Any engineers? Do you like your job??

[SpazmSi]

I went to RPI in NY for one year did well but wound up doing a semester at a community college then enlisting in the AF.

I am toying with starting the Engineering Track again, this time without the 2 jobs or ROTC responsibilities.

I will have to retake a bunch of may math and physics and I would like to know what people are starting at earnigns wise, and if they regret the brain numbing course load??

was it worth it? Any suggestions on majors? Show me the money?? LOL

[sanioll]

Well I am not sure about the money part yet, but currently having a time of my life. Not finished with my 4 year degree yet.

Major is software engineering. I found mechanical engineering a bit too boring so I went the hard way(they say).

Regarding math of course; well other day I realized that I could minor in Math very easily as I have taken well enough math courses. Need only 3 credits in math of 300 level or above. Back in the day I skipped Calculus 3 and went with linear algebra due to scheling conflicts. So yeah, simply calc3 and I've got a minor in math. It is like a stepdown really. Will try to get an A for sure.

I say don't walk but run to finish your degree. Engineer always have jobs.

As for losing brain cells due to the complexity of the material, yes it is true. I was drinking when I had to take physics courses. Lots of relativity, electromagnetic spectrum related problem solving, etc... I remember each problem took about 20-40 minutes to solve.

As an engineer you can create anything you possibly want limited by a physical and natural world. You just have to consider the cost, resources, time.

Try biomedical, electrical or mechanical engiinering. Don't do software engiinering, you will shoot yourself in the head if you do.(after 2 years in college)

[JimmyMethod]

Hah, ME, the 'easy way'? I've been doing transverse shear problems for the last 5 hours... and I'm still nowhere close to being done...it's 3 AM...I have a lot of friends in MSE (Material Science Engineering) and they really like it. IOE, Industrial Operations Engineering (or In and Out Easy) is considered the blowoff engin' major. However, they tend to make the most money. Many go into Business, too, and get MBAs.I don't know about other colleges, but here at UofM, there's an optional engin' course that spends 2 weeks on each of the different types of engineering so you can get a feel for what each does, and the types of problems they solve. My advise would be to apply to an engineering school (you know where I'd recommend *wink wink, nod nod*) and start taking classes in the different fields to find out what you like.

P.S. The amount of money you make should be your last concern. As an engineer, you'll make at LEAST 50k starting, maybe 40, depending on where you live. It's not mind boggling, but it's enough to get by.

[ILikeMy240sx]

3rd year in Engineering at U of Michigan - Ann Arbor. I am getting a BSE in Mechanical Engineering.

Job Experience:Intern at John Deere in their Power Systems division. I worked with Marine and Natural Gas engines and did actual work which was quite hefty but was doable. I liked it alot more than school because in school, I am working 24 hours a day 7 days a week with very little sleep because in Engineering (well atleast ME) the courses get harder and harder and the workload becomes bigger and bigger... so my life sucks right now but I know that when I graduate, I will make $$$$

This winter I am co-oping with Toyota in their Engineering Body Administration division. I hope to get transferred to Powertrain division over the summer.

In short, Engineering is hard work regardless of what engineering it is... IOE, MSE people say is easy but still, its hard compared to LS&A just not as hard as some hardcore things like Aerospace and Mechanical.

Anyways, I like engineering so far... I can't see my self doing anything other than crunching numbers and figuring out useful things.

Nate, if you think ME211 is a pain in the ***, wait till you get to ME382.... that biotch is the biggest pain in the arse...

[thekage]

We have some pretty high rated Engineering schools here in Missouri.. Univeristy of Missouri Rolla.. almost everyone from my high school physics and calc classes went there. Most are making around 55 to 70 starting out now that they graduated. Im so stupid. lol I should have went with them.

[sanioll]

ILikeMy240sx,

before you graduate look out for other minors that you may obtain. Sometimes you end up doing so many math and physics courses that getting a minor becomes too easy.

If I could, I would get a minor in physics too, but that is 3 classes away. In math, requirements for my degree was calc 1-2, abstract math, statistical analysis, linear algebra, discrete math + other small stuff. For physics I have only taken 5 courses of which only 2 gave me headaches.(they were 5 credits each, real pain)

Dammit, I always had an interest in fluid dynamics. Too bad it is not part of software engineering.

[nnkfws333]

Im a software engineer at Lockheed Martin and so far its not bad. I enjoy it at some points but then there are those late nights and stressful projects that got to be finished. I can't see myself doing this for 30 years but definitely enjoy it at the time being. One thing I feel as all engineers are underpayed but one thing is we enjoy what we do. We don't do it for the money but for the creative aspect of things.

