Mechanical Engineering which minor to choose?

[antte]

Hi everyone!

I'm studying for a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, and I have to choose one of three modules:
technical mechanics
material Engineering
automation systems

I'm wondering which one would be the best choice for my future career?
Both technical mechanics and automation systems seem interesting to me, but I would like to hear real Engineer's opinions about this subject.
I've been thinking of making an international career, so which experts are the most needed world wide?
If I choose technical mechanics it's still possible to do some of the automation systems courses, so I could learn the basics of automation as well.

CNC programming is another area that I'm interested in, but I wonder if most of the CNC programming is done by actual machinists?

Thanks!

 

[CWB1]

Judging by the verbiage I'm going to guess you're outside the US, so please bear with many of our responses as experiences vary.

I'm going to guess that technical mechanics is simply a focus on design and is something I highly recommend. I would expect it to involve additional practical design and analysis courses like solid modeling, FEA, CFD, kinematic analysis, machine design, design for manufacturing, etc. Given that most MEs today are in mechanical design roles but have little formal training in design or analysis, if you like mechanical design then its a good path to follow.

Material engineering isnt typically delved into much by MEs as there's other degrees (metallurgical engineering for one) that focus on it and there's not much overlap IME.

Automation systems is typically referred to as mechatronics stateside. Its an interesting role but typically is ruled by the EEs and software folks bc it uses little of the ME skillset.

 

[antte]

Thanks for your response, and yes I'm from Europe.


Here's some more info about those modules.

In technical mechanics module there are matrix algebra, fem, advanced vibrations, and machine simulation courses.

Material Engineering module contains plastics technology, advanced materials technology, choosing material courses and some laboratory studies.

Automation module is basics of automation, sensor technology, robotics and design of automation systems courses.

 

[EngrPaper]

I would second CWB1's suggestion, especially after your clarification. If you want to truly be an ME, do what ME's do and do it well. From your description, that seems to be limited to "technical mechanics." The other options have a lot of overlap with other fields, which though maybe helpful, can be learned elsewhere.

 

[IRstuff]

But, "I'm wondering which one would be the best choice for my future career"

What is your future career that you are contemplating? What do you want to do? We can recommend something, but if you hate the subject or hate the math, then what's the point?

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

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[antte]

Thanks for your responses.

I think I'm going to choose technical mechanics. At the moment I find FEM and 3D CAD interesting, and I guess if I get bored with those I can always change to a different kind of job.

 

[IRstuff]

I would seriously do some more introspection into what'll excite you and get you out of bed to go to work, 30 yrs from now . If you think that you'll be bored, then that's probably not the thing for you. Job hopping is a red-flag on resumes, so I would recommend that you find something that will keep you interested at least 4 to 5 yrs on any given job.

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

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

faq731-376 forum1529 Entire Forum list

http://www.eng-tips.com/forumlist.cfm

 

[JohnRBaker]

Personally, I would pick 'Machine Design', since machinery, in one way or another, is involved in all aspects of modern civilization. And even if you didn't actually go to work for someone who designed and manufactured 'machines', the principles learned would be applicable across a broad range of commercial endeavors.

John R. Baker, P.E. (ret)
EX-Product 'Evangelist'
Irvine, CA
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The secret of life is not finding someone to live with
It's finding someone you can't live without

 

[Korichnevijgigant]

Most of my experience has been in automation and machine design, it has been great as I have been able to leverage my experience to go into a bunch of different industries

Remember, you want to do something you love, but also you want to make sure your future is "future-proof"