You have a lot of questions, and that's good.  After all, your future career is on the line.  That's why we put together this page to try to answer some of your questions you might have.  So explore, and if you have a question that's not answered here please feel free to contact us by following our link to the contact page.

Q:  What is a Mechanical Designer?
A:  Everything around us man-made begins with a written plan.  When these plans require illustrations or drawings to convey meaning, a designer is needed to prepare these graphic forms of communication.  Designers translate ideas and rough sketches of other professionals into scaled detail or working drawings.

Q:  What skills do I need to become a Mechanical Designer?
A:  Mechanical Designers must be able to convert crude sketches and drawings into both two-dimensional and  three-dimensional  finished drawings.

Q:  Is job growth/promotion available as a Mechanical Designer?
A:  Mechanical Designers often are found to have natural abilities in math, science and
fine art.  They not only do well in these courses, they enjoy these courses.  Designers must be able to conceptualize and imagine things that don't yet exist.  Many designers climb a career track that allows them to become engineers after additional schooling.

Q:  What education do I need to become a Mechanical Designer?
A:  Mechanical Designers receive their education through vocational high school training, community college training or a combination of both which is known as the Tech-Prep program.

Q:  What does "CAD" stand for?
A:  CAD is an acronym for computer-aided drafting/design.  A variety of CAD software is available on the market to allow drafting and design to be done on a computer with greater speed and accuracy.  Advancements in CAD software is revolutionizing the way drafters/designers draw and think.  

Q:  Do your program graduates make much money?
A:  Recent informal surveys of our graduates have shown them making entry level wages around $40,000 a year.  Those going into the Ann Arbor or Detroit areas are able to demand more.  The 2002 U.S. Census found that workers between the ages of 25-64 averaged the following yearly wages by educational attainment:

This data shows that the cost of a 2-year college degree is rapidly recovered soon after employment.

Q:  What other benefits are there in this field?
A:  The benefits of this field depend largely on what company you go to work for. Benefits that are common are medical plans, college plans, pension plans, tuition plans, etc. Designers seem to enjoy more steady employment than many other professionals, however, designers often change jobs on their own accord more frequently. Designers that stay with a company are often promoted to higher paying positions such as management, quality assurance, sales, testing, trouble shooting, customer service, manufacturer's rep., corporate trainer, etc.

Q:  Do I have to complete the entire program?
A:  Yes, it is in your best interest to complete the program.  Most employers are looking for an Associate degree as a minimum requirement for entry level positions.

Q:  When are classes?
A:  The Mechanical Design Technology classes are offered during the day and evening with the majority of classes held in the fall and winter semesters.  General education courses are offered during the fall, winter and spring/summer semesters.

Q:  What are classes at MCCC like?
A: Most classes in the Mechanical Design Technology program are relatively small in size; 12-18 students.  In Mechanical Design Technology there's two full-time CAD instructors and two adjunct instructors, and we get to know our students very well.  It is the personal attention you receive at MCCC that sets us apart from most other schools.

Q:  Must I have taken drafting in High School?
A:  No, many of our students start without any previous drafting education.  All we ask for is your interest and enthusiasm.

Q:  Can I transfer my degree?
A:  Yes, we currently have transfer agreements to a number of four-year schools.  Plus, we have 3+1 agreements with Eastern Michigan University and Siena Heights University.

Q: What will I do on the job?
A: As a designer you will spend your time on a variety of tasks including CAD drawing, sketching, research, lab testing, taking field measurements, problem solving and report writing. A large percentage of our graduates will be working with mechanical drawings, and a few with architectural. Some of our graduates have chosen careers in other related fields like Technical Education, Technical Illustration, Quality Assurance, Sales Engineer and other various management positions.

Q:  I have been away from school for a few years, can I still compete?
A:  Yes, you can.  The average age of an MCCC student is 27 years.  Skill assessment and developmental courses are available in math, writing, and study skills to prepare you for the curriculum, and tutoring is available for most classes.

Q:  Can I do it?
A:  Absolutely!  At MCCC we excel at giving you the attention and care you need to
sharpen your skills, and challenge you to do your best.

Q:  Where do I begin?
A:   Follow the "Five Easy Steps to Become an MCCC Student".