Need advice from mech/aero space engineers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around advice for a sophomore college student pursuing a dual degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Participants explore various activities and skills that could enhance the student's future career prospects, including software tools, theoretical knowledge, and practical experience.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest focusing on theoretical knowledge and foundational mathematics, as it may be harder to find time for these later in life.
  • Others emphasize the importance of practical skills, recommending software tools like MathCad, Matlab, SolidWorks, Pro Engineer, AutoCAD, Fluent, and Ansys for engineering applications.
  • A participant questions the rationale behind pursuing two closely related engineering degrees, proposing that a physics degree might offer broader opportunities.
  • Another participant shares their experience of choosing mechanical engineering over physics due to job market considerations, highlighting the financial aspects of career choices.
  • Some participants recommend learning programming languages, specifically C++, as a valuable skill for engineering students.
  • There are mentions of specific software recommendations, including CATIA V7 and SolidWorks, with notes on their complexity and system requirements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions on the best use of the student's free time, with some advocating for theoretical study while others focus on practical software skills. There is no consensus on the optimal path forward, as different perspectives on career preparation and educational focus are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the sophomore level primarily involves prerequisite courses and basic engineering classes, suggesting that the student has not yet encountered more advanced topics that may demand more time and effort.

Physics_wiz
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Hello, I'm a sophomore in college getting a dual degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering. I pretty much know everything we're doing in classes or everything is really easy so I have a lot of free time on my hands. What do you think I can do that will help me in my future career? I was thinking about getting a program like mathematica and playing around with it or reading online about engines and how they work and stuff but I think I'll just learn about those things down the road. What do you think?
 
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Physics_wiz said:
Hello, I'm a sophomore in college getting a dual degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering. I pretty much know everything we're doing in classes or everything is really easy so I have a lot of free time on my hands. What do you think I can do that will help me in my future career? I was thinking about getting a program like mathematica and playing around with it or reading online about engines and how they work and stuff but I think I'll just learn about those things down the road. What do you think?

I'd focus on the things you "don't have time for" or don't bump into down the road ... like math and everything which helps you in building up a good theoretical - basis. "Later in life" it seems that the threshold for learning & finding the time for this type material is really hard to come by ("disclaimer" : this is just me and I typically overemphasize theory, let's see what others have to say).
 
Right now, the soph. level is just finishing up the pre-requisites and the basic engineering classes. You haven't really gotten to the meat and potatoes of the curricula. I'd say that if you have free time, enjoy it while you can (possibly spend some time studying the definition of "humility"), because it won't/shouldn't last. Even if you perfectly understood every topic presented to you, there should be enough homework, reports, projects, etc... to keep you burried for quite a while.

BTW...what exactly is your desired career?
 
Free time? On an engineering degree? Are you sure you have the right timetable?

Well, if you insist!

Learn how to use MathCad, then Matlab. Then learn Solidworks, Pro Engineer and AutoCAD. Next, learn how to use Fluent and Ansys, or some other CFD and FEA packages. Perhaps learn some programming languages.

Once you've done all that, go out and have a beer.
 
FredGarvin said:
BTW...what exactly is your desired career?
I just want to be a mechanical or aerospace engineer. Actually, I'm more into designing stuff but I don't mind getting my hands dirty.

FredGarvin said:
(possibly spend some time studying the definition of "humility")

Trust me, if I were in MIT and had free time, I would be drinking beer. However, I'm not at the best University/college out there (one of the top party schools :biggrin: ) and just don't want to be behind when I graduate.
 
Last edited:
what college do you go to?
 
I go to WVU.
 
I don't know man, i mean really what's the point of majoing in two very close Engineerings. If i were would i'd pick up a degree in Physics or something like that, it would better suite you in the long run.
 
I was contemplating a decision between a physics degree and a Mechanical Engineering degree for my university. In the end, I decided to go with the engineering degree because there are no jobs in physics. Sure its fun as hell and you do what you love but there is no money in it unless you work for a large company as a senior physicist.

Regards,

Nenad
 
  • #10
I'd say learn MATLAB and SolidWorks. I am a freshman right now, and I use both of those a lot both for class and for a club.

Also C++ programming is a good idea to learn. It is free to get the compiler, I think it is off www.bloodshed.net

Then just get a book and learn how to start programming.
 
  • #11
you should try CATIA V7. 6CD's for installation. Crazy program to learn. Solid Works is also good one. I really like the finite element anaysis it offers.

Regards,

Nenad
 
  • #12
Nenad said:
you should try CATIA V7. 6CD's for installation. Crazy program to learn. Solid Works is also good one. I really like the finite element anaysis it offers.

The COSMOS part of solidworks has crashed my computer before, so make sure you have LOTS of memory.
 

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