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What prerequisites are fundamental to Mechatronics/Electronics Engineering?
It is most appreciated if answers particularly tackle accumulative skill sets, boosting one’s academic competency, future job trajectories, valuable resources, and needed psychological/ideological compass relative to attaining the mentioned courses. Additionally, sharing experiences can do. Much thanks in advance :)
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6 answers
Updated
Luis’s Answer
Hey there! Listen, life’s all about finding that thing, you know, that thing that really lights you up inside. It’s out there, trust me. Don’t get stuck in a job you hate, that’s no way to live.
It might feel tough trying to figure out what your future self will thank you for, but start with what you’re into right now. What gets you going? What do you find yourself getting lost in? Build on that! There are tons of resources out there – classes, workshops, you name it – to help you level up your skills.
And hey, internships and career fairs? Gold mines! You get the inside scoop on what a job is really like.
Take me, for example. I landed at Verizon through friends over 20 years ago – back in the early Fios days. Started as a Fiber Splicer, loved it! But eventually, I craved a new challenge. So, I switched to installation and basically installed everything Verizon uses. Now? I’m designing transport networks – the perfect mix of office and home life.
My point is, it’s been a journey, and it took some work to get here. Could I have gotten here faster? Maybe. But I was always focused on rocking my current role.
So, here’s my two cents: be happy where you are now. It helps you stay grounded, positive about the future, and shows everyone you’re a team player. And here’s the big one: you won’t get the job you don’t go for. Apply for everything – training, challenges, volunteer gigs – all those experiences add up and shape you in ways you won’t believe.
You got this! Have an awesome day!
Skills & Knowledge:
Strong foundation in mathematics: Calculus (single & multivariable), differential equations, linear algebra are crucial for understanding core concepts.
Physics fundamentals: Mechanics, electricity & magnetism, thermodynamics provide the basis for many engineering principles.
Computer Science basics: Programming languages like C/C++, Python are essential for control systems, simulations, and data analysis.
Basic electronics: Understanding of circuits, components (resistors, capacitors, transistors), and their behavior is fundamental.
Boosting Academic Competency:
Active learning: Go beyond memorization, strive to understand the “why” behind concepts.
Practice consistently: Solve problems regularly to solidify your understanding and develop problem-solving skills.
Seek help when needed: Don’t hesitate to approach professors, TAs, or classmates for clarification.
Explore beyond the curriculum: Participate in projects, competitions, or online courses to gain practical experience.
Future Job Trajectories:
Mechatronics/Electronics Engineering opens doors to diverse fields like:
Robotics & Automation
Consumer Electronics
Automotive Industry
Aerospace Engineering
Renewable Energy
Biomedical Engineering
Valuable Resources:
Textbooks: Your primary source of knowledge, choose well-regarded authors in the field.
Online learning platforms: Coursera, edX, Udemy offer courses to supplement your learning.
Professional organizations: IEEE, ASME provide access to journals, conferences, and networking opportunities.
Open-source hardware/software: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and similar platforms offer hands-on experience.
Psychological/Ideological Compass:
Curiosity & Problem-solving: A passion for understanding how things work and finding solutions is essential.
Persistence & Resilience: Engineering can be challenging, setbacks are part of the learning process.
Adaptability & Continuous Learning: Technology evolves rapidly, embrace lifelong learning to stay relevant.
Ethical Responsibility: Consider the societal and environmental impact of your work.
It might feel tough trying to figure out what your future self will thank you for, but start with what you’re into right now. What gets you going? What do you find yourself getting lost in? Build on that! There are tons of resources out there – classes, workshops, you name it – to help you level up your skills.
And hey, internships and career fairs? Gold mines! You get the inside scoop on what a job is really like.
Take me, for example. I landed at Verizon through friends over 20 years ago – back in the early Fios days. Started as a Fiber Splicer, loved it! But eventually, I craved a new challenge. So, I switched to installation and basically installed everything Verizon uses. Now? I’m designing transport networks – the perfect mix of office and home life.
My point is, it’s been a journey, and it took some work to get here. Could I have gotten here faster? Maybe. But I was always focused on rocking my current role.
So, here’s my two cents: be happy where you are now. It helps you stay grounded, positive about the future, and shows everyone you’re a team player. And here’s the big one: you won’t get the job you don’t go for. Apply for everything – training, challenges, volunteer gigs – all those experiences add up and shape you in ways you won’t believe.
