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OverviewNature of WorkKnowledge AreasSkills Utilized
Job ActivitiesAbilitiesJob ConditionsWork SatisfactionEducation/Training

Ability Areas

Learn about the most important abilities for Mechanical Engineers. Also, find out how proficient you have to be in each ability.

Importance*More Info
1.Mathematical Reasoning75
Information Ordering75
3.Deductive Reasoning72
Written Comprehension72
5.Near Vision69
Problem Sensitivity69
7.Inductive Reasoning66
Oral Comprehension66
9.Visualization62
Number Facility62
* Importance out of 100

Score Key
  Importance for success in this profession
  Level of proficiency needed

Ability Area Scores

Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
75
70
Determine how much 10 oranges will cost when they are priced at 2 for 20 centsDecide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonusesDetermine the mathematics required to simulate a space craft landing on the moon
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
75
68
Put things in numerical orderFollow the correct steps to make changeAssemble a nuclear warhead
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
72
73
Know that a stalled car can coast downhillDecide what factors to consider in selecting stocksDesign an aircraft wing using principles of aerodynamics
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
72
73
Understand signs on the highwayUnderstand an apartment leaseUnderstand an instruction book on repairing missile guidance systems
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
69
61
Read dials on the dashboard of a carRead the fine print of a legal documentDetect minor defects in a diamond
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
69
63
Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't workRecognize from the mood of prisoners that a prison riot is likely to occurRecognize an illness at an early stage of a disease when there are only a few symptoms
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
66
61
Decide what to wear based on the weather reportDetermine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidenceDiagnose a disease using results of many different lab tests
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
66
73
Understand a television commercialUnderstand a coach's oral instructions for a sportUnderstand a lecture on advanced physics
Visualization
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
62
63
Imagine how to put paper in a typewriter so that the letterhead comes out on topFollow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinetAnticipate opponent's as well as your own future moves in a chess game
Number Facility
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
62
64
Add 2 and 7Balance a checkbookCompute the interest payment that should be generated from an investment