Automotive Engineering
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From: St. Peter
Automotive Engineering
I'm planning on going to college to get a degree in this field. Good choice? Turn back before its too late? No jobs availible? Go for it, you'll be rich? Thought engineers were only on trains? What do you all think? I love experimenting with things and tinkering and learning things. What is the job market like in this field? Whats the average salary? anyone know the answeres to these questions? Thanks alot! also, any good things to get into concerning this field. Like take classes on CNC, learn how to draw good, speak 2 languages, learn how to use left handed hammers?
Last edited by Peter94; May 28, 2006 at 10:23 PM.
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From: Pittsburgh
What I'm doing right now is getting a degree in Mechanical Engineering. From what I hear, once you get your bachelor's in ME, you're pretty much at the same level as everyone else until you get your doctorate. Having an ME degree instead of an AE degree leaves you open to alot of career paths, and most companies are going to shape you the way they want anyways.
As far as career info goes, starting salary ranges from 40k-60k right now, should go up by about 10-15k in the time it takes to graduate. They'll teach you all about drawing and CAD and all that. Learning a second language is always a good thing. And, engineers are always in demand, maybe not in the exact field you want, but keep an open mind, and you'll find something you like.
As far as career info goes, starting salary ranges from 40k-60k right now, should go up by about 10-15k in the time it takes to graduate. They'll teach you all about drawing and CAD and all that. Learning a second language is always a good thing. And, engineers are always in demand, maybe not in the exact field you want, but keep an open mind, and you'll find something you like.
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From: St. Peter
I know with the automotive engineer major, you get a minor of some sort automatically, like mechanical engineering i think. I'm pretty sure thats what they guy said....i'll have to check on that one. BUt thanks for the info, its much appreciated
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From: Pittsburgh
Calc 3, really isn't that hard. Most of the math stuff is really easy once you learn the concept behind it. I'm taking fluid dynamics right now, and most of it really is common sense. Want some fun classes, look at Applied Thermodynamics & Finite Element Analysis, lol.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
You won't be getting rich but probably satisfying work.
Go to a SEMA show and collect business cards of possible future employers. More creative work available there than working for the major manufacturers. Go with a big company but stay away from giant companies.
Get a business degree too so you can be a CEO someday.
Go to a SEMA show and collect business cards of possible future employers. More creative work available there than working for the major manufacturers. Go with a big company but stay away from giant companies.
Get a business degree too so you can be a CEO someday.
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Mechanical engineering is a good field to go into, opens up into just about anything. Everything else is a bit more specialized and might be a bit more limited...i.e., I work in aircraft. Many of the engineers are actually mechanical engineers, not aerospace. The principles behind designing cars and planes are the same--stresses, forces, strengths, etc.
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From: Running Springs CA
I have worked as an engineer in aerospace for 25 years. The real demand is for software engineers. My major was ME, but most of my work has been in software, not mechanical design or analysis. My EE classes actually have proven more valuable on the job due to the kind of logic and reasoning learned. Once you are hired, then you can look at what specialties interest you. It is too early when you are still in school. For example, in big companies, detail parts designers do not do stress calculations, loads, weights, manufacturing processes , etc. A small company environment might be better for a first job so that you get more responsibility sooner.
Jim
Jim
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