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What are the best tactics and techniques to master when it comes to Mechanical Engineering What is the best advice for once I get my degree in Mechanical Engineering, could I also pursue a degree in Automotive Engineering??
As of right now I am a first year student pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and would like to get some tips on what to prepare for in a career in Mechanical Engineering. Also would it be best after I were to get my degree in Mechanical Engineering could I maybe purse a degree in Automotive Engineering, since it was a dream of mine to work on cars. Also what are the similarities between Automotive Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
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Updated
Mayuri’s Answer
From a Mechanical Engineer Who’s Been in Your Shoes:
Great question! As someone who faced this same dilemma 6 years ago, I can confidently say that Mechanical Engineering was the right choice—it gave me the flexibility to pivot into automotive (and other fields) while keeping my options open.
Key Similarities Between Mechanical & Automotive Engineering:
✅ Core Subjects: Thermodynamics, IC Engines, Fluid Mechanics – all fundamental to both fields.
✅ Critical Skills:
Generative Design (optimizing parts for performance/weight)
Manufacturing Knowledge (DFM, DFMEA, GD&T, Tolerance Stack-Up)
Simulations (FEA, CFD, durability testing)
✅ Career Flexibility: With a MechE degree, you can work in automotive, aerospace, energy, and more.
My Advice:
Master the Fundamentals – Strong mechanical engineering skills (like those above) will make transitioning to automotive much easier.
Specialize Later – After your MechE degree, you can:
Take automotive-focused courses/certifications (e.g., hybrid systems, vehicle dynamics)
Pursue a master’s in Automotive Engineering if you still want deeper specialization.
Gain Hands-On Experience – Join Formula SAE, automotive internships, or even personal projects (like engine mods).
Bottom Line: Mechanical Engineering won’t limit your automotive dreams—it’ll empower them. I’ve seen peers succeed in both fields, and the skills are highly transferable.
Happy to share more details if helpful! 🚗⚙️
Great question! As someone who faced this same dilemma 6 years ago, I can confidently say that Mechanical Engineering was the right choice—it gave me the flexibility to pivot into automotive (and other fields) while keeping my options open.
Key Similarities Between Mechanical & Automotive Engineering:
✅ Core Subjects: Thermodynamics, IC Engines, Fluid Mechanics – all fundamental to both fields.
✅ Critical Skills:
Generative Design (optimizing parts for performance/weight)
Manufacturing Knowledge (DFM, DFMEA, GD&T, Tolerance Stack-Up)
Simulations (FEA, CFD, durability testing)
✅ Career Flexibility: With a MechE degree, you can work in automotive, aerospace, energy, and more.
My Advice:
Master the Fundamentals – Strong mechanical engineering skills (like those above) will make transitioning to automotive much easier.
Specialize Later – After your MechE degree, you can:
Take automotive-focused courses/certifications (e.g., hybrid systems, vehicle dynamics)
Pursue a master’s in Automotive Engineering if you still want deeper specialization.
Gain Hands-On Experience – Join Formula SAE, automotive internships, or even personal projects (like engine mods).
Bottom Line: Mechanical Engineering won’t limit your automotive dreams—it’ll empower them. I’ve seen peers succeed in both fields, and the skills are highly transferable.
Happy to share more details if helpful! 🚗⚙️
Updated
Sundar’s Answer
After earning your mechanical degree, you'll find that many jobs involve CAD 3D work. By mastering SolidWorks, you'll open up great opportunities for yourself. To boost your skills even further, consider taking courses in robotics. This will help you work with servo motors and become more versatile in your career. Remember, there are many people with hands-on experience who might seem like mechanical engineers, even if they aren't. So, being quick to learn all electro-mechanical tools will make you stand out and be more effective in your field. Keep pushing yourself, and you'll achieve great things!
Updated
Sergio’s Answer
Hello Ruben,
Please know that you are currently on the right path to pursuing your dream! Mechanical Engineering is a degree that is pivotal and can open many doors in the Automotive Industry.
Since you are early on in your degree, I would suggest to join clubs, such as Formula SAE and ASME to join a network of students with your interests. This can help you to learn how to focus on your academic and career path. These clubs will also give you the skills and qualifications to obtain internships and a career as an Engineer in the Automotive industry. I would also suggest being involved with additive manufacturing and a machine shop, if available at your school, to gain skills to be able to be hands on in your career.
Be open to the potential that you may be interested in different industries and explore courses and clubs that may peak your interest. The reason I say this is from personal experience, I always wanted to be in the Automotive industry as well but learned throughout school that I was very interested in Manufacturing Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, and Data Science/Machine Learning.
As you navigate your academic and career path, I would suggest exploring roles that are hands on, such as Manufacturing Engineering, Test Engineering, Operations Engineering, etc. These roles will allow you to work hands on with shop/operation technicians and even work with manufacturing equipment, such as CNC Machinery.
Good luck with your pursuits!
