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What training should I go through for Material Engineering?
I would like to know what schooling/training to do for me to be more prepared for the career in interested in. Thank you for answering.
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Daniel’s Answer
Material Science & Engineering, or MatSE, as it is commonly know, is a wonderful field in which to learn and work. There is much diversity in the field, including lots of subcategories under Metallurgy (the oldest discipline), Polymers, Ceramics, and Nanotechnology. I guided my son as he showed interest in this field from elementary school through grad school, where he is now completing his PhD in experimental quantum materials physics (doing the science to build the next generation computer chips for quantum computers).
The basics: If you are going to be successful in MatSE, you should develop skills in Mathematics as a foundation, then Chemistry, and finally Physics. MatSE is where those three disciplines come together. If you don't have natural talents in these areas it will be difficult for you to become a MatSE scientist or engineer. But that's OK, there is plenty of fulfilling work as a factory, foundry, or chem lab technician, in which case, you want more hands-on experience as described in the next section, where you can develop skills without bothering with the science behind it.
Next steps: While you are in K-12 or studying as an undergraduate, you should seek out experiences in MatSE which will help you see which areas of the science are of most interest to you. Whether you want to become a scientist, engineer, or skilled technician, look for Blacksmithing, 3D printing, glassmaking, and the makerspace experience at local workshops in your area. With a quick Google search I found Youth Blacksmithing and Glassmaking events and summer camps in or near San Jose. I also found a Makerspaces with 3D printing to introduce you to working with Polymers.
Best resource for youth interested in MatSE: ASM Materials Education Foundation. They are the largest foundation in the world working with youth and schools to teach Materials Science & Engineering and help develop the next generation of scientists, technologists, and engineers. My son went to regional and national ASM camps and was able to work on state-of-the-art lab equipment and microscopes, learning from experienced scientists about their work and careers. ASM also provides many scholarships for college and their camps. https://www.asmfoundation.org/who-we-are/mission There is an ASM summer camp at the University of California at Irvine every year.
Determine if you have the desire and talents to complete advanced classes in Math, Chemistry, & Physics.
If you want to be a MatSE scientist or engineer, take as many classes in Math, Chem, & Physics as your school carries, preferably at the honors or AP levels
Talk with your parents about attending local hobby classes in Blacksmithing, Glassmaking, and 3D printing
Connect with ASM Foundation through your school, or directly. ASM can point you to lots of resources to learn more about MatSE careers
The basics: If you are going to be successful in MatSE, you should develop skills in Mathematics as a foundation, then Chemistry, and finally Physics. MatSE is where those three disciplines come together. If you don't have natural talents in these areas it will be difficult for you to become a MatSE scientist or engineer. But that's OK, there is plenty of fulfilling work as a factory, foundry, or chem lab technician, in which case, you want more hands-on experience as described in the next section, where you can develop skills without bothering with the science behind it.
Next steps: While you are in K-12 or studying as an undergraduate, you should seek out experiences in MatSE which will help you see which areas of the science are of most interest to you. Whether you want to become a scientist, engineer, or skilled technician, look for Blacksmithing, 3D printing, glassmaking, and the makerspace experience at local workshops in your area. With a quick Google search I found Youth Blacksmithing and Glassmaking events and summer camps in or near San Jose. I also found a Makerspaces with 3D printing to introduce you to working with Polymers.
Best resource for youth interested in MatSE: ASM Materials Education Foundation. They are the largest foundation in the world working with youth and schools to teach Materials Science & Engineering and help develop the next generation of scientists, technologists, and engineers. My son went to regional and national ASM camps and was able to work on state-of-the-art lab equipment and microscopes, learning from experienced scientists about their work and careers. ASM also provides many scholarships for college and their camps. https://www.asmfoundation.org/who-we-are/mission There is an ASM summer camp at the University of California at Irvine every year.
Daniel recommends the following next steps: