5 answers
Edgar
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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How do I become a mechanical engineer when I grow up?
I would like to know if mechanical engineering is the right fit for me .my father is a mechanic so I have always been around tools. I do tend to get sidetracked easily so I sounder if that will make it harder to be a mechanic engineer. Is there any certain characteristic I have or should be learning to have? I go to Crane middle school. I am seventh grader I’m about to finish my year and in eighth grade. I also would like to know if there’s any thing I could do to succeed in being a mechanic engineer at this age. I also would like to know if there’s any pros and cons of this job and if there’s anything I should be worried about or not worried about. Thank you for your time.
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5 answers
Fahad Elahi Khan
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate
66
Answers
Chittagong, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Fahad Elahi’s Answer
Mechanical engineering could be a perfect fit for you, especially since you've grown up around tools with your dad being a mechanic. This hands-on experience gives you a great head start. Many successful mechanical engineers begin with a natural curiosity about how things work, and your background likely means you have a good understanding of mechanics, which is important in this field.
Mechanical engineering combines practical skills with math, physics, and design to create or improve machines, vehicles, robots, and energy systems. It's about designing and innovating new systems, not just fixing things. If you love solving problems, figuring out why things work, and imagining better ways to build, this could be a great path for you.
If you find yourself getting sidetracked easily, don't worry—it's common, especially in middle school. Many engineers are creative and curious, which can sometimes look like getting distracted. The key is learning to focus your energy. You can improve concentration by breaking tasks into smaller parts and working on projects that interest you.
In engineering, being curious about many things is a strength. Successful engineers often juggle ideas but learn to stay organized and finish what they start. If you feel like it's a big issue, talking to a school counselor can help with strategies.
Traits that help in mechanical engineering include curiosity, problem-solving skills, creativity, attention to detail, persistence, teamwork, and a strong interest in math and science. You don't need to be perfect at all of these now; you can develop them over time through school and projects.
Here’s what you can do now to succeed:
1. Focus on math and science classes.
2. Ask for challenging work if classes feel easy.
3. Get hands-on experience by helping your dad or building simple projects.
4. Join clubs or activities like robotics or STEM clubs.
5. Explore coding basics with free online resources.
6. Read or watch engineering-related content.
7. Build good study habits.
In high school, aim to take advanced math and science courses and explore electives like computer science or robotics. This will help you get into good college engineering programs.
Being a mechanical engineer has many benefits, like great pay, strong job prospects, and the chance to work in various fields. You can make a tangible impact by designing things people use every day. Most jobs only require a bachelor's degree, and hands-on experience is a big plus.
However, the field can be challenging in college with heavy math and physics, and some jobs can be demanding. But if you're motivated and build good habits now, it's manageable and rewarding for those who love building and solving real problems.
You're already on a strong path with your background, so keep exploring, ask questions, and enjoy the journey!
Mechanical engineering combines practical skills with math, physics, and design to create or improve machines, vehicles, robots, and energy systems. It's about designing and innovating new systems, not just fixing things. If you love solving problems, figuring out why things work, and imagining better ways to build, this could be a great path for you.
If you find yourself getting sidetracked easily, don't worry—it's common, especially in middle school. Many engineers are creative and curious, which can sometimes look like getting distracted. The key is learning to focus your energy. You can improve concentration by breaking tasks into smaller parts and working on projects that interest you.
In engineering, being curious about many things is a strength. Successful engineers often juggle ideas but learn to stay organized and finish what they start. If you feel like it's a big issue, talking to a school counselor can help with strategies.
Traits that help in mechanical engineering include curiosity, problem-solving skills, creativity, attention to detail, persistence, teamwork, and a strong interest in math and science. You don't need to be perfect at all of these now; you can develop them over time through school and projects.
Here’s what you can do now to succeed:
1. Focus on math and science classes.
2. Ask for challenging work if classes feel easy.
3. Get hands-on experience by helping your dad or building simple projects.
4. Join clubs or activities like robotics or STEM clubs.
5. Explore coding basics with free online resources.
6. Read or watch engineering-related content.
7. Build good study habits.
In high school, aim to take advanced math and science courses and explore electives like computer science or robotics. This will help you get into good college engineering programs.
Being a mechanical engineer has many benefits, like great pay, strong job prospects, and the chance to work in various fields. You can make a tangible impact by designing things people use every day. Most jobs only require a bachelor's degree, and hands-on experience is a big plus.
However, the field can be challenging in college with heavy math and physics, and some jobs can be demanding. But if you're motivated and build good habits now, it's manageable and rewarding for those who love building and solving real problems.
You're already on a strong path with your background, so keep exploring, ask questions, and enjoy the journey!
Josep Antonio Perez
Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer
17
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Josep Antonio ’s Answer
Ask yourself, do you enjoy working with the tools that you have always been around? If the answer is yes, then mechanical engineering would be a good field for you to pursue. The first step would be to get into an accredited university of your choice then graduate with a four year degree or graduate degree in engineering. There is many engineering disciplines so do some research on careers that interest you.
