DirtRider . Net MX, SX, Arena Cross, Off-Road Community

This is the text version of DirtRider.Net
Click Here for the Full Version

Pages: 1

Mechanical Engineering?
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: nfisher87---------------------

I'm not sure if this is the correct place to post, but I love bikes and until recently couldnt decide of a major for college. I started as Computer Science, but I just know I could never work on computers for the rest of my life. I came to the idea of mechanical engineer. I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of job opportunities there are in the motorcycle field involving a mechanical engineering degree. Thank you very much

Posted by: billtx---------------------

I have an ME degree and worked as an engineer for 13 years. Now I sell test equipment for mobile phones.

There are jobs out there, but probably not a lot of them. You will be limited to a few geographic regions also if you really focus on the motorcycle industry. No reason not to go for it though if that is what you love.

Engineering is a good versatile degree that you can use to branch into other things also. Think about adding a minor to the degree - CS, EE, would be good choices.

Good Luck! Study hard!

Bill

Posted by: adam728---------------------

The options for where you can go with a mechanical degree are huge, there is so many different positions out there you really can get into about anything you want. However, the list of jobs available right now is pretty small. The hardest thing I've found to deal with is that EVERYONE wants you to have 5 or 10 years experience for whatever job they are offering.

I graduated in the spring of 2004 and had been sending my resume in to every type of power sport company out there, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Buell, Harley, Suzuki, Artic Cat, Polaris, Honda, etc. I never got a reply from any of them. Granted, my GPA wasn't the world's greatest, but at least automotive companies sent me letters telling me to go crawl in a hole somewhere. I really, really, really wanted to work on motorcycle related things, but there was nothing available.

Anyway, I still have to say that a mechanical engineering degree is a great thing to have, you really can do a lot with it. I ended up at a company doing carburator work for small engines. I think my motorcycle mechanic experience got me in, but my degree got me the position. I feel bad a lot of times, because there are guys there that know far more than me, have been there 10+ years, but are on the same level as me simply because I have a piece of paper that claims I know something.

Posted by: michigan---------------------

EDIT:

You don't need a degree, but I'm sure glad I've got one.

Posted by: Jon K.---------------------

Funny story.

I went to work at a manufacturing company to develop a lawnmower concept that I hold a patent on. I have no formal education beyond high school.

The mower didn't work out, but there was a re-organization in the company shortly after I arrived, leaving an opening for R&D Supervisor. I had been working in the office with three (count-em three) papered engineers.

Eveyone wanted the position.

I got it.

Why? Because I am very, very good at things mechanical. It was encoded into my DNA or something. I can cut, weld, bend, and just have an inate ability to know what will and will not work.

The funny part? All three engineers went just about insane. They got beat by the lawnmower man!! I still laugh about it today. I still work with two of them, and still hold a loftier position. Hee hee hee!!

Certainly there is no harm in getting the degree, and at some level of business it is required.

But I have run across quite a few engineers that couldn't open a sardine can. I work with one of the previously mentioned three today, and his ineptitude with tools still amazes me. We try to keep him well away from sharp objects.

I have seen a few good ones as well. And when I need to draw something in Autocad, or Solidworks, or figure some god-awful compound miter; I thank the stars that I have some engineers in my employ!

Posted by: bedell99---------------------

I'm a mechanical engineer in the HVAC industy(design mechanical systems for power plants, hospitals, clean rooms, office buildings etc) and have been since i graduated in 98. Basically ME is divided into 3 categories HVAC, Thermal/Fluids and machine design and all 3 overlap. I would think the easiest to get into is HVAC and into a consulting firm as an entry level engineer. I was like you with all these aspirations of working for an engine designer but the job's are given out to people with experience and rarely do they hire out of college. I definetly recommend mechanical engineering to any kid out there who has a mechanical mind. I could never think of doing anything else. Ya it isn't my dream job but I really like what I do and get to work on some pretty cool projects here in colorado. There is nothing in the world that compares to looking at something you designed on paper actually come to life. Nothing.

Erik

Erik

Posted by: billtx---------------------

P.S.

A good way to go about it may be to take a summer intern job with a manufacturer, race team, suspension company, etc..

You may have to do grunt work, but it will get you in a postion to meet more folks and find out what is available.

Posted by: nfisher87---------------------

Thanks for all the replies. I appreiciate your real world experiance and insight. It kinda sucks that there arent many jobs working directly with motorcycles, but there isn't much else that interests me. I like the idea of an internship, def going to think about that. Also, I want to minor in German.

Posted by: adam728---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by nfisher87

It kinda sucks that there arent many jobs working directly with motorcycles, but there isn't much else that interests me.

I wouldn't let that get you down too much. I work on things like weed whips, chainsaws, riding lawn mowers, etc. Not stuff that is all that interesting in my book, but I love my job. Being around people that are good to work with makes a huge difference.

