Im a freshman in ME, and I would like any advice you could impart, concerning things I should do to maximize my job opportunities/salary. I like to tinker, improve things, test new ideas, etc. I made a 4 on the AP Cal 1, but Im not 100% confident that I will be able to make it through the statics and thermo. The reason I say this is that I've seen a lot of ppl who end up droping out of different engineering programs. Is this b/c its that hard, or are these ppl just lazy? I am prepared to work as hard as neccesary, so what do you guys think?

1/1/2006 12:44:27 AM

that is a great attitude to start with. Statics is not that bad just work alot of problems in the book and in thermo make sure you understand the concepts of every chapter.

1/1/2006 12:49:58 AM

Statics, dynamics, solids and thermo are very easy subjects

...if you know how to think about the problems.

The problem is, most of the MAE professors are horrible at teaching the material, so you don't actually figure out what's going on until well after you've passed the course. I'd say the best thing is to pay attention to tips about good professors and make your schedule fit around those.

1/1/2006 1:00:19 AM

i loved my statics class and bombed it thats just me though.
i made a 5 on AP calc exam

1/1/2006 4:02:06 AM

engineering is more about hard work than how smart you are.
if you put in the effort you should be fine
just avoid all the crappy professors... or as many crappy professors as possible
seeing as you are going into mae that is going to be hard.
if you get a horrible professor try to start some sort of homework group with others in the class... usually if i can get through the homework i can teach myself how to do a lot of stuff.

good luck!

1/1/2006 10:21:23 AM

I have some revolutionary advice,

1. go to class
2. do your homework

you'll be fine.

1/1/2006 12:12:55 PM

get into a study group as soon as possible

and yes: do your homework and go to class

1/1/2006 12:57:43 PM

as far as maximizing your job opportunities/salary I would say get as much experience as possible. Internships and co-ops, do either or both as much as possible. They are nearly a necessity if you want to get ahead of other people.

1/1/2006 1:33:38 PM

In ME I find who my teacher is doesnt really matter because I teach myself everything anyway. Just make sure you get a good grade distribution.

if you want $$$$ co-op.

getting a 4 on ur ap calc doesnt mean shit for how well you will do in ME. Do your work, learn ur shit, and you will do well. Engineering is just plain too much work for some people.

1/1/2006 1:53:30 PM

Here's my advice....

If you find yourself struggling in MAE 206 or 208 drop the major.

Now having said that; by struggling I mean you're working your ass off and still not understanding it, NOT being lazy and getting C's. (you'll survive if that's the case)

Your JR. year will be hell on earth, and your SR year will be close (you'll just see the light at the end of the tunnel)

Also, liking to tinker around and stuff will get you almost nowhere till senior Design. Everything is all theory till then... You won't engineer much

[Edited on January 1, 2006 at 3:13 PM. Reason : .]

1/1/2006 3:11:55 PM

That all sounds like stuff I can do. I'm gonna co-op, but I gotta pick out what area I want to concentrate in. Someone said that ASME would be helpful for meeting ppl in the industry, and making contacts. What do yall think the best ways to build rapport with these contacts are? That way they actually mean something. And......

Who are some quality profs who give the best grades?

1/2/2006 2:38:07 AM

buckner

1/2/2006 10:32:39 AM

buckner is the man. mae 208 is probably the best course I have ever taken.

1/2/2006 2:24:12 PM

Buckner is indeed the man. Won't be an easy A though.

Boles is also good.

1/7/2006 6:55:08 PM

IT BEGINS

1/7/2006 7:20:49 PM

sucks buckner is not teaching 208 this semester

guess i will wait till fall for 208..hopefully he will teach it in the fall.

1/7/2006 7:24:59 PM

Quote :

"What do yall think the best ways to build rapport with these contacts are? That way they actually mean something."

ASME is a good way but also, start going to the career fairs (engineering, minority, etc.) even if it's just to walk around and talk to companies. A lot of times, companies will send the same rep to the same schools, so they will start to notice that you're a familiar face after a few fairs. At least that was the case with me...

1/7/2006 10:12:00 PM