Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat in Engineering 4

[Gian11]

Hi everyone, I am Gian. I'm a second year high school student, and planning on taking engineering major when I've graduated. My counselor teacher asked me to make this SWOT analysis on engineering jobs, and I've decided to go to engineering forums to find out from the real engineers. Can you guys help me out?

1. What's the strength on being an engineer to you? What makes it more preferable to you than the others?
2. What's the weakness?
3. What are the opportunities (chances to be successful) we could get by being an engineer?
4. What are the threats? What are the downside, or risky things about being an engineer?

Oh yeah, If I'm planning to invent or develop a new kind of transportation, which engineering major should I go for? Automotive?

Thank you so much for your help. Engineer Cheers.

 

[rb1957]

i appreciate all the helpful comments, but i still think talking to an engineer is better (yes, i am olde school).

working in an engineering office during school breaks is an excellent way to see the business.

as someone else posted, read Dilbert ... for a jaded view on life as an engineer.

Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati

 

[JohnRBaker]

i don't think it's rotor burst ... a piece of Al skin isn't going to stop a blade.

But the several layers of Kevlar underneath the Al skin should.

DISCLOSURE: I worked 11 years for McDonnell Douglas and while I didn't actually work in any of the aircraft divisions, I was in the engineering software group so we got to know a lot of the people who did and a couple even transferred over from Douglas Commercial (as in DC, like DC-8 and DC-10) and they worked for me for a few years. It was talking with them that you learned all the dark secrets of what had to be done to keep a plane in the air even when things don't always go to plan ;-)

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[TomDOT]

Hyperloop would probably qualify as a new type of transportation.

 

[debodine]

JohnRBaker, I have never worked directly for an aircraft manufacturer so I don't have the inside knowledge you gained during your tenure. I do know that on the model (737-800) you show in your photo that there are conditioned air ducts in those locations because I did a design change to some 737-800 aircraft in the GOL fleet. To be accurate, because we engineers like accuracy, that specific aircraft was not in the GOL sub-fleet for which I created a design change. However in reviewing the Boeing data for the 737-800 series, I verified those are duct locations.

So while I cannot confirm your inside knowledge, I can confirm that at least on that aircraft model ducts do exist at those locations and passenger seats are located inboard of those ducts. And to answer your original question, so far I have not had any passengers ask me that specific question. I have had them ask me other types of questions, usually resulting from bumps or noises relating to flap/slat or landing gear extension/retraction and also spoiler deployment because those things can be either seen or easily felt throughout the aircraft. In the past couple of decades the questions usually go into the domain of, "Why are these seats so uncomfortable??" so I don't reveal my industry affiliation very often any more. )

And since I have gone SO far off topic, I will bore you with one anecdote about bumps and noises on the aircraft. The first time I flew on a military aircraft, it was a KC-135A with the old water injected engines (J-57 engines as I recall). After takeoff, at about 110 seconds when the water was expended and that massive extra thrust disappeared (water expands about 1600 times when vaporized in the engine), the deceleration was so strong I believed we were falling out of the sky. Fortunately I did not scream (though I wanted to) nor did I foul my flight suit (although I almost did that as well). I did see that several of my maintenance team mates who had flown before were watching my face and snickering.

 

[cry22]

1.strength - You could look "less" stupid than the average guy - and yes you will be loaded with substantial knowledge of many things that are worthless in real life.

2. weakness? - you're tied into little details and fail to see the more important things in life - you don't read about philosophy, anthropology, psychology, etc... you're not an interesting person, you're not social. Lots of engineers are "dead bees" who tend to be cocky and think they know it all because they understand the first law of thermodynamics.

3. opportunities - very limited, you're not in the money, see, if you want to build a house, you look for an architect, not for an engineer, the engineer is the poor parent of any industry, you're always in dark and dirty places. In the example of a building, the architect gets all the credit for the building looks, grand entrance, marble finishes or whatever, but the engineer is not credited for a great energy efficient cooling and heating system and so on - on the other hand, if it smells bad, it is too hot or too cold, you're the first one to be blamed - You only get feed-back when things go wrong.