And besides, maybe you won't get into the motorcycle industry right away, but once you get a few years work experience under your belt a whole new world of jobs become available.

Posted by: Matt R---------------------

nfisher87,

I would definitely recommend a mechnical engineering degree. I decided to do my bachelor and master degrees back-to-back. I was the best decision of my life. Yeah, you get tired of all the class work and my master's thesis was very difficult. When I was about 4 months away from graduating with my masters degree, I had a engineering job waiting for me when I was done. My employer viewed my masters degrees as 2 yrs. of engineering work experience. I'm still with the same company today designing suspension systems for the auto industry. If you really want to work in the motorcycle industry, I would recommend you focus on the structural design/mechanics of materials courses. This type of structural analysis can be applied in most industries. Also, it would help to get your initial career started in the auto industry. There are many jobs available both at OE and supplier companies. After several years with good work experience, a job in the motorcycle industry may be possible. Best of luck and remember to focus on your studies!!! Your education will be short compared to a lifetime of using these things you learned. Think of it like building a good solid foundation... it will help you to learn new things throughout life much easier.

Posted by: SpDyKen---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by billtx

P.S.

A good way to go about it may be to take a summer intern job with a manufacturer, race team, suspension company, etc..

You may have to do grunt work, but it will get you in a postion to meet more folks and find out what is available.

GREAT way to get real-world experience! Personally, I would ditto the EE & CS minor options. The future of MC is ALL digital & interactive. The automation business is also quite interesting & a very diverse and growing field - lots of cross over opportunities. I'll check with a friend of mine who is a test engineer with Honda (and a pro roadracer) out of Marysville OH. to see if he is willing to offer advice.

Posted by: nfisher87---------------------

Wow love the responses, keeping everything people have said in mind. Definately made my view of the future a little brighter haha. Can't wait to hear what your test engineer friend has to say.

Posted by: RM298z---------------------

I'm curently in my sophmore year of a mechanical engineering degree. Just be prepared to work through tough classes.

Posted by: sean---------------------

I was a ME for a year at CU, I wanted to get into the industry too..... it turns out that i like working on bikes and tuning them more than i like doing math...

so im in Supply Chain Managment now

and i still plan on working for a big factory like Yamaha or Honda

Sean

Posted by: Tyler3386---------------------

I'm a sophomore ME at the U of Iowa. I know what you guys are saying about some engineers having no mechanical intuition at all. Fortunately, I'm not one of those. I'm in the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and we participate in the Mini Baja Competition. Its basically a big go kart with good suspension and a 10hp briggs motor. We were up at Arkansaw MX track in Wisconsin a couple weeks ago for a competition put on by Wisconsin-Stout. The competitions are highly competitive with teams from all over the world. We raise money for, design, fabricate, and race the car throughout the year. Its alot of fun for me since I'm into offroading anyway. Were actually in the sponsorship phase right now (anybody wanna donate? lol) which isnt fun, but I definately recommend going somewhere thats involved with SAE as its a great experience. Our website is www.hawkeyemotorsports.com if you want to check it out.

Posted by: SFO---------------------

Try working the aftermarket companies in your desired field and location.
Getting your feet wet in the industry will open a lot of doors.
Getting a big 4 job might not be as desireable as you thought.
Smaller companies offer more diversity design wise, IMHO.
Having prototyping skills is a big plus.
Have a portfolio.
Be willing to work for peanuts until you develop your resume/portfolio.

Posted by: Jcal---------------------

Im sort of in the same boat. I went to school at MMi which is a good school for entry level techs, but i want to turn it up a notch and try and do the whole research and development side of motorcycles/automotive industry. I am just not sure exactly what school i should go to. I have read a reply that EricGorr put out about Milwaukee School of Engineering. Has anyone heard of this school and any sucesses? I do not have any college credits under my belt

, but now is the time to change all of that, luckilly im still young for the most part, 22. Any suggestions?

Posted by: billtx---------------------

I have a friend the went to MSE - it was a good enough school for him to be recruited by Texas Instruments back in the 80's. Go check it out.

Posted by: SFO---------------------

MSOE is engineering bootcamp.
None much better.

Posted by: SpeedyManiac---------------------

For you guys thinking of Mechanical Engineering, here's some advice.

I'm in my Junior (3rd) year of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta. I had excellent marks in high school along with a good work ethic and an interest. Man, have my views changed since being here. Be prepared to work VERY hard. If you plan on doing your degree in the usual four years with a full course load, the work load is brutal. Also, be prepared to learn about stuff that will probably never apply to you. Mechanical engineering is the jack of all engineering disciplines. We study a little bit of everything. I never imagined that there was so much stuff to study! For example, you will take courses in: Math (calculus, linear algebra, differential equations and partial differential equations); Mechanics (statics, dynamics, motion analysis, vibrations, strength and mechanics of materials); Thermodynamics and Heat transfer; Fluids (statics and dynamics); Computer Programming/Engineering (my school requires a first year C++ course and we also learn how to program MatLab); Electrical Engineering; Measurements (until you take it or have worked in the industry, you have no idea); Statistics; Material Science; Management; Economics; and that's not even including the 4 technical electives and 2 complimentary studies electives. I've found I've learned a lot about stuff I never even want to do when I get to the working world. I also spend almost everyday working on homework. I can usually take 1 night off during a typical week, but in weeks like midterm week, sleep and a life out of school don't happen much.

I don't mean to scare anyone off, I just wanted to enlighten some people that Mechanical Engineering is probably going to be a lot different than you expect. Oh yeah, research the schools to see what they excel in before you choose. Example: U of A has the best MecE department in Western Canada, but they do cater to the Oil and Gas Industry because it is the main industry in the province. Schools in Ontario cater more to the manufacturing and auto industry as that is what industries are prominent in the area.

Posted by: SpeedyManiac---------------------

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Don't expect to be doing major engineering design fresh out of school. Engineering works similar to trades, in that once you finish school, you have to do an 'apprenticeship.' The apprenticeship is working under a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) for minimum 4 years, then writing exams through your engineering governing body (APEGGA - Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta here in Alberta, APEGGBC in British Columbia, etc) on engineering subjects including ethics to get your Professional Engineer status, which means you can sign off on your work.

Posted by: Tyler3386---------------------

Yea I spent 60 hours this past week studying, in class, or taking exams. Its tough, dont live with people that have easy majors or you will hate it because you will do 2 or 3 times the amount of work that they do.

Posted by: bedell99---------------------

A little bit different here in the US to get your PE(Professional Engineer). First you take your EIT when you get out of college then you work 4-6 years in the field depending on the state and then you are allowed to sit for the exam. I just took my PE exam 4 weeks ago. Here is some infomation about becoming a PE.

www.ncees.org

Erik

Posted by: Tyler3386---------------------

Were either of those extremely hard or was it if you did ok in classes your good?

Posted by: bedell99---------------------

The EIT I ended up taking 5 years out of school and for me it was hard. I forgot alot of the basic's and I studied real hard, but for the most part it was all the sutff I learned in school. I really wish I would of taken it when it was all fresh in my mind. I passed, but I know I would of easily passed back in 98 when I graduated. Its not that hard as long as your decent student. The PE exam is an enitre different animal. It was hard. Real hard. I have been studying since July and I'm still waiting for my results. I won't know if I passed till around late December/January. It was by far the hardest test I have ever taken. They make sure you know your stuff real well. The pass rate is real low, around 66% for first time takers and then it drops to about 31% for repeat takers, for an overall pass rate around 45%. A lot of specific question that you would only knwo if you where practicing engineering. The way the mechanical exam is broken up is in this link. I took the HVAC breadth in the afternoon.

http://www.ncees.org/exams/professi..._exam_specs.pdf

They are real anal about experience and I actually got denied to take the exam last year due to not enough design experience which I found real odd becuase I have been working under PE for my entire career. When you get your stamp in my field it is a big deal since all commercial projects have to be stamped by a licensed engineer. Not so much for machine design. It more a resume thing for those guys.

Erik

Posted by: Eric Gorr---------------------

Get the degree. I wish I would have. I was a lousey student in math in high school because I had a teacher who valued football players only not endurtance atheletes. Meanwhile I had great science and power mechanics teachers. Later on I got interested in math and took classes in junior college. It led me on to a lifelong pursuit of engineering disciplines. Right now I've carved out a nice career in engineering. I have two US Patents, authored an SAE paper, and consult to manufacturers. But I could'nt apply for and get a job as a mechanical engineer because I don't have a degree.
Get the degree and work on the career, not the job. Jobs are for people who just want to fill 8 hours a day. Careers are for people who want to define their sould through their work.

Posted by: Ando---------------------

Formula SAE the recruiting ground for the major manufacturers and race teams. Go to a school that participates, and be prepared to do the grunt work for the first couple of years in the program.

Posted by: billtx---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedyManiac

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Don't expect to be doing major engineering design fresh out of school. Engineering works similar to trades, in that once you finish school, you have to do an 'apprenticeship.' The apprenticeship is working under a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) for minimum 4 years, then writing exams through your engineering governing body (APEGGA - Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta here in Alberta, APEGGBC in British Columbia, etc) on engineering subjects including ethics to get your Professional Engineer status, which means you can sign off on your work.

Sometimes it depends on the field you work on how quick you get thrown to the fire.

My experience in the defense electronics industry showed that you get a lot of responsibility quickly. Most engineers did not have a PE. I now work in Telecom (sales) and the guys we hire at my company in engineering get thrown in the fire from day 1. Our business unit is smaller ~200 people. We can't afford to hire people and put them on a training program. Most of the folks we hire have a MS degree (MSEE with CS minor).

Don't underestimate the value of a post grad degree and a minor in a complementary field - EE, CS for example if you are going for mechanical.

Regarding the PE & apprenticeship, they come into play more in Civil engineeering work.

Go get your degree - the US will need a huge number of engineers as many foriegn students will start (and have already) moving home as their economies take off. You are doing your patriotic duty! My .02.

Billtx

Posted by: Jon K.---------------------

Looks like a lot of work to get a degree.

As relates to my original post; I can see why the papered engineers went insane!

Posted by: luvtolean---------------------

I'm a mechanical engineer, and though not offered by my university, I have what amounts to a minor in electrical engineering. I currently work in the power semiconductor industry. In general, engineers are trained to be problem solvers. This is why the majority of Fortune 500 company CEOs are engineers of one sort or another. Engineering is IMO the toughest undergrad degree (here come the math and physics people

), and also the most versatile. Everyone knows it's the highest paying bacherlor's degree as a field. (With EEs typically making the most right out of school)

I wanted to be an ME since I was 5 years old or so, well before I knew engineers made good money! It helped me tremendously through college. There was never any doubt, and never any option to quit. Take the EIT in your junior or senior year. It's pretty easy at this time in your educational career. Most MEs never get their PE, in fact, there are good arguments against getting it if you don't plan on any government work. I think HVAC industry ME's need PEs too. Either way, the EIT is a quick easy thing(compared to the PE anyway), and if you do end up needing a PE, you'll be glad you took the EIT back when.

I knew somebody at a company, who got me in for an interview and I started working full time as an engineer 4 months before I graduated. (they were a tough 4 months!) The week after graduation I gave a talk at a technical seminar for our field applications engineers, and then boarded a plane to Europe, alone, for my first customer visit. I'd been telling everyone at work from the first day I liked to give presentations as I personally wanted to be able to travel. I think I also published my first paper within 6 months. I submitted my first patent application in my first year too. It was a simple case of being in the right place at the right time, with the right management. I was able to jump in wide open! In speaking with profs and friends, I know my experience was not exactly normal, but the apprenticeship thing is not really how it's done in the US.

Eric gave you great advice. Get the degree, you must have it to open doors. But after the degree, it's up to you to define yourself as an engineer.

The best advice I can give you is that if you get a job at a company you like, do what you have to to get yourself working on a project that interests you. Work late after completing your "normal" work if you have to. But try to distinguish yourself from your co-workers with some knowledge on a topic nobody else has. This pays big dividends at promotion and lay-off time.

Posted by: douglee25---------------------

I myself graduated with a mechanical engineering degree from Penn State University. WE ARE PENN STATE!!

Anyway.... before I went into college, I had a strong desire to be a auto technician. When I thought about it some more, I decided that the things that I enjoy are better left as hobbies for weekend fun versus a full time job. Although it will vary with every individual, you may come to hate your hobby if you make it a career. Take that for what it's worth.

Career paths are unlimited with an ME degree. As I said before, I wanted to do something with auto mechanics. I attempted to work for GM or other various car companies with my degree, but since they hire such a small group of individuals, I concentrated my efforts elsewhere. I ended up landing a job with The Dial Corporation. You know, the hand soap guys Dial? You do use anti-bacterial soap don't you?

Anyway, I came in as a Process Engineer and have worked there for around 2.5 years. I have just acquired another job with Campbell's Soup. I will be a Packaging Engineer who specializes on their filling/packaging projects.

As you can see, an ME degree could take you to the auto/motorcycle industry, HVAC as mentioned in other posts, or consumer products as mentioned here, etc. The possibilites are endless. As I said though, hobbies are sometimes better left as hobbies. The choice is yours....

Hope this helps

Doug

Posted by: nfisher87---------------------

I think thats the best phrase I've ever heard "Sometimes hobbies are better left as hobbies." With that I've decided to stick with computer sciences as I've been tinkering and experimenting with computers since I was 7. I really appreciate all the insight...now all i gotta do is get rid of my kdx and move up to a 250!

Posted by: Tyler3386---------------------

I've come to the same conclusion. My hobbies have changed through the years and with a ME degree, I'll be able to do alot of things. I'd be perfectly happy working with steel or being a motorcycle mechanic but I can do that on the side and make more money with a better job this way.

Text Version Home

This is the text version of DirtRider.Net Click Here for the Full Version

Mechanical Engineering?

This is the text version of DirtRider.Net
Click Here for the Full Version