to increasing numbers of the baby boomer generation
retiring. It also is largely affected by the trends and effects of certain industries. The
major one in Alberta being the oil and gas industry. This careers stability will fluctuate
largely depending on the economy.