Some questions for the mechanical engineering majors...

"TheJWT" (thejwt)
04/09/2014 at 14:22 • Filed to: None

I've been thinking about changing my major to mechanical engineering lately, and I'm curious as to what you guys are currently working on, what to expect as a mechanical engineering major, and what you plan to do after college.

DISCUSSION (39)

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 14:33

I am a B.S.M.E., but not really working as an ME per se. Mostly because lousy at networking and still cannot into interview.

As to classes - it depends on your grasp of math. If you're good with applied math, bad with abstract, you will be destroyed by some courses and buoyed by others. If the reverse, you'll have different sets. If you're good at both- congrats! Apart from ludicrous homework assignments, obnoxious labs, and needing to develop "make people do things" people skills, you've got hope.

Spaze > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 14:35

While I'm not an ME, I went to an engineering school where 60-70% of them were. Lots are working for companies like John Deer, Caterpillar, GE, Moen, GM/Ford, Army/Navy, Ship manufacturing, etc etc. Its a really diverse degree and allows you a solid foundation into anything mechanical, structural, etc. I know people that May fridges, certify ship hulls, engineer parts for transmissions, just about anything you can think of.

If I had to go back to school again, I'd be an ME in a heartbeat. But I will say it might be worth looking into a masters in something to really get into a niche (marine and naval engineering, aerodynamics, etc). YMMV since I'm an IT nerd...

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 14:36

Mechanical Engineering Technology is like Mechanical Engineering, just minus the abstract and you get more real world experience.

TheJWT > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
04/09/2014 at 14:39

I'm decent enough at math, I got through AP calc in high school with an A (But didn't take the AP test thanks to an unfortunately times teachers strike). I went into architecture thinking it would be much more math based, which is far from reality.

If I may ask, what about engineering interests you? And what career do you plan on going into?

BlasterBob > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 14:40

Getting good grades, and in some cases just passing is dependent on finding effective ways of studying in groups. Take it from someone who spent the last third of his degree repairing his GPA from the damage done going it alone in the first two thirds. If you have a 3.0 GPA, almost any company will at least claim that you're in the running. Under 3.0 the automated systems won't even let you submit. There are companies who don't have strict rules though.

I've been out almost 4 months and don't have a job. DO INTERNSHIPS, AND DO THEM FOR THE BIGGEST COMPANIES THAT WILL TAKE YOU. No matter how trivial. No matter how much bullshit. No matter that you only get the coffee and have zero responsibility. The brand name of the internships on your resume is what gets you a job. When that guy you know says you can probably pick up a full time job at his workplace that pays $50k and has scheduling just flexible enough that you can finish your degree 2 classes at a time, RUN. (Unless it's an engineering company, in an engineering department, doing engineering work.) HR screens the resumes, and for the most part, they have no idea how to evaluate engineers. They just forward the ones with internships at the most impressive sounding companies.

TheJWT > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
04/09/2014 at 14:40

Like what kinds of experience for example?

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 14:43

Co-op

Lab work and projects where you actually make things

The math is all focused on applying things to actual scenarios like shaft designs and hydraulics, ect...

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 14:46

Understanding of physical forces - mechanical and electrical - and the general sense of "how things work" for interest. Knowing how to produce and make things, and how they would accomplish tasks.

Long-term, probably interested in some type of structural engineering of machinery. Cars/toys/and or well, things that I like.

I struggled a bit at Georgia Tech with abstract math classes, more so by far than the applied ones. Did very well in physics/emag.

TheJWT > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
04/09/2014 at 14:47

Thank you for the advice!

yamahog > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 14:48

As an aerospace engineer, you can expect to never be as cool as aerospace engineers.

TheJWT > yamahog
04/09/2014 at 14:51

I've come to terms with that fact already:(

Kailand09 > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 14:52

Can you elaborate on what you are doing and what you think you will like about mE?

STREPITUS > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 14:53

I graduated with a mechanical engineering degree in 2012. Went on to a rotational program with one of the big 3. Currently I'm doing objective vehicle dynamics testing, and hopefully I'll use this as a jumping point to vehicle dynamics developmental work.

Other stuff I've done so far include prototype build coordinations and front structures design for our next gen pickups.

jariten1781 > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 14:55

Let's see, off the top of my head, friends I know with MEs are: Constructing bridges, making alloys in a metallurgy plant, designing chassis for electrical components, working on wind farms, selling industrial lighting, selling HVAC equipment, and working in a chemical plant.

