Any Engineers Here?

Off Topic
21

To the engineers in here, I forgot to add: I know many of you go into the field for the $$$$, and I’ve had several students leave engineering after a couple of years. Make DAMN sure that you love the job! You’ll most likely be in a cubicle all day and be under pressure all the time. Is it worth the money?

I became a high school Calculus teacher because I like being around people. Something else to consider…

BTW: With an engineering degree, you could probably get a quick commission in one of the services. I’d rather be on an aircraft carrier than in a cubicle any day!! :slight_smile:

22

My 2 cents worth:

There are alot of very good comments on this thread with respect to engineering. I particularly like the words the mechanical engineer wrote saying that you must make sure you understand the connection between the theory and the calculations against what’s real and practical.

In my opinion, ALL engineers should have taken courses or some other training that makes them do essentially what the mechanic, technician, or craftsman does to really get that feel. Too many university engineering curriculums neglect this in light of more courses aimed at theories, mathematical modeling, etc.

That being said, I can also relate this to the business world of which I have recently become more a part of (have moved up to a higher level engineering management position…it IS different).

More and more, engineering companies are relying on their business brethren (marketing, accounting) to make ENGINEERING decisions without knowing what ENGINEERING is really all about. And vice versa; more engineers are asked to look at things from a more business perspective in their technical decision making. It would behoove both sides to get a better understanding of one another…and especially to build the respect needed from one discipline to another; just like the engineering and the craftsman/technician/mechanic disciplines should get to know each other alot better.

23

I graduated with MS in EE from RIT. In my opinion, engineering kicks ass. However, I think it is important to point out that in most circumstances you need high grades and a good school for a lot of the “cool” opportunities.

Some of the big companies like Analog Devices and Raytheon won?t even look at you without a 3.5 or higher. People with lower grades tend to end up in validation or testing out of school. Also, companies with small R&D teams usually look for someone at the top end of the talent pool.

To succeed in engineering you have to like if not love what you do and you have to be good at it. There is no half stepping because as an engineer you accept responsibilities to people that are affected by your work. It is that same in the medical field. You certainly don?t want a half ass doctor.

24

[quote]wfifer wrote:
I’m a EE major.

Be very careful in selecting a school. Frankly, I hate mine. [/quote]

Where do you go?

25

I’ve got a MS in EE.

I think a prospective engineering student needs an analytical mind that loves learning and is genuinely curious about science. Technology is always changing. Engineers never stop learning. It is mentally challenging work and if you don’t love doing it, you’ll end up hating it.

Do you wonder how things work? Do you like fixing things or taking things apart to see what makes them tick? Do you love watching technical-oriented shows on Discovery Channel or National Geographic? Do you enjoy Popular Science magazine? I’d recommend buying a few issues to get a feel for what fields interest you.

Visit universities’ engineering schools, especially on career day or Engineering Day. Meet or find out how to meet real engineers in various fields and ask them about their work.

In choosing a school, pick one that balances theory with real world-like activities. Most engineering schools are high on teaching theory, but good ones will balance that with labs and/or projects that expose you to what the real world is going to be like.

Things to get a leg up in the engineer world:

  1. Get a master’s degree. It may or may not pay you more, but it will help you find jobs. It tells employers that you take your career seriously. I’m in my 3rd job since graduation in the early 90s and the master’s degree has helped each job search quite a bit.

  2. Acquire all the computer skills you can. Through coursework or though day-to-day work with university’s computer infrastructure, you need to be able to fluent with the use of unix and micosoft-based computers. Be a whiz at MS Excel and possibly MS Access - knowing how to process, manipulate, and adequately plot/chart lots of data is a valuable thing. Learn how to design algorithms and write software with C/C++ and script languages such as bash, tcsh, and Perl. Heck, if you can choose a minor or double-major, I’d go with computer science. Math wouldn’t be a bad choice, but there are tons of math-capable engineers already in the workforce. But in my experience, there is a shortage of computer-savy engineers. Granted, there are “computer engineers”, but you can’t hire a computer engineer to do civil engineering work which happens to require significant computer skills.

26

[quote]Pemdas wrote:
[/quote]

No coincidence that your screen name is the order of operations.

Thats funny.

27

[quote]Get this wrote:
I’m a mechanical engineer.

