mech engineer questions..

[sapper_triple6]

What would you guys suggest doing to get into a mech engineering career field? I've been looking around online a lot since I'm getting out of the Army soon, and it seems that most of these places want a lot of experience. Right now I am working on my Mech. Engineering Technology degree since I can do it all online. I would much rather go to a college for my degree, but I have a wife and 3 kids to support so I need to go out and work.

[JThiessen]

Originally Posted by sapper_triple6

What would you guys suggest doing to get into a mech engineering career field? I've been looking around online a lot since I'm getting out of the Army soon, and it seems that most of these places want a lot of experience. Right now I am working on my Mech. Engineering Technology degree since I can do it all online. I would much rather go to a college for my degree, but I have a wife and 3 kids to support so I need to go out and work.

I couldnt imagine trying to do a full degree online. Some courses, yes, but there are a lot of them that require interaction.

Doesnt the military pay for education, or did you have to sign up for that from the start?

Another option would be to go to work for a company that will pay for your education. Most major manufacturing companies will do that (as long as you are getting a degree in something that is related to what they do). So you could get a job as a mechanic/assembler, or whatever entry level field they may be hiring in, then go to school on nights. Your military background will count for something when applying.

[sapper_triple6]

Originally Posted by JThiessen

I couldnt imagine trying to do a full degree online. Some courses, yes, but there are a lot of them that require interaction.

Doesnt the military pay for education, or did you have to sign up for that from the start?

Another option would be to go to work for a company that will pay for your education. Most major manufacturing companies will do that (as long as you are getting a degree in something that is related to what they do). So you could get a job as a mechanic/assembler, or whatever entry level field they may be hiring in, then go to school on nights. Your military background will count for something when applying.

Yes I have $40,000 from the military to use towards education. I am struggling with the online courses now though. I'm not a math whiz by any means and its starting to kick my rear. If I had an actual instructor teaching me, it would probably be easier.

[Hickoryhead]

Originally Posted by sapper_triple6

What would you guys suggest doing to get into a mech engineering career field? I've been looking around online a lot since I'm getting out of the Army soon, and it seems that most of these places want a lot of experience. Right now I am working on my Mech. Engineering Technology degree since I can do it all online. I would much rather go to a college for my degree, but I have a wife and 3 kids to support so I need to go out and work.

Have you checked with the VA? They might have a good idea of were you could start. I know they have a program set up for return Iraq Vets. I am not sure if you can be apart of it or not. Can’t hurt to look.

It’s my experience that when a company asks for experience usually they say something to the effect of “pay depending on experience.” Don’t be afraid to contact a company and ask for an application. You may not have the exact experience they are looking for but a lot of companies that see a person in school they see someone they can mold into what is best for the company. Personally if I were running a company and needed a job filled I would want to bring some in I can train the way I want the job done. If I had a specific job to fill then I would get a specific person like a college graduate. Each company has a different need. 1 call could find out that need. What’s the worst that could happen? They tell you you’re under qualified or not enough experience? Then you have a great person to ask what you need to do to get into that field. They are looking for some. Ask them what they are looking for. Or they might take an interest in you. Just my 2 cents.

[t-maxxracer32]

wooooo

that was alot of reading before school.

i really dont know what else to say other thank thanks alot.

even if you guys were mad at me it wouldnt matter because at least you care enough to take 10 minutes out of your day to write me an essay

hickory alot of what you said makes perfect sence to me. i dont really remember it all right now since im a little tired but ill reread it when i get home!

I WANT TO BE A CONQUERER!

[t-maxxracer32]

would i be able to do that?

maybe find some place that is willing to train me and pay me at the same time?

or pay for my education like you said?

i will only be 18 at the time though.

[t-maxxracer32]

i took an online spanish class and all i can say is total waste of time.

online classes IMO are for people who need the credit fast.

or are of course not able to get to the school.

idk they are just pointless to me if you have the time to take real classes

[sapper_triple6]

Yeah I'm stationed in Germany right now so it would be a really long swim across the ocean to get to class. Also like I mentioned before, I have a wife and 3kids to support so I need to be out working. But I do agree real classes are the best way to go.