You got this! Have an awesome day!
Skills & Knowledge:
Strong foundation in mathematics: Calculus (single & multivariable), differential equations, linear algebra are crucial for understanding core concepts.
Physics fundamentals: Mechanics, electricity & magnetism, thermodynamics provide the basis for many engineering principles.
Computer Science basics: Programming languages like C/C++, Python are essential for control systems, simulations, and data analysis.
Basic electronics: Understanding of circuits, components (resistors, capacitors, transistors), and their behavior is fundamental.
Boosting Academic Competency:
Active learning: Go beyond memorization, strive to understand the “why” behind concepts.
Practice consistently: Solve problems regularly to solidify your understanding and develop problem-solving skills.
Seek help when needed: Don’t hesitate to approach professors, TAs, or classmates for clarification.
Explore beyond the curriculum: Participate in projects, competitions, or online courses to gain practical experience.
Future Job Trajectories:
Mechatronics/Electronics Engineering opens doors to diverse fields like:
Robotics & Automation
Consumer Electronics
Automotive Industry
Aerospace Engineering
Renewable Energy
Biomedical Engineering
Valuable Resources:
Textbooks: Your primary source of knowledge, choose well-regarded authors in the field.
Online learning platforms: Coursera, edX, Udemy offer courses to supplement your learning.
Professional organizations: IEEE, ASME provide access to journals, conferences, and networking opportunities.
Open-source hardware/software: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and similar platforms offer hands-on experience.
Psychological/Ideological Compass:
Curiosity & Problem-solving: A passion for understanding how things work and finding solutions is essential.
Persistence & Resilience: Engineering can be challenging, setbacks are part of the learning process.
Adaptability & Continuous Learning: Technology evolves rapidly, embrace lifelong learning to stay relevant.
Ethical Responsibility: Consider the societal and environmental impact of your work.
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Besides the earlier advice, it’s also a good idea to explore software engineering. Personally, I moved into telecommunications engineering, focusing on software support. My job involves fixing system issues that arise when field reports are entered into computer programs for planning, labor allocation, and material purchases. In mechatronics, you’ll have the chance to design machines that do the work, but you’ll also need to handle the software that controls how these machines operate.
I believe in staying curious. As systems evolve and technology grows, I try to keep myself motivated to stay updated with the changes.
I believe in staying curious. As systems evolve and technology grows, I try to keep myself motivated to stay updated with the changes.
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hey JB! To succeed in Mechatronics or Electronics Engineering, a strong foundation in math and physics is essential, especially in areas like calculus, algebra, and mechanics. Building cumulative skills in programming, circuit design, and systems thinking will boost your academic and professional edge. Staying curious, learning to problem-solve creatively, and being okay with trial and error are just as important as technical knowledge. Use resources like Arduino kits, online platforms, or open-source projects to gain hands-on experience and explore your interests. Keep a mindset that embraces challenges as learning opportunities and you’ll be amazed at how far your passion and persistence can take you. Good luck!
Updated
Zackary’s Answer
The best things to focus on, if you are looking to do engineering of any kind is math. First this is the foundation for all engineering. Second for electrical engineering most of the classes you take are really just specialized math classes. I have a degree in electrical engineering and spent the majority of my time in collage learning math and then learning how to apply math to things like programing and algorithms. If you love learning and applying math you will love EE!
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Key requirements for Mechatronics/Electronics Engineering usually involve:
Mathematics: Build a strong base in calculus (both single and multivariable), differential equations, linear algebra, and complex numbers. With dedication, you can master these topics!
Physics: Gain a solid grasp of classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and basic thermodynamics. Your efforts will pay off in understanding how things work!
Computer Science: Become skilled in at least one programming language such as C/C++ or Python, and learn data structures and algorithms. With practice, you'll become proficient in no time!
Mathematics: Build a strong base in calculus (both single and multivariable), differential equations, linear algebra, and complex numbers. With dedication, you can master these topics!
Physics: Gain a solid grasp of classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and basic thermodynamics. Your efforts will pay off in understanding how things work!
Computer Science: Become skilled in at least one programming language such as C/C++ or Python, and learn data structures and algorithms. With practice, you'll become proficient in no time!
Updated
Eric’s Answer
I agree with Sneha. Building a strong foundation in calculus and physics will set you up for success in electrical engineering. If you're interested in mechatronics, having a grasp of basic mechanical engineering will also be very beneficial. Keep going, you're on the right path!