2 answers
Kyaw
Student
Gresham, Oregon
3
Questions
Updated
809 views
what kind of support system should if I want to become an automotive engineer and to help me be successful in this field?
I am a Job Corps student and I have some questions.
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2 answers
Jerry Van Norman
Professional Engineer with over 50 years of experience
12
Answers
San Marcos, Texas
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Kyaw,
For automotive engineering you are about 100 years too late. I grew up in Michigan and thought about being an engineer in some area of automobiles. Good thing I got an engineering degree and left the automotive stuff behind. The problem with automotive engineering is that you'd be working for a large company run by bean counters (accountants). You would be just a necessary number, one that could go at any time. Your work would be furthering and evolving the existing designs. Look at todays cars - the trend (evolution) is to electronic and electrical innovation - not mechanical design. The challenge is to get the multiple sensors on all four corners and front to work together so the car can drive itself - electrical, electronic and software.
Look to fields that are growing - like aerospace, satellites, rockets, etc. Or maybe in Industrial, Commercial & Residental building design. I found a place in the design of offshore oil/gas drilling rigs and platforms. The platforms are each designed for a specific location (water depth, sea state, etc.) and must meet the processing requirements (oil/water separation, gas processing and compression, oil and gas pipelines to shore, on-shore processing & storage, etc.). Each platform is a unique design.
The Jobs Corps is a good place to come up with low cost things like water wells, better crops, better ways to move stuff around - not on someones back. The idea is simple & cheap. You will probably carry many of the things you learn into your engineering career.
Best of luck
For automotive engineering you are about 100 years too late. I grew up in Michigan and thought about being an engineer in some area of automobiles. Good thing I got an engineering degree and left the automotive stuff behind. The problem with automotive engineering is that you'd be working for a large company run by bean counters (accountants). You would be just a necessary number, one that could go at any time. Your work would be furthering and evolving the existing designs. Look at todays cars - the trend (evolution) is to electronic and electrical innovation - not mechanical design. The challenge is to get the multiple sensors on all four corners and front to work together so the car can drive itself - electrical, electronic and software.
Look to fields that are growing - like aerospace, satellites, rockets, etc. Or maybe in Industrial, Commercial & Residental building design. I found a place in the design of offshore oil/gas drilling rigs and platforms. The platforms are each designed for a specific location (water depth, sea state, etc.) and must meet the processing requirements (oil/water separation, gas processing and compression, oil and gas pipelines to shore, on-shore processing & storage, etc.). Each platform is a unique design.
The Jobs Corps is a good place to come up with low cost things like water wells, better crops, better ways to move stuff around - not on someones back. The idea is simple & cheap. You will probably carry many of the things you learn into your engineering career.
Best of luck
Paul Iyoha, E.I.T
Research assistant
16
Answers
Lubbock, Texas
Updated
Paul’s Answer
To thrive as an automotive engineer, it's crucial to have a comprehensive support system that covers all facets of your education, career progression, and personal development. Here are the essential elements:
1. **Educational Support:**
- **Formal Education:** Pursue your studies at a respected university with a solid mechanical or automotive engineering program. Make sure the curriculum includes courses related to automotive technology, design, and production.
- **Certifications and Training:** Think about obtaining extra qualifications in automotive engineering, such as those provided by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) or specific software tools like CAD, CATIA, or MATLAB.
- **Continuous Learning:** Keep up with the newest developments in automotive technology by taking online courses, attending workshops, and participating in seminars.
2. **Mentorship:**
- **Academic Mentors:** Establish relationships with teachers and academic advisors who can guide your educational journey and research endeavors.
- **Industry Mentors:** Connect with professionals in the automotive industry who can share valuable insights, offer advice, and present networking opportunities.
3. **Practical Experience:**
- **Internships and Co-ops:** Acquire real-world experience through internships and co-op programs with automotive firms. These experiences provide practical knowledge and could lead to job opportunities.
- **Projects and Competitions:** Engage in engineering projects and contests, like Formula SAE, to put your skills into practice and collaborate with your peers.
