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Angel
Student
Clovis, New Mexico
3
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Mechanical Engineers, What was the reason you choose Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineers, what was the reason you chose to graduate as a mechanical engineer?, do you like your career? As a job?, do you think you made the right choice picking mechanical engineering instead of civil, software, etc. (other branches of engineering).
Im a high school student that is about to graduate and have always been fascinated by the mechanical engineering field but have feared that is a long and tough path to take, so I decided that I could choose some other type of engineering as a compromise, I’m still an engineer just not mechanical, but now I’m having second thoughts and I’m on the fence about not picking mechanical engineering as my major. Please help me out
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6 answers
Ron Llanes
Product Design & Development Engineer
17
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ron’s Answer
Hi Angel-
Mechanical Engineering is such great career to get into because it is so versatile. I knew I wanted to be a mechanical engineer when I was in grade school after seeing a show on PBS about the Senior Design competition at MIT. Seeing the students design, build and troubleshoot was awe-inspiring. So going into college, I wanted to get into the fields of robotics or automotive.
I did get a job after graduating in the automotive industry and I really enjoyed it. But after a down-sizing, I fell into the field of Product Design and Development. I never heard of this industry and I wasn't sure how my ME degree would translate. But the beautiful thing about a mechanical engineering degree is that you can use the principles and processes you learn in college in just about any field. I have now worked 30 years in this field, designing multiple products for companies big and small, and I owe it to the foundations I acquired as a mechanical engineer.
As long as you keep open-minded and find what you are passionate about, that ME degree will serve you well.
I wish you well and best of luck!
Mechanical Engineering is such great career to get into because it is so versatile. I knew I wanted to be a mechanical engineer when I was in grade school after seeing a show on PBS about the Senior Design competition at MIT. Seeing the students design, build and troubleshoot was awe-inspiring. So going into college, I wanted to get into the fields of robotics or automotive.
I did get a job after graduating in the automotive industry and I really enjoyed it. But after a down-sizing, I fell into the field of Product Design and Development. I never heard of this industry and I wasn't sure how my ME degree would translate. But the beautiful thing about a mechanical engineering degree is that you can use the principles and processes you learn in college in just about any field. I have now worked 30 years in this field, designing multiple products for companies big and small, and I owe it to the foundations I acquired as a mechanical engineer.
As long as you keep open-minded and find what you are passionate about, that ME degree will serve you well.
I wish you well and best of luck!
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
88
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hello Sundar V,
Easier or Harder? I have news for you! - Any engineeringdiscipline you choose is hard - if you choose to do it to the best of your ability. To choose what discipline is right for you, ask yourself these questions: what do I like to do?
When you are walking around or shopping or at leisure - what questions pop into your mind? Do you look at an automobile or an airplane and think about how it works? Or do you look at your cell phone or TV set that way? Do you wonder about what materials are in the thing you are considering and why those materials were selected. Are you thinking about how you could make it better? Or lower cost. Or lighter, or smaller or........? Ask yourself - do I like solving problems? That's what you will be doing, regardless what discipline you choose.
Every engineering discipline is an accounting activity. As an engineer, you must account, first, for the Function. What does it do for the person using it? Second, what does it Cost - not just dollars, but does it perform its given task better than someone can do without it? How much training is required to use this thing? How often does it need to be repaired? Again, how can you improve on that situation?
In Mechanical, we learn to account for: forces, velocity, position, temperature, pressure, fluid flow rate, stress, strain, heat and energy and sometimes, current and voltage. In Electrical, the accounting focuses on voltage and current in circuits, but also energy and temperatures of wires and transistors or chips and many other things, I'm sure. Civil deals with: materials, energy to move materials, forces, flow of fluids, material properties, etc. . Similar processes in each case. Different focus on the parameters, depending on the size and scope of the problem you are confronting.
I have enjoyed my career as a mechanical engineer. I learned a lot, an d continued to learn as I took on new projects. My learning crossed over into software and some Electrical engineering. I had to learn to deal with non-engineering issues as well - as a manager of a small engineering group.
So, don't think of your choice as an end-all, be-all. Think of it as a springboard to new and different things that you can do as you gain experience and capability.
I wish you success, Sundar.
Easier or Harder? I have news for you! - Any engineeringdiscipline you choose is hard - if you choose to do it to the best of your ability. To choose what discipline is right for you, ask yourself these questions: what do I like to do?