[t-maxxracer32]

o well then what you are doing is definetly the only way...

i hope it all goes well for you.

[JERRY2KONE]

Joining the military is not for everybody, but it has something that most jobs do not. Security. It is one of the few places that will train you to do your job, pay you for your work, and give you money for education beyond your contracted obligation. You don't have to join the Army or the Marine Corp either. You can join the Airforce, Navy, or even the coast Guard and get benefits. You get a roof over your head, three squares a day, free medical care, and pay with bonuses if you get into the right field. There are pros and cons in every job accross the USA, but the goverment is the only one who still gives garuntees. It all depends on how badly you want things in your life. A lot of people join and do their obligation of 4 years and leave with enough education money to pay for a 4 or even a 6 year degree. It is the 4 year commitment that scares most people, but the benefits far outway the cons. Still you have to decide if it is for you or not.

[JThiessen]

Originally Posted by JERRY2KONE

It is the 4 year commitment that scares most people, but the benefits far outway the cons. Still you have to decide if it is for you or not.

Dude, I would go back to the college lifestyle in a heartbeat. I had a lot of fun there, in addition to all the hard work.

[t-maxxracer32]

so like you said the only way you can become successful is from experience so what are some things i can do to become a better engineer when i get older?

idk if that is a stupid idea or not lol. but ya...

here are some things that i want to learn (idk if it has to do with engineering but it really interests me)
how PCBs work
how capacitors work
how all the modules on boards work
how they make boards do certain things

really i just want to understand everything about boards. they are SO freakin crazy to me. like how does it know what to do? how does it do what it does? how does something so little do so much? its amazing to me. i would really love to learn about all that kinda stuff. it interests me so much.

i looked at basically all the videos on youtube about it and it didnt give me much info...

i cant really go onto the internet and read and understand. it will just go right over my head. i have to see it and hear it and stuff.

if any of you guys have any good places that i could go to learn this that would be great!

[Hickoryhead]

Originally Posted by t-maxxracer32

so like you said the only way you can become successful is from experience so what are some things i can do to become a better engineer when i get older?

Thats a big question.

Hard work- (110%) into everything you do.
Honesty- Tell the truth no matter what the cost. Never steal. That kind of thing.
Respect- You don't need to agree with some one but respect their view.
Be on time- nothing else to add.

These will help but not just in engineering. They help in life or marriage....

Just some thoughts

[JThiessen]

Originally Posted by t-maxxracer32

here are some things that i want to learn (idk if it has to do with engineering but it really interests me)
how PCBs work
how capacitors work
how all the modules on boards work
how they make boards do certain things

really i just want to understand everything about boards. they are SO freakin crazy to me. like how does it know what to do? how does it do what it does? how does something so little do so much? its amazing to me. i would really love to learn about all that kinda stuff. it interests me so much.

i looked at basically all the videos on youtube about it and it didnt give me much info...

i cant really go onto the internet and read and understand. it will just go right over my head. i have to see it and hear it and stuff.

if any of you guys have any good places that i could go to learn this that would be great!

Maybe you should also consider electrical engineering as a field if that stuff interest's you.

I'm REALLY struggling to ignore the fact that you looked on Youtube for that kind of info!!! Generation gap coming into play here!!

You can purchase "educational" circuit board kits online, and some have training manuals (and yes, even a video!) that go with them. I seem to remember that they were a little pricey. A buddy of mine ordered one, and ended up making his own power tuner for his snowmobile.

[t-maxxracer32]

Originally Posted by JThiessen

Maybe you should also consider electrical engineering as a field if that stuff interest's you.

I'm REALLY struggling to ignore the fact that you looked on Youtube for that kind of info!!! Generation gap coming into play here!!

You can purchase "educational" circuit board kits online, and some have training manuals (and yes, even a video!) that go with them. I seem to remember that they were a little pricey. A buddy of mine ordered one, and ended up making his own power tuner for his snowmobile.

well the reason for youtube was because i can see how it is made. people will explain it to me instead of me having to read it.

there is more than just stupid/funny videos on youtube.

and i will look into something along those lines

thanks!