2 answers
Isahi
Student
Waukegan, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
280 views
How should I approach this summer to prepare myself for mechanical engineering, or what mindset should I have as I approach my first year of college ?
As my time in high school now comes to an end, I'm now trying to look more into the future and prepare myself for college life. As much as I want to take the proper time to relax this summer and really enjoy myself, I realize mechanical engineering is going to be a difficult major. I was just wondering if there is something I can do, even if its minimal, to help me get stared in persuing my mechanical engineering degree.
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2 answers
Carlos Tiburcio
Senior Program Manager
15
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Carlos’s Answer
Hi Isahi,
Congratulations on taking the next step in your learning journey towards getting your degree!. What I can advice is indeed, take the proper time to relax during summer and if you indeed want to use some time in the summer to learn something about Mechanical engineering, there are great foundational courses online in sites like in Coursera or Udemy. You can take lessons in Coursera without paying (what this site call "auditing" a course) so is not necessary to pay something to see the lectures.
For example, in Coursera.org I found an Introduction to Engineering Mechanics from Georgia Institute of Technology, and there are many courses there related to Mechanical Engineering with different subjects that you can find interesting to take.
With that said, if you come from a STEM formation during high school, I think you don't have to worry much about it as surely you already have a good foundation in math and algebra or calculus and the first lectures in your mechanical engineering degree will take from there and give you what you need to succeed in your degree. If you come from a different formation in high school, then yes it would be convenient to take an online math or algebra course related to engineering, which you can also find in these sites like Coursera, Udemy or edX.
A particular advice is that in Udemy, their courses are generally good and they often run sale offers on courses that only costs like 10 USD for the whole course, so maybe that's another option. But definitely you can see Coursera courses at no cost and also there are good lectures from Harvard in Youtube for free.
Good luck!
Congratulations on taking the next step in your learning journey towards getting your degree!. What I can advice is indeed, take the proper time to relax during summer and if you indeed want to use some time in the summer to learn something about Mechanical engineering, there are great foundational courses online in sites like in Coursera or Udemy. You can take lessons in Coursera without paying (what this site call "auditing" a course) so is not necessary to pay something to see the lectures.
For example, in Coursera.org I found an Introduction to Engineering Mechanics from Georgia Institute of Technology, and there are many courses there related to Mechanical Engineering with different subjects that you can find interesting to take.
With that said, if you come from a STEM formation during high school, I think you don't have to worry much about it as surely you already have a good foundation in math and algebra or calculus and the first lectures in your mechanical engineering degree will take from there and give you what you need to succeed in your degree. If you come from a different formation in high school, then yes it would be convenient to take an online math or algebra course related to engineering, which you can also find in these sites like Coursera, Udemy or edX.
A particular advice is that in Udemy, their courses are generally good and they often run sale offers on courses that only costs like 10 USD for the whole course, so maybe that's another option. But definitely you can see Coursera courses at no cost and also there are good lectures from Harvard in Youtube for free.
Good luck!
Thank you so much for your advice! I'll for sure look into Coursera.
Isahi
Marco de Carvalho
Professor
8
Answers
Curitiba
Updated
Marco’s Answer
Isahi, as you approach this summer and your first year of college, let me share a perspective inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s wisdom: rather than focusing solely on tasks or technical preparation, try to ignite in yourself a vision of the vast possibilities that mechanical engineering can offer.
Imagine the immense horizons of innovation, the power of machines that shape our world, and the beauty of solving complex challenges that touch lives—from the engines that drive progress to the systems that sustain comfort, like the HVAC systems you’ve already explored. Let this image of the vast sea of engineering inspire you to become a great mechanical engineer, not by checking boxes, but by chasing curiosity and dreaming big.
To cultivate this mindset and prepare minimally but meaningfully this summer, here are a few resources and activities to explore:
- Read Inspiring Stories: dive into books like “The Wright Brothers” by David McCullough to see how vision and persistence in engineering can change the world, or “Engineering in the Ancient World” by J.G. Landels to appreciate the timeless ingenuity of mechanical design.
- Watch Documentaries and Talks: look for documentaries on engineering marvels like the Panama Canal or TED Talks by engineers who share their passion, such as those on YouTube from organizations like ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers).
- Engage with Hands-On Projects: even small projects can spark inspiration. Try building a simple machine (like a model engine or a robotic arm) using kits available online or at local makerspaces. Websites like Instructables or GrabCAD can provide ideas and designs.
- Connect with Mentors: reach out to engineers in your network, like those at your HVAC internship, or join online forums like Reddit’s r/AskEngineers or LinkedIn groups to hear their stories and advice.
- Explore Nature and Technology: take time to observe how mechanical principles work in the world around you—whether it’s a bicycle's mechanics, a bird's aerodynamics, or the summer breeze's thermodynamics. Let these observations fuel your wonder.
This summer, balance relaxation with moments of inspiration. When you start college, carry this mindset: see yourself not just as a student of engineering, but as a future creator of solutions, inspired by the vastness of what you can achieve. That vision will guide you through the challenges and make your journey fulfilling.
Imagine the immense horizons of innovation, the power of machines that shape our world, and the beauty of solving complex challenges that touch lives—from the engines that drive progress to the systems that sustain comfort, like the HVAC systems you’ve already explored. Let this image of the vast sea of engineering inspire you to become a great mechanical engineer, not by checking boxes, but by chasing curiosity and dreaming big.
To cultivate this mindset and prepare minimally but meaningfully this summer, here are a few resources and activities to explore:
- Read Inspiring Stories: dive into books like “The Wright Brothers” by David McCullough to see how vision and persistence in engineering can change the world, or “Engineering in the Ancient World” by J.G. Landels to appreciate the timeless ingenuity of mechanical design.
- Watch Documentaries and Talks: look for documentaries on engineering marvels like the Panama Canal or TED Talks by engineers who share their passion, such as those on YouTube from organizations like ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers).
- Engage with Hands-On Projects: even small projects can spark inspiration. Try building a simple machine (like a model engine or a robotic arm) using kits available online or at local makerspaces. Websites like Instructables or GrabCAD can provide ideas and designs.
- Connect with Mentors: reach out to engineers in your network, like those at your HVAC internship, or join online forums like Reddit’s r/AskEngineers or LinkedIn groups to hear their stories and advice.
- Explore Nature and Technology: take time to observe how mechanical principles work in the world around you—whether it’s a bicycle's mechanics, a bird's aerodynamics, or the summer breeze's thermodynamics. Let these observations fuel your wonder.
This summer, balance relaxation with moments of inspiration. When you start college, carry this mindset: see yourself not just as a student of engineering, but as a future creator of solutions, inspired by the vastness of what you can achieve. That vision will guide you through the challenges and make your journey fulfilling.
Marco, thank you so much for this new perspective and mindset in pursuing a field in engineering! I will try to follow this advice to the best of my ability.
Isahi