Quote:
Originally Posted by Muscle Master
I'm wondering is there any automotive engineers on Camaro5, I'm asking because I'm too is on the road to become one, I just want to ask how did you accomplish your goals, what types of experience you have ...etc I'm very interested to hear
right know I'm working on my associates for automotive technology at Lincoln tech and will finish the program Oct. of 2010, and when I'm done, still haven't decided whether to go straight to college for my BA in engineering, (my top three choices are MIT, Villanova, and Penn state) or go ahead and get some experience in the field and get my ASE Master tech status and others, and go to college part time  don't know what to do, but next year is a long way off so I hope I'll figure it out  |
Well there is a huge difference between getting a ASE Master Tech certification and an Engineering Degree.
You haven't really stated what you hope to do for a career. If you aspire to be an engineer, you will find it very difficult to land that job with an associates degree or certification.
Also, most 2 year associates degrees that would get you a technicians job (hydraulics, electronics) are likely missing the core engineering coursework you will need for engineering.
For example, Laurence Tech in Michigan offers a 4 year Engineering Technologies degree. Some places do not recognize this as an Engineering degree as the math and science requirements are less.
So if you truly want to be an Automotive Engineer, you will need to get into the full bore Calculus through Differential Equations, as well as University Level Physics. College Level Physics does not require Calculus.
And I would also suggest if you truly want to be an Engineer in the Automotive Industry, look at Kettering University (FKA GMI) in Flint, Michigan.
Also, you will have to decide what discipline you want to focus on. I am a Mechanical Engineer with a Masters Degree in the same. However so much of the future in the Auto Industry is Electronics based, it might be worth a real close look at an Electrical Engineering Degree. With Battery Technologies and Electric Propulsion on the forefront, it would be a safe bet. Not to mention the possibilties in Infotainment, Safety Sensing and Systems......
Now if you want to do Body or Chassis or do Ride and Handling Development, then a degree in Mechanical Engineering would likely suit you best.
As far as getting experience in the field, experience is always a good thing. Plus depending on your financial situation, working may help there as well. But if you want to be an Engineer, don't slow down. You will run the risk of building a life down a different path and it will be harder to get back to school.
And yes, MIT is hard to get into. The most brilliant individual I know went there for a dual Masters Degree from the Sloan School of Business and the Engineering School. He aced his ACT, SAT and board exams. But if it's what you want and you've got the grades do not be disuaded by the effort...........or the tuition bill.
I have had a very rewarding career at GM and have had the opportunity to do some really fun stuff. I've had my hand in our trucks and cars and can say almost everybody panel on the C6 except the side doors was done by my group, one of the best bunch of guys I've had the good fortune to work with. I will retire someday and know I had a career very much in line with my passion for cars.
If you really would like more answers or advice, please PM me and I would be happy to help you with your questions.