Beginner mechanical engineer 5

[Phillip200008]

Hi, I’ve joined this forum because I have just started my mechanical engineering apprenticeship and looking for some tips. What are the most common things I should know/learn more about to help me excel in my career.
Thanks.

 

[Jboggs]

I will tell you what my father told me when I graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree over 45 years ago - "Now that your academics are finished you can begin your education." So true!!

My main advice? Shut up. Listen. Learn. And not just from other engineers. Listen to the folks that must work with engineers, or those that must use the drawings and specs that engineers produce. They may not know how to solve a quadratic equation, but they know how the real world works. You need them on your side. Take their advice to heart.

Look at every experience in every day as yet another opportunity to learn something more.

 

[IRstuff]

One thing I managed to learn, somewhat late, is to CAREFULLY listen. Do not immediately dismiss "stupid" suggestions or questions out of hand; "out of the mouths of babes," is what can lead to thinking outside the "box."

The converse is that unless you can explain something to a child, you don't really understand the subject.

Practice public speaking and doing presentations. While your work product stands on its own, being able to describe and present WHY your idea is the E-ticket is what will distinguish you from the others in the pack.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg

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[MJCronin]

What are the most common things I should know/learn more about to help me excel in my career ?.

Well, I suggest that you find a niche within the organization where there is a deficit in a certain important area of expertise.... and become that expert....

I worked for a small company that needed a specialist in steam piping stress analysis and support design. I educated myself in that narrow field. I bought text books, downloaded papers, etc... I convinced my company to send me to a three day seminar on stress analysis and piping materials. Then I went to another seminar on underground piping deign. Very soon, I became an important cog in any new project that came in the door.

In another company, I did the same thing, but in the area of tanks, heat exchangers and pressure vessels.

Very shortly after doing this I was assigned the responsibility to develop calculation and design guidleines (for others to follow) and to mentor brand new graduates in this area.

This,of course, is easier said than done and difficult to do at a firm that is constantly "reinventing" itself and tries to be all things to all clients...

My opinion only ....

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[CWB1]

Always remain ethical and within the limits of your experience. There is quite a lot to even seemingly minor mechanisms and simple bits of work, so if you don't have experience then doublecheck the details with someone who does. I wish I had a nickel for every production issue I have seen because an "expert" made silly mistakes or assumed their analysis to be correct.

 

[XL83NL]

MJCronin

Fully agree. I’m on the same page, somewhat, though not as experienced yet. I took the job and eventually got the role MJC described, though not on purpose (i.e., when I took the job it wasn’t my intention).
What indeed works is a relative small company, where the need is high, but the expertise not or not fully present yet. As we’ve grown to twice the size in say 10 yrs, the need for Mechancial expertise (especially on the design of pressure parts and piping) is so high I need to start training and mentoring our ow. Engineers. After 10 years, I can say my job keeps on working out for the best.

Huub

 

[TheTick]

Did you take time to read any of the other myriad posts by new engineers looking for advice?

Do that.

Also, you generally get better help if you can show you have made an attempt to understand and solve your problem on your own.

 

[Andries]

After 46 years in the profession I can heartily agree with all the replies above. Another thing I noticed is that many young engineers want to get into management asap. There is nothing wrong with that ambition, but first get well experienced in engineering (design, planning, etc.,)only then will you have the technical background for managerial work. Your credibility will depend on that. Get to know all the processes if you are in a manufacturing setup. Learn from the guys on the floor! They will also appreciate that and you will get good cooperation from them, which is essential. Never stop learning!
If or when you do go into management please run meetings effectively! I can count the number of effective meetings I attended in all my years on the fingers of my one hand. Be a good communicator!

All the best.

Andries