9 answers
Domingo
Student
Portland, Oregon
2
Questions
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How far would an Associates in Pre-engineering get me towards becoming an Automotive Engineer?
I am currently in Job Corps with high hopes to become something in the Automotive/Mechanical field.
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9 answers
Divyank Nagesh
4
Answers
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Updated
Divyank’s Answer
An Associate's degree in Pre-engineering is a good starting point towards becoming an Automotive Engineer. It will provide you with fundamental engineering knowledge and practical skills. However, to become an Automotive Engineer, you'll typically need a Bachelor's degree for more specialized knowledge in this field. Work experience, such as internships, can also be beneficial in advancing your career.
Brad Boyd
Consultant
1
Answer
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Brad’s Answer
Howdy Domingo.
I will mirror what other have said here. An Associate degree in engineering is a great starting point and also a great opportunity to save money/time. It was also how I got my foot in the door when I started my career! All this said there are a few things to consider.
1.) The Associate degree will be your foundation and covers key courses (example: math, science, english, and of course engineering courses) that you will ultimately need to complete in the long run.
2.) Most engineers typically need a Bachelor degree and therefore you will need to likely transfer your courses/credits to a 4-year university and complete your degree there.
Long story short, an Associate degree is a great starting point for your goal and best of luck!
I will mirror what other have said here. An Associate degree in engineering is a great starting point and also a great opportunity to save money/time. It was also how I got my foot in the door when I started my career! All this said there are a few things to consider.
1.) The Associate degree will be your foundation and covers key courses (example: math, science, english, and of course engineering courses) that you will ultimately need to complete in the long run.
2.) Most engineers typically need a Bachelor degree and therefore you will need to likely transfer your courses/credits to a 4-year university and complete your degree there.
Long story short, an Associate degree is a great starting point for your goal and best of luck!
Onosetale Ojeabulu
Cybersecurity Specialist
3
Answers
Hyattsville, Maryland
Updated
Onosetale’s Answer
An associates degree from a community college could get you quicker to a bachelors in Automotive Engineering. An Associate Degree can clear 2 years off once you transfer to a 4 year. Since you're at Jobcorps, focus on the skills you need for Automotive Engineering and plan you path to your Bachelors.
Natalie Kotsovska
Sr QA Engineer
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
Hi Domingo!
An Associate's degree in Pre-engineering can provide you with a solid foundation in math, science, and engineering principles, which are valuable skills for pursuing a career in automotive engineering. While it may not be sufficient for directly entering into an automotive engineering role, it can be a great starting point.
To further your career in automotive engineering, you may need to pursue additional education, such as a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering. These programs will provide you with more specialized coursework and hands-on experience relevant to the automotive industry.
In addition to formal education, gaining practical experience through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions in automotive companies can be invaluable for advancing your career in this field. Networking with professionals in the industry and staying updated on industry trends and technologies can also help you progress in your automotive engineering career.
An Associate's degree in Pre-engineering can provide you with a solid foundation in math, science, and engineering principles, which are valuable skills for pursuing a career in automotive engineering. While it may not be sufficient for directly entering into an automotive engineering role, it can be a great starting point.
To further your career in automotive engineering, you may need to pursue additional education, such as a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering. These programs will provide you with more specialized coursework and hands-on experience relevant to the automotive industry.
In addition to formal education, gaining practical experience through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions in automotive companies can be invaluable for advancing your career in this field. Networking with professionals in the industry and staying updated on industry trends and technologies can also help you progress in your automotive engineering career.
Ishraq M Hasan
DC Engineer
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Ishraq M’s Answer
So, my journey was -> associate degree -> engineering school. I would say you'll cover basic college science/engineering classes by getting your associates degree. When you transfer or apply for 4year college, depending on the college policies, you can transfer some of your engineering classes. For example, I studied at UT Austin majoring Electrical and Computer Engineering. When I applied and transferred my associate degree, my science classes got transferred but my programming classes didn't get accepted. I had to take that programming class again.
Now for automotive engineering, assuming the degree plan consists of 120 credit hours, I would say 30-40% of degree plan should be covered when you are done with your associate degree. Rest, you need to take at your university. But if your target university has policies that they accept engineering classes from your community college, then you'll cover more - 50-60%.