If you’re thinking of studying it, make sure you’re the type of person who enjoys studying maths and physics and doesn’t mind working at a computer for long hours.

Above all, you need to be a practical person. If you can’t make the connection between practical things (like what goes on in a workshop or how to weld) and the theory then you will struggle in working life. I am always wary of an engineer who can’t change their engine oil.[/quote]

I’ll echo that last part. May I strongly suggest you participate in the intern programs offered through your university. Interning may be the best way to get some of the practical knowledge you will need later.

I have my B.S. in ME, which I completed in 4 years where most people take 5. I was ready to get out and work, but my grades, comprehension, and practical knowledge suffered.

If I could do it over, I’d intern and stretch it out to 4.5-5 years. Much of it depends on whether you are good at studying or not.

In high school I was smart enough to make mainly "A"s w/o as much studying as some of my friends. They had the 96 average and I had the 91 average, but we both made the same A.

College was a different story. You have to work diligently on a daily basis or you will fall behind fast.

Good English and grammar skills are important too. You do not know how many smart engineers I worked with at school and on the job, who could not write properly. I think the newer curriculums emphasize technical writing more than they did in my day. If not, take TW as an elective!

Later,
Scott

28

[quote]oilerqb8 wrote:
Basically, if you want to be a EE or ME, you’re going to have more math and physics. If you want to be a Chem E, you’ll have a lot more chem. To be a Civil, you have to be able to drink beer. One of the jokes civil engineers make is that there are 4 laws: you can’t push a rope, water (and shit) flows downhill, water + dirt = mud, and the most important: if it moves, it’s broken.
[/quote]

HAHA, thats pretty funny. im surprised that electrical involves more physics than civil, i would have thought the opposite.

Once again, i appreciate everybody’s input.

With how much you guys emphasize finding the practical application of classroom learning, im glad that my school ( California Polytechnic, Pomona ) teaches just that. Supposedly they have a “learn by doing” philosophy, but i guess i wont really know until i get there.

29

[quote]shanec26 wrote:
I’ve got a MS in EE.

I think a prospective engineering student needs an analytical mind that loves learning and is genuinely curious about science. Technology is always changing. Engineers never stop learning. It is mentally challenging work and if you don’t love doing it, you’ll end up hating it.

Do you wonder how things work? Do you like fixing things or taking things apart to see what makes them tick? Do you love watching technical-oriented shows on Discovery Channel or National Geographic? Do you enjoy Popular Science magazine? I’d recommend buying a few issues to get a feel for what fields interest you.

Visit universities’ engineering schools, especially on career day or Engineering Day. Meet or find out how to meet real engineers in various fields and ask them about their work.

In choosing a school, pick one that balances theory with real world-like activities. Most engineering schools are high on teaching theory, but good ones will balance that with labs and/or projects that expose you to what the real world is going to be like.

Things to get a leg up in the engineer world:

  1. Get a master’s degree. It may or may not pay you more, but it will help you find jobs. It tells employers that you take your career seriously. I’m in my 3rd job since graduation in the early 90s and the master’s degree has helped each job search quite a bit.

  2. Acquire all the computer skills you can. Through coursework or though day-to-day work with university’s computer infrastructure, you need to be able to fluent with the use of unix and micosoft-based computers. Be a whiz at MS Excel and possibly MS Access - knowing how to process, manipulate, and adequately plot/chart lots of data is a valuable thing. Learn how to design algorithms and write software with C/C++ and script languages such as bash, tcsh, and Perl. Heck, if you can choose a minor or double-major, I’d go with computer science. Math wouldn’t be a bad choice, but there are tons of math-capable engineers already in the workforce. But in my experience, there is a shortage of computer-savy engineers. Granted, there are “computer engineers”, but you can’t hire a computer engineer to do civil engineering work which happens to require significant computer skills.[/quote]

Thanks for all the insight. Continuing education has sort of been the plan. Since I was considering medicine, I was planning on being in school for a very long time.

I forgot “Extreme Engineering” was on the Discovery channel yesterday and i was so pissed, haha.

30

I have been in construction for the past 10 years and have been considering going back to school and getting my degree. Since the storm here in La. doors have been opened but not all the way since I don’t have a degree. So me and my wife have talked about me going back and living off of one salary for the past 2 years. Now we are finally going to do it. Selling our house and buying something closer to the university. Considering civil engineering or construction management. Any thoughts or comments about this?