While you are in school now, ensure that you obtain good grades in courses such as math, physics and other science courses as these are the building blocks of engineering. Since you have worked on cars in the past try to think of tools that would save you time, or make a process easier to complete. Then try to build or implement the tool you created, begin simple then work your way up towards more difficult problems. This would be an example of an engineering micro project you can complete. Any engineering job will have more advantages than disadvantages.
While you are in school now, ensure that you obtain good grades in courses such as math, physics and other science courses as these are the building blocks of engineering. Since you have worked on cars in the past try to think of tools that would save you time, or make a process easier to complete. Then try to build or implement the tool you created, begin simple then work your way up towards more difficult problems. This would be an example of an engineering micro project you can complete. Any engineering job will have more advantages than disadvantages.
Chris Gerding
Consult on risk management
9
Answers
Manheim, Pennsylvania
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Edgar, the exposure to tools is a great start to almost any profession- not enough people have this.
Your ability to avoid sidetracking may come naturally with age, or it may come when you develop a real interest in something. That could be plants, medicine, animals, or sports. It might also be engineering.
At this early point, I would suggest conscious exposure to several aspects of engineering- analysis, design, and test. A home project, a school assignment, a club project…. Whatever. Try to design something under the guidance of an experienced expert. Note what goes into the design - what requirements, specifications, calculations, cost estimates , etc. get that experience and others…. do you learn by doing? Do you find some tasks boring? Exciting? Why is that?
You will soon have more control over your school electives. See if you relate to more scientific, economic, or logical courses.
Your ability to avoid sidetracking may come naturally with age, or it may come when you develop a real interest in something. That could be plants, medicine, animals, or sports. It might also be engineering.
At this early point, I would suggest conscious exposure to several aspects of engineering- analysis, design, and test. A home project, a school assignment, a club project…. Whatever. Try to design something under the guidance of an experienced expert. Note what goes into the design - what requirements, specifications, calculations, cost estimates , etc. get that experience and others…. do you learn by doing? Do you find some tasks boring? Exciting? Why is that?
You will soon have more control over your school electives. See if you relate to more scientific, economic, or logical courses.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
240
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Edgar,
Thank you for this query. It's true that you can become a mechanical engineer if you seriously put your mind to it.
To become an engineer, there are important subjects you need to be good at, especially in high school. The most important among them are mathematics and physics. Others include chemistry, computer applications, graphics & design.
All engineering courses are quite involving. Commitment, diligence, attention to detail, curiosity, perseverance, passion, willingnesss to take risks are some of the important personal qualities that help you to succeed.
Mechanical engineering can be studied in it's own right. It can also help you to specialize in such fields as automotive engineering. Opportunities are available in such areas as maintenance, design, production/manufacturing, utilities, research & development, consulting etc.
To succeed, you need to be competent in what you do. Knowledge provides the foundation for competence. You need to be able to put this knowledge and other resources at your disposal to good use. For this you need skills. Important skills include the ability to: plan, schedule & execute work, identify & resolve problems, collect, analyze & critically evaluate information, communicate effectively and effectively work in teams.
Mechanical engineering work always has inherent risks: lifting heavy objects that can cause back injuries, working on moving parts that can cause serious injuries - sometimes fatal ones, hot work (welding, heating/cutting with gas) that can result in fires, working in confined spaces that can result in suffocation due to lack of air or existence of harmful gases, incorrect use of tools can cause injuries etc.
To be able to work safely, an effective occupational health and safety system needs to be in place. Such a system should provide for the identification of hazards and development of control measures to either eliminate or significantly minimize the impact of incidents arising from these hazards. Some of these measures come in the form of procedures. Electronic testing of presence of harmful gases in confined spaces is a procedural requirement. Guarding of moving parts is another important safety measure. Machine doors are usually interlocked with prime movers (motors) so that the machine stops when any of it's doors is opened. This ensures safe access by people handling the machine. Lock-out (isolation) of energy sources (electric, fluid pressure, loaded springs) is important when carrying out maintenance work. Correct personal protective equipment (PPEs) are specified in procedures when required.
To ensure a safe and risk-free work environment, compliance is essential. Effective supervision and rigorous audits ensure this happens. Progressively, a safety culture is established.
Thank you for this query. It's true that you can become a mechanical engineer if you seriously put your mind to it.
To become an engineer, there are important subjects you need to be good at, especially in high school. The most important among them are mathematics and physics. Others include chemistry, computer applications, graphics & design.
All engineering courses are quite involving. Commitment, diligence, attention to detail, curiosity, perseverance, passion, willingnesss to take risks are some of the important personal qualities that help you to succeed.
Mechanical engineering can be studied in it's own right. It can also help you to specialize in such fields as automotive engineering. Opportunities are available in such areas as maintenance, design, production/manufacturing, utilities, research & development, consulting etc.
