3 answers
Austin
Student
West Jordan, Utah
2
Questions
Asked
474 views
How can I start preparing to become a mechanical engineer while I am young?
I’m 14 years old, and am very interested in mechanical engineering as a future career. My question is, how do I start? Mark Rober is one of my role models. How can I get to where he is?
Login to comment
3 answers
Art Allen
Retired Mechanical engineer
16
Answers
Mead, Washington
Updated
Art’s Answer
Take as much Science and Math classes as you can in High School. If you are a Boy Scout, Work the Pioneering Merit Badge.
Get a Mentor that is a Mechanical engineer, a friend of the family, a church member. Spend time with your mentor and discuss your inrerests, and plans. Listen to your mentor to learn from his/her experience.
As a mechanical engineer you may be dealing with Huge power plants, Manufacturering Methods, Consumer product design (cars, bikes, and things that move), Environmental Controls (heating , cooling, noise control) trains planes and tractors (off road, farm, mining, construction and highway) .
the fiels of mechanical engineering is so diverse that you really ought to spend lots of time with your mentor so that you can let them know what your interests are and your mentor may see if your skills match up and help you if finding a path through the field.
keep an eye open to new technology that might interest you, and discuss this with your mentor.
Art recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6075
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Austin,
Starting Your Journey to Become a Mechanical Engineer at a Young Age
1. Develop a Strong Foundation in Math and Science: To become a successful mechanical engineer, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of mathematics and science. As you are still young, focus on excelling in subjects like algebra, geometry, calculus, physics, and chemistry. These subjects form the basis of engineering principles and will be essential throughout your academic and professional journey.
2. Engage in STEM Activities and Programs: Participating in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities can provide hands-on experience and insight into the world of engineering. Look for robotics clubs, science fairs, coding workshops, or engineering camps in your area. These experiences will help you develop problem-solving skills and practical knowledge that are vital for a career in mechanical engineering.
3. Explore Online Resources and Courses: Take advantage of online resources to expand your knowledge beyond the classroom. Websites like Khan Academy, Coursera, or MIT OpenCourseWare offer free courses in various engineering topics that can supplement your learning. Additionally, consider learning programming languages like Python or MATLAB as they are widely used in engineering.
4. Build Practical Skills through Projects: Start working on small projects that involve designing and building simple machines or mechanisms. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your technical skills but also demonstrate your passion for mechanical engineering. You can find project ideas online or create your own based on your interests.
5. Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Reach out to professionals in the field of mechanical engineering for mentorship and advice. Attend career fairs, networking events, or connect with engineers through online platforms like LinkedIn. A mentor can provide valuable insights into the industry and help you navigate your educational and career path effectively.
6. Focus on Academic Excellence: Maintain good grades throughout high school to ensure you have a strong academic record when applying to colleges or universities for an engineering program. Consider taking advanced placement (AP) courses in math and science to challenge yourself academically and prepare for higher education.
7. Research Universities with Strong Engineering Programs: Start researching universities that offer reputable mechanical engineering programs. Look for schools with state-of-the-art facilities, research opportunities, industry partnerships, and experienced faculty members. Consider factors such as location, campus culture, financial aid options, and internship opportunities when shortlisting potential institutions.
8. Stay Updated with Industry Trends: Follow industry publications, attend conferences or webinars related to mechanical engineering to stay informed about the latest advancements in the field. Understanding current trends and technologies will give you a competitive edge as you progress towards becoming a mechanical engineer.
By following these steps diligently and staying committed to your goal of becoming a mechanical engineer like Mark Rober, you can lay a strong foundation for a successful career in this exciting field.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE): The NSPE provides valuable resources for aspiring engineers including information on educational requirements, licensing procedures, professional development opportunities, and ethical standards within the engineering profession.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): ASME is a renowned organization that offers insights into the latest developments in mechanical engineering through publications, conferences, certifications, and networking opportunities.
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE): IMechE is a global professional body that supports mechanical engineers through training programs, industry insights, networking events, and resources aimed at promoting excellence in the field of mechanical engineering.
These sources were consulted to ensure accuracy and reliability in providing guidance on starting a career path towards becoming a mechanical engineer at a young age.
MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU!
JC.
Starting Your Journey to Become a Mechanical Engineer at a Young Age
1. Develop a Strong Foundation in Math and Science: To become a successful mechanical engineer, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of mathematics and science. As you are still young, focus on excelling in subjects like algebra, geometry, calculus, physics, and chemistry. These subjects form the basis of engineering principles and will be essential throughout your academic and professional journey.
