I graduated with a degree in Art 6 years ago. Now I'm a dissatisfied Dental Lab Technician. I'm good at math and I like to play around with machines and wood and wires and anything I can get my hands on. I want to make alternative energy sources that people will actually use. That (to me) says R&D mechanical (not as into the chemical), but I don't know any engineers. What kind of engineering should I focus on? What kind of classes should I take at my local college to get into grad school? Are there good online schools so I can still live and work normally?
2007-09-05 14:28:12 · 6 answers · asked by Pixiedyke 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Your first year or two will have basic courses that apply to all engineering. You will get a little exposure to all types of engineering. That will give you some idea of what you might like.
There are many on line schools. I am not sure which ones really are good but a few web searches should help you out. Look for "on;one" "college" "engineer" or engineering" and see what pops up.
Look for local professional societies.
try searching for "professional" "society" "engineer"
2007-09-05 19:15:06 · answer #1 · answered by zydecojudd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Visit the Society of Women Engineers website and contact the local chapter. You can go online and research on every engineering discipline, or you can find someone that has experience in the field. Engineers love to inform people about their world - there are not that many of us.
There are many schools that offer online classes, but it helps to meet your fellow classmates. Most grad school level homework/project take 20-30hrs/week. It helps to have classmates to work together. Team work is highly encouraged in engineering, that's how things get done in the real world.
I'm currently in grad school for MS in electrical engineering. It is pretty hard working 40 hours and still have 20 hours worth of homework to do. I have no life, but it is worth the pay increase.
There is also a culture shock, there are mostly men in engineering. Most times I was the only female in my class of 30. Some foreign students also do not know how to talk/handle having a female in class. There are also a few sexist professors.
In engineering, there is very little career growth. But you can move "sideways" - ie change expertise, change companies, change department, change focus. For every "sideways" change, you get an income increase from 7-15%.
2007-09-05 16:35:31 · answer #2 · answered by rflatshoe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need to take loads of undergraduate courses in math, physics, chemistry, and many others to qualify for a graduate level program. The list is so extensive I think you should consult with a career counselor at a university that you might be considering for your program.
2007-09-05 15:19:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
At my university, chemical engineers have the highest average starting salary out of all the degrees that my school offers, followed by computer engineers.
2007-09-05 14:45:55 · answer #4 · answered by benj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a counseling service at either a college, university, or continuing education school and take one of their Briggs-Myers or other tests that tell you what your abilities are and where your interests lie.
From those answers you can be pretty sure you will be led down a path that is compatible with your interests and talents.
2007-09-05 17:13:29 · answer #5 · answered by gatorbait 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
based on your story, i suggest you to take mechanical, electrical, civil. because there is always the mathematical problems and you can do some research and development on many material. good luck.
2007-09-05 16:39:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