I flunked out of mechanical engineering sophomore year. It was way too hard and boring. Stuff like calculus and thermodynamics were very confusing for me. Mechanic sounds much better.
That’s the caveat of mechanical engineering, you need to pass those classes but rarely use what you do that 60% of jobs. What I’ve learned is you need to know the theory and back story behind all the science to understand how things work. Obviously there are jobs that directly use those courses, but as the job industry goes you can be an engineer and never do a calculation in your life. It’s very diversified in that sense
Phenomenal video, I was going through this decision four years ago when I was considering engineering or being a shop mechanic. All very good points and you need to decide what avenue best fits you.
As a Mechanical Engineer, I think a lot of this is really spot on. One thing I would add is that getting hands on, mechanic type experience before or while you’re getting your degree can really give you a head start. I’ve been working on cars since I was a kid. I built all kinds of engines, motorcycles, dedicated race machines, etc. I also worked in the University Machine Shop where I learned basic machining principles, welding, fabrication, and more. Knowing all that really allows you to take the theoretical knowledge and understanding of basic governing principles and apply it to every day solutions. Engineers, at a basic level, are problem solvers. We take problems and we look for solutions using the basic principles and our experience. That’s why experienced engineers are so much better paid than engineers fresh out of college. The basic knowledge really won’t change much, but knowing how to apply that knowledge is what experience gets you. So my suggestion is get out and learn about stuff. Get dirty. Ask the mechanic or the machinist what he’s doing. Be curious. Never act like you’re smarter than those guys because you have more education. You may know the WHY of things, but they know the HOW.
Can’t agree more, I started working on cars/motors/spinning things at 14, then realized I wanted to design them lol
I am studying Automotive Engineering. Its only my first year and I find it quite challenging. My mathematics is alright but I find it really difficult to understand the concepts. Mechanics, Structures and Thermodynamics are alight for me but I struggle with electrical circuits and business management (yeah, I have to learn business along with all other maths stuff)… because of that, I am thinking of switching to a Maths degree. This was a great video though. It gave me an insight on what my future might hold if I stick with engineering.
I study Mechatronic Engineering which really incorporates all aspects from MEchanical, Electrical and software eng. If you have issues with maths, Kahn Academy on Youtube is phenomenal. Youtube has great electrical circuit theory for you to study with too. Circuits aren’t hard really, just gets complicated. But the method is quite constant, ie Thevlin’s Theory and Kirchhoff’s laws etc
Maths degree will teach you pure maths. Eng is more applied maths and physics (chemistry if you must at some point, ie Materials and how the react) Find the field you enjoy working in and study for it. Only a few years of suffering mate!! I spent 3 years doing Accounting and hated before doing my Eng degree!
Engineering students: Anyone take part in Formula Student? Anyone study Mechatronic Eng?
I did Formula SAE for a little bit. Definitely really rewarding and fun.
Baja is equally fun!
Yeah did a masters in Automotive Engineering and graduated over the summer, designed and built our teams first single cylinder turbochanged engine and it was a beast. We ended up winning the endurance at Silverstone! https://www.facebook.com/teambathr/?ref=ts&fref=ts
What about automotive engineering, because that’s what I’m studying for
I also wanted to be an Automotive Engineer. I end up taking Mech.E. cause no school that offers Auto.E. in my country. Lots of subjects I don’t find interesting like Power Plant. So, I decided to take Automotive Servicing while taking Mech.E. Now, I’m a license technician and soon to be an engineer.
Automotive engineering is a sub-branch of mechanical, and its so defined and rare to find jobs for that most of the time its better to just look at mechanical engineering as a whole.
Same here in Michigan, USA practically the automotive center in the US. Colleges here really offer mechanical engineering rather than automotive engineering. It makes sense too because with a Mech E. Degree you have a more diverse career feild opportunities than if you specified with automotive engineering.
I studied Automobile Engineering in India,when I was in college My professors are stronger in derivations and calculations and how thinks evolved theoretically but really I know more than them about how machine works cause I got experience in my father’s garage,He is a mechanic and about to deal with diesel engines of earth movers and power generators, I used to be in my father’s workshop in my free time working on engines and getting my hands dirt some times even got hurt and bleed I’ve been there in my father’s workshop since my highschool. I got 6 years of experience as a mechanic when I finished my college but the insane thing in my college is my professors are arrogant and they really doesn’t even consider my words while on engine laboratories, most of them doesn’t even know released an airlock from a diesel pump but they don’t bats an eye on me. I was much worried in my college days. that was a bad feeling I had but thankfully I was a mechanic before engineer thus I’m the combination of both Mechanic and an Engineer but still I have infinite things to learn about cars.
A degree is good and all, but if cars are a big interest of yours, it may not be for you. I have many fiends who are doing Mech Eng at University. While they are very smart and can solve complex math problems, they don’t know a thing when it comes to cars. If they looked in an engine bay, they would ask “whats that?” at literally every component.
I started off at University, but after a semester realised I didn’t like it, it wasn’t about cars, and it wasn’t hands on. I have now started my apprenticeship and couldn’t be happier. 4 days in the workshop, working on cars, one day at school a week.
I couldn’t be happier with my choice.
Also in Australia, as a first year i get paid $11/hr, which increases each year. Also i don’t pay for school or tool. I get reimbursed by the government. So while my friends are studying I am making money :P
Conclusion: Mechanic: brown hair, good beard. Engineer: gray hair, clean shaven.
HAHAHAH!
Electrical Engineering Major. but i will get a Mech Eng degree after that. hopefully.