4. threats? From experience, more chances to end up in a divorce than average, because you tend to put work in front of family.

I'd take a trade that involves understanding of real life - lawyer, doctor, public service of any kind. Anything that deals with the public and interaction with people from all walks of life.

Not very optimistic, is it?

 

[JohnRBaker]

That's like taking off from John Wayne Airport here in Orange County (CA). About 30 second after takeoff, when the plane is starting to pass over Newport Beach, one of the richest communities in the area, the engines automatically throttle-back so as to reduce the noise footprint on the ground. Most of the time the pilot will warn people that this will happen and sometimes they even explain why, but when they don't you can look around and spot those people for whom this is their first experience with this sort of thing ;-)

As for the noises when in flight, yea, those 757's have to have the highest-pitch sounds when deploying the flaps. It really surprised me the first time I flew in one. What I really loved were the 'flapping' wings on the old Boeing 707. 747's do it also, but I don't think it's as noticable.

As for the duct work in the 737-800, you may be right, but I only think that accounts for the second missing window from the front, as that only occurs on one side of the aircraft, while the first window is missing from both sides and they also line up perfectly with the main fan blades, the big ones you see in the engine's intake. The rest of the blades are internal to the engine itself and if one lets loose, while it will do some significant damage to the engines, they will probably not be thrown radially outward as the body of the engine itself will contain them. However, that first set of high-bypass fan-blades are inside only a much lighter-weight shroud.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[rb1957]

don't you just hate those low noise climb-outs ? ... the poor plane feels like it's hanging in space, labouring for altitude.
but they do reduce (somewhat) th enoise on the ground, and not just around weathy communities; i thought most airports had those climb profiles, 'cept maybe take-offs over water.

Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati

 

[JohnRBaker]

I very seldom experience those throttle-backs at any other airport and I fly a lot (I've got nearly 3.4 million miles with American Airlines alone).

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[rb1957]

we must fly to different airports !

Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati

 

[monkeydog]

Strengths - Learn "critical thinking" (see posts responding to your questions)
Weakness - Easily distracted (see posts responding to your questions)
Opportunities - May work on cool projects (see posts responding to your questions)
Threats - Tend to be defensive and offended by opposing views (see posts responding to your questions)

 

[davefitz]

Strengths: to get through the eng school curriculum, you will need to develop some form of discipline that results in better critical thinking methods and your analytical abilities improve. Once you get an engineering job, it can continue to be intersting if you continue to look past the conventional wisdom and existing designs and consider what could be improved.

Weakness: You are no longer impressed by "magical thinking" and you are less able to join the crowd of lemmings without reservations. Being analytical is not always appreciated in all situations, as some situations demand going with the flow. Also, you quickly lose your ability to spell.

Opportunities: better paying jobs and a lower unemployment rate than most workers.

threats: the primary employer class has a direct ability to influence leglislation that allows importing of foreign workers to lower your salary prospects . remember, the USSC has offically ruled that money = free speech.

"Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad "

 

[beej67]

I understand they're making great strides in Quantum Teleportation nowadays.

That could certainly help Atlanta traffic.

Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East -

http://www.campbellcivil.com

 

[Enginerd9]

John R Baker: perhaps it's rotational inertia. The missing windows are near people's heads. The spinning blades of the turbine, should they come loose and get flung radially outward, could cause someone to have a very bad headache.

Anyhoo.

Strength: the knowledge (coupled with your apparent energy) to make a difference. The ability to beat your own path.

Weakness: the potential to become stuck in the quagmire of industry, assimilating to the status quo. There are so many manufacturers looking to just support their sacred cow product, and there isn't much investment in R&D these days. It's not like back in the 60s-70s when NASA was the epitome of R&D. Neil D. Tyson said it best... something about how we've lost the drive to go to the moon. Too complacent with cranking out the same old, tired widgets. We've lost our love of being scientists.

