Well I finally decided what field I wanted to study (only took me 4 years of college just to decide lol..) anyway I want to get into mechanical engineering and I figured (with the research and reading i'm trying to do) I would see if anyone out there on SL could give me some advice on my career choice?

Books? Websites? ways to get my foot in the door? etc.

anything is appreciated!

 

Prepare to study a lot, it's not easy.

Look for various internships through your college and find out what you like.

I went into the design aspect of engineering and couldn't be happier with my choice.

 

For Mech E, you're going to have to take a LOT of classes if you haven't been focusing on it the past few years in college.

If you want to go into mechanical design (product design) whatever, be prepared for a LOT of competition. Any design-type major is swamped with semi-artsy types and has loads of competition and very low paying jobs after you get out. Also, it isn't very productive unless your in New York or LA. My sister majored in product design. she had to get a web design job to support herself

You want to focus your internship search on the companies and industries you think you'd like to work in or for. Doing this early is much better than discovering you don't like the industry your specialized in later. I strongly recommend trying to get an internship in a related field. There's nothing worse than a blank resume.

Also, when interviewing, be prepared to have an explanation that sounds good when they ask "why'd you not focus on ME in college?". Your explanation needs to be professional, and reflect well on your ability to work. "I couldn't make up my mind". "Everyone said I should try this major". " I was too busy getting busy" and "I was drunk, stoned, and tripping the first 3 years" are not good responses. Try something like "I learn things really quickly - I got so far into a major and found something that wasn't compatible in it" or "There was just so much interesting stuff, I couldn't learn it all". Or something like that.

 

Well if L.A. is a hot spot then I'm set because I live in OC fairly close to L.A.

but on a serious note - thanks for the advice! I appreciate it. I'll keep it all in mind when I'm starting to hunt around Once I start getting more into the classes I need i'll start looking around for internships and such...

I'm lucky to have a stable job..even though it doesn't pay hardly anything at all but its enough for what I currently need so hopefully that will continue to stay that way.

 

I'm starting my ME program at San Jose State University this coming fall. I'm very excited. I wished I could have went to Cal Poly SLO, but give the circumstances I'm in (paying off my TC all by myself among other expenses), I had to choose to stay closer to home. I'm pretty happy nonetheless.

Anyways, an advice to you is to study study study!!! I know it's pretty cliche, but what can I say it's something you have to do to make it. Work less hours and keep your social life at a minimum because you will that time to study in the library. And like etli said, it is a competitive major, not only in design, but in general. LA area has some great companies to intern/work for so you are lucky to live so close, but you need to know your stuff.

I hope I'm not discouraging you, but if you are dedicated and willing you will have a rewarding future ahead of you! GOOD LUCK!