When you are walking around or shopping or at leisure - what questions pop into your mind? Do you look at an automobile or an airplane and think about how it works? Or do you look at your cell phone or TV set that way? Do you wonder about what materials are in the thing you are considering and why those materials were selected. Are you thinking about how you could make it better? Or lower cost. Or lighter, or smaller or........? Ask yourself - do I like solving problems? That's what you will be doing, regardless what discipline you choose.
Every engineering discipline is an accounting activity. As an engineer, you must account, first, for the Function. What does it do for the person using it? Second, what does it Cost - not just dollars, but does it perform its given task better than someone can do without it? How much training is required to use this thing? How often does it need to be repaired? Again, how can you improve on that situation?
In Mechanical, we learn to account for: forces, velocity, position, temperature, pressure, fluid flow rate, stress, strain, heat and energy and sometimes, current and voltage. In Electrical, the accounting focuses on voltage and current in circuits, but also energy and temperatures of wires and transistors or chips and many other things, I'm sure. Civil deals with: materials, energy to move materials, forces, flow of fluids, material properties, etc. . Similar processes in each case. Different focus on the parameters, depending on the size and scope of the problem you are confronting.
I have enjoyed my career as a mechanical engineer. I learned a lot, an d continued to learn as I took on new projects. My learning crossed over into software and some Electrical engineering. I had to learn to deal with non-engineering issues as well - as a manager of a small engineering group.
So, don't think of your choice as an end-all, be-all. Think of it as a springboard to new and different things that you can do as you gain experience and capability.
I wish you success, Sundar.
Sundar V
13
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Sundar’s Answer
Chose mechanical engineering since it covers almost all fields with a bit of electrical, software, chemical civil also in the coursework. Mechanical engineer is the best field due to its broad knowledge base and diverse applications and adaptability to any field and is the biggest plus point. Can never be out of a job since every company be it, software or hardware or civil or chemical needs mechanical engineers for the manufacturing and designing enclosures for any hardware.
But pay structure is not that great as a software job. Also a con of a software job is that we are glued to a computer and cannot move out of the chair.
Also mechanical eng knowledge sets up for higher management since we know a bit of everything and have very broad engineering knowledge perspectice since there is exposure to some programming, civil structures, design, testing, chemical and electrical and electronics labs and touches all aspects making high suitability to reach higher levels of management in an easier manner to run a company.
But pay structure is not that great as a software job. Also a con of a software job is that we are glued to a computer and cannot move out of the chair.
Also mechanical eng knowledge sets up for higher management since we know a bit of everything and have very broad engineering knowledge perspectice since there is exposure to some programming, civil structures, design, testing, chemical and electrical and electronics labs and touches all aspects making high suitability to reach higher levels of management in an easier manner to run a company.
David C Byram
Mechanical Design Engineering / Educator
39
Answers
Palm Coast, Florida
Updated
David C’s Answer
Hi Angel,
I am retired now, however I spent about 30+ years in various engineering fields and 20+ years in the field of welding fabrication. The engineering involved designing machines, fixtures, tooling, and designs for products. My welding years involved fabrication of various machine tools, cabinets, concrete moulds and some structural components.
I loved most everything I did in both. I started out in welding first, then I was able to get into engineering later. I enjoy designing things as well as putting what I've designed together. I was always designing things and knew I wanted to do that as a career. You love to see what you had a part in coming together and seeing it work. I've had a part in designing fixtures or tooling that have never been made and so had to be invented of which I have six United States of American patents.
I never had any formal schooling in mechanical designing although three years in high school mechanical drafting. Anything else I needed to learn was self taught as my situtation did not allow me to attend any secondary schools.
Find out what your interest is and then do some research to see if it is something you would like to make a career of. Do you like designing or inventing things? Would you like the field of aeronautics? You need to think in a way that highlights what things in value for your life that you want to have a focal point in your career, as the career should reflect a part of yourself in what you would like to accomplish, or contribute to your life.
Anything that is worth going for is worth putting your all into it. That also applies to a career. You are not the only one who has not yet determined what type of career, or trade, you would be choosing. The first step is to think, "What would like to do if I had to choose something that I will spend the most of my life at?". Then ask "Would it be something I would look forward to each day?", "Will that choice provide me with enough money to provide a satisfying life?". The money does not have to be a lot, and it should NOT be what makes you decide on something that you may not be interested in. You will regret that if you do. If you start by answering those questions, then yes, it is worth it.
I mentioned that I am now retired. I am, however, I still do personal design projects at home because of the enjoyment it brings me when I do.