Comments
I flunked out of mechanical engineering sophomore year. It was way too hard and boring. Stuff like calculus and thermodynamics were very confusing for me. Mechanic sounds much better.
That’s the caveat of mechanical engineering, you need to pass those classes but rarely use what you do that 60% of jobs. What I’ve learned is you need to know the theory and back story behind all the science to understand how things work. Obviously there are jobs that directly use those courses, but as the job industry goes you can be an engineer and never do a calculation in your life. It’s very diversified in that sense
Phenomenal video, I was going through this decision four years ago when I was considering engineering or being a shop mechanic. All very good points and you need to decide what avenue best fits you.
As a Mechanical Engineer, I think a lot of this is really spot on.
One thing I would add is that getting hands on, mechanic type experience before or while you’re getting your degree can really give you a head start.
I’ve been working on cars since I was a kid. I built all kinds of engines, motorcycles, dedicated race machines, etc. I also worked in the University Machine Shop where I learned basic machining principles, welding, fabrication, and more.
Knowing all that really allows you to take the theoretical knowledge and understanding of basic governing principles and apply it to every day solutions. Engineers, at a basic level, are problem solvers. We take problems and we look for solutions using the basic principles and our experience.
That’s why experienced engineers are so much better paid than engineers fresh out of college. The basic knowledge really won’t change much, but knowing how to apply that knowledge is what experience gets you.
So my suggestion is get out and learn about stuff. Get dirty. Ask the mechanic or the machinist what he’s doing. Be curious. Never act like you’re smarter than those guys because you have more education. You may know the WHY of things, but they know the HOW.
Can’t agree more, I started working on cars/motors/spinning things at 14, then realized I wanted to design them lol
I am studying Automotive Engineering. Its only my first year and I find it quite challenging. My mathematics is alright but I find it really difficult to understand the concepts. Mechanics, Structures and Thermodynamics are alight for me but I struggle with electrical circuits and business management (yeah, I have to learn business along with all other maths stuff)… because of that, I am thinking of switching to a Maths degree. This was a great video though. It gave me an insight on what my future might hold if I stick with engineering.
I study Mechatronic Engineering which really incorporates all aspects from MEchanical, Electrical and software eng. If you have issues with maths, Kahn Academy on Youtube is phenomenal. Youtube has great electrical circuit theory for you to study with too. Circuits aren’t hard really, just gets complicated. But the method is quite constant, ie Thevlin’s Theory and Kirchhoff’s laws etc
Maths degree will teach you pure maths. Eng is more applied maths and physics (chemistry if you must at some point, ie Materials and how the react) Find the field you enjoy working in and study for it. Only a few years of suffering mate!! I spent 3 years doing Accounting and hated before doing my Eng degree!
Engineering students: Anyone take part in Formula Student? Anyone study Mechatronic Eng?
I did Formula SAE for a little bit. Definitely really rewarding and fun.
Baja is equally fun!
Yeah did a masters in Automotive Engineering and graduated over the summer, designed and built our teams first single cylinder turbochanged engine and it was a beast. We ended up winning the endurance at Silverstone! https://www.facebook.com/teambathr/?ref=ts&fref=ts
This is team from my faculty.
https://www.facebook.com/FSBRacing/?fref=ts
What about automotive engineering, because that’s what I’m studying for
I also wanted to be an Automotive Engineer. I end up taking Mech.E. cause no school that offers Auto.E. in my country. Lots of subjects I don’t find interesting like Power Plant. So, I decided to take Automotive Servicing while taking Mech.E. Now, I’m a license technician and soon to be an engineer.
Automotive engineering is a sub-branch of mechanical, and its so defined and rare to find jobs for that most of the time its better to just look at mechanical engineering as a whole.
Same here in Michigan, USA practically the automotive center in the US. Colleges here really offer mechanical engineering rather than automotive engineering. It makes sense too because with a Mech E. Degree you have a more diverse career feild opportunities than if you specified with automotive engineering.
I studied Automobile Engineering in India,when I was in college My professors are stronger in derivations and calculations and how thinks evolved theoretically but really I know more than them about how machine works cause I got experience in my father’s garage,He is a mechanic and about to deal with diesel engines of earth movers and power generators, I used to be in my father’s workshop in my free time working on engines and getting my hands dirt some times even got hurt and bleed I’ve been there in my father’s workshop since my highschool. I got 6 years of experience as a mechanic when I finished my college but the insane thing in my college is my professors are arrogant and they really doesn’t even consider my words while on engine laboratories, most of them doesn’t even know released an airlock from a diesel pump but they don’t bats an eye on me. I was much worried in my college days. that was a bad feeling I had but thankfully I was a mechanic before engineer thus I’m the combination of both Mechanic and an Engineer but still I have infinite things to learn about cars.
A degree is good and all, but if cars are a big interest of yours, it may not be for you. I have many fiends who are doing Mech Eng at University. While they are very smart and can solve complex math problems, they don’t know a thing when it comes to cars. If they looked in an engine bay, they would ask “whats that?” at literally every component.
I started off at University, but after a semester realised I didn’t like it, it wasn’t about cars, and it wasn’t hands on. I have now started my apprenticeship and couldn’t be happier. 4 days in the workshop, working on cars, one day at school a week.
I couldn’t be happier with my choice.
Also in Australia, as a first year i get paid $11/hr, which increases each year. Also i don’t pay for school or tool. I get reimbursed by the government. So while my friends are studying I am making money :P
Conclusion:
Mechanic: brown hair, good beard.
Engineer: gray hair, clean shaven.
HAHAHAH!
Electrical Engineering Major. but i will get a Mech Eng degree after that. hopefully.