Mechanical engineering so many Choices?

AI Thread Summary
A pre-junior mechanical engineering student at Drexel University is exploring concentrations within their major, expressing enthusiasm for returning to school at 33. The five concentrations under consideration are Aerospace, Biomechanical, Control Systems, Thermal Fluids, and Mechanics of Structures. The student seeks feedback on curriculum, job prospects, and industry trends. Another participant shares their experience working in four of the five areas, emphasizing the ease of transitioning between them and suggesting a focus on energy-related fields. They note that practical experience often outweighs formal education in the workplace. Additionally, a user inquires about entering the astronomy field with a mechanical background, seeking guidance on potential pathways.
MEM33
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Hello all,
I am a pre-junior mechanical engineering student at Drexel University. I am a non traditional student working on my second bachelors and absolutely love it. I find myself amazed by the fact at my age (33) I have the opportunity to study full time. I will just say for anyone who feels like age is a reason not to go back to school, think about it again, you will appreciate it much more.
Anyway, I am having a positive dilema, but a dilema non the less. My program offers 5 concentrations within the mechanical major. I can't seem to decide which one I should choose. I am totaly aware this is a decesion that only I can make, but I am just throwing it out there to get some feed back on what others who are in school, or working have to say about these discilplines.

1. Aerospace
2.Biomechanical
3.Control Systems
4.Thermal fluids
5.Mechanics of Structures.

Any comments on the curriculum, possible employment opportunites, future of the industry would be helpful.

Thanks,
Mem33
 
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I've worked in 4 of the 5. All were fun and interesting. It has been easy to change between them. The biggest change was at age 55. I got my most challenging job yet, doing what I've never done before and loving it. As for growth, I vote for anything in Energy is Medicine.
 
Pkruse,

Did you specialize in any of them when you received your bachelors?

Mem33
 
I have a BSE, mechanical. I've never used more than 5% of my education in any job, but each job used a different 5%. I was a machinist, and that has been far more useful than my education. Whoever hires you will plan on training you, so that you will be fully productive within 4 or 5 years..
 
pkruse,
I am also pursuing my b-tech in mechanical. and i am keen to get into astronomy field. could you suggest me how can i get into it??

with regards
varun singh
 
pkruse,
I am also pursuing my b-tech in mechanical. and i am keen to get into astronomy field. could you suggest me how can i get into it??

with regards
varun singh
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
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