Difference between revisions of "Become a Mechanical Engineer"
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#Develop [[Find a Hobby|hobbies]] related to mechanical engineering. These may include [[Get Started in Amateur Astronomy|astronomy]], [[Calculate Stability of a Model Rocket|rocketry]], geology, auto mechanics, [[:Category:Bicycles|bicycle repair]], [[Learn Welding As a Hobby|welding]], or even robotics. Any sort of tinkering is good practice. | #Develop [[Find a Hobby|hobbies]] related to mechanical engineering. These may include [[Get Started in Amateur Astronomy|astronomy]], [[Calculate Stability of a Model Rocket|rocketry]], geology, auto mechanics, [[:Category:Bicycles|bicycle repair]], [[Learn Welding As a Hobby|welding]], or even robotics. Any sort of tinkering is good practice. | ||
# Learn to use different sorts of [[:Category:Tools|tools]]. [[Use a Hammer Safely|Hammer]]s and [[Hold Small Screws Steadily on the Tip of a Screwdriver|screwdriver]]s are a great place to start, but there are many more types than that. If you have the opportunity to take a wood, metals, or plastics shop class, do so. Auto shop is also a good choice. Don't forget to learn about various kinds of [[Read-a-Measuring-Tape|measuring tools]], too. | # Learn to use different sorts of [[:Category:Tools|tools]]. [[Use a Hammer Safely|Hammer]]s and [[Hold Small Screws Steadily on the Tip of a Screwdriver|screwdriver]]s are a great place to start, but there are many more types than that. If you have the opportunity to take a wood, metals, or plastics shop class, do so. Auto shop is also a good choice. Don't forget to learn about various kinds of [[Read-a-Measuring-Tape|measuring tools]], too. | ||
| − | # Take stuff apart. Ask friends and family to give you appliances and other machines that have broken, or [[Dumpster Dive|gather them inexpensively]] from garage sales or even neighbors' curbs. Then, open them up and see what makes them go. If you can put something back together so that it works, great! If not, figure out what's inside and see what you can learn from it before throwing it out. If you're still not sure what's going on in there, look it up and find out. | + | # Take stuff apart. Ask friends and family to give you appliances and other machines that have broken, or [[Dumpster Dive|gather them inexpensively]] from garage sales or even neighbors' curbs. Then, open them up and see what makes them go. If you can put something back together so that it works, great! If not, figure out what's inside and see what you can learn from it before throwing it out. If you're still not sure what's going on in there, look it up and find out. |
#Explore the field of electronics, which may include activities such as [[Get an Amateur Radio License in the US|ham radio]] and computer repair. Build stereo speakers for fun. Constructing speakers requires both woodworking and electrical skills. Learn the [[Remember Electrical Resistor Color Codes|resistor code]] for fun. Although electronics are more closely associated with electrical engineering, mechanical engineers need, at the very least, to be able to communicate with electrical engineers. More and more systems are electro-mechanical, so it's good to know a bit of both. Some mechanical engineers do specialize in electrical engineering and become electro-mechanical engineers. | #Explore the field of electronics, which may include activities such as [[Get an Amateur Radio License in the US|ham radio]] and computer repair. Build stereo speakers for fun. Constructing speakers requires both woodworking and electrical skills. Learn the [[Remember Electrical Resistor Color Codes|resistor code]] for fun. Although electronics are more closely associated with electrical engineering, mechanical engineers need, at the very least, to be able to communicate with electrical engineers. More and more systems are electro-mechanical, so it's good to know a bit of both. Some mechanical engineers do specialize in electrical engineering and become electro-mechanical engineers. | ||
#Take drafting classes. Even though some engineering schools do not offer drafting classes, drafting classes may be available at the high school or community college level. If at all possible, learn a CAD (computer-aided drafting) program or two. | #Take drafting classes. Even though some engineering schools do not offer drafting classes, drafting classes may be available at the high school or community college level. If at all possible, learn a CAD (computer-aided drafting) program or two. | ||