Opportunity: the ability to lead the industry into the future, aligned with your fresh vision. You'll have plenty of time to be mentored, just don't lose yourself in the process. You must be the Picard to the industry Borg. There are four lights! Make it so.

Weakness: There are a lot of nay-sayers. A lot of people who have fallen into the rut, and want the misery of your company. They want you to believe there are 3 (or was it 5?) lights. Actually, Davefitz made a great point on this one too... you won't always be able to do what you feel is right thanks to regulatory inefficiency or someone else's greed.

My recommendation: go Mechanical Engineering. You'll have an intro to the other disciplines, depending on curriculum. With the time you have remaining in high school, and your first two years of college, you have plenty of time to decide where you want to focus. In a MechE curriculum, you should have opportunity to take technical electives which help you focus your Junior and Senor year. At least, that's how it was for me.

I wouldn't get discouraged by anyone who steers you in the direction of conformance. Remember: every 'accepted method' was at one point a 'new method.' I think what you'll find in life, generally, is people are resistant to change... even if that change is positive.

Experience: accumulated knowledge over time.

Talent: the ability to use experience.

Which is more valuable?

 

[boyze]

what profession would you want to be if you were stranded on a deserted planet

Have Fun!

James A. Pike

http://www.xl4sim.com

http://www.erieztechnologies.com

 

[boyze]

Regarding the aircraft window sidebar discussion - no reinforced shroud on these puppies Think noise, shed ice and worse yet .....

Have Fun!

James A. Pike

http://www.xl4sim.com

http://www.erieztechnologies.com

 

[weldstan]

1. Strength: knowledge, discipline, perserverance, inventiveness
2. Weakness: developing blinders to new innovations with time
3. Opportunities: At moment excellent with the right choice of engineering discipline. potential for carreer advancement
4. Threats: Economic uncertainty, outsourcing, pidgeon holing, potential for civil and criminal action, poor corporate management

 

[Gian11]

Hello everyone,

I really appreciate all the helpful replies, they really helped me a lot!
First, I apologize for making a "student" post, because frankly there aren't many engineers in where I live. Apologies..

I see that engineers nowadays have lots of competitions going on, so-so salaries, but honestly, yes, I do love engineering. I am the type of guy who doesn't get fascinated by those "magical" looking things easily, because I'm sure there are logical and scientific explanations about them. So I rarely get fascinated by the magical looking things, but I do admire the people that created the magical looking things.

Just like how the Discovery Science commercial breaks would say..
It's not about what, who, when,why,where..
it's all about "HOW"

That statement has always been in my mind.

Instead of just being amazed by the technologies we see like other people,
I always want to know how the things work themselves. Innovative technologies make me want to create my own technology, a technology that would change the world in a positive way.

to KENAT : I am good in Maths and Science, and Physics has always been my favorite subject in Science classes. Last semester I got a 3.3 GPA (89 converted to GPA scale), now I am aiming for 3.7. So yeah, I guess I am one of the guys that have good grades in Maths and Science, plus have high interest on engineering.

and about being blamed or disappointed if I mess things up one day, thats fine by me, because people learn from mistakes. I'll just do my best, and keep improving myself.

about social life, you guys are right. I've seen many engineers that spend most of their time in the office, or lab. But I'll try my best to keep my social life going. Just gotta be more open to the outside world.

Thank you so much everyone! Your answers have helped me A LOT!

Much Appreciation.

 

[ztengguy]

Engineers will always be needed. Not always true of a history major or musician. Not saying those are bad choinces, but in general, not always needed.

 

[moltenmetal]

What profession would you want to be on a deserted planet? Think you'd be way better off with farmer than with engineer- unless you want to live off the leftovers of the previous civilization.

 

[JohnRBaker]

John R Baker: perhaps it's rotational inertia. The missing windows are near people's heads. The spinning blades of the turbine, should they come loose and get flung radially outward, could cause someone to have a very bad headache.

That was EXACTLY the point I was trying to make (go back to my replies on 21 Jan 14 19:45 and 22 Jan 14 12:08).

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.