If you want money then I would say stick with these majors. Computer, Electrical, and Chemical. Actually CNN did a study that the top 3 paying jobs graduating with a 4 year degree (taking the average) was 1) Computer 2) Chemical 3) Electrical. Location is a big factor as well experience but down here in Orlando starting out as a associate software engineer or electrical they seem to pay 45k to 55k. Thats me talking to my software and electrical buddies.

Now if you go with Civil or Mechanical or Systems, etc. don't expect to make 50k year starting off because they don't. I think my brother started out making 32k as a civil engineer.

[TachyonS14]

I am a 3rd year ME student at Cal Poly Pomona and I love it. I love my engineering courses because all of the people in my classes love the same stuff as I do. Really easy to make friends.

As mentioned, engineers start off pretty well I've been told around 60k starting but it does depend on where you live. Also as said above, many engineers later in life tend to get MBA's and really start making the big bucks.

As far as the course work, not too many classes gave me that much trouble except ME215 (Vector Dynamics) and ME316 (Intermediate Dynamics). Man those classes were a biotch for me.

[SpazmSi]

Hah, ME, the 'easy way'? I've been doing transverse shear problems for the last 5 hours... and I'm still nowhere close to being done...it's 3 AM...I have a lot of friends in MSE (Material Science Engineering) and they really like it. .

I did an MSE undergrad project at RPI when I was there, I liked it a lot, but I was born mecanically motivated.

U of M is tight! I was trying to decide between there, RPI, and Georgia Tech financial aid made my decision lol.

I have been reading alot of posts on this thread and one at NASIOC, and its helped a ton, I am definately headed back to school now, just have to figure out how much I have to retake, Calc 1-3 done but how much is still there??? Physics and statics man so much work down the drain!!!!

[TurboKA37]

im just starting out my engineering education and like it. it is tough but it is the stuff i like doing. ive always been mechanically inclined and cant think of other degrees that would fit me better. i would buch rather spend 5 hours doing math problems than writing a 5 page paper. anyways, i think you should go with whatever you think you will enjoy the most otherwise you wont be happy even if the job does pay well.

[TachyonS14]

i would buch rather spend 5 hours doing math problems than writing a 5 page paper. .

My thoughts exactly. I mean I've never had trouble with english classes, always got A's no problems. But to me writing papers feels like such a chore.

[Tulsa_S-13]

I graduate this year, so I've started looking into colleges and scholarships. Of course I'm mostly looking at in-state colleges. I'd liked to major in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Physics. Currently I'm in Calculus and Physics C, and wow these are probably the best classes I've ever taken. What projects have all of you done? Can I expect to be able to hold a job while working on this degree?

[JedCoop]

Tulsa - look at New Mexico Tech.... very inexpensive to go to, they have discounts for for those who are in region but out of state. If you have good test scores you can add a nearly guaranteed scholoarhip brining the price to below 10K/year. They have a really good reputation for turining out folks that go on to graduate school. But it is an isolated location.

[JedCoop]

I got my Ph.D. in Mechanical, but right now I do mostly software and telecommunications stuff. I really am more of a roving systems engineer where the problem domain is not so important. I have freedom to chase the problems I think are important, fill in for knowledge gaps of other engineers, as well as set future direction and architecture... I am more of a practical version of a Chief Scientist.

And the job is really fun.

I expect to remake my self in a new technical domain every 7 or so years, keep things fresh and interesting. I had some great mentors on the way who knew what they liked about engineering, and luckily helped shed many of the elements I like less and frankly, I am not as good at.

I think Engineering is great! Mechanical engineering is possibly the best because it is a true hard theoretical discipline, but also maps that theory to concrete reality as well as human issues. This is the essence of all systems. CS is either high theory alone, or programming practice, but does not give enough credence to the human side, or that the complexity of information systems have global behaviors that do not map well to the focused analysis of chunks of computer code.

Lots of Engineers end up as managers too. But if you really get into Engineering you can stand out and do well too. Go for it, you have no idea of where it can take you until you get there, but it is worth it.

[Kenrik]

I'm a Graphic Design major we make loads of cash and don't have the mind numbing work/urge to kill oneself... (well except some of the goth kids but they rarely finish the degree anyway) The thing is if you want to do it... you kinda need talent... Just a useless piece information...

[Red coupe]

Looky: zerothread?id=40033

[sanioll]

CS is either high theory alone, or programming practice, but does not give enough credence to the human side, or that the complexity of information systems have global behaviors that do not map well to the focused analysis of chunks of computer code.

JedCoop,

I was wondering if you had the life experience on this. I am a CS major and I do enjoy solving complex problems. I am not much of a coding guy currently, used to be coding for hours though. These days, I usually solve the problem or at least find some easy path to solution and let the team members do most of the coding.

