Is "Automotive Vehicle Engineering" a waste of time ? - ThumperTalk

If you are interested in actually designing and engineering instead of wrenching, there is a different option I've seen some of my peers take. I went to the University of Pittsburgh for my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering (I'm back here for my graduate degree too). While my school really didn't offer any automotive (that I know of) classes, there was an organization at my school called "Formula SAE". The Society of Automotive Engineers basically runs a racing group where any university that is competing will assemble a team that builds a "formula car" which is basically a large go-kart with suspension and a motorcycle engine. The students design the frame, suspension and heavily, heavily modify the engine to make it work for the car.

http://students.sae..../formulaseries/

These students spend ridiculous amounts of time working on the car, so its a huge commitment and it isn't easy. At Pitt, there was definitely a seniority type of atmosphere so you had to put in your time before you could really get involved in working on a component you were interested in. When looking to work at an automotive company, this was a really really important part of your resume. Basically if you held a leadership position, or you lead the design of some crucial piece of the car, then you got the (automotive) job over the guy with the 4.0 gpa and no extra curricular groups.

I don't know if SAE reaches to the UK, but maybe there is another organization like this. If you want to be an automotive engineer, I'd try to get into a school that funds a program like this. This is all assuming you excelled in math and physics in high school and have a good gpa.

I don't know about in the UK or anything. But I know that over here, if you get a degree that isn't really a "bachelor's in mechanical engineering" or electrical or aerospace etc. etc. but you WORK with people who do have that degree, you might be treated like a second rate engineer until you've put in a ton of time.

Here's my advice: Take the time to carefully decide what your ideal job is. Then figure out what level of education the people have that do that job. Choose a school that can educate you to that level and has programs related to what you're after. Try to find out about whether they place students into the job you're looking for.

Don't get your panties in a twist because you'll be in school for 4+ years. College is the best time of your life. When you're there you'll wish it was longer. Take a few philosophy and psychology courses so you actually get to meet girls.

Edited by grejji, Today, 08:55 AM.

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