James
How stressful is Mechanical Engineering?
Hi I am James Borja from the Hawaii job Corp in Waimanalo. I am reaching out to you because I'm really interested in the auto mechanic trade. I really believe I fit this career and would love to pursue it,but i would like to know more, and if you can find the time to let me know what there is to know.
#engineering
4 answers
Caitlin Hogan
Caitlin’s Answer
Hi James,
While I did not study Mechanical Engineering, I did major in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech, which has some similarities. Engineering is tough, but like with anything, you can certainly succeed with studying and hard work! Some classes are more challenging than others, and that likely depends on the person and what you like vs. don't like as much. Forming study groups, and meeting with teachers or assistants during office hours can be a huge help with you come across a tricky topic.
I have a few suggestions for avoiding and handling stress. First off, even the easiest major could be stressful if you don't prepare yourself properly! So don't let that deter you from ME if that's your dream. If you stay on top of your classwork, reading, homework, etc. you may have less stress when a pop quiz, test or exam comes along. Secondly, it's great to have other outlets such as sports or something creative to burn some energy and turn-to when you need to give your brain a break. I'm sure you've been told for years about exercising and eating healthy :) It really does make all the difference!
In terms of learning more about Mechanical Engineering and Auto Mechanics, see if you can meet some people with that career. Ask for an information interview or buy them a coffee to talk. Perhaps look at some colleges nearby that may have info sessions, certifications, or classes in these areas. They should be able to put you in touch with current students and teachers.
I hope this helps. Best of luck James!
Amir Kamra
Amir’s Answer
Given am not a Mechanical Engineer, but I can tell it is bit more challenging than other sectors such as Civil Engineering. However, it all depends on your skills and how passionate are you to learn the concepts. Mechanical Engineering field is very wide, so you have to know exactly which field are you looking for. Just a note, many people think Mechanical Engineering is about cars and such, do not fall into this myth! Try reaching out to a Mechanical Engineer and learn more about the fields and about the market hands on experience, since learning the concepts could be way different from applying them.
Satish Singh
Satish’s Answer
Engineering is as easy of subject as once can prepare for it. While I have not done my major in Mechanical Engineering but have taken few of the courses while doing Communication Engineering degree. Mechanical Engineering involves some of the core concepts of engineering used in wide variety of business and products and this makes it very versatile from Job perspective. My cousin did his engineering from Case Western and is currently employed at Apple doing core product design with aspects of mechanical engineering and keeps talking to me how his engineering helps him everyday!
I would also recommend if you can meet with people in auto mechanic stream and ask them some of the detail of their experience. Some of the school also offer information session on the overall curriculum which may be useful for you.
Good luck James!
Shawn Noble
Shawn’s Answer
Firstly, it appears you are equating the auto mechanic trade with mechanical engineering. These are not equivalent. The trades are not engineers and rarely engineering technologists. Engineers and engineering technologists are also not equivalent. Trades typically go through apprenticeships to learn the skills necessary. Engineering technologists earn a four year degree from an ABET accredited University that is not as rigorous in theory and high level mathematics as an engineering four year degree. The Trades typically report to engineering technologists who report to engineers. The above is overly simplified, I know.
Specifically to your question: If you are truly interested in machines, have good study skills, and are willing to put in the required energy; an engineering degree is achievable. Most mechanical engineering programs require 135 credit hours and not 120 credit hours that other four year degrees are. What this means is a mechanical engineering degree typically is achieved in 4.5 to 5 years to prevent overloaded semesters (18 hours/semester).