Experience-wise, while pursuing your associate, I would suggest looking for any internship - paid, non-paid just to get your foot on the door.
Hope this helps.
Now for automotive engineering, assuming the degree plan consists of 120 credit hours, I would say 30-40% of degree plan should be covered when you are done with your associate degree. Rest, you need to take at your university. But if your target university has policies that they accept engineering classes from your community college, then you'll cover more - 50-60%.
Experience-wise, while pursuing your associate, I would suggest looking for any internship - paid, non-paid just to get your foot on the door.
Hope this helps.
Marylin Glass-Hedges, PhD
Consulting Manager
6
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Marylin’s Answer
You're off to a fantastic start by pursuing a pre-engineering degree! This is a crucial stepping stone in your journey. During this time, it's vital to pinpoint the specific avenue you want to explore within the automotive industry.
As an industrial engineer with extensive experience in the automotive sector, I've found immense joy in working with processes, technology, and people. I've honed my skills in using systems and analytics to comprehend and tackle challenges, spearhead digital transformation initiatives, and much more.
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse team of professionals, including product/design, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, quality, logistics engineers, and more. We've all contributed uniquely and worked harmoniously to bring the organization's strategy to life.
As you navigate your pre-engineering journey, reflect on your strengths and passions. Use these insights to elevate your education and seek out internships in your areas of interest. This will provide invaluable hands-on experience and introduce you to a network of individuals who can positively shape your career and foster your growth. Keep pushing forward, the future is bright!
As an industrial engineer with extensive experience in the automotive sector, I've found immense joy in working with processes, technology, and people. I've honed my skills in using systems and analytics to comprehend and tackle challenges, spearhead digital transformation initiatives, and much more.
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse team of professionals, including product/design, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, quality, logistics engineers, and more. We've all contributed uniquely and worked harmoniously to bring the organization's strategy to life.
As you navigate your pre-engineering journey, reflect on your strengths and passions. Use these insights to elevate your education and seek out internships in your areas of interest. This will provide invaluable hands-on experience and introduce you to a network of individuals who can positively shape your career and foster your growth. Keep pushing forward, the future is bright!
sowmya narayanagari
7
Answers
Updated
sowmya’s Answer
First step is for getting good training to learn the fundamentals of engineering.
To increase the opportunity level certifications are key.
Creativity, Math skills, Mechanical skills,Problem solving skills will definitely help to boost up the profile
To increase the opportunity level certifications are key.
Creativity, Math skills, Mechanical skills,Problem solving skills will definitely help to boost up the profile
Angel Gonzalez
Software Developer
2
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Angel’s Answer
Hello Domingo,
An associate's degree in Pre-Engineering will take you about half-way there if you want to be an Automotive Engineer as you would already have the core foundational classes required for most Engineering disciplines. Typically, if you want to be an Engineer you need to have a bachelor's degree in engineering. For Automotive specialty you'll have to look at the programs offered by universities as it would vary between them, but the recommended route is to get a bachelor's in mechanical engineering with elective classes focused in automotive.
An associate's degree in Pre-Engineering will take you about half-way there if you want to be an Automotive Engineer as you would already have the core foundational classes required for most Engineering disciplines. Typically, if you want to be an Engineer you need to have a bachelor's degree in engineering. For Automotive specialty you'll have to look at the programs offered by universities as it would vary between them, but the recommended route is to get a bachelor's in mechanical engineering with elective classes focused in automotive.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6357
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Domingo,
An Associate’s degree in Pre-engineering can be a valuable stepping stone towards becoming an Automotive Engineer, but it may not be sufficient on its own to secure a position in this specialized field. Here’s how far it could potentially get you:
Foundation in Engineering Concepts: An Associate’s degree in Pre-engineering typically provides students with a solid foundation in fundamental engineering concepts such as mathematics, physics, and basic engineering principles. This knowledge is essential for understanding the technical aspects of automotive engineering.
Transferable Skills: The skills acquired during a Pre-engineering program, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills, are highly transferable to the field of automotive engineering. These skills are crucial for designing, analyzing, and improving automotive systems and components.
