New BSME - Continuing Education?

[LG2005]

I was wondering about the benefits of different options for continuing my education.

I graduated with my BSME one year ago, and passed the FE to become an Engineer-In-Training (and will be PE once I have necessary experience). I have experience at two companies, both doing machine design (Senior year internship and 2nd position full-time following graduation). As I am fairly young, I would be surprised if I stay at the current company for the rest of my life, and therefore would like to know what employers typically value for education in both new hires and for advancement within a company.

I would like to continue education, and am debating a couple options, and would appreciate any advice. I would like to continue with a more hands-on education, as opposed to theoretical. I am open to a variety of things (welding, GD&T training, CAD software, manual and CNC machining, etc). I would say that I am most interested in manual machining, but the others listed would interest me as well. I'm not really looking into grad school, since I think that would be more specialized and theoretical. I do not see myself going for an MBA either.

What I seek advice on is:

1) If I take classes at a technical school, is there any benefit to enrolling in program, to receive a degree or certification upon completion?

2) If I go to a technical school for some night classes (and assuming it is not part of a degree/cert.) should I audit it or take it for credit? Basically, is it worth the extra money to prove to companies that I did well in the classes, or is it sufficient to be able to prove that I did take them (will companies assume if I took them of my own perogative that I wanted to learn and therefore probably did)?

3) Has anybody done CAD training? I work with Solidworks, and I know that there are companies able to provide official certification that are recognized by Solidworks, so it wouldn't just be a Joe-blow certification class. Is there any benefit to these CAD certifications, or is it assumed that after a few years of employment you are proficient with the software?

4) I enjoyed the 1 course during my undergrad on FEA. However, the two companies I have worked at have hardly used it at all. The first seemed as though they didn't care if it was accurate, so long as it made a pretty picture to impress customers. The second uses the Cosmos add-in to Solidworks on occasion, but not often. Also, the Cosmos add-in is not very robust and I personally don't put a lot of confidence into the results. So, in my opinion, if the company felt there was a strong value to FEA, they would buy a much strong software package.

5) Any thoughts on the the value of hands-on training in machining/welding and the like versus CAD or GD&T training and such?

Thanks in advance!

 

[LG2005]

Oh, I also wanted to know what anybody thought about either taking classes for an Mechanical Engineering Technology degree? Again, would it pay to get a degree, or should I just take the classes? For credit or just audit? Has anybody pursued this? I'm not sure if colleges will let me enroll for a MET, since I already have a BSME?

Any thoughts on this aspect as well?
Thanks again!

 

[bvanhiel]

You sound bored at your current position. I'd look for an employer/field that can keep you interested.

Also, consider what should be a hobby vs. what should be a career path. I like making things in my wood shop, but I'd never consider being a cabinet maker. Take classes you are interested in, but don't waste time persuing a degree when it is already eclipsed by your BSME

Real FEA (as opposed to pretty pictures for managment) tends to be done by specialists. If you're really interested, this might be an excuse to go get an MS.

-b

 

[nornrich]

LG2005,

You pose some very interesting choices. It sounds like you are asking yourself some very interesting questions in regards to growing in your profession. I think that before you limit yourself to trying to decide between hands on machining/welding/fabrication experience and drafting/modling experience you need to think about where you want to be 5, 10, 15, 30, 50 years down the road.

The hands on stuff never hurts to have in the toolbox of skills. The computer modeling and drafting is good to have to be able to conceptualize and communicate your design ideas and intent. When it comes to potential employers they are going to want the modeling and drafting skills. They are paying you engineering dollars to design and need you to focus on that aspect of your career.

I think if you look at your goals long term you might also think about other tools that will help you progress in your profession. Some other possibilities might include Project Management training, an MBA, a Master's in Technical Management, Business Entrepeneur Course through the local SBA/SCORE organization.

You have just graduated with and engineering degree. You have analytical skills that employers are hungering for. Your options are limitless, so look long term and start dreaming of where you want to be.

Regards,

Rich....

Richard Nornhold, PE

 

[Ron]

LG2005...taking practical courses will expand your knowledge of practices and make you more adept at solving problems in the field; but it won't necessarily enhance your professional progress. You aspire to being a PE. An additional technology degree will do nothing to enhance that, and could actually be seen as a detriment.

Pursue a more advanced degree. Either an MSME, MBA or even a Master's in another discipline of engineering. Pick up technology stuff as you're interested, but don't make it a focus...just supplementary learning. Employers will value that approach moreso than a scattered, unfocused foray into technology.

Yes, if you're an ME involved in machine design or manufacturing/fabrication, it is great to know how to weld. It would also be good to know how to inspect such welds or even do nondestructive testing on those welds. But as a degreed professional, you are not likely the guy to be placing those welds on a daily basis. Instead, learn the problems and troubleshooting of the processes and procedures. Learn the codes involved (AWS, ASME, API)and become the "GO TO" guy in anyone's organization. It will increase your value and will make your job infinitely more interesting.

Good luck.

 

[Ashereng]

If you are going to weld, go the "degreed" or "apprenticed" way. If you are going to do the work, might as well get the certification once you are done.

If you have a journeyman ticket as a welder, and am a ME PE, you will have a lot of credibility when you go into the field to work as either an engineer or tradesman from both sides.

Many people here in Eng-Tips express the need for engineers to get "hands on experience". Well, what more hands on than a journeyman ticket?

Many trades people feel that because they don't have a ME degree hanging on their wall, they are often not taken seriously. Well, you got a ME PE.

If you have the interest, and will be doing it anyways, might as well get the recognition. That probably goes for everything.

I took a ski instructor's course. Had a choice between one that was certified, and one that was just the hill's own course. I took the certified one. I pass. Now, I can work as a ski instructor, and my effort is recoginised around the world. Yes, it's a hobby. But at least I get some benefits out of my hobby/vacation.

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
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