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What are the downs and ups about being a mechanical engineer?
Does it require a lot of math? and if it does. What kind of math is necessary. I also wanted to know if it is easy to get a good job with that career.
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William’s Answer
Dear Jesus,
This is a great question. I'm delighted that you are looking forward to becoming a mechanical engineer.
Broadly speaking, the course is quite broad as it overlaps both civil engineering (water resources management, structures) & electrical engineering (electronics, electrical machines). At high school, mathematics & physics provide the main foundation for the course. Chemistry helps us understand the properties of engineering materials. Knowledge of design & graphics and computer applications are also essential.
With regards to maths, a good understanding of algebra, matrices, geometry, calculus (both differential & Integral), mechanics, statistics & probability theory are critical. Usually, universities provide training in engineering mathematics for all engineering students.
Because mechanical engineering mainly deals with moving/rotating parts,stress (forces) analysis is a little more involving than for the other disciplines.
At the workplace, especially in a manufacturing environment, most of the maintenance work is mechanical (sometimes up to 85 percent). It's important that the people you work with are all competent & there is teamwork so the workload gets appropriately assigned. Problem solving is the other important skill engineers need. It's essential for driving continuous improvement. Analytical skills help engineers interpret drawings & rteports, collate & analyze data.
Mechanical engineers are employed in factories, research institutions, utilities companies and as service engineers for companies that manufacture compressors, generators, forklifts, earthmoving equipment etc. Mechanical engineers also teach engineering students in institutions of higher learning. You need to be passionate, diligent & very good at what you do. This way your journey to a successful career becomes a lot easier. Go for your dream.
This is a great question. I'm delighted that you are looking forward to becoming a mechanical engineer.
Broadly speaking, the course is quite broad as it overlaps both civil engineering (water resources management, structures) & electrical engineering (electronics, electrical machines). At high school, mathematics & physics provide the main foundation for the course. Chemistry helps us understand the properties of engineering materials. Knowledge of design & graphics and computer applications are also essential.
With regards to maths, a good understanding of algebra, matrices, geometry, calculus (both differential & Integral), mechanics, statistics & probability theory are critical. Usually, universities provide training in engineering mathematics for all engineering students.
Because mechanical engineering mainly deals with moving/rotating parts,stress (forces) analysis is a little more involving than for the other disciplines.
At the workplace, especially in a manufacturing environment, most of the maintenance work is mechanical (sometimes up to 85 percent). It's important that the people you work with are all competent & there is teamwork so the workload gets appropriately assigned. Problem solving is the other important skill engineers need. It's essential for driving continuous improvement. Analytical skills help engineers interpret drawings & rteports, collate & analyze data.
Mechanical engineers are employed in factories, research institutions, utilities companies and as service engineers for companies that manufacture compressors, generators, forklifts, earthmoving equipment etc. Mechanical engineers also teach engineering students in institutions of higher learning. You need to be passionate, diligent & very good at what you do. This way your journey to a successful career becomes a lot easier. Go for your dream.
It's all about professionalism,When you have this in mind you'll do what you can upto your very best.
It has a lot of mathematic calculations in engineering mathematic and other sub main subjects like thermodynamic,fluid flow,mechanics of machine and so on.But when you put professionalism first all will work for you and be competent in your Field of study.
Philip Wera Odongo
Updated
Sundar’s Answer
Mechanical Engineer downs: There's a lot of competition out there. Sometimes, people without a mechanical engineering degree can claim to be mechanical engineers. Even those with a Mechanical Technology degree can do the same, which makes the field crowded and the pay not as high as it could be.
Mechanical Engineer ups: It's one of the most stable careers and gives you a broad understanding of engineering. It provides more overall engineering knowledge than any other degree, setting a strong foundation for your future.
Mechanical Engineer ups: It's one of the most stable careers and gives you a broad understanding of engineering. It provides more overall engineering knowledge than any other degree, setting a strong foundation for your future.
Updated
Nikhil’s Answer
Hey Jesus,
There are a ton of ups (and also challenges) of being a mechanical engineer. For me, the ups are that you get to work on some of the most challenging problems in the world and apply your problem-solving skills in a team.
Regarding math, it depends on what is needed in your job. The industry is moving towards data-driven solutions paired with engineering, therefore I recommend you have an adequate understanding of basic statistics so you can confidently support any claims you make with data.
There are a ton of ups (and also challenges) of being a mechanical engineer. For me, the ups are that you get to work on some of the most challenging problems in the world and apply your problem-solving skills in a team.
Regarding math, it depends on what is needed in your job. The industry is moving towards data-driven solutions paired with engineering, therefore I recommend you have an adequate understanding of basic statistics so you can confidently support any claims you make with data.
Updated
Tricia’s Answer
School requires a ton of math. You will take three levels of calculus, differential equations, matrices…it is almost a math minor. That said, I barely use math at work. Like, Excel and basic division. School is much harder than the job.
Philip Wera Odongo
Am an Automotive technician,used to repair and maintain automobiles into a serviceable state
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Philip Wera’s Answer
It's all about professionalism,When you have this in mind you'll do what you can upto your very best.
It has a lot of mathematic calculations in engineering mathematic and other sub main subjects like thermodynamic,fluid flow,mechanics of machine and so on.But when you put professionalism first all will work for you and be competent in your Field of study.
It has a lot of mathematic calculations in engineering mathematic and other sub main subjects like thermodynamic,fluid flow,mechanics of machine and so on.But when you put professionalism first all will work for you and be competent in your Field of study.