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What steps should I take to become a mechanical engineer?
I am a 10th grade Cass student interested in math. #mechanical-engineering #mechanical-engineer #engineering #engineer #math
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Tyler’s Answer
Hi Mya,
Mechanical Engineering is a large field with lots of great opportunities. I would suggest that you want to do everything you can to continue to work on your math and science coursework, get involved in extra-curricular activities associated with math/science and to see if you can identify some opportunities to talk to and/or shadow some engineers in their jobs. That experience will be invaluable in helping you understand if engineering is right for you and what field(s) you want to focus in.
Best of Luck,
Tyler
Mechanical Engineering is a large field with lots of great opportunities. I would suggest that you want to do everything you can to continue to work on your math and science coursework, get involved in extra-curricular activities associated with math/science and to see if you can identify some opportunities to talk to and/or shadow some engineers in their jobs. That experience will be invaluable in helping you understand if engineering is right for you and what field(s) you want to focus in.
Best of Luck,
Tyler
Updated
Shawn’s Answer
I believe a strong mathematics and physical sciences is the academic core.
Equally as important is an internal curiosity about “how does that work”, “why did that stop working “, and “what could I do to improve its performance “. That curiosity is then satiated by experimentation and disassembly. Notice: I didn’t say reassembly. My experience has been those with the curiosity tend to graduate as an engineer (not change majors) and excel in performance of their career.
Equally as important is an internal curiosity about “how does that work”, “why did that stop working “, and “what could I do to improve its performance “. That curiosity is then satiated by experimentation and disassembly. Notice: I didn’t say reassembly. My experience has been those with the curiosity tend to graduate as an engineer (not change majors) and excel in performance of their career.
Updated
Francisco’s Answer
Hi Mya,
Such an exciting career path you are asking about! Mechanical engineering is all about using math and science to design or work on different mechanical or physical systems. Depending on the field you are most interested in I think great steps is to dive in into math classes, physics, chemistry, and any extra curricular that interests you like a FIRST robotics club or maybe come automotive related club.
One thing I'd recommend you is to look into other engineering fields as well. I did recruitment for my college and I usually found out that Mechanical Engineering was like the "default" engineering, cause when people think of engineers they imagine cars, planes, and spaceships. It is important you understand what branch of engineering most interests you and adjust your plan based on that. Civil, Chemical, Biochemical, Computer, Manufacturing, Industrial, and Electrical Engineers all use math and science to solve problems, just think what kind of problem you'd like to solve in the future.
Good luck in your remaining HS years! If you have more specific questions make sure to reach out!
Such an exciting career path you are asking about! Mechanical engineering is all about using math and science to design or work on different mechanical or physical systems. Depending on the field you are most interested in I think great steps is to dive in into math classes, physics, chemistry, and any extra curricular that interests you like a FIRST robotics club or maybe come automotive related club.
One thing I'd recommend you is to look into other engineering fields as well. I did recruitment for my college and I usually found out that Mechanical Engineering was like the "default" engineering, cause when people think of engineers they imagine cars, planes, and spaceships. It is important you understand what branch of engineering most interests you and adjust your plan based on that. Civil, Chemical, Biochemical, Computer, Manufacturing, Industrial, and Electrical Engineers all use math and science to solve problems, just think what kind of problem you'd like to solve in the future.
Good luck in your remaining HS years! If you have more specific questions make sure to reach out!
Updated
John’s Answer
In High School, math including calculus, physics, chemistry and any computer aided drafting class if they have it. A shop class that shows you how to make parts would be good. Through your councilor or Chamber of Commerce see if they can connect you to a company that will give you a tour of what their Mechanical Engineers do daily. Detroit has many large shows, would be good to walk through and see all the companies and what they do.
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David’s Answer
If your HS has a robotics team that is a good option, you get exposure to mechanical design, and many have an associated CAD class.
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Nat’s Answer
Try to take a lot of science courses not just your high school but if you have a Community College nearby, especially in anything related to Physics. Definitely when you get into College try to declare your major in Mechanical Engineering. There is a need for Mechanical Engineers in the workplace, and you have chosen a good field and career path. Also look to see if there are internships or some apprenticeship you can do with a Mechanical Engineer or the Mechanical Engineering company.
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Sandeep’s Answer
At HS level, Mathematics and Physics are two important core subjects for pursuing your career in Mechanical Engineering. Read more articles about new technology and advancement in respective field. In spare time try to catch some internship opportunities, which give you idea about real life application of academic knowledge.