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.
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.
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.
Engineering students: Anyone take part in Formula Student? Anyone study Mechatronic Eng?
What about automotive engineering, because that’s what I’m studying for
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.
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.
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.
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.
Engineering students: Anyone take part in Formula Student? Anyone study Mechatronic Eng?
What about automotive engineering, because that’s what I’m studying for
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.
Electrical Engineering Major. but i will get a Mech Eng degree after that. hopefully.