Mechanical engineering so many Choices?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the choices available within a mechanical engineering program, specifically focusing on the five concentrations offered: Aerospace, Biomechanical, Control Systems, Thermal Fluids, and Mechanics of Structures. Participants share their experiences and seek advice on curriculum, employment opportunities, and industry futures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Mem33 expresses excitement about returning to school and seeks feedback on the five concentrations within their mechanical engineering program.
  • Pkruse shares personal experience working in four of the five concentrations and emphasizes the ease of transitioning between them, suggesting a preference for fields related to energy and medicine.
  • Mem33 inquires about Pkruse's specialization during their bachelor's degree.
  • Pkruse mentions that their education was not heavily utilized in their jobs, indicating that practical training is often provided by employers.
  • Varun Singh expresses interest in transitioning from mechanical engineering to the astronomy field and seeks advice on how to pursue this path.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share varied experiences and perspectives on the concentrations, with no clear consensus on which path is superior. Varun Singh's interest in astronomy introduces a different focus, highlighting the diversity of interests among participants.

Contextual Notes

Participants' comments reflect personal experiences and subjective opinions, which may not encompass all aspects of the concentrations or career paths. There are no resolved mathematical or technical claims, and the discussion remains open-ended regarding the best concentration choice.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering mechanical engineering concentrations, professionals exploring career transitions, and individuals interested in the intersections of engineering and other fields such as astronomy.

MEM33
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
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 totally 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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 

Similar threads

Courses Double degree in APhys and Materials Science Eng. or BS/MS in MechE?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Programs Materials Engineering Undergrad Reflection
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Most Fundamental or Important Class for Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Other Mechanical drafter moving to electrical engineering
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
What Engineering Path Should I Choose for My Career?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Going back to school for Mechanical Engineering
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Studying Seeking advice about a quantum mechanics self-study plan
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Help with final year uni course selection for defense and rocket industry
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Physics Research as Electrical Engineer
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Aerospace Engineering Subfields -- Which ones should I focus on?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K