22 Mechanical Engineer
What is it Like Being a Mechanical Engineer
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, Greg Zakowicz unboxes the career in mechanical engineering with Brendan Englot
Guest: Brendan Englot is an Associate Professor, Geoffrey S. Inman Junior Professor, and the Director of Stevens Institute of Technology's Stevens Institute of Artificial Intelligence (SIAI). He designs algorithms, optimization methods, and control systems that help robots navigate complex physical environments that require interaction with surrounding objects and structures.
Connect with Brendan:
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This episode features Brendan Englot, a mechanical engineer and professor, who discusses his career path, and highlights the breadth of mechanical engineering, emphasizing its strong mathematical foundation and diverse applications, particularly in robotics. Brendan describes his own journey from a childhood fascination with roller coasters and robotics to his current work in mobile robot navigation and his role as a professor. He offers advice to high school and college students considering engineering, focusing on the importance of hands-on experience and persistence. Finally, he shares insights into the challenges and rewards of his profession, including the competitive research landscape and the satisfaction of mentoring students.
What We Discuss:
Brendan's Journey into Robotics
Transitioning to Academia
Research and Industry Collaboration
Balancing Teaching and Research
Common Misconceptions in Mechanical Engineering
Guidance for College Students
Navigating Early Career Challenges
Challenges and Rewards in Engineering
Career Transitions in Engineering
Resources for Lifelong Learning
What is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineering isn't just about gears and machines. As Brendan Englot describes it, It extends to any system governed by the laws of physics, including fluids, gases, and materials. It involves a mix of physics, mathematics, and hands-on problem-solving to understand and build systems that make the world work. He highlights the importance of understanding these principles, as mechanical engineers are involved in designing, analyzing, and manufacturing a vast array of systems.
According to Brendan, mechanical engineering can lead to careers in robotics, automotive design, aerospace, and even submersibles, demonstrating the diversity of paths available.
How to Prepare for a Career in Mechanical Engineering
Strong Foundation in Math and Physics: A solid understanding of mathematics and physics is crucial for success in mechanical engineering. Successful mechanical engineers possess a strong command of math, enabling them to model systems, understand their behavior, and develop innovative solutions.
He clarifies that while struggling with specific math areas is normal, a complete aversion to math might suggest exploring alternative career paths
Hands-on Experience: Participating in activities like Science Olympiad, building projects, or tinkering with mechanical devices can provide valuable hands-on experience and foster an understanding of mechanical principles.
Explore Robotics: For those interested in robotics, mechanical engineering provides a strong foundation for understanding and working with robotic systems.
Embrace Challenges: Be prepared to face challenges and persevere through them, as engineering involves continuous learning and problem-solving.Why is there a shortage of public safety communicators?
Advice for Aspiring Mechanical Engineers
Brendan offers invaluable advice for those interested in mechanical engineering. Englot advises aspiring engineers to actively seek opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. He recommends engaging in research projects, internships, and engineering clubs to gain valuable experience and develop problem-solving skills.
For High School Students:
Embrace Challenges: Courses like physics can feel intimidating at first, but persistence and teamwork can help you succeed.
Explore Extracurriculars: Programs like Science Olympiad or robotics clubs can offer a glimpse into the field.
Stay Curious: Allow your interests to evolve as you learn more.
For College Students:
Seek Hands-On Experiences: Internships, research projects, and engineering clubs can provide practical insights.
Be Open to Change: Mechanical engineering offers numerous pathways. If one doesn’t fit, explore others within the field.
For Early-Career Engineers:
View Your Career as a Journey: Your first job doesn’t define your entire career. Learn from every experience and use it to refine your goals.
Transitioning to Different Engineering Fields
One of the standout takeaways from Brendan's interview is the flexibility within engineering careers. Transitioning between specializations, such as moving from traditional mechanical engineering to robotics, is achievable through continued education, online courses, or advanced degrees. Englot reassures individuals that pivoting to different engineering fields is feasible and not uncommon. He highlights the transferable nature of STEM education, particularly the universal language of mathematics.
Leverage Your Foundational Knowledge: A background in any STEM field provides a solid foundation for transitioning to a different area of engineering.
Mathematics serves as a common language across these disciplines.
Consider Graduate Studies: A master's degree in a specific engineering field can facilitate a successful transition by providing specialized knowledge and skills.
Continuous Learning: Online courses, workshops, and self-study can help bridge knowledge gaps and equip individuals with the necessary skills for a career change.
Resources for Aspiring Mechanical Engineers
MIT OpenCourseWare: Offers free access to a vast collection of MIT course materials, including lectures and assignments, covering various engineering topics.
Khan Academy: Provides a comprehensive library of educational resources, including math and science topics relevant to engineering.
Udacity: Offers online courses and nanodegree programs in various technical fields, including engineering and robotics.
YouTube: Hosts a wealth of educational content, including lectures, tutorials, and demonstrations related to mechanical engineering concepts.
The Importance of Persistence and Mentorship in Mechanical Engineering
Success in mechanical engineering, like any field, requires persistence and a willingness to embrace challenges.
Expect Setbacks: Research projects, grant applications, and product development efforts may not always yield the desired results.
Develop Backup Plans: Always have alternative approaches or backup plans in place to adapt to unexpected outcomes.
Seek Mentorship: Learning from experienced professionals, whether professors, industry mentors, or senior colleagues, can provide invaluable guidance and support.
Challenges and Rewards of Mechanical Engineering
One common misconception about mechanical engineering is that it's all about hands-on work. In reality, math plays a central role. Brendan highlights that understanding systems and designing new technologies requires a strong foundation in mathematics.
As a professor, Brendan mentions the competitive nature of academic research, where only the best ideas receive funding and recognition. Navigating these challenges requires resilience, creativity, and a willingness to learn from setbacks.
Despite the challenges, the most rewarding part of his career is mentoring students. "I get to borrow their fresh perspectives and stay on the cutting edge," he says. This mutual learning process keeps him inspired. He also values the freedom to choose research topics, enabling him to work on exciting projects like autonomous robots for electric substations. A fulfilling career in mechanical engineering involves:
Impactful Contributions: Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in developing technologies and solutions that address real-world problems and improve people's lives.
Continuous Learning and Growth: The field of mechanical engineering is constantly evolving, offering opportunities for lifelong learning and professional development.
Diverse Career Paths: Mechanical engineers can pursue a wide range of career paths, from research and development to design, manufacturing, and management.
Passion for Problem-Solving: A genuine interest in understanding how things work and finding solutions to technical challenges is essential.
Creativity and Innovation: The ability to think creatively and develop innovative designs and solutions is highly valued in the field.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Mechanical engineering projects often involve collaboration with other engineers, scientists, and professionals from different disciplines.
Honesty and Transparency: Maintaining ethical standards and being honest and transparent in your work is crucial for building trust and credibility.
Takeaways For Those Interested in a Career in Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering encompasses a wide range of disciplines.
Brendan's interest in robotics began in childhood.
The transition to academia was not a predetermined path for Brendan.
Research often involves collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Teaching and research are both integral to Brendan's role as a professor.
Math is crucial for success in mechanical engineering.
High school experiences can shape future career paths in engineering.
Students should seek out hands-on experiences during college.
Early career jobs do not have to define one's entire career.
Lifelong learning is essential in the ever-evolving field of engineering.
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(Summary provided by NotebookLM. May not be 100% accurate.)
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