Mechanical engineering technologist

[timgkelly]

hey Lads and Lass',

I am planning on going back to school and I was hoping I could get some advice from you fine folks.

First, I'll give you a bit of background on my situation. I'm a red seal HVAC/R mechanic with an extensive background in building automation systems (DDC systems, pneumatics). I recently quit my job to take on a government job. Its a good job...pay is ok and hours are good. I'm doing maintenance/service on the mechanical systems as well as the testing and lab equipment, but I'm starting to get bored with all the checklists/legislated-weekly/monthly garbage they have me doing. I've always wanted to be an engineer, however, I'm unsure if I'll enjoy or excel at the theoretical aspects of it. I would be more suited towards a more practical and hands on type career (testing, troubleshooting, commissioning). While I was researching, I came across "mechanical engineering technologist" and "mechanical engineering technician". They sound interesting, but, I figured I'd ask the pros what their thoughts are on this career path. I'd really like to help engineers or scientists fabricating, building, testing and troubleshooting machinery and equipment. Do you think I'm on the right track?

Thanks!
Tim

 

[ReaverKS]

I think you're absolutely on the right track. I'm currently a mechanical engineering (BSME) student and my school also offers mechanical engineering technology. You can go to the website (ipfw.edu) and basically look through the two course programs and you'll immediately notice that mechanical engineering technology is more hands on and less theoretical. For example, mechanical engineering technology doesn't go into nearly as much math, their physics is generally trig/algebra based and they have a lot more machining related classes.

Here is BSME: http://bulletin.ipfw.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=19&poid=3544

and here is MET: http://bulletin.ipfw.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=19&poid=3545

If you're concerned or uninterested in the theoretical side, MET sounds like a perfect fit for you. Another thing to keep in mind is that a lot of jobs you'll search for will just say "mechanical engineering," rarely will they say they're looking for an MET, so if you go the route of MET you'll probably end up applying for a lot of ME jobs as it's the only way to really know whether you meet their qualifications if they don't specify between the two. Good luck!

 

[timgkelly]

Great! Thanks a lot for your input!

I'm pretty sure this is what I'm going to do. With the college I want to go to, there is an option to knock 2 years off a Bachelor of engineering degree from a lot of universities if I decide down the road to go that route.