Pathway to Further Education: While an Associate’s degree can qualify you for certain entry-level positions in engineering technology or related fields, many automotive engineering roles require a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Therefore, using your Associate’s degree as a foundation, you may need to pursue further education to specialize in automotive engineering.
Networking Opportunities: During your Associate’s program, you may have the chance to network with professionals in the engineering field or participate in internships that could provide valuable industry connections. Networking can play a significant role in securing opportunities for career advancement in automotive engineering.
Specialized Training: Automotive engineering is a specialized field that requires specific knowledge of vehicle design, manufacturing processes, materials science, and more. While a Pre-engineering program covers general engineering principles, additional specialized training or coursework in automotive engineering would be beneficial.
Experience and Practical Skills: Hands-on experience through projects, internships, or co-op programs can greatly enhance your prospects of becoming an Automotive Engineer. Gaining practical skills related to automotive systems and technologies is essential for success in this field.
In conclusion, while an Associate’s degree in Pre-engineering can provide a solid foundation and some transferable skills for a career in Automotive Engineering, further education, specialized training, practical experience, and networking will be crucial steps towards achieving your goal.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) - SAE International is a global association of engineers and technical experts in the aerospace, automotive, and commercial-vehicle industries. Their publications and resources provide valuable insights into the field of automotive engineering.
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) - ASEE is a prominent organization dedicated to promoting excellence in engineering education. Their research publications and conferences offer authoritative information on educational pathways for aspiring engineers.
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) - NACE provides data-driven insights into trends in employment outcomes for college graduates across various disciplines, including engineering. Their reports can offer valuable information on the job market for aspiring Automotive Engineers.
These sources were consulted to ensure accuracy and reliability in addressing the question regarding the pathway from an Associate’s degree in Pre-engineering to a career as an Automotive Engineer.
God Bless You,
JC.
An Associate’s degree in Pre-engineering can be a valuable stepping stone towards becoming an Automotive Engineer, but it may not be sufficient on its own to secure a position in this specialized field. Here’s how far it could potentially get you:
Foundation in Engineering Concepts: An Associate’s degree in Pre-engineering typically provides students with a solid foundation in fundamental engineering concepts such as mathematics, physics, and basic engineering principles. This knowledge is essential for understanding the technical aspects of automotive engineering.
Transferable Skills: The skills acquired during a Pre-engineering program, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills, are highly transferable to the field of automotive engineering. These skills are crucial for designing, analyzing, and improving automotive systems and components.
Pathway to Further Education: While an Associate’s degree can qualify you for certain entry-level positions in engineering technology or related fields, many automotive engineering roles require a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Therefore, using your Associate’s degree as a foundation, you may need to pursue further education to specialize in automotive engineering.
Networking Opportunities: During your Associate’s program, you may have the chance to network with professionals in the engineering field or participate in internships that could provide valuable industry connections. Networking can play a significant role in securing opportunities for career advancement in automotive engineering.
Specialized Training: Automotive engineering is a specialized field that requires specific knowledge of vehicle design, manufacturing processes, materials science, and more. While a Pre-engineering program covers general engineering principles, additional specialized training or coursework in automotive engineering would be beneficial.
Experience and Practical Skills: Hands-on experience through projects, internships, or co-op programs can greatly enhance your prospects of becoming an Automotive Engineer. Gaining practical skills related to automotive systems and technologies is essential for success in this field.
In conclusion, while an Associate’s degree in Pre-engineering can provide a solid foundation and some transferable skills for a career in Automotive Engineering, further education, specialized training, practical experience, and networking will be crucial steps towards achieving your goal.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) - SAE International is a global association of engineers and technical experts in the aerospace, automotive, and commercial-vehicle industries. Their publications and resources provide valuable insights into the field of automotive engineering.
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) - ASEE is a prominent organization dedicated to promoting excellence in engineering education. Their research publications and conferences offer authoritative information on educational pathways for aspiring engineers.
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) - NACE provides data-driven insights into trends in employment outcomes for college graduates across various disciplines, including engineering. Their reports can offer valuable information on the job market for aspiring Automotive Engineers.
These sources were consulted to ensure accuracy and reliability in addressing the question regarding the pathway from an Associate’s degree in Pre-engineering to a career as an Automotive Engineer.
God Bless You,
JC.