Jarod
I am currently a college freshman interested in robotics and also interested in ocean exploration . How can I combine these interests for a career?
I have been interested in engineering especially robotics. I also have been interested in ocean exploration. I would like to find a way to combine these interests into a career. Currently my major is general engineering, I would like to know what my major should be to pursue this career.
#engineering #robotics # robotics engineering #robotics-engineer #robot
3 answers
Jonathon Goff
Jonathon’s Answer
Hello Jarod, I am currently a robotics software engineering intern at NASA working with the CanadaArms on the ISS. My advice to you would be first getting a B.S. engineering degree. I would recommend Electrical, Computer, Mechanical engineering. Now to give you some very important information. Be involved in as many robotics programs you can. Whether that be competitions or robotic clubs at your school. These events/groups helps you network and meet others interested in what you want to do. Networking is extremely important. Here are some important subjects. Linear Algebra is extremely important. C++, Python, general best practices for code, design structures, object orientated programming, learning ROS, learning Linux environments. Learn as much as you can. Don't be afraid of any of it. Learning takes time, always maintain a growth mindset. "I may not know it now, but one day I will". Believe.
Jonathon recommends the following next steps:
Chaitra Narayan
Chaitra’s Answer
Soumya Bandyopadhyay
Soumya’s Answer
1. Choose a major: It can be ME (myself a ME major, so biased). Since you are planning to pursue multiple passions, develop a problem solving mindset with your basics/fundamentals strong in your field.
2. To combine your interests in robotics and ocean exploration: you need to pick up skills/experiences in either industry. To start with, you have to take courses relevant to either areas or take courses for one of the disciplines (recommend robotics) and then look for in-campus activities where you can develop any skills relevant to ocean engineering. I am not an Ocean engineering expert, but my first guess would be to understand how fluids behave; how submerged bodies behave around fluids and the closes similarity is the Fluid Mechanics course offered to ME/Civil/Chemical Engineering Disciplines. I would then look for internships/co-ops in robotics (to start with) and that would give a further understanding of the field. If I am planning for 2 internships, I would do one in robotics and the other one in Ocean engineering based companies. And then, as you are closer to graduation, pursue the opportunity as it seems most fit to you.