2. Engage in STEM Activities and Programs: Participating in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities can provide hands-on experience and insight into the world of engineering. Look for robotics clubs, science fairs, coding workshops, or engineering camps in your area. These experiences will help you develop problem-solving skills and practical knowledge that are vital for a career in mechanical engineering.
3. Explore Online Resources and Courses: Take advantage of online resources to expand your knowledge beyond the classroom. Websites like Khan Academy, Coursera, or MIT OpenCourseWare offer free courses in various engineering topics that can supplement your learning. Additionally, consider learning programming languages like Python or MATLAB as they are widely used in engineering.
4. Build Practical Skills through Projects: Start working on small projects that involve designing and building simple machines or mechanisms. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your technical skills but also demonstrate your passion for mechanical engineering. You can find project ideas online or create your own based on your interests.
5. Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Reach out to professionals in the field of mechanical engineering for mentorship and advice. Attend career fairs, networking events, or connect with engineers through online platforms like LinkedIn. A mentor can provide valuable insights into the industry and help you navigate your educational and career path effectively.
6. Focus on Academic Excellence: Maintain good grades throughout high school to ensure you have a strong academic record when applying to colleges or universities for an engineering program. Consider taking advanced placement (AP) courses in math and science to challenge yourself academically and prepare for higher education.
7. Research Universities with Strong Engineering Programs: Start researching universities that offer reputable mechanical engineering programs. Look for schools with state-of-the-art facilities, research opportunities, industry partnerships, and experienced faculty members. Consider factors such as location, campus culture, financial aid options, and internship opportunities when shortlisting potential institutions.
8. Stay Updated with Industry Trends: Follow industry publications, attend conferences or webinars related to mechanical engineering to stay informed about the latest advancements in the field. Understanding current trends and technologies will give you a competitive edge as you progress towards becoming a mechanical engineer.
By following these steps diligently and staying committed to your goal of becoming a mechanical engineer like Mark Rober, you can lay a strong foundation for a successful career in this exciting field.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE): The NSPE provides valuable resources for aspiring engineers including information on educational requirements, licensing procedures, professional development opportunities, and ethical standards within the engineering profession.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): ASME is a renowned organization that offers insights into the latest developments in mechanical engineering through publications, conferences, certifications, and networking opportunities.
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE): IMechE is a global professional body that supports mechanical engineers through training programs, industry insights, networking events, and resources aimed at promoting excellence in the field of mechanical engineering.
These sources were consulted to ensure accuracy and reliability in providing guidance on starting a career path towards becoming a mechanical engineer at a young age.
MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU!
JC.
Alex Matos
Mechanical Engineer
5
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Personally, I think that mechanical engineering is one of the coolest fields out there because it's so broad that you can do almost anything with that type of degree. For me, I do hardware design and development of computer servers, while someone else in my graduating class works on John Deere construction equipment.
At this stage, I'd recommend to continue building your education foundation in school, while:
1) Adopt some fun hobbies that are mechanical in nature. What are you passionate about?
- Flying drones? Go buy a kit and build one yourself.
- Building robots? Join your school's robotics team if they have one or get a raspberry pi home kit.
- Designing new things? Buy a cheap 3D printer and make cool stuff.
2) Look for a job that works on something mechanical (unless you want to work at DQ and free ice cream, hard to beat that).
- Maybe work at a bike shop, local machine shop, local contractor (get paid to break stuff, then rebuild it), etc.
3) Keep up with the latest technologies out there, subscribe to various tech channels on YouTube, and see what's out there.
As you get more exposed these different outlets then you'll get a better idea on where you want to go. It'll be helpful then in college to know which classes to take in your focus-area and which jobs or internships you want to pursue while in college.
Good luck!
At this stage, I'd recommend to continue building your education foundation in school, while:
1) Adopt some fun hobbies that are mechanical in nature. What are you passionate about?
- Flying drones? Go buy a kit and build one yourself.
- Building robots? Join your school's robotics team if they have one or get a raspberry pi home kit.
- Designing new things? Buy a cheap 3D printer and make cool stuff.
2) Look for a job that works on something mechanical (unless you want to work at DQ and free ice cream, hard to beat that).
- Maybe work at a bike shop, local machine shop, local contractor (get paid to break stuff, then rebuild it), etc.
3) Keep up with the latest technologies out there, subscribe to various tech channels on YouTube, and see what's out there.
As you get more exposed these different outlets then you'll get a better idea on where you want to go. It'll be helpful then in college to know which classes to take in your focus-area and which jobs or internships you want to pursue while in college.
Good luck!