How to get into engineering?

[sailorjenny]

Hello, I'm new here. I'll tell a bit about myself.

I've always been into cars since I was little (that and dinosaurs). I collected hot wheels, tool kits, building kits, you name it I owned it. As I got older life moved in different directions but I still always have taken interest in it. I suppose I never pursued it because I thought that as a female, I'm supposed to be doing 'clean' jobs like art, or office work. Well, I don't care about that anymore. I want to get back to what I liked to do when I was younger. So I joined this forum and talked to some friends as well with hopes that I can learn more about cars.

As of now, I'm in school online, so I want to start out slow with basic learning and getting my hands dirty. I'd prefer on the job training or something I can do on weekends rather than trying to go to a school because I'm already knees deep in college shooting for my BS.

So if you'd like, share your stories on how you got into cars, and (if you work with cars) how you got your first job with them. I appreciate any advice and reponse.

[vgames33]

Are you looking to be an engineer or a technician? I got started as a tech by doing side work, taking some classes, and getting a job as a lube tech in a shop with room for advancement. Hands-on work is 10x more effective than any class for teaching this sort of skill. Find a friend who is willing to teach you.

[brcidd]

I grew up on a farm- driving tractors at age 7 and trucks at age 12- mini bilke at age 14 and bought a 68 Camaro 396 4 spd at age 16- always loved working on stuff- making carts, bikes sleds etc. Took all the tough classes in school- was valedictorian and then went on to engineering school and landed a co-op job with GM- the rest is history-- co-oping was the best thing ever- only ever had one interview in my life- the co-op job-- GM hired me on full time after graduation from college...

[sailorjenny]

Originally Posted by vgames33

Are you looking to be an engineer or a technician? I got started as a tech by doing side work, taking some classes, and getting a job as a lube tech in a shop with room for advancement. Hands-on work is 10x more effective than any class for teaching this sort of skill. Find a friend who is willing to teach you.

More towards being a tech. I'd rather start small and learn all the bits and pieces and hands on before looking to anything else. I've already started asking both my dad and a coworker to show me the ropes so I'm looking forward to learning some things in the following weeks. What sort of classes did you take?

[vgames33]

I took an automotive tech program at a local college. I also spent a few years buying broken cars to fix and re-sell. That gave me extra hands-on experience on a car that I didn't care about. Most low-end jobs like lube tech/tire tech require little or no experience and are a great way to be around the stuff. Just make sure you pick a shop that does everything - you won't learn much in a quick lube or a Wal-Mart. Show interest and make friends with the technicians that are willing to teach.

[swingline]

There are lots of good tech schools throughout the country. I went to Denver Automotive and Diesel College (now Lincoln Tech) and worked in the field to pay my way through college. Hands on is an effective way of learning but having a theory based knowledge makes the difference between a "shadetree mechanic" and an automotive technician.

[Clive.Bird]

You should prefer going to a workshop to hone your skills. Going to a regular school for technical stuff will be an added advantage. Good Luck!

[Tami.P]

Really good to see that you are going in the field in which you have interest. I am also a female and persuade my interest in this field and right now i am the owner of a company named Marks Old Towne which is specially for truck services and maintenance.
So, i am with you. Go with your interest and have a wonderful life ahead.

[harbor]

Here we have a few people in the professional life that they are working what the they want to do but lot of people do not have interest in their field so its a good step but for the training you have to go a training center to work practically then only you will be expert in your field.

[GenericUsername]

I don't really get if you're still in highschool or if you're currently taking college classes. Some highschools offer a program called Principles of Engineering, and they teach you the basics of engineering and essentially initiate you into it. There's quite a bit of math though (nothing too bad, just some geometry & trigonometry). My school offers it, but I'm not sure how common it is. It'd be something to look into though if you're currently in HS.

[Toshi44]

For best engineering placement there are several institutes available for preparation of entrance exam. Consult best institute and achieving good score in entrance will lead you good engineering college.