My degree is in Computer Engineering and I've worked as a computer engineer (HP), nuclear engineer (USN), electrical engineer (board design), industrial engineer (electrical subsystem line), and now as a systems engineer (security design). It's my experience that an engineering degree is a marker that you're capable of learning and as long as you can convince people that you're motivated it doesn't really pigeon hole you into any particular field.

TheNeonDriver - Now with More BMW! > yamahog
04/09/2014 at 14:56

As an automotive engineeeeerrrr, don't listen to Aerospace engineers. None of them have jobs.

TheJWT > Kailand09
04/09/2014 at 14:58

I'm currently an architecture student at a small school in New York. The architecture program is pretty highly ranked, but it is way too art/design based for my liking. I'm interested (or at least I think I am) in mechanical engineering because of its applications to the automotive/machinery/stuff I like more than architecture worlds. I'm obviously not ready to pack up and get out of here now, but I'm trying to get a feel if whether ME would be a good fit for my interests.

Chteelers > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 14:59

I started with a major manufacturer's racing division working on Indycar engines. Transitioned within the company to Nascar engines, and eventually working with the Nascar teams in NC. Stayed 9 years with them. Then left and for the past 3 years I've been working with a defense contractor in NC, in a company composed mostly of ex-Nascar guys. We design complete vehicles for the defense sector. I'm a CAD designer, though I tend to do more project management than is typical for most CAD guys. Feel free to AMA

TheJWT > STREPITUS
04/09/2014 at 15:00

Vehicle dynamics as in handling characteristics?

Stupidru > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 15:01

ME here. Graduated 3 years ago, but with my 2nd company because the first one was just that... a first job. Everybody has one, and 90% of them suck.

I spent a year and a half working on rock crushing machinery and mining equipment. Most of the time was spent designing on solidworks, but a good chunk was also spent on the manufacturing/assembly floor. Lastly, I got to spend a few weeks traveling to quarries and mine sites installing and testing equipment.

Currently I'm working on building engines and home standby generators. I'm with a small company, so I get to wear too many hats ranging from marketing to finances to designing to custom fabrication and testing. I love my job probably 95% of the time.

My only word of advise is to stick with it- it will suck for 4 years in college, but after that you'll get a nice paycheck with good benefits and your friends will always think "wow, I wish I had his job" because you get to play with some seriously cool stuff... not to mention you'll be smarter than almost everybody else :)

TheJWT > Chteelers
04/09/2014 at 15:02

What led you to working for a racing division? That sounds like something I would definitely be interested in.

BlythBros. > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 15:04

Internships are huge, as are personal projects and genuine interest in the subject. Engineering isn't a great way to make lots of money, so a passion in the subject is the best way to get fulfillment from it.

Also, beware that many engineering jobs are really just project management, which is good if that's what you're looking for, and bad if you want to develop new technology.

Stupidru > TheNeonDriver - Now with More BMW!
04/09/2014 at 15:07

This is true. When they can find jobs, they get paid well. But there's never a constant demand for them

Stupidru > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 15:10

Yes. How everything interacts with each other. Vehicle dynamics can is anything that's unsprung. It ranges from driver feedback and interaction to shaving a tenth of a second off at the track

STREPITUS > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 15:12

I'm doing ride characteristics, but the same department also does handling.

yamahog > TheNeonDriver - Now with More BMW!
04/09/2014 at 15:18

Nice try homeboy, but I'm actually working in automotive now after a year on the F35 program. I TOOK YER JOBS!

PelicanHazard > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 15:23

ME here, graduated in 2011 from Pitt, disastrously tried to go back for a Masters. Only ended up quadrupling my debt and frying my brain, didn't get my degree.

However, I do hold an entry-level engineering job at a former family business bought out by Rolls-Royce plc (Nuclear Services). No, not Rolls-Royce Motors, makers of cars and owned by BMW. Rolls-Royce plc makes aircraft and marine engines as well as components and engineering services for power generation.

So let's see:

Currently working on: paperwork. Paperwork everywhere. My job is to work with nuclear power plants to implement changes, complying with regulations. So they tell me "we want X to change to Y due to obsolescence/company preference/new system being put in", and I go through their forms and fill them out, justifying any changes in system performance. Kinda boring and stressful, took it because my loan payments were coming due and they were the only offer I had.

What to expect: In school, math. Seriously, equations will be spilling out of your ears. In the workforce, it's writing a ton of dry technical reports, looking up procedures to ensure you meet or exceed them, filling out a cornucopia of documents, and constantly talking to different people both in your office (because they can point you in the right direction) and outside of it (to clarify ambiguities or gain knowledge). Also, meetings, though frequency and duress depend on your industry and company.

