What mechanical engineering skills do you have, that you wish you gained in college? 9

[frusso110]

Hello everyone.

I'm working on a project to develop a new curriculum for freshmen level Mechanical Engineering students. The focus of the introductory (design?) course is to teach students skills that are required in the "real world". Personally, I have come up with pages of things that I learned at my first job that I wish I learned in college.

What mechanical engineering skills do you have, that you wish you gained in college?

Any responses will be greatly appreciated! If you have a project in mind to teach said skill, please feel free to mention it.

Thanks,
-FR

 

[cry22]

KM mentionned
When proposing a particular path for a decision-maker, one has to be able to fully, logically, and properly describe how the selection of Option A over Options B, C, and D was done.

May I add to KM:
I often see proposals indicating three systems to chose from but no recommendation and expect the client to pick and chose his preferred system - Engineers MUST do the analysis and make the Recommendation for the client and state the reason for chosing A over B. Engineers must decide on their choice, and chose the option as if it were their own money.

Please teach your students to approach their suppervisor with answers to their problem (solution A, B, C..) and pick one prior to seeing your supervisor - NOT approach him/her with questions (how do I do that?) - Investigate first, then ask the question.