Suggestions for pre-engineering student

[Necromonger]

I'm currently in the process of transferring soon (Fall 2016). I don't have a pre-existing background in engineering, as a matter of fact I'm the first in my family to attend college and make it this far. I don't have any science or engineer relatives, so everything I know now was because of my curiosity in the subject.

When I started off in college I didn't know what I wanted to major in. I took several automotive classes (1 class short of my AA in auto tech) while taking my general eds because I loved cars. Naturally I thought that mechanical engineering might be something I could pursue.

As I continued to push through, one other possible course kept popping up in my head, well two actually... Electrical Engineering or possibly Computer Engineering as those were other hobbies that I loved. Apart from my love of cars and working on them I also love setting up electronics, building computers, and being on top of tech.

Is there any possibility of doing something concurrent with mechanical engineering, like say a dual/double major in electrical engineering? I've been advised against it, but is there something I can do on the side to get a feel for it?

Or what is your advice(s) / Experience like?

 

[Pinhedd]

I'm currently in the process of transferring soon (Fall 2016). I don't have a pre-existing background in engineering, as a matter of fact I'm the first in my family to attend college and make it this far. I don't have any science or engineer relatives, so everything I know now was because of my curiosity in the subject.

When I started off in college I didn't know what I wanted to major in. I took several automotive classes (1 class short of my AA in auto tech) while taking my general eds because I loved cars. Naturally I thought that mechanical engineering might be something I could pursue.

As I continued to push through, one other possible course kept popping up in my head, well two actually... Electrical Engineering or possibly Computer Engineering as those were other hobbies that I loved. Apart from my love of cars and working on them I also love setting up electronics, building computers, and being on top of tech.

Is there any possibility of doing something concurrent with mechanical engineering, like say a dual/double major in electrical engineering? I've been advised against it, but is there something I can do on the side to get a feel for it?

Or what is your advice(s) / Experience like?

Hi,

Computer Engineering grad here.

The professional nature of Engineering generally precludes the taking of dual engineering majors; many institutions and faculties prohibit it outright as it would be virtually impossible to ensure that the student is able to fit all of the accreditation required material into his or her schedule.

However, many schools offer joint programs with non-professional programs in other faculties such as business, science, and medicine. Engineering-Commerce programs are quite common and are very worthwhile. In many cases, joint programs will add an extra year or two onto the total program length.

Some schools have Engineering or Applied Science programs that bridge the core Engineering disciplines. For example, Mechatronics Engineering is a hybridization of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Engineering. Beware though, that these programs may not be accredited by the regional engineering accreditation board, and as a result may not lead to a professional license.

 

[Ralston18]

Very much agree with Pinhedd's posting.

My suggestion would be to go with the broader discipline (EE) and take some additional credits for a minor in Computer Engineering perhaps.

Then you could be positioned for a second BS degree or maybe a MS degree.

And do be prepared for an extra year or two. Look at the required classes and the available electives very carefully. You may decide to change electives as you progress in the program, learn more, and see other options of interest to you.

Be sure to include some communication skill classes: technical writing, speaking, drawing. People skills are very important nowadays.

 

[Necromonger]

Thank you guys... Or gals.

What is it like accomplishing your first BA/BS in engineering?

What is the atmosphere like in the upper division classes?

I'm a bit anxious to get started but at the same time scared. I'm scared I might flunk out or not make the cut. How did you guys muscle through your first time?

I've already finished my general physics 1, E&M, single and Multi-Variable calc, Linear Algebra with Differentials, all my general chem classes, and all of my general eds. Currently doing engineering AutoCAD, general physics 3 and comp sci C++.

I always ask my instructors how hard does it get and I always get varied stories from it being easy to being incredibly more difficult. I struggled with E&M and Linear Algebra and I was only taking those 2 classes that semester. Is that normal or should I be worried?

Once again thank you!

 

[Ralston18]

Many students have felt the same and asked the same questions. Answers are all as different as the individuals themselves.

Worry is natural/normal - but not necessarily a good prediction of the future to be.

You have already accomplished a great deal.

By the time you get to the upper level classes you will probably have some pretty good bonds with your fellow students.

Everyone will have their own strengths and weaknesses. Know yours.

As a group/team you can hopefully help each other out.

There will be up and downs - instructors/professors can be "unique" in any variety of ways. Adjust to their methods and personalities.

Find a mentor. Even if in another discipline.

If you find yourself struggling then you are being challenged. Find new ways to help yourself learn and do not put things off. Face problems early and quickly. Take a remedial course or two as necessary.

Set backs will happen so keep your self covered with a few "what if" options as best you can. Do not burn bridges.

Take time for yourself, stay out of trouble, treat others fairly and with respect.

My mantra to family members in college was: "Work hard, have fun, be careful - you pick the order". ( Applicable "order" being as warranted at any given time or circumstance.)

In the end the degree will pay off and you will not regret the work and the sacrifice.

 

[MU_Engineer]

I have a BS in biological engineering so I think I can give some input to your questions.

I would first suggest that you ask yourself what you really want to do when you are finished with school. School is a means to an end, not an end in itself unless you are looking to be an academic.

Getting a BS in engineering was straightforward. If you are decent at math and science and willing to do the problem sets, and show up at 0800 to class Monday through Friday, you can do it. Engineers are very practical. Upper level classes were much better than the largely "subsidize the useless parts of the school" gen-ed classes that make up much of the first two years of college. Trust me, having some neo-hippie tell you to write something absolutely ridiculous in some literature or English class is completely worthless. Ditto with the underwater basket weaving.

