Ok I understand that the FE is key; but will I be able to find a job that allows me to travel across the US .What kind of engineering/tech companies will allow that.JakeBrodskyPE said:Before you do anything else. take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (for the Engineer in Training certificate). Having the EIT certificate may make getting a PE certificate practical later.
That said, your opportunities are WIDE OPEN. I am biased because I'm very much into the control systems field. I suggest getting into robotics. Firms like GM, Ford, Caterpillar, offer interesting work, with as little or as much travel as you can stand.
Let me state that while you may not have any family obligations or debt, living on the road is a rough life. It can be very lonely, so I strongly recommend you pay attention to your health and take care of yourself. Most people who do it last a few years and then burn out.
PeterDonis said:unique_persona, what is your question? What do you need help with?
Wow thank you :) So as a M.E. I will be set. I speak 5 languages and now I am learning Mandarin as well to know a total of 6 :)JakeBrodskyPE said:Allow it? Hah! Once you get a bit of experience and training, the hard part will be refusing the travel. Field service engineers, and sales engineers practically live out of their suitcases. It is not a bad place to start, seeing how customers use the products the company makes, where the product documentation falls short, and also training staff there. But it is a hard life.
If you show an aptitude for training and a willingness to travel, there are companies that will send you all over the globe. Any large company such as Siemens, Rockwell, GE, ABB, Emerson, etc. will be eager to send you. Many large engineering companies are also eager to have people they can send to a job site. Even many smaller companies that produce parts used globally will need to send people places for technical support.
The problem is finding a job that DOESN'T have loads of travel in it. I have personally set a limit of six overnight trips a year for business. I will refuse to do any more than that because I do not like being away from my family for long. My wife and children mean a lot to me and frankly the hotels, restaurants, and suitcase life get tiresome.
PeterDonis said:Some quick suggestions:
(1) Your university most likely has a career counseling office or something similar; they will have lots of resources to help you in finding a job after you graduate. (A good one will also be able to help you prepare your resume and practice interviewing, both of which are important skills.)
(2) Other people on the Formula SAE team will probably also have good information on job hunting; that team can also be a good way to make contacts in companies that might be interested in you.
unique_persona said:any other tips?
unique_persona said:thank you btw
M.E. undergraduates have a wide range of career options, including mechanical engineer, design engineer, project manager, research and development engineer, and quality control engineer. They can also work in industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and construction.
An M.E. undergraduate should develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. They should also have a good understanding of mathematics, physics, and computer-aided design software. Communication and teamwork skills are also important for success in the field.
There are several ways to gain practical experience as an M.E. undergraduate. You can participate in internships or co-op programs, volunteer for research projects, join engineering clubs and organizations, or work on personal projects. These experiences will help you apply your theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills.
M.E. undergraduates can pursue a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, which typically takes 1-2 years to complete. They can also pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, which can take 4-5 years. These graduate degrees can lead to advanced career opportunities in research, academia, and industry.
To stand out as an M.E. undergraduate in the job market, you should focus on developing a strong academic record, gaining practical experience, and building a professional network. You can also consider obtaining certifications in specialized areas, participating in professional development programs, and staying updated on industry trends and advancements.