31

[quote]rjerez wrote:
I have been in construction for the past 10 years and have been considering going back to school and getting my degree. Since the storm here in La. doors have been opened but not all the way since I don’t have a degree. So me and my wife have talked about me going back and living off of one salary for the past 2 years. Now we are finally going to do it. Selling our house and buying something closer to the university. Considering civil engineering or construction management. Any thoughts or comments about this?[/quote]

Personal Opinion here:

I’m not a big fan of “technical” Management programs. They seem to be an “Engineering Lite” program that teaches you how to push blueprints rather than pencils. I’d go with the engineering dicipline and perhaps minor in engineering management. I think your opprotunities for employment and promotion would be greater.

La’
Redsol1

32

EE here. Nothing dramatic to report. I work in the architecture consulting field. It pays the bills (very well I might add).

Here are some thoughts:

I would agree that physics plays a major role in electrical engineering.

Civil Engineers make the least amount of money of all engineers.

Chemical or Aerospace make the most (don’t remember which is higher). There are some other specialty ones that maybe make more, but they aren’t as mainstream.

Mechanical engineers, like civil, need to be more hands-on in both their learning and their application.

Research is boring. If you want to work on a single piece of hardware/technology your entire career go into research.

Not all engineers use much math on a daily basis, but still need to study it quite a bit.

Continuing education is crucial in almost any field, so pointing that out for engineering isn’t unique.

Lastly, and this is from my personal experience only, most engineers I’ve ever met are not religious people. Something about being in a science related field that precludes religion. Don’t know why. Don’t care. Just an observation. This should help you know up front if you are practical enough for engineering, or anything theory-based and technical in nature.

33

Lots of good information and advice. I am an EE and have been working for 40 years mostly in telecommunications.

Usually you won’t get rich being an engineer but if you are good you won’t be out of a job.

34

[quote]eengrms76 wrote:
…
Chemical or Aerospace make the most (don’t remember which is higher)…[/quote]

I am a Chem E and I never believed the salary figures normally seen.

I have seen statistics for average starting salaries above $ 60K for years but it seems like bullshit.

The local newspaper recently reported the average chemical engineer makes ~ $ 55,000. That seems more likely than the average fresh out of college kid making over $ 60K.

The chemical industry has been dying a slow death in the US. There are very few jobs for chemical engineers and there always seems to be a glut of guys with the degree.

If I had to do it over again I would go civil or mechanical.

35

I have a BS in Astronautical Engineering and an MBA. I’ve gotten the opportunity to do basic research and practical applications over 25 years of an Air Force career. I will second and third the inputs regarding math and physics. The higher level, theoretical calculus and differential equations nearly kicked my butt, but I actually used those theories and methods on the job later. I loved and ate up physics, on the other hand - and that’s something you can use every day.

I will also echo the opinion that you gotta love the practical side of it, and it’s gotta be in your blood. There is a funny clip from Dilbert (how many times does THAT reference pop up on this site??!) to emphasize my point.

http://home.pcisys.net/~tbc/sounds/knack.wav (I hoped that worked…)

Doctor: “It’s worse than I feared.”
Mother: “What is it?”
Doctor: “I’m afraid your son has … the Knack.”
Mother: “The knack?”
Doctor: “The Knack. It’s a rare condition characterized by an extreme intuition about all things mechanical and electrical … and utter social ineptitude.”
Mother: “Can he lead a normal life?”
Doctor: “No. He’ll be an engineer.”
Mother: [crying] “Oh, no!”
Doctor: “There, there. Don’t blame yourself.”

Cal Poly is a good school with a good rep, and you won’t be short on opportunities, although you won’t make the big bucks either. And you won’t have all the malpractice insurance headaches of a career in medicine. Good Luck!

As the sign in my office states - sometimes, you NEED a Rocket Scientist!

36

[quote]Zap Branigan wrote:
eengrms76 wrote:
…
Chemical or Aerospace make the most (don’t remember which is higher)…

I am a Chem E and I never believed the salary figures normally seen.

I have seen statistics for average starting salaries above $ 60K for years but it seems like bullshit.

