years, because students have to do their own projects during their final year of college. # 3 Look for a co-op with an engineering company. The job market is saturated with recent engineering graduates, and co-op experience helps set your application apart. Be sure to use the professor you researched with as both a reference and a guide during the co-op search. # 4 Become a licensed professional engineer to increase your employment opportunities. You'll need to pass two exams as well as spend a certain number of years as either an engineering intern or an engineer-in-training. For more information, contact the group that oversees licenses, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (see Resources below). # 5 Consider doing graduate course work in mechanical engineering. While not required to become a mechanical engineer, a master's degree can help you get a higher paying job in the industry you're most interested in. You can also get a master's in engineering management if you'd rather oversee a group of mechanical engineers than work as one. Read more: How to Become a Mechanical Engineer | eHow.com ]