I wish you the best,
Designer Dave
I am retired now, however I spent about 30+ years in various engineering fields and 20+ years in the field of welding fabrication. The engineering involved designing machines, fixtures, tooling, and designs for products. My welding years involved fabrication of various machine tools, cabinets, concrete moulds and some structural components.
I loved most everything I did in both. I started out in welding first, then I was able to get into engineering later. I enjoy designing things as well as putting what I've designed together. I was always designing things and knew I wanted to do that as a career. You love to see what you had a part in coming together and seeing it work. I've had a part in designing fixtures or tooling that have never been made and so had to be invented of which I have six United States of American patents.
I never had any formal schooling in mechanical designing although three years in high school mechanical drafting. Anything else I needed to learn was self taught as my situtation did not allow me to attend any secondary schools.
Find out what your interest is and then do some research to see if it is something you would like to make a career of. Do you like designing or inventing things? Would you like the field of aeronautics? You need to think in a way that highlights what things in value for your life that you want to have a focal point in your career, as the career should reflect a part of yourself in what you would like to accomplish, or contribute to your life.
Anything that is worth going for is worth putting your all into it. That also applies to a career. You are not the only one who has not yet determined what type of career, or trade, you would be choosing. The first step is to think, "What would like to do if I had to choose something that I will spend the most of my life at?". Then ask "Would it be something I would look forward to each day?", "Will that choice provide me with enough money to provide a satisfying life?". The money does not have to be a lot, and it should NOT be what makes you decide on something that you may not be interested in. You will regret that if you do. If you start by answering those questions, then yes, it is worth it.
I mentioned that I am now retired. I am, however, I still do personal design projects at home because of the enjoyment it brings me when I do.
I wish you the best,
Designer Dave
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Angel
Art Allen
Retired Mechanical engineer
18
Answers
Mead, Washington
Updated
Art’s Answer
I ended up with an ME degree because I thought that I could do more fro the environment. And it wasn't a bad decision because the Mechanical engineering discipline (field) has a broader foundation. I had to take more Chemistry than the Civil engineering, more structural classes than the Electrical, and more Electrical classes than the Chemical engineers. I didn't have to more classes just more Medium level classes. This helped me obtain my Profession Engineer's License/Registration.
I then worked a number of Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering positions, usually for the Government. I also had mechanical engineering positions and project manager positions in Power production and automotive design management (mechanical) and, but also for. most of my career I worked Side by side with Civil, Electrical, and structural engineers as most of my work was in consulting and design of different types of construction and rebuilding existing infrastructure.
In summary as an engineer you will have more flexibility as a mechanical engineer than the others, but you probably won't have to make that decision until early in your second year in College.
Until then take as much STEM classes as possible and see if you can find an engineer friend of the family to mentor you. Buy your mentor a cup of coffee will be one of the best investments that you can make.
I then worked a number of Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering positions, usually for the Government. I also had mechanical engineering positions and project manager positions in Power production and automotive design management (mechanical) and, but also for. most of my career I worked Side by side with Civil, Electrical, and structural engineers as most of my work was in consulting and design of different types of construction and rebuilding existing infrastructure.
In summary as an engineer you will have more flexibility as a mechanical engineer than the others, but you probably won't have to make that decision until early in your second year in College.
Until then take as much STEM classes as possible and see if you can find an engineer friend of the family to mentor you. Buy your mentor a cup of coffee will be one of the best investments that you can make.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Angel,
Why Choose Mechanical Engineering as a Career?
Choosing a career path is a significant decision that can shape your future. Mechanical engineering is a diverse and exciting field that offers numerous opportunities for growth and development. Here are some reasons why individuals choose to pursue a career in mechanical engineering:
Passion for Problem-Solving: Mechanical engineers are problem solvers by nature. They enjoy tackling complex challenges and finding innovative solutions to real-world problems. If you have a passion for understanding how things work and improving processes, mechanical engineering can be a rewarding career choice.
Versatility: Mechanical engineering is a broad field that encompasses various industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy, and robotics. This versatility allows mechanical engineers to explore different areas of interest and specialize in diverse fields throughout their careers.
Creativity: Mechanical engineering requires creativity in designing new products, systems, and technologies. Engineers have the opportunity to bring their ideas to life through prototyping, testing, and refining designs. This creative aspect of the profession appeals to individuals who enjoy thinking outside the box.
Job Stability: Mechanical engineers are in high demand across industries due to their technical skills and problem-solving abilities. The need for mechanical engineers is expected to grow in the coming years, providing job stability and opportunities for career advancement.