From your own experience which one would be more rewarding path to take, theoretical path or programming practice? I want to be able to pursue my study longer and have fun at it while doing it + financially healthy.

P.S. Special interests of mine are Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence.

[/endOfThreadJack ]

[Bubba1]

My brother is a civil engineer, (BS Lehigh, MS Purdue) soon to retire. He's enjoyed it, but as he's moved up the ladder, he does less and less actual "engineering" stuff and more public relations stuff, which is something not emphasized in science classes.

[Doomed2Walk]

3rd year in Engineering at U of Michigan - Ann Arbor. I am getting a BSE in Mechanical Engineering.

Job Experience:Intern at John Deere in their Power Systems division. I worked with Marine and Natural Gas engines and did actual work which was quite hefty but was doable. I liked it alot more than school because in school, I am working 24 hours a day 7 days a week with very little sleep because in Engineering (well atleast ME) the courses get harder and harder and the workload becomes bigger and bigger... so my life sucks right now but I know that when I graduate, I will make $$$$

This winter I am co-oping with Toyota in their Engineering Body Administration division. I hope to get transferred to Powertrain division over the summer.

In short, Engineering is hard work regardless of what engineering it is... IOE, MSE people say is easy but still, its hard compared to LS&A just not as hard as some hardcore things like Aerospace and Mechanical.

Anyways, I like engineering so far... I can't see my self doing anything other than crunching numbers and figuring out useful things.

Nate, if you think ME211 is a pain in the ***, wait till you get to ME382.... that biotch is the biggest pain in the arse...

Two of my friends interned at John Deere this last summer. lol

[JedCoop]

JedCoop,

I was wondering if you had the life experience on this. I am a CS major and I do enjoy solving complex problems. I am not much of a coding guy currently, used to be coding for hours though. These days, I usually solve the problem or at least find some easy path to solution and let the team members do most of the coding.

From your own experience which one would be more rewarding path to take, theoretical path or programming practice? I want to be able to pursue my study longer and have fun at it while doing it + financially healthy.

P.S. Special interests of mine are Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence.

[/endOfThreadJack ]

Sanioll,

Sounds like a great job. I did a lot of AI stuff in grad school - huge fun to me - in the context of Mechanical CAD systems.

The best combo is learning the serious theory while having practical application for it. I was advised to take formal language theory while I was building a CAD design system. The course was brilliant - it made sense out of the problems I was having, knowing what was impossible to do. By looking at successful system in the past (specifically construct solid geometry underpinnings) I was able to find out how to recast problems so that they are solvable - instead of trying to fit problems into mathematically closed solutions.

I found that knowing coding practices is important for communicating to developers for sure, but those practices are generally associated religious-level feelings about how to do things. It is theory that tells where and why those practices break down. Theory you learn for theory's sake. When you have a task to do, you learn all the tools you need to be successful (like coding practices) anyways. So my answer is both, but the theory will never be learned while problem solving.

Neural Networks are a great tool - be sure you are applying it to the right kind of problem. In my case had a problem and sought out tools to solve it. You can go either way, but you will often have to rethinkg the problem statement to come up with a valuable solution using the tool.

[nnkfws333]

JedCoop,

I was wondering if you had the life experience on this. I am a CS major and I do enjoy solving complex problems. I am not much of a coding guy currently, used to be coding for hours though. These days, I usually solve the problem or at least find some easy path to solution and let the team members do most of the coding.

From your own experience which one would be more rewarding path to take, theoretical path or programming practice? I want to be able to pursue my study longer and have fun at it while doing it + financially healthy.

P.S. Special interests of mine are Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence.

[/endOfThreadJack ]

I think it all depends. I think if you venture out into the real world after getting a 4 years degree in CS then you will start as a coder. They don't jus throw newbs into major projects and expect them to solve complex problems. You will most likely be thrown into a project and maintain and provide future upgrades. Im pretty much a peon worker and code. I solve problems within systems and provide new functionality but nothing to crazy.

I think if you like AI/ Neural Networks, I would stay and finish up my masters and get a PHD where you can focus on one subject. Do some of your own research and development. THen you can go job hunting and do what you like or work for the University to do your special topic. Or get lucky and get into a research and development department for some company but most people in those departments usually have there doctors degree.

If you expect to come out of college with a bachelors and not code but solve problems then good luck. The higher you move up you end up getting out of the technical aspect of it. You more or less end up managing people and projects. You still code but its a lot less. A lot of my supervisors code very little but just give me my assignment, take requirements and create the big picture while us peon coders make it into product.

I hope that helps, Im just stating my opinion on the world as i see it.