Plan: I'm here for the moment, though with an eye partially out for different opportunities, mostly because advancement here is very limited, and stress only increases the higher up the ladder I go.

What you should do if you want to be an ME is GAIN WORK EXPERIENCE AND NETWORK. Not even kidding here, the major push for more STEM majors by the government mean there will soon be a glut of MEs, so you will need every edge you can to stand out. Half of my ME class at Pitt took part in Pitt's co-op program, which is like an internship but organized through the school. The half that didn't was split between those who found internships on their own and those who did no ME-related summer work. Guess who had the most difficulty finding a job? Those who did no ME-related summer work.

Do that work. You'll be the office bitch doing the work no one else in the office wants to do, but it gives you experience for your resume and gives you a sense of what a workday at that office or company is like. If you're smart about it, you can also network a bit and gain professional contacts that can help you out. And contacts are important. Build those networks and maintain them, I didn't really do that and suffered for it. In fact, the only reason I even got this job is because a college friend of mine (they count as a network) interviewed with this office and then told me they were looking for more new hires. It was sheer dumb luck that Rolls-Royce then took over the office and now I work for them, otherwise I'd still have a company no one except certain people in a specific industry had ever heard of on my resume.

Also, you should know that competition if/when you graduate from an ME program will be tight as hell, but in the next decade or so there will be major opportunities for advancement in the right companies as the older generation finally retires.

Hope this helps!

TheJWT > PelicanHazard
04/09/2014 at 15:29

It does help a lot, thank you for taking to time to write it!

TheNeonDriver - Now with More BMW! > yamahog
04/09/2014 at 16:03

NO!!!! Me JORBS!!!

I graduated in May of 09. There were No Jorbs to be had when I finished, in Automotive or otherwise. Most of my friends ended up taking a masters, and then graduating. Many of them now work in the Automotive field. I work as a consulting mechanical engineer, however I will probably try my hand at the auto thing in the near future though.

I don't even want to imagine the stress of working on the F35... yeeeesh.

Chteelers > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 16:40

I just wanted to work in racing. I graduated with a Mech E and Aero E degrees, and was involved in formula SAE in college. After graduating, I had a standing offer to go work with Ford in Detroit, but I really wanted to do racing, so I applied to every racing company I could find in the Autosport International book. Then I even took the step of crashing the PRI show in Indy, which is a trade show for the racing industry, with two of my friends. I forget how we did it, but our credentials weren't entirely legit. Although it's more for industry people to work business contacts, we just handed out as many of our resumes as we could, and talked ourselves up for two days. One of those contacts was how I got my first job in the racing industry. I can't recommend enough being relentless in your pursuit, and getting actual facetime with people. I sent lots of resume's through the regular routes, but it took travelling to Indy and actually meeting people that got me interviews. Bend the rules a bit to get noticed, the worst people will do is tell you no.

I assumed I would have to work as a trackside tech for some time, and then work my way up. But I was able to slide right into CAD design based on my college & internship experiences. I think a lot of guys start as track guys, or as interns. The big racing areas are Charlotte (Nascar), southern California (Indy & others), Detroit (works teams), and Indy. Having connections in this industry is remarkably effective, but not required.

TheJWT > Chteelers
04/09/2014 at 16:42

Thanks for the insight! It is greatly appreciated

Chteelers > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 16:43

No prob. Good luck!

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 16:44

I started as AE and switched to ME because they had a robotics focus. The higher level AE classes seemed all design, where in ME we build stuff. My last three semesters I spent mostly building robots for various classes. It was way more fun. It also gave me a good range of experience like pure mechanical design, electrical, and some coding too.

It definitely seemed good to have a wide range of experience, since almost nothing is purely mechanical anymore.

Frank Grimes > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 17:30

I am gonna switch to mech engineering as well. I will lose like 90 credits and I suck at math.

BJohnson11 > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 19:19

Where are you in school? Experiences will vary school to school, but as I'm a ME major at Cal Poly SLO, I can share my experiences. Classes are probably normal with most engineering classes at most schools (though class sizes might be smaller at CP—around 30-35 people in the major classes). You have to put in a decent amount of work, and even then, the classes are hard.