The local newspaper recently reported the average chemical engineer makes ~ $ 55,000. That seems more likely than the average fresh out of college kid making over $ 60K.

The chemical industry has been dying a slow death in the US. There are very few jobs for chemical engineers and there always seems to be a glut of guys with the degree.

If I had to do it over again I would go civil or mechanical.

[/quote]

When I graduated college about 8 years ago the statistics showed that starting salaries for ChemE’s and AeroE’s were higher than the rest. Don’t know if the numbers were accurate. I assumed they were as they were gathered from all of the companies interviewing on campus.

As for the guy who said you won’t get rich being an engineer- I have to disagree. Of course that is dependent on where you live (cost of living). Where I live the cost of living is really low, but the salaries are about as high as Chicago (I know, because we have a Chicago office too). So yes you can get “rich”, not multi-millionaire rich, but pretty damn close.

Just for a point of reference (not to brag) I live in a 3000+ sq.ft. 10-year-old home (I built it new) that only cost me $150,000 and I make six figures. Try to get a 3000+ sq.ft. home in most bigger cities and it will cost you $500,000+

37

[quote]eengrms76 wrote:
…
When I graduated college about 8 years ago the statistics showed that starting salaries for ChemE’s and AeroE’s were higher than the rest. Don’t know if the numbers were accurate. I assumed they were as they were gathered from all of the companies interviewing on campus.

…[/quote]

I have seen the numbers too. Perhaps the Chem E classificaton is incredibly narrow and the few hired into an “official” Chem E position do get paid that high figure.

If that is the case I would venture that many or even most Chem E graduates take jobs that would not be officially classified as Chem E positions.

38

[quote]eengrms76 wrote:

Here are some thoughts:

…

Civil Engineers make the least amount of money of all engineers.

Mechanical engineers, like civil, need to be more hands-on in both their learning and their application.

Not all engineers use much math on a daily basis, but still need to study it quite a bit.

…

Lastly, and this is from my personal experience only, most engineers I’ve ever met are not religious people. Something about being in a science related field that precludes religion. Don’t know why. Don’t care. Just an observation. This should help you know up front if you are practical enough for engineering, or anything theory-based and technical in nature.[/quote]

Very good stuff here.

I am a civil engineer with almost 10 years experience in MO.

I started out in engineering school thinking I would be a ME, then EE, finally chose Civil Eng. The first two years of eng school will give you some time to think about what you really want to do (or whether you even want to be an engineer; there is no shame in deciding you want to do something else entirely, i.e. medicine will probably always be a safe choice).
The last 2-3 years are the best(and yes it usually takes 4.5 to 5 years total). You get to learn about the stuff in your discipline.
Then you graduate with a Bachelor of Science, which according to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), is not enough education. They are pushing for the Master’s Degree as a minimum for Professional Licensure. NOTE: In Civil Engineering, getting your Professional Engineers license is a MUST, unless you want to be a CAD operator the rest of your life. This is the license you get after 4 years of professional experience AFTER graduation.

IN SUMMARY, CIVIL ENG CAREER PATH:
4-5 yrs of BS education
2 yrs MS education (maybe, not required currently but look for it soon).
4 yrs professional experience.
1/2 yr study and take the PE exam, pass hopefully.
=10+ yrs to get to your goal of being a valuable Civil Engineer.

Compare this to the time required for medical school, dental school, law school, and dollar for dollar it is not financially the best decision, but then again money is not everything.

I hope this does not seem too jaded, but I wish someone would have told me this before I started the process.

When you start working you find that much of what you learned you will never use again, BUT school teaches you to “learn how to learn”. That’s important.

One last point, eengrms76 wrote about the religion aspect of many engineers. My advice is to be a real T-man before you enter college and have your values set in stone before you let some other goof ball professor or a bunch of immature kids decide your values for you. If this means waiting a year or so to start, so be it.

Please forgive spelling and punctuation, most engineers suck at writing.

Good Luck.

39

[quote]Rktman wrote:
Please forgive spelling and punctuation, most engineers suck at writing.
[/quote]

Excuses, excuses.

40

[quote]nephorm wrote:
Rktman wrote:
Please forgive spelling and punctuation, most engineers suck at writing.

Excuses, excuses.[/quote]

YEP :slight_smile: