There are too many types of machinery industry, some general mechanical equipment is relatively good to do a little, specific to the industry is very different, the industry has a variety of industry standards, there are also national standards. For example, tobacco machinery, petroleum machinery, chemical machinery, etc., too much, I think I want to switch to mechanical design, the first thing to consider is to enter the industry. Then mechanical design, but also understand the processing technology, heat treatment process, otherwise the design of things either the existing process can not be manufactured or that the cost is too high, that is not desirable. But the mechanical industry is an accumulation of experience. Do more, experienced, slowly NB, but then you can not do a few years to retire.
Whether it is product design or mechanical design, the prospects and personal ability is relative.