Attention engineers...What type are you and why?

[Paul Copioli]

I am a mechanical engineer.

I received my Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) in Aeronautical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy, a Master's of Science (M.S.) degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan.

My first job was for the U.S. Air Force doing wind tunnel testing for what is now known as the F-22 at Wright-Patterson AFB. After receiving my Master's degree, I worked for Lockheed-Martin in Sunnyvale, Ca. doing spacecraft design for the Air Force. I was transferred from Sunnyvale to Denver, Co. to work on NASA spacecraft; specifically, the Stardust Mission propulsion system design. Missing the MidWest, I came back to Michigan to work for FANUC Robotics (my current job). I have been with FANUC for 7 years and I love every minute of it!

My typical day is much like Andy's, except I do a lot of mechanical and dynamic analysis of robot motion in addition to design work. I also get to test new robot developments for dynamic stability and accuracy. Lately, I have been able to finally use my fluid dynamics knowledge acquired while attaining my Aerospace degree because our group has been doing paint applicator development. We now develop the robots and the painting systems to paint automobile interiors and exteriors.

I have known since I was about 12 that I wanted to make complicated mechanisms. I, like Andy, wasn't into the electrical side of things so mechanical engineering was for me. If I had to do it all over again, I would probably try to double major in controls and either mechanical or electrical engineering.

By the way; if you are in high school or in your first few years of College (studying engeineering), in my eyes you are not an engineer. I wish I could be more PC, but it is black and white to me.

[JVN]

Originally Posted by Paul Copioli

By the way; if you are in high school or in your first few years of College (studying engeineering), in my eyes you are not an engineer. I wish I could be more PC, but it is black and white to me.

It's black and white to pretty much everyone.

Watching ER on TV does not a doctor make you.
All these "kids" who think they're engineers because they do FIRST, just need to realize they don't know "crap" yet.

Let's consider:
Step 1 - Think back 5 years, did you "know everything" back then?
Step 1.5 - Did you think you "knew everything" back then?
Step 2 - Think about now... do you "know everything" now?
Step 3 - What do you think you'll know in 5 years? What will you think about yourself NOW, in 5 years?

My typical Answers:
1. Wow, I didn't know anything back then.
1.5. Ohh yeah... I thought I was the man back then.
2. Heck yes I know everything! I'm the man!
3. Hmm... I guess in 5 years, I'll realize I didn't know anything right now.

It's a humbling process.


I've been in FIRST for 5 seasons. I've finished 3/4 of a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I learn something new everyday. I am NOT an engineer yet. I may work as one, but until I get that degree... I'm not.


Back to the real topic of this thread--
I'm majoring in mechanical engineering for several reasons.
Mainly because, mechanisms and machines are cool. Seriously.

I'm the type of person that will be (and has been) highly amused by an egg-beater.
(Seriously, check one out sometime, cool/simple little mechanism).

I have actually sat up at night, thinking about designs I'm doing at work, unable to sleep until I figure out the problem in front of me.

Go MechE... it's fun.

[Adam Y.]

Let's consider:
Step 1 - Think back 5 years, did you "know everything" back then?
Step 1.5 - Did you think you "knew everything" back then?
Step 2 - Think about now... do you "know everything" now?
Step 3 - What do you think you'll know in 5 years? What will you think about yourself NOW, in 5 years?

My typical Answers:
1. Wow, I didn't know anything back then.
1.5. Ohh yeah... I thought I was the man back then.
2. Heck yes I know everything! I'm the man!
3. Hmm... I guess in 5 years, I'll realize I didn't know anything right now.

Unfortunately, the same could be said for engineers with degrees. The feilds themselves are changing so much that you really need to constantly refresh yourself. So much so that I know to keep an engineering liscence in New York you have to prove that you are taking seminiars or collge courses. Also by the second year of college I will be working as an engineer. Im not sure what I'm going to be doing but I will be working.

[JVN]

Originally Posted by Adam Y.

Also by the second year of college I will be working as an engineer. Im not sure what I'm going to be doing but I will be working.

Yep...
I was working as an engineer (or at least, working very closely with one) when I was a Junior in High School.
I wasn't an engineer. I'm still not.

There is a distinction to make.

[Amanda Morrison]

While the boundaries of being/not being an engineer are kind of fuzzy, here's a great way to describe, in my opinion.

You have a degree: The university is giving you a piece of paper that says, "We've taught you a formal background in _______, therefore you can say you have the knowledge of many professors, other students, mentors, etc. Go out and use it wisely." Afterward, as is true with all professions, you will learn more real-world applications and the tricks of the trade.

You don't have a degree: You have no person or institution backing what you may or may not have learned. Your projects and examples are not as credible. While you may work with others and gain some experience, or may work in the position of what you'd like to be, you will not have the same benefits that one with a degree might have, especially if you have taught yourself.

I'm sorry. You are not an engineer.