4. **Professional Networks:**
- **Industry Associations:** Become a member of professional groups such as SAE International or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). These organizations provide resources, networking events, and conferences.
- **Alumni Networks:** Utilize your university's alumni network to link up with graduates who are now working in the automotive industry.
5. **Technical Skills:**
- **Software Proficiency:** Master industry-standard software tools used for design, simulation, and analysis.
- **Programming Skills:** Acquire programming languages that are relevant to automotive engineering, like C++, Python, or MATLAB, particularly for roles in areas like automotive electronics and autonomous systems.
6. **Soft Skills:**
- **Communication and Teamwork:** Cultivate strong communication and teamwork abilities, as automotive engineering often requires collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
- **Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:** Improve your capacity to tackle intricate engineering issues and critically evaluate design and manufacturing procedures.
7. **Career Services:**
- **University Career Centers:** Take advantage of your university's career services for help with resume creation, interview preparation, and job placement.
- **Job Portals and Recruitment Fairs:** Be proactive in attending job fairs and utilizing job portals tailored to engineering careers to discover employment prospects.
8. **Personal Support:**
- **Family and Friends:** Depend on your personal network for emotional backing and motivation throughout your educational and professional journey.
- **Work-Life Balance:** Uphold a balanced work-life dynamic to ensure your long-term success and well-being in your career.
I wholeheartedly endorse this well-researched response I've given you above, particularly the emphasis on work-life balance. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask! Best of luck!
1. **Educational Support:**
- **Formal Education:** Pursue your studies at a respected university with a solid mechanical or automotive engineering program. Make sure the curriculum includes courses related to automotive technology, design, and production.
- **Certifications and Training:** Think about obtaining extra qualifications in automotive engineering, such as those provided by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) or specific software tools like CAD, CATIA, or MATLAB.
- **Continuous Learning:** Keep up with the newest developments in automotive technology by taking online courses, attending workshops, and participating in seminars.
2. **Mentorship:**
- **Academic Mentors:** Establish relationships with teachers and academic advisors who can guide your educational journey and research endeavors.
- **Industry Mentors:** Connect with professionals in the automotive industry who can share valuable insights, offer advice, and present networking opportunities.
3. **Practical Experience:**
- **Internships and Co-ops:** Acquire real-world experience through internships and co-op programs with automotive firms. These experiences provide practical knowledge and could lead to job opportunities.
- **Projects and Competitions:** Engage in engineering projects and contests, like Formula SAE, to put your skills into practice and collaborate with your peers.
4. **Professional Networks:**
- **Industry Associations:** Become a member of professional groups such as SAE International or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). These organizations provide resources, networking events, and conferences.
- **Alumni Networks:** Utilize your university's alumni network to link up with graduates who are now working in the automotive industry.
5. **Technical Skills:**
- **Software Proficiency:** Master industry-standard software tools used for design, simulation, and analysis.
- **Programming Skills:** Acquire programming languages that are relevant to automotive engineering, like C++, Python, or MATLAB, particularly for roles in areas like automotive electronics and autonomous systems.
6. **Soft Skills:**
- **Communication and Teamwork:** Cultivate strong communication and teamwork abilities, as automotive engineering often requires collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
- **Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:** Improve your capacity to tackle intricate engineering issues and critically evaluate design and manufacturing procedures.
7. **Career Services:**
- **University Career Centers:** Take advantage of your university's career services for help with resume creation, interview preparation, and job placement.
- **Job Portals and Recruitment Fairs:** Be proactive in attending job fairs and utilizing job portals tailored to engineering careers to discover employment prospects.
8. **Personal Support:**
- **Family and Friends:** Depend on your personal network for emotional backing and motivation throughout your educational and professional journey.
- **Work-Life Balance:** Uphold a balanced work-life dynamic to ensure your long-term success and well-being in your career.
I wholeheartedly endorse this well-researched response I've given you above, particularly the emphasis on work-life balance. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask! Best of luck!