Why You Shouldn't Become a Mechanical Engineer

Summary

This video highlights the nine key qualities that may indicate mechanical engineering isn't the right fit for you. The speaker shares personal insights from over three years of experience in the field, detailing challenges such as a demanding workload, frequent learning of new technologies, and handling high pressure. It also emphasizes the importance of passion, perseverance, and self-motivation, while warning against pursuing mechanical engineering if you're easily swayed by others or lack frustration tolerance. The speaker encourages prospective engineers to consider these factors seriously before committing to this tough yet rewarding career.

Takeaways

• 😀 If you don't enjoy learning about new technologies, mechanical engineering may not be for you. Engineers must quickly familiarize themselves with emerging tech and solve complex problems.
• 😀 Mechanical engineering is not a dying field. It has a strong future, and anyone who believes otherwise should reconsider entering the profession.
• 😀 If you're unsure about studying mechanical engineering and are easily swayed by others, it's better not to pursue it. Commitment is key in this challenging field.
• 😀 Mechanical engineering requires a lot of hard work, especially during your studies. It's essential to stay motivated even when classes are tough or not directly related to your interests.
• 😀 Low frustration tolerance can hinder your success as an engineer. You need to be persistent and calm under pressure, even when you're struggling with difficult concepts or problems.
• 😀 Mechanical engineering does not offer a predictable schedule. Workload can vary greatly depending on project needs and deadlines, and you need to be adaptable to this uncertainty.
• 😀 If you expect a lot of physical freedom, like remote work, mechanical engineering may not meet those expectations. You will likely need to work on-site to test or troubleshoot physical products.
• 😀 Engineers often work under pressure with tight deadlines, sudden problems, and long hours. If you can't handle stress well, this profession may not be a good fit for you.
• 😀 Self-motivation and the ability to follow through are crucial. Engineers must manage multiple projects at once and ensure they stay on top of them without constant reminders from others.
• 😀 If you still want to pursue mechanical engineering after considering all of these challenges, you're likely on the right path. Prepare yourself for hard work, but also the potential for great rewards.
• 😀 If you're committed to becoming a successful engineer, watch videos or read resources about the top reasons people drop out of engineering school and how to avoid them.

Q & A

What are the key factors that can make someone unsuitable for mechanical engineering?

The video outlines nine key factors that can make someone unsuited for mechanical engineering: not enjoying learning about new technology, thinking the field is dying out, being unsure about studying it, not being prepared to work hard, having low frustration tolerance, expecting a predictable workload, wanting physical freedom, not handling pressure well, and being unable to motivate themselves or follow through with projects.

Why is the willingness to learn about new technology important for a mechanical engineer?

Mechanical engineers must constantly familiarize themselves with new technologies to stay relevant and effective in their roles. Whether it's advanced batteries or complex machinery, engineers need to ask the right questions and delve deep into understanding how things work in order to solve problems and innovate.

How does the video address the misconception that mechanical engineering is a dying field?

The video directly challenges the belief that mechanical engineering is dying out by emphasizing the ongoing need for engineers in industries that rely on physical products and technologies. It argues that this is a completely false notion and that the field is far from obsolete.

What is the significance of being sure about pursuing mechanical engineering, according to the script?

The script stresses that if you're unsure about studying mechanical engineering or easily swayed by others, the field may not be the right choice. Mechanical engineering requires dedication and a strong commitment, especially through the challenging coursework and the competitive landscape.

What does the video suggest about handling frustration while studying mechanical engineering?

Frustration tolerance is crucial for a mechanical engineer. The video mentions how difficult the studies can be, especially when dealing with complex concepts or poor results. Being able to push through setbacks, persist in problem-solving, and maintain composure under pressure is key to success in the field.

Why is it important for mechanical engineers to be able to work under pressure?

Mechanical engineers often face high-stress situations due to fluctuating workloads, tight deadlines, and sudden problems in projects. Those who cannot handle this pressure effectively may struggle in the field. Stress management and resilience are therefore essential qualities for engineers.

What does the video say about the unpredictability of a mechanical engineer's workload?

The video highlights that mechanical engineers rarely have a predictable schedule. Projects often experience high and low periods of work, unexpected changes, or urgent issues that require immediate attention. Engineers must be adaptable to these fluctuating demands.

How does the script address the misconception that mechanical engineers have a lot of physical freedom in their work?

The video clarifies that, unlike some professions with remote work options, mechanical engineers typically need to be on-site to work with physical products. Whether it's in a factory or a testing facility, engineers must be present where their products are produced or operated, which limits physical freedom compared to other fields like software engineering.

What are the challenges that mechanical engineers face in terms of following through with projects?

Mechanical engineers are expected to manage multiple projects, some of which may not interest them. The video points out that engineers must be self-motivated and disciplined enough to stay on track and complete projects without constant reminders from others. Failing to follow through can result in poor performance evaluations.

What advice does the video offer to those still interested in pursuing mechanical engineering despite the challenges?

The video encourages viewers who still want to pursue mechanical engineering to watch another video that addresses the top five reasons why people drop out of engineering school and offers advice on how to avoid those pitfalls. It’s a call to be well-prepared for the challenges ahead.