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If I become a mechanical engineer, can I become a mechanic ?
I was always apart of a family who worked on cars. I want to continue that but also become a aerospace engineer. I also want to be become a aerospace engineer but I'm not sure which I should be. I don't know if it's reasonable to do both.
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6 answers
Fahad Elahi Khan
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate
44
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Fahad Elahi’s Answer
You can definitely transition from mechanical engineering to working as a mechanic, or even combine the two. Mechanical engineering gives you a solid understanding of how things work, including cars, which can make you a better mechanic with strong problem solving skills. While being a mechanic involves hands-on repair work, engineering focuses on design and innovation. For aerospace, it's a specialized part of mechanical engineering, so you can major in ME and take aerospace electives. Consider working as a mechanic part-time or during summers to keep the family tradition alive, then aim for aerospace jobs. It's completely possible to pursue both interests, as many engineers enjoy working on cars as a hobby or side job.
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Larry’s Answer
Hi Daniel.
I can really relate to your question. All through high school I worked on cars. My friends would bring their cars over and I would work on them, charged a fair price so I had fun and made money. After I graduated high school I went to college and took mechanical engineering because I figured it was all about working on cars; thought I would get easy A's because I was already very familiar with them. I was very wrong. Mechanical engineering doesn't have anything to do with working on cars. It's about understanding everything that goes into designing mechanical things, cars being one of those many things.
The subjects that you have to take to get a mechanical engineering degree (a BSME- Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering) are quite varied. They include lots of math, electricity, chemistry, physics, fluid mechanics, strength of materials, and thermodynamics. While the names of the subjects can be mind numbing to you right now they teach you to understand all of the considerations you will use to design something like a car that will be fast, strong, reliable, cheap, lightweight, good on gas or electricity, and easy to maintain.
While usually the ladder of success (and the amount you get paid) normally goes upward from mechanic to engineer there's no reason you can't achieve your degree first and become a mechanic. That's the way I did it. I eventually became an aircraft mechanic long after I got my mechanical engineering degree. Having an engineering background made learning what I needed to know to repair aircraft much easier, almost intuitive. I really enjoy mechanic work because it's hands on. As an engineer there isn't a lot of hands-on work; it's mostly done on computers through 3-D programs and computer analysis programs. Nothing wrong with that either since it has its' own paths to satisfaction.
I hope this helps. Best of luck to you and your decision.
Regards,
Larry A.
I can really relate to your question. All through high school I worked on cars. My friends would bring their cars over and I would work on them, charged a fair price so I had fun and made money. After I graduated high school I went to college and took mechanical engineering because I figured it was all about working on cars; thought I would get easy A's because I was already very familiar with them. I was very wrong. Mechanical engineering doesn't have anything to do with working on cars. It's about understanding everything that goes into designing mechanical things, cars being one of those many things.
The subjects that you have to take to get a mechanical engineering degree (a BSME- Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering) are quite varied. They include lots of math, electricity, chemistry, physics, fluid mechanics, strength of materials, and thermodynamics. While the names of the subjects can be mind numbing to you right now they teach you to understand all of the considerations you will use to design something like a car that will be fast, strong, reliable, cheap, lightweight, good on gas or electricity, and easy to maintain.
While usually the ladder of success (and the amount you get paid) normally goes upward from mechanic to engineer there's no reason you can't achieve your degree first and become a mechanic. That's the way I did it. I eventually became an aircraft mechanic long after I got my mechanical engineering degree. Having an engineering background made learning what I needed to know to repair aircraft much easier, almost intuitive. I really enjoy mechanic work because it's hands on. As an engineer there isn't a lot of hands-on work; it's mostly done on computers through 3-D programs and computer analysis programs. Nothing wrong with that either since it has its' own paths to satisfaction.
I hope this helps. Best of luck to you and your decision.
Regards,
Larry A.
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi Daniel,
You can always work on cars as a hobby. But if you're asking if going to college for engineering will help you become a mechanic my opinion is probably not.
You can always work on cars as a hobby. But if you're asking if going to college for engineering will help you become a mechanic my opinion is probably not.
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Sundar’s Answer
Becoming a mechanic after earning a degree in mechanical engineering can be a great choice. Your engineering knowledge can help you fix cars more efficiently. Being a mechanic is a hands-on job, and your skills will make you even better at it. If you want to be a mechanic without an engineering degree, that's okay too. You can learn through apprenticeships or at community colleges, where you don't need to focus on math or complex calculations. An associate degree can get you started quickly. Being a mechanic is a rewarding career if you love working with cars and are ready for hands-on work every day. It's a fulfilling way to spend your life doing something you enjoy. But be ready for a hands-on commitment 8 hrs a day for 40 years wrenching and fixing cars with time constraints working at mechanic shops. Hands on work for 40 years is fun too.
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Daniel,
You raise an important issue. Mechanical engineering is quite broad and allows you to pursue a career in the automotive industry, aerospace, manufacturing etc. Within the automotive industry, your role can be in design, manufacturing/production or maintenance of automobiles. Over time, it's possible to develop expertise in all of the mentioned roles. Interest remains a key factor in making such choices. You can also pursue the role of a mechanic as a hobby. For instance, even though my initial training is in mechanical engineering, I've attained professional qualifications in brewing. I've also picked a lot of interest in social engineering, as a hobby, in the last few years. Once potential exists, one can attain multiple qualifications in related or different fields
You raise an important issue. Mechanical engineering is quite broad and allows you to pursue a career in the automotive industry, aerospace, manufacturing etc. Within the automotive industry, your role can be in design, manufacturing/production or maintenance of automobiles. Over time, it's possible to develop expertise in all of the mentioned roles. Interest remains a key factor in making such choices. You can also pursue the role of a mechanic as a hobby. For instance, even though my initial training is in mechanical engineering, I've attained professional qualifications in brewing. I've also picked a lot of interest in social engineering, as a hobby, in the last few years. Once potential exists, one can attain multiple qualifications in related or different fields
Updated
Xiangyang (Chris)’s Answer
Modern cars aren’t just about gears and pistons anymore — they’re packed with electronics. EVs, in fact, are often called “software on wheels.” Having an engineering background really helps you understand how everything works in today’s cars.