I stumbled across this blog post by a fellow named Noah Lorang who works over at 37signals. Noah works as a "data scientist" but was educated as a mechanical engineer (just like yours truly). Noah contends that "...mechanical engineering programs are really about teaching you how to think about solving problems." He gives as an example a process that he learnt for solving thermodynamic problems. The process can be generalized to logically solve any problem.
I fully agree with Noah and I think this blog post is excellent. Mechanical engineering is a very general degree. During my education, I took courses in the bedrocks of mechanical engineering like dynamics and statics, but also courses in computer programming, chemistry, digital logic and micro-processors, electric machinery, quantum mechanics, rocket propulsion, etc... A very diverse list. What my education taught me was how to solve problems. Even if I have no background in the problem field, I can learn the necessary material and tackle the problem. I also think that my broad education allows me to have a fast learning curve for any type of problem.
Mechanical engineering might not have the sex appeal as computer or nano engineering, but I think mechanical engineering can provide any student with the background to be successful in any field.
No comments:
Post a Comment