Quote:
Originally Posted by a2alexa
A general summary of the advice I'm getting seems to be to spend some free time I may have with a team/volunteering, - basically spend it with FIRST in some way, after prioritising classes and other obligations. It sounds like a pretty good plan. Of course still vastly in the works, as Murphy's Law tends to hold true in every situation that you don't want it to.
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I definitely agree with prioritizing classes first, and I will expand on my view. The world's largest companies (all that I applied to, at least) generally hire from the top 25% of grads from universities, which means that a very large percentage of students graduating with engineering degrees don't actually qualify to work at some of the most sought-after positions available to new grads. Basically, Cs might get degrees... but they don't necessarily get you a job.
With regards to mentoring FIRST, I want to emphasize that I thoroughly enjoy mentoring my kids' FLL team and for FRC, but I don't really see college as a time to mentor - it's a time to learn. From my perspective, college presents [STEM] students with amazing opportunities to learn through projects that require them to grow as engineers and individuals, and that FIRST programs are a stepping stone to. Specific programs that I remember from college (most are still around) include: SAE Formula, SAE Baja, Bridge Building, Solar Decathalon, Solar Car, 1/4 Scale Tractor and 'High efficiency vehicle challenge'. I will reiterate... These are amazing opportunities that I would pick over FIRST mentoring in a heartbeat [while in college].
I personally benefitted from 4+ years on a Solar Car team, during which I put in 4,000+ hours learning and building, made 2/3 of my lifelong friends, consumed 1,200 gal of Mtn Dew (I wish I was joking), and made the connections that led to me being able to pick which job I wanted to take when I graduated. Not to mention... it is where I developed the skills that are worth mentoring others on. I would highly recommend this path to anyone!
-Justin
Playing With Fusion, Inc