Please know that you are currently on the right path to pursuing your dream! Mechanical Engineering is a degree that is pivotal and can open many doors in the Automotive Industry.
Since you are early on in your degree, I would suggest to join clubs, such as Formula SAE and ASME to join a network of students with your interests. This can help you to learn how to focus on your academic and career path. These clubs will also give you the skills and qualifications to obtain internships and a career as an Engineer in the Automotive industry. I would also suggest being involved with additive manufacturing and a machine shop, if available at your school, to gain skills to be able to be hands on in your career.
Be open to the potential that you may be interested in different industries and explore courses and clubs that may peak your interest. The reason I say this is from personal experience, I always wanted to be in the Automotive industry as well but learned throughout school that I was very interested in Manufacturing Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, and Data Science/Machine Learning.
As you navigate your academic and career path, I would suggest exploring roles that are hands on, such as Manufacturing Engineering, Test Engineering, Operations Engineering, etc. These roles will allow you to work hands on with shop/operation technicians and even work with manufacturing equipment, such as CNC Machinery.
Good luck with your pursuits!
Updated
Sreedhar’s Answer
Hi Ruben,
I suggest the following
1, Get very good grades in all your classes.
2. Use your good grades in first or first two years of college to get an internship or a co-op (any company would do, but if can impress the top automotive Institute in your San Antonio area, the SWRI, even better).
Good luck!
Sreedhar
I suggest the following
1, Get very good grades in all your classes.
2. Use your good grades in first or first two years of college to get an internship or a co-op (any company would do, but if can impress the top automotive Institute in your San Antonio area, the SWRI, even better).
Good luck!
Sreedhar
Updated
William’s Answer
Dear Ruben,
Your decision to become a mechanical engineer is very commendable. As a qualified mechanical engineer, you will have an opportunity to work in a wide range of industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive & utilities. You can also work in research institutions & teach engineering students.
As a student, you need to get well grounded in the basic principles of the trade: thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, design, solid mechanics/mechanics of machines, materials science/metallurgy & engineering mathematics. Internships during your course will help you to have a hands-on feel of how things work in practice: safety considerations, reliability, maintainability & operability etc. A practical understanding of how parts fit together to generate certain motions that result in product realization truly sets you on a firm ground to success. Understanding the link between process & equipment designs is essential too.
At the level of practice, exposure to best practices is important. One of the key approaches in this regard, not only in aerospace & automotive industries but also in the other manufacturing sectors is Failure Mode Effects & Criticality Analysis. Practical applications include Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) & Fault Tree Analysis (both qualitative & quantitative). Embedded in these are advanced problem solving & reliability studies tools.
The other skills that are important for engineering practice are analytical skills & ability to work in teams. Analytical skills help us interpret drawings & reports, collate & analyze data. Effective teamwork requires good communication, effective conflict resolution & trust.
The other business processes engineers need to be familiar with are planning & execution, inventory management, learning & development. Effective planning & execution promotes productivity & efficiency. Availability of engineering materials & spares reduces the risk of unnecessary stoppages due to outages. Additionally, to be effective & efficient engineering staff must be competent. Engineers need to ensure this happens.
The automotive industry is highly specialized. Knowledge of the peculiarities of the industry is crucial for engineers working in this industry. Additional training may be required & such opportunities should be exploited.
Your decision to become a mechanical engineer is very commendable. As a qualified mechanical engineer, you will have an opportunity to work in a wide range of industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive & utilities. You can also work in research institutions & teach engineering students.
As a student, you need to get well grounded in the basic principles of the trade: thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, design, solid mechanics/mechanics of machines, materials science/metallurgy & engineering mathematics. Internships during your course will help you to have a hands-on feel of how things work in practice: safety considerations, reliability, maintainability & operability etc. A practical understanding of how parts fit together to generate certain motions that result in product realization truly sets you on a firm ground to success. Understanding the link between process & equipment designs is essential too.
At the level of practice, exposure to best practices is important. One of the key approaches in this regard, not only in aerospace & automotive industries but also in the other manufacturing sectors is Failure Mode Effects & Criticality Analysis. Practical applications include Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) & Fault Tree Analysis (both qualitative & quantitative). Embedded in these are advanced problem solving & reliability studies tools.
The other skills that are important for engineering practice are analytical skills & ability to work in teams. Analytical skills help us interpret drawings & reports, collate & analyze data. Effective teamwork requires good communication, effective conflict resolution & trust.
The other business processes engineers need to be familiar with are planning & execution, inventory management, learning & development. Effective planning & execution promotes productivity & efficiency. Availability of engineering materials & spares reduces the risk of unnecessary stoppages due to outages. Additionally, to be effective & efficient engineering staff must be competent. Engineers need to ensure this happens.
The automotive industry is highly specialized. Knowledge of the peculiarities of the industry is crucial for engineers working in this industry. Additional training may be required & such opportunities should be exploited.