Hey everyone, I'm doing my Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, currently in third year. Honestly, i spent the two years in my engineering not knowing what I'm actually doing. I just focused (kind of) on my academics and cleared all the semesters. I haven't done anything practical in my field. I just have studied theoretically. So I'm kind of a naive person when it comes to practical mechanical engineering. Now as I am in third year i have started to take things seriously and I am willing to learn some designing software like AutoCad, Pro E, Solid Works, Unigraphics etc. I learned basic 2D AutoCad as a part of our semester course in my 1st semester which was quite easy. So what i wanted to ask you guys is that, where should i start from? Which software courses should i take? And what are your recommendations for a person like me. And one thing more, In our 1st semester we had the course of Engineering Drawing(manually) and some how you can say i had a natural talent in that particular subject and was among one of the best students in my class in that subject. So yeah, thats my plus point. Please do respond. I'll be waiting for your answers. Thank you!
Don't worry so much about your course work. Focus on experience. Check out my threads: http://www.mechanicaldesignforum.co...ngineering-Students&highlight=advice+students http://www.mechanicaldesignforum.co...an-Entry-Level-Engineer&highlight=entry+level
Much like mhjones12's posts in the above linked threads, you need to join some engineering oriented clubs to gain practical experience. If you're already in your third year, then you might be a step behind already as joining any club requires you to work up the ranks; but don't let that deter you from getting involved now. Joining an extra curricular where you build something forces you to learn practical skills: - how to use your hands, - better manage your time and priorities with conflicting needs (school vs club vs social), - practical design (with real life time, material, and cost restraints), - direct and mentor younger students, (leadership skills) - and even more I'm sure All my classmates that joined such clubs like FSAE, Mini Baja, Solar Car, Robot Competitions etc. had a much easier time getting quality jobs than those that did not. Like most things in life, if you put in the time and effort you'll get the rewards afterwards. There's always something out there for everyone. If you get into non-technical clubs, they will still help you a lot if you put yourself in leadership roles.
Personally, I think you should concentrate on learning the theory well. You will never have a better opportunity to do this and if you have a long interesting career you will need it. I have needed every class I thought I could blow off. Project work is enticing, but you should try not to slack off on the regular course work. You can always learn software, and it will be obsolete soon enough anyway, but will not ever get the chance to learn the theory like you can now. Concentrate on learning how to apply physics using math. You will be a better engineer for it when to time comes. Take more time, take summer school, try to get internships or contract work in off semesters. I wrote ISO 9001 work instructions in a factory one summer, and got a temp position as a manufacturing engineer out of the deal. I worked as a trim carpenter, and a mechanic during the freshman and sophomore years. Married, living in rental property (not dorms),cars to repair, and lawns to mow, I took 6 years to get my BSME. Most important of all, to have a good experience, duplicate this: I knew my limitations and never took that one class too many. You can crash and burn if you make that mistake.
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