I absolutely agree with tacking problems early and not procrastinating. Work has a nasty way of compounding rapidly like your student loan interest, so killing it as quickly as you can will be the best by far in the long run. And yes, you will very quickly get to, pass, and leave behind "a long time from now."

Always have a Plan B in mind in case Plan A does not work out. You also need to be flexible so if Plan A works but puts you in a grossly different situation than you thought it would. That was me, the engineer who ended up in a human relations job.

You are an adult in college and the habits, reputation, and record you make stick with you. Showing up late and hung over to actual work because you could do it in college doesn't go well. Getting a DWI from driving home buzzed from a bar in college or getting caught with "a little weed" is a felony that precludes you from good jobs for the rest of your life. Herpes follows you around forever too.

Be very careful with finding a mentor. They need to be in a relatively similar situation as you. A mentor who went into the field and grew up/worked in a different time under different circumstances is actually worse than no mentor at all.

 

[Pinhedd]

Thank you guys... Or gals.

Mostly guys. Engineering, with perhaps the exception of Chemical Engineering, is a major sausagefest.

What is it like accomplishing your first BA/BS in engineering?

Awesome.

What is the atmosphere like in the upper division classes?

It varies from institution to institution, but my last couple of years were by far the best of them all. If you make it that far, you'll be a part of a very like-minded group of individuals learning under very like minded individuals. Professors love to talk about their research; if you ever get the opportunity to assist, take it.

I'm a bit anxious to get started but at the same time scared. I'm scared I might flunk out or not make the cut. How did you guys muscle through your first time?

It is hard, there's no doubt about that. A lot of individuals don't make it past the first year or two; the drop/flunk rate is extremely high in Engineering. The key to making it through is to get involved and apply what you learn as you learn it. Electrical and Computer Engineering majors have it easy in this regard because it's very easy to pick up related hobbies. Many schools will have an IEEE student branch; join it!

Most of the students that I know that dropped out either spent all their time partying, didn't have the problem-oriented mindset necessary, or just weren't naturally interested in the subject material.

Tutoring other students is a great way to make friends, stay motivated, and reinforce your knowledge. I was the go-to guy for everything to do with Embedded systems and that's still a major area of my expertise. I tutored numerous peers in the fine arts of C and Verilog.

I've already finished my general physics 1, E&M, single and Multi-Variable calc, Linear Algebra with Differentials, all my general chem classes, and all of my general eds. Currently doing engineering AutoCAD, general physics 3 and comp sci C++.

I always ask my instructors how hard does it get and I always get varied stories from it being easy to being incredibly more difficult. I struggled with E&M and Linear Algebra and I was only taking those 2 classes that semester. Is that normal or should I be worried?

I'd be more surprised if you weren't struggling with E&M 😛 It's an extremely complex set of sciences based entirely on one of the four fundamental forces of nature. It's not easy by any means. How hard it gets isn't an easy question to answer; it's very much a person specific question. I know many individuals that struggled in some aspects and excelled at others.

The question that you need to ask yourself is not whether or not struggling with it is a problem, but whether or not you enjoy it enough that you can handle struggling with it for long enough to feel accomplished when you finally figure something out.

Once again thank you!

You're most welcome

 

[meddona321]

5 Success Tips for Engineering Students

According to a recent survey by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA, one third of college freshmen plan to major in science and engineering, while about 8 percent of all first-year students intend to concentrate in engineering proper. Some of these engineering students are destined to land major leadership roles in the United States and worldwide, while others are . . . well, every field has its "lesser lights."
We were interested in finding out what current engineering students could do to put themselves on the fast track to career success. We invited visiting blogger Edward Crawley, professor of engineering and director of the Bernard M. Gordon Engineering Leadership Program at MIT, to share with us the advice he gives his own undergraduate engineering students. Here are his best tips, most of which would work for any career-aspiring college student:

1. Identify the people who inspire you, and find out what makes them tick. If you love Apple products, Steve Jobs may be your idol, or perhaps you love the Segway and its creator, Dean Kamen. You can easily find out a lot of information about Jobs and Kamen—or just about any other prominent person in technology—so use it to look into what's helped these people and their companies become so successful. Then emulate their good traits in your personal, scholastic, and professional life.

2. Develop a portfolio of projects. Participate in every hands-on, experiential learning opportunity that a balanced schedule allows. This way, you'll have something unique to show a prospective employer (or venture capitalist) when you graduate, while other students will only be able to list their courses. In addition, you'll be far more likely to retain the knowledge you've gained in classes because you'll be applying it and, in the process, boosting your communication and interpersonal skills.

3. Learn the value of networking. When it comes to being a leader, whom you know is almost as important as what you know. Attend lectures on your campus and introduce yourself to the speakers. Check with your school's alumni association to get a list of alumni from your program who want to connect with undergraduates.

4-Star Tip. In addition to E-mail, you can use LinkedIn or other social media tools to connect online. But remember: There's no substitute for a traditional, face-to-face meeting, so if you can find a way to meet in person, that's always the best.
[Read How a College Grad Can Get Recruited.]

4. Work in teams as much as you can. Whether it's creating a solar-powered car, participating in a sport, or writing for the school paper, get involved with an organization that requires a team effort to produce great results. Throughout your career, you can be sure you'll work in teams, and the skills you develop in school will help prepare you to lead teams when you graduate.

5. Seek informal leadership roles. You're always a leader, whether you're officially in charge of a team or not. Sounds counterintuitive, but you can lead from any position in an organization by influencing how people work together and how they make decisions. Usually people think that the leader is the president or the manager, but if you learn how to recognize and deal with various leadership styles from any position in a team, you'll be seen as a leader when you take on your first job or internship.
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