[MOX]

I am looking to go into Mechanical Engineering to get my BS, I have my AA in PLain jain Engineering right now, but in one of my classes I have to perform an informational interview. The questions I have to ask are

- How did you get into this type of work? This job?
-Why type of prep/education/training did you have? What is requiered
-What do you enjoy the most? The least?
-How do you suggest I learn more about this field?

I have seen many people on here that work in a variety of differnet engineering fields.. so any help would be great. Thanks

 

[shuffjb]

I am a Software Engineer with a Bachelors in Information Systems from the Engineering School of USF Tampa, FL (go Bulls!).

I got into this line of work when I took my first FORTRAN class on the way to becoming an Electrical Engineer. I discovered that I liked programming computers more than I liked designing them. I actually started working in the field before I graduated, doing graveyard shift computer operations at a hospital. Then when I had my AA (This was 1975, there weren't many computer specific 4 year degrees), they offered me a spot on days doing COBOL programming. Over the next 25 or so years I held various programmer / analyst positions and finished my 4 year degree. My current position is Software Consulting / Business Analysis. I provide a range of services from Data Conversion through completed applications. See my site at click here for my consulting company

For most Software Engineering these days, the minimum is a BS. Other Engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical) also require BS as a minimum.

The thing I like most about my work is starting with a blank pad of paper and designing an application from the ground up, then seeing it through to completion. A close second is training. I love one on one and small group (< 20) training. The feeling of actually helping someone get it is hard to match

. The thing I like least is bug fixes / maintenance (mostly because it is done under the gun and is usually because of a design screwup that I was at least partially responsible for).

To learn more about Mechanical Engineering I would suggest that you continue your reading in the field as well as keeping up with the professional journals. I know in the EE field IEEE has a journal. For Mechanical maybe ASME? You should also consider a Masters along the way. (I would suggest you get the Masters while working somewhere. I think you get more out of graduate work if you have some real world experience).

When I was doing my Engineering degree, we had a class called "Engineering Orientation" that brought in local Engineers to discuss their work and cover the same types of things as your four questions.

Feel free to email / PM me if you need more.

 

[MOX]

BIG THANKS! Anybody else got some input, I figure if I can't find one form Mech Engineering I will just combine all the ones I can. Just make it sound good... LOL..gotta love college life. Its 3 AM and I am just thinkin bout startin my H Work

 

[1756]

I'm a mechanical engineer. Pm'd you.

 

[567]

I'm an aerospace engineer for the Navy. I grew up around aircraft, my father being a pilot and a mechanic. He drug me around to every airplane he worked on. He told me I was too smart to get my hands dirty for a career working on them so I figured I'd design/flight test them. I started reading books on aero engineering in like 3rd grade, so when it came time to pick my major in college, it was a no brainer. I took a lot of physics and math in HS to get ready, but it was still pretty hard curriculum. The best part about my job now is that I do flight testing in the ordnance department for all the Navy's jets...can it get any better than that? I'm actually supporting the warfighter, which has its own rewards. The only bad part about the job is writing that darn reports after the testing is over!
I work with a lot of mech. engineers, and in my opinion, a mech engineer has a few more job opportunities than an aero does coming out of college, but most of the things learned are the same.

Find an engineer close to you at home and ask to go along for a days worth of work...I'm sure he or she would be glad to show off what they do

 

[Guest]

Hey Jud, I was just there at PAX...out at the end of the runway working on the autoclaves. Too bad I didn't know you were there....

As for me...Software engineer...
Learned electronics in the AF...got out and got a real job doing production testing...moved into test engineering...started work on my BSEE. Cut my teeth on Fortran, Assembly, and HP Basic.
Moved to CA to work for McDonald Douglas (now Boeing)..changed to BSCSE at Cal State Long Beach.
Got layed off from MD...now I fly all over the world keeping autoclaves running....and having fun.

One thing you will find....except for certain specific professions, your degree does not mean you will do that kind of work. Follow your passion and it will help you enjoy your work...in what ever field it is.

 

[Guest]

Re: O/T Anybody in the engineering field? Any fi

I have my BS in Computer Science. Not a true engineer but probably a comparable way to get into it. I got my basic electronics education in the Navy worked in the aircraft industry for a couple years then went to work for a large computer company as a computer tech. After 25 years they started laying people off. I figured that if they were willing to pay for it I'd better gat my butt in gear. I had worked my up to a regional hardware specialist, but outside of the company rather limited marketable skills. Got my degree at age 49. Still working for the same company. With the education I have a little more value which = protection from layyoff.
My son went into the Navy as a engine mechanic. Did real well in schools and applied them all towards his AA. He will graduate in May with his ME from U of Wqashington.
Good luck

 

[Guest]

MOX, sent you a PM. Of all the engineering degrees, I think mechanical is the most versatile. You get a little bit of everything. But the most important thing about college, learn how to learn!

 

[Guest]

Mechanical engineers get to do most everything....

PM direct

 

[LEVE]

In reply to:

Mechanical engineers get to do most everything....

[/ QUOTE ]1. The difference between Mechanical and Civil Engineers is:[*]Civil Engineers build targets[*]Mechanical Engineers build weapons to destroy the targets.
2. Which side would you prefer to be on?
3. Me, I'm a retired Systems Engineer with a heavy Electronics background.
4. What's the ol' quote:

In reply to:

Yesterday I couldn't spell Engineer Today, I are one!

[/ QUOTE ]

 

[WILL]

Re: O/T Anybody in the engineering field? Any fi

Civil Engineers are "roads and commodes".

(among other things.)

I'm in the roads part working for the city street department.

 

[CJDave]

I'm in a little bit different direction; my Degree is in Water Supply Engineering which is, well, supplying water. To do that you have to cross train as a mechanical engineer because of the different drive systems (often engines) and drive components; and then Civil Engineering because of the structures, and of course it is heavy into electrical power supply too. Fluid mechanics is the main thing;, dealing with hydrodynamics and losses connected with moving large and small amounts of water. My long term plans were to be in water-starved California forever, but I got out of the business when the decisions were made more and more by lawyers instead of engineers.

It's a mess out dere.

I still love the water supply business.

 

[MOX]

Big thanks to everybody that gave me any sort of info, I really apriciate it. Thank agian.

Chris

 

[westville]

Easy on the Civil Engineers. How did you get to work today? Oh , thats right.. Did you bathe, go to the bathroom, drink water... hmm.. civils again.

I myself deal with roadway construction scheduling and claims. Have a BS in Civil and my PE in New Jersey. Although, I wish I was a Mech Engineer.

My little brother just graduated with his BS as a mechanical - he has been hard pressed to find a job. If anyone can lend a hand - he'd appreciate it..

All engineering fields are a challenge - just pick the one that most intrests you.

Chemical gets paid the best, Civil is the least. Just make sure that you get knowledge in management.

 

[Raduckal]

Any field?
I know as a farmer it's possible to be out standing in your field.