To succeed, you need to be competent in what you do. Knowledge provides the foundation for competence. You need to be able to put this knowledge and other resources at your disposal to good use. For this you need skills. Important skills include the ability to: plan, schedule & execute work, identify & resolve problems, collect, analyze & critically evaluate information, communicate effectively and effectively work in teams.
Mechanical engineering work always has inherent risks: lifting heavy objects that can cause back injuries, working on moving parts that can cause serious injuries - sometimes fatal ones, hot work (welding, heating/cutting with gas) that can result in fires, working in confined spaces that can result in suffocation due to lack of air or existence of harmful gases, incorrect use of tools can cause injuries etc.
To be able to work safely, an effective occupational health and safety system needs to be in place. Such a system should provide for the identification of hazards and development of control measures to either eliminate or significantly minimize the impact of incidents arising from these hazards. Some of these measures come in the form of procedures. Electronic testing of presence of harmful gases in confined spaces is a procedural requirement. Guarding of moving parts is another important safety measure. Machine doors are usually interlocked with prime movers (motors) so that the machine stops when any of it's doors is opened. This ensures safe access by people handling the machine. Lock-out (isolation) of energy sources (electric, fluid pressure, loaded springs) is important when carrying out maintenance work. Correct personal protective equipment (PPEs) are specified in procedures when required.
To ensure a safe and risk-free work environment, compliance is essential. Effective supervision and rigorous audits ensure this happens. Progressively, a safety culture is established.
Larry Apfel
Aircraft Mechanic
30
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Hi Edgar. My name is Larry. You have some really good questions about your future and this is a good time to ask them.
First of all, mechanical engineering will not have much to do with being a mechanic or working on cars. Mechanic work (using tools to fix things) is a technician job which usually requires less academic work. Mechanical engineering is more about figuring out how to design things. You'll need to learn about lots of different things such as different materials and why you would use one material versus another. For example, you would want to use plastic if you were designing something for a high temperature application. You would need to learn physics to understand the forces involved when you force things to move, twist, or spin. If something you're designing spins, you would need to understand about vibrations and how to make something that would survive spinning many revolutions while driving something on the other end.
If you're good (or interested) in math and science, then it will be easier for you. Classes in college for mechanical engineering (or any engineering really) will require you to take many math courses, some chemistry, physics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and other things. Don't let the weird course names scare you; you will become accustomed to the "engineering language" over a period of years.
I would start thinking about engineering as a choice more when you're a junior in high school. Take AP classes in math, chemistry, and physics. AP (which stands for Advanced Placement) allows you to earn college credit while you're still in high school. This does 2 things for you. The first is you get a preview into the difficulty level of the classes you'll be taking in college and secondly, you will earn college credit which will save you money (you'll have to take fewer classes in college).
Engineering pays more money than what you would make as a mechanic. You won't get your hands dirty or have to work outside in the weather. You'll work indoors most likely on a computer and if you're lucky, you'll work as part of a team of engineers who will design something that you'll get to build and test. I hope this helps you as you get started on your future. Whatever you decide to do I'm sure you will be successful. You're asking questions about a career and you're still in middle school. That tells me a lot about your character. I know you are going to do well.
Best wishes to you,
Larry A.
First of all, mechanical engineering will not have much to do with being a mechanic or working on cars. Mechanic work (using tools to fix things) is a technician job which usually requires less academic work. Mechanical engineering is more about figuring out how to design things. You'll need to learn about lots of different things such as different materials and why you would use one material versus another. For example, you would want to use plastic if you were designing something for a high temperature application. You would need to learn physics to understand the forces involved when you force things to move, twist, or spin. If something you're designing spins, you would need to understand about vibrations and how to make something that would survive spinning many revolutions while driving something on the other end.
If you're good (or interested) in math and science, then it will be easier for you. Classes in college for mechanical engineering (or any engineering really) will require you to take many math courses, some chemistry, physics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and other things. Don't let the weird course names scare you; you will become accustomed to the "engineering language" over a period of years.
I would start thinking about engineering as a choice more when you're a junior in high school. Take AP classes in math, chemistry, and physics. AP (which stands for Advanced Placement) allows you to earn college credit while you're still in high school. This does 2 things for you. The first is you get a preview into the difficulty level of the classes you'll be taking in college and secondly, you will earn college credit which will save you money (you'll have to take fewer classes in college).
Engineering pays more money than what you would make as a mechanic. You won't get your hands dirty or have to work outside in the weather. You'll work indoors most likely on a computer and if you're lucky, you'll work as part of a team of engineers who will design something that you'll get to build and test. I hope this helps you as you get started on your future. Whatever you decide to do I'm sure you will be successful. You're asking questions about a career and you're still in middle school. That tells me a lot about your character. I know you are going to do well.
Best wishes to you,
Larry A.