Salary Potential: Mechanical engineers typically earn competitive salaries compared to other professions. The earning potential increases with experience, specialization, and advanced degrees.
Continuous Learning: Engineering is a dynamic field that requires continuous learning and skill development. Mechanical engineers have the opportunity to stay updated on the latest technologies, trends, and advancements in their industry.
Global Impact: Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in developing sustainable solutions, improving efficiency, and advancing technology on a global scale. By choosing mechanical engineering, you can contribute to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on society.
Do Mechanical Engineers Like Their Career?
Many mechanical engineers find fulfillment in their careers due to the challenging nature of the work, opportunities for growth, and the ability to make a tangible impact through their contributions. However, job satisfaction can vary depending on individual preferences, work environment, company culture, and personal goals.
Is Mechanical Engineering the Right Choice?
Deciding whether mechanical engineering is the right choice for you depends on your interests, strengths, career goals, and personal values. While mechanical engineering offers numerous benefits and opportunities for growth, it is essential to consider other branches of engineering if they align better with your aspirations.
If you are passionate about mechanical systems, enjoy problem-solving, possess strong analytical skills, and have an interest in designing innovative solutions, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering may be the right path for you.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to research different branches of engineering, speak with professionals in the field, explore internship opportunities, and consider your long-term career objectives before making a final decision.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): ASME is a professional organization that provides resources, networking opportunities, and industry insights for mechanical engineers.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): BLS offers data on employment trends, salary information, job outlooks for various occupations including mechanical engineering.
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE): NSPE provides guidance on professional development opportunities within the field of engineering and offers valuable insights into different branches of engineering disciplines.
God Bless You,
JC.
Why Choose Mechanical Engineering as a Career?
Choosing a career path is a significant decision that can shape your future. Mechanical engineering is a diverse and exciting field that offers numerous opportunities for growth and development. Here are some reasons why individuals choose to pursue a career in mechanical engineering:
Passion for Problem-Solving: Mechanical engineers are problem solvers by nature. They enjoy tackling complex challenges and finding innovative solutions to real-world problems. If you have a passion for understanding how things work and improving processes, mechanical engineering can be a rewarding career choice.
Versatility: Mechanical engineering is a broad field that encompasses various industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy, and robotics. This versatility allows mechanical engineers to explore different areas of interest and specialize in diverse fields throughout their careers.
Creativity: Mechanical engineering requires creativity in designing new products, systems, and technologies. Engineers have the opportunity to bring their ideas to life through prototyping, testing, and refining designs. This creative aspect of the profession appeals to individuals who enjoy thinking outside the box.
Job Stability: Mechanical engineers are in high demand across industries due to their technical skills and problem-solving abilities. The need for mechanical engineers is expected to grow in the coming years, providing job stability and opportunities for career advancement.
Salary Potential: Mechanical engineers typically earn competitive salaries compared to other professions. The earning potential increases with experience, specialization, and advanced degrees.
Continuous Learning: Engineering is a dynamic field that requires continuous learning and skill development. Mechanical engineers have the opportunity to stay updated on the latest technologies, trends, and advancements in their industry.
Global Impact: Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in developing sustainable solutions, improving efficiency, and advancing technology on a global scale. By choosing mechanical engineering, you can contribute to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on society.
Do Mechanical Engineers Like Their Career?
Many mechanical engineers find fulfillment in their careers due to the challenging nature of the work, opportunities for growth, and the ability to make a tangible impact through their contributions. However, job satisfaction can vary depending on individual preferences, work environment, company culture, and personal goals.
Is Mechanical Engineering the Right Choice?
Deciding whether mechanical engineering is the right choice for you depends on your interests, strengths, career goals, and personal values. While mechanical engineering offers numerous benefits and opportunities for growth, it is essential to consider other branches of engineering if they align better with your aspirations.
If you are passionate about mechanical systems, enjoy problem-solving, possess strong analytical skills, and have an interest in designing innovative solutions, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering may be the right path for you.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to research different branches of engineering, speak with professionals in the field, explore internship opportunities, and consider your long-term career objectives before making a final decision.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): ASME is a professional organization that provides resources, networking opportunities, and industry insights for mechanical engineers.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): BLS offers data on employment trends, salary information, job outlooks for various occupations including mechanical engineering.
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE): NSPE provides guidance on professional development opportunities within the field of engineering and offers valuable insights into different branches of engineering disciplines.
God Bless You,
JC.