The thing I've found though is, employers aren't overly concerned with GPA. Find out what clubs you are interested or what extra curriculars you can work on. In my experience, every job interview I've been on has revolved around my work on the Formula SAE team, my job in the machine shop, and other projects I've worked on. So my advice would be, follow what you want to do, and realize that the classes wont really fulfill that desire, so find a club that will fulfill it.

bhardoin > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 20:14

For me, a few years in, its been math, math, boring math, difficult math, and math unrelated to design. I'm pretty bummed by it - I was really expecting way more general design work than just rudimentary and mind numbing calculations of precanned scenarios. Maybe that'll change in my last year of classes, but so far as I can tell my senior project is my only opportunity to really get my hands dirty, and even then (with my luck) I'll probably get stuck with a lame project.
Funnily, I was always a bit jealous of my architect roommates because they were constantly building and CADding really cool stuff - even if it was at the cost of sleep. My Dad's an architect and it just didn't seem like my gig, but it looked like an awesome and fulfilling degree to get.

TheJWT > bhardoin
04/09/2014 at 20:19

What school do you go to if I may ask?

bhardoin > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 20:23

Cal Poly SLO. Ironically, I went here because their entire mantra is "Learn by Doing." But after taking some 1 unit solidworks courses freshman year, I've barely gotten to do anything but homework. There are some solid clubs that a lot of kids do, but those clubs take so much more time than I'm willing to devote on top of schoolwork.

Kailand09 > TheJWT
04/09/2014 at 21:22

OK now that I'm off mobile and home I can type out an answer. I am someone who really wanted to change majors, and this is simply my opinion to help with some insight.

One last question for ya- what year are you?

Either way, I would decide ASAP if you are above freshman level, or else you're in for a long ride.

Anyway, disregarding time, I would sit and think hard about what you like about architecture and what you don't like. Why did you choose it in the first place? Do you like structures and buildings, and like designing them? Maybe civil engineering is where you should be. There are also less artsy architecture schools out there that maybe you should look at.

If you are certain you want to go into the more technical engineering field, I would definitely think and research hard about what each discipline does. Mechanical sounds intuitive for a guy like you or me who is SO into cars, but you may find out (in my case) you really like software too, but it's too late to change.

Designing circuits (electrical engineer) sounds boring to someone who hasn't taken technical classes, but you may end up finding it super interesting and liking it more. Same thing.

Simplified what to expect for each major in my view:

Mechanical- you will work a lot in some sort of CAD software drawing up things that you may not have even designed, but need to be digital. Also, in school at least, it will be VERY math heavy and include a lot of dynamics (physics on steroids). Depending on the school, you may not end up actually making anything so much as doing math.

Electrical- learning a lot of higher level math as well, maybe not as much physics based like mechanical but some due to the obvious electric and magnetic characteristics. There's also a lot of practical looking at what components do what, and how to accomplish things (such as switching power with a transistor). Laying out circuit boards happens as well, basically figuring out how to fit each component and connect the copper where it needs to go (this is challenging and done in a software program that's almost like CAD for PCB's.). Electrical is very interesting actually. It may also include some programming courses to understand how to program the lower level stuff in the micro controllers and interfacing it with the bigger stuff.

Software- still lots of abstract math, but less physics-y generally. Math would mostly be used for modelling systems, whatever really. I look at software like a giant puzzle where half the time you get to design the pieces. It's an awesome challenge that has to do with understanding many different systems and methods that allow you to do something you want. It is really limitless, design a web site, design a program to control some electrical circuit, write software that searches for things, write software that models the body to test things without costs of the physical world.

It really depends on what you like, but without a small taste of each I don't know an engineer can make the correct choice.

TL:DR- I would figure out as soon as you can what you want to do, but put the effort in to learn what engineering will actually be like. Make sure it isn't a grass is greener type of thing.

Last bit of advice, go buy yourself an Arduino for ~$35, and put together a simple circuit that they have on their website, and program it to do things. This will give you GREAT insight into electrical/software. Then you can look up for a free CAD program and maybe a free online class for statics and look into a few lessons.

Be informed before jumping, but sometimes you have to make a risky leap to reap the rewards.

samssun > TheJWT
04/14/2014 at 03:03

IE here (Industrial, aka Imaginary, Engineering...lots of ME, CivE, and Econ/Stats overlap). The ME degree is one of the "hardcore" engineering degrees, like ChemE and MatSci.

It will open the door to ME-centric jobs, AND put you far ahead of nearly anyone with a B.A. for most other jobs, because it's proof you can do math, reason, and couldn't pad your electives with fake crap. Your GPA basically gets you to day 1, so don't discount it entirely, but everything after that is you.