It’s been a full year since I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Time flies! Reflecting on this past year, I’ve picked up valuable lessons, not just technically, but personally and professionally as well. I wish someone had told me earlier. Whether you’re a current student or a fresh graduate, here’s what I’ve learned – and what might help guide your journey.

1. During Your Bachelor’s: Explore Widely

If you’re still in college, don’t limit yourself to just one niche – unless you’re deeply passionate and already committed to a specific field like hydropower or turbine systems.

Get involved in diverse projects:

• CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
• Fabrication & prototyping
• Python programming
• Renewable energy (solar, wind)
• Electric vehicles and automobile systems
• Aerospace concepts

Exploring multiple domains during your studies broadens your technical horizon and gives you a competitive edge during job searches or applications for further studies.

Why it matters: If you specialize too early and don’t find opportunities in that niche, you may struggle to pivot. Exploring helps build backup options and real-world adaptability.

2. The NEC Exam: Smart Planning Beats Stress

After graduating, the Nepal Engineering Council (NEC) exam is usually the next big hurdle. Many students focus solely on the Nepal Engineering Council (NEC) exam. But here’s my take:

You don’t need to pause everything for NEC prep – unless the exam is just a month or two away. Instead, balance your time with an internship or job to keep gaining practical experience.

Tips to prepare effectively:

• Study according to the official NEC syllabus
• Use Nepali and Indian textbooks, YouTube tutorials, and online platforms
• Focus on the core concepts you learned in your bachelor’s
• Don’t aim to “relearn everything” – treat it like a focused revision

And please, don’t get super stressed about the NEC exam. If your basics are good, you’ll be fine. If, by some bad luck, you don’t pass, don’t beat yourself up. Just get ready for the next try. Think of it like you’re doing a quick revision for an exam that’s next week, not like you have to relearn four years of engineering from scratch in a few months.

3. Soft Skills & Networking: Critical for Career Growth

Something I didn’t care much about in college, but it’s super important now: talking to people and making connections (they call it soft skills and networking).

So, talk to people! Join clubs, go to events, and enter competitions. This helps you get better at talking, boosts your confidence, and you meet people who could help you later.

After college, knowing your engineering stuff is good. But how do you talk and present yourself? That’s a big deal.

4. Use LinkedIn!

Really, start using LinkedIn when you’re still in college. Learn how to use it. Showcase your projects, certifications, and achievements. Look at what companies are doing. Connect with industry experts and alumni working in your field. Many jobs are found through people you know on LinkedIn, not just by applying on company websites.

5. Want to Study Abroad? Start Early!

Planning to pursue a Master’s or PhD abroad? The groundwork starts in your second or third year.

Steps to take:

• Write research papers with professors or peers
• Do internships in relevant industries
• Maintain a strong GPA (many scholarships require this).
• Research scholarships (Chevening, DAAD, Erasmus+, Manaaki NZ, WHT, etc.) and track their requirements early
• Early planning makes your application stand out.

6. Don’t Wait for the “Perfect Job”

After you graduate, don’t wait for the “perfect” job. Apply for any job or internship that’s kind of related to what you studied. Even if it’s not your dream job, just do it!

You’ll learn how things work in the real world (it’s different from college!), get some confidence, and gain experience. If it’s not ideal for you, you can always change it later. The main thing is to start somewhere

Being in the field is better than waiting on the sidelines.

7. Keep Learning, Always!

While you’re working or interning, keep learning new things. Take online courses. Read books and articles. The learning shouldn’t stop after you graduate.

Skills to Learn While Working

• CAD Tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA V5) – Essential!
• Programming (Python, MATLAB) – Useful for automation.
• Simulation & Analysis (ANSYS, CFD, FEA).
• Industry-Specific Skills (HVAC, energy systems, mechatronics).
• Or anything of your interest

Free resources? Coursera, edX, YouTube, NPTEL. Also, explore scholarship and graduate program opportunities while you work – it’s doable!

8. Where to Find Jobs?

Looking for jobs? LinkedIn is good. Also, try sites like MeroJob and check company websites for their ‘Careers’ page.

If you want, apply for jobs or internships in other countries too! Companies like Airbus or Emrill sometimes have openings. Don’t hold yourself back.

9. CAD Skills: A Must-Have for Mechanical Engineers

Learn CAD software in college. At least learn AutoCAD. SolidWorks and CATIA V5 are good too. These skills look great on your CV and help you get a job. If you want to work in Nepal, you need to know AutoCAD.

Pro Tip: Many jobs in Nepal & abroad require CAD proficiency – don’t ignore this!

10. Thinking About Government Jobs (Loksewa)?

If you’re planning to take the Loksewa exam for jobs like NEA or CAAN, don’t study alone without a plan. Talk to people who have passed the exam earlier. Ask them for notes, book suggestions, and tips. It will help you understand what to focus on.

Also, try joining study groups or coaching classes. They can guide you better, help you practice old questions, and teach you how to manage time during the exam.

11. Wrapping Up: Your Journey, Your Pace

There’s no single “right” path after engineering. Some of my friends went abroad, some landed jobs here, and others took time to figure things out – and that’s completely okay.

Don’t compare yourself with others. Everyone has their own pace, timing, and way of learning. Comparing yourself can often lead to stress, anxiety, or even discouragement. Instead, focus on your own journey. Reach out to seniors, friends, or professors. Ask for help, share your doubts, and learn from their experiences. Use the internet and online platforms wisely – they can be powerful tools for growth if used mindfully.

What truly matters is that you keep moving forward, stay curious, and keep learning. You don’t need to have everything figured out right after graduation. Start wherever you are and grow from there. Everyone’s journey is different, and that’s the beauty of it.

Believe in yourself, stay positive, and never give up. Keep an optimistic mindset – it makes a big difference.

If you’re a student or a recent graduate reading this, I hope it gave you some clarity.

Good luck on your journey!