Originally posted by Hawkeye:
Good for you for persuing what you really want.
Can't help you with your search just offer words
of encouragement. GO FOR IT! You'll only regret
not doing it!
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
quote:Thank you, I need all the encouragement I can get!
Originally posted by Hawkeye:
Good for you for persuing what you really want.
Can't help you with your search just offer words
of encouragement. GO FOR IT! You'll only regret
not doing it!
quote:I want to study engineering so I can be like you. Seriously, to one day have the opportunity to work on projects like the Camaro (RIP) and Corvette would be a dream come true. I understand studying engineering would be hard work and this is not a decision I made over night. When I graduated high school I was going to go to college and study mechanical engineering but I took a year off and the year turned into 10 years. I took calculus but I properly would not remember it for the life of me. I plan on starting at a local community college to get all my general classes out of the way after that go to Temple or Drexel University in Philadelphia.
Originally posted by JeffY:
Why engineering? What did you study before - did you take any calculus? How are you're computer skills? You'll probably need some CAD classes -used to be drafting. Where will you be going to school?
quote:Jeffy. I cannot tell you how good what you said makes me feel. Knowing someone who has achieved some much and was not the best in math helps me realize if I stay focused I can real my goals.
Originally posted by JeffY:
Good luck! I wasn't the best in math, so I have some feel for what you're gonna go thru. There are probably a bunch of programs out there now-do a hit on Newegg.com and do a search on math software. It'll probably show you what's available. Lots of good schools in the Philly area. It'll be a tough road, but stick to it.
quote:"CAD" stands for Computer Aided Design/Drafting. Plans are not (or at least rarely) done on a drawing board anymore...they are done on the computer using specific drafting/design softwares. I am an Engineering Techincian for an Airport Design firm, so I practically live in AutoCAD, which is one of the more prolific CAD softwares (for some info on it, visit www.autodesk.com) Another big one is Microstation...Pro/E is also a big one if you went into mechanical. My field is Civil...I believe FireChicken could probably give some more examples from the mechanical arena.
Originally posted by jeff02ss8457:
Oh yeah, one question what are CAD classes?
quote:Computer Aided Design
Originally posted by jeff02ss8457:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by JeffY:
[qb]
Oh yeah, one question what are CAD classes?
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Good Luck with your journey.
quote:Ha, ha. Don't I wish.
Originally posted by DWS44 2K2HAWK:
Plans are not (or at least rarely) done on a drawing board anymore...
I hope this helps. And good luck. Good for you. ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
quote:Yes, I would suggest a class in AutoCAD, and then a class in SolidWorks! Those will be of exceptional value in mechanical engineering. I am working on my BSME from Texas A&M, and I also work as a CNC mill machinist. I use CAD daily! The custom centercaps I made for my bird, all done with AutoCAD. Basically, CAD software allows you to create technical drawings that are paperless. Of course, you can print them out, but you can also email them to others, and you have much more flexibility when it comes to the logistics of handling drawings. However, as popular as two-dimensional CAD is, after you take an AutoCAD class, you really should go take a class in a software program called SolidWorks. Its a 3D Modeling program, that is much more an engineering tool than a drafting tool.
Originally posted by JeffY:
Why engineering? What did you study before - did you take any calculus? How are you're computer skills? You'll probably need some CAD classes -used to be drafting. Where will you be going to school?
quote:Thanks, I may have to take you up on this offer in the near future!
Originally posted by gauSSian:
I enjoy math problems, you ever need help with one or a concept, email me at gauss@aug.com.
quote:Ha, ha. Don't I wish.
Originally posted by MidnightSS:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by DWS44 2K2HAWK:
[qb]Plans are not (or at least rarely) done on a drawing board anymore...
quote:Vargod, Did you post a message on the old SLP message board stating you were returning to school full-time? If you did I remember reading the post and thinking this is what I should do. I guess you helped plant the seeds on change by leading by example. It may have taken months for me to realize I needed to make a drastic change in my life but it helps knowing others have done it and are happier with their decision.
Originally posted by vargod:
I can appreciate what you're about to embark on. I too have decided to return to school full time and go a different direction. After 9 years of working with state and now that I'm 38, I walked away from a good paying job. I did this because I learned that there is more to life than money. If you like what you are doing the money will come. If you don't like what you are doing, there is no amount of money that will make you happy. My wife like yours has given me her blessing and support. The feeling your going through right now are now, is normal. The one thing your going to see is that you're going at this differently than the kids who are in school now. You are singularly focused and will put all of your energy into your studies; whereas the kids in school today find it easy to get distracted by college life. Create a space and time for you to do your course work. You can do this. I graduated with a BS in Criminology almost 11 years ago, when I was 27. Now I'm working on a BS in Forensic Science with a double in Biology. THey transfered about 68 credits, but only about 12 of those are for science related courses. Now I'm having to remember 1st year chemistry and physics. After many hours of reading and rereading, and working numerous excerises, those concepts are coming back to me. I say this because, you can do this. I found if you go to google and type in the subject matter many links will come up. You have to go to many of them, but many large university will have tutorials on the net fot their student to use, but they are free all you have to do is find them. My big concern was organic chemistry, I found 5 tutorial sight with interactive testing area where I could practice reactions; read the same material we went over in class, but expressed differently. Good luck.
quote:Firechicken I was hoping you would respond since you are considered a prolific engineering student among the message boards. I agreed with you about the community college. I plan on taking as many general classes as possible at community college to save as much money as I can. The class size was very small and the professors were great educators.
Originally posted by FireChicken:
quote:Yes, I would suggest a class in AutoCAD, and then a class in SolidWorks! Those will be of exceptional value in mechanical engineering. I am working on my BSME from Texas A&M, and I also work as a CNC mill machinist. I use CAD daily! The custom centercaps I made for my bird, all done with AutoCAD. Basically, CAD software allows you to create technical drawings that are paperless. Of course, you can print them out, but you can also email them to others, and you have much more flexibility when it comes to the logistics of handling drawings. However, as popular as two-dimensional CAD is, after you take an AutoCAD class, you really should go take a class in a software program called SolidWorks. Its a 3D Modeling program, that is much more an engineering tool than a drafting tool.
Originally posted by JeffY:
Why engineering? What did you study before - did you take any calculus? How are you're computer skills? You'll probably need some CAD classes -used to be drafting. Where will you be going to school?
The best way to re-vamp your math skills in classes like calculus is just to take them (or take them again, if its been awhile). Although there are many things in which I am self-taught, I have learned that sometimes taking a college course is the best way to make sure you learn it all, but if you go to your local barnes and noble bookstore, go to the academic section, they should have all kinds of books for mathematics!
One thing I do want to say, is that you shouldnt feel a rush to go off to a university immediately. I started in a community college, went there for several years taking my "basics", english, physics, math, etc. Community colleges put you in small classes, so its easier to get help from the professor if you need it, and most community colleges offer classes in the late afternoons and evenings, so that students who work can still go to school. In addition, community colleges are much, much, much cheaper. Here in Texas, a full 12 hour semester at A&M is around $2000 or so, at a community college, its less than $500. A community college would be ideal for you to take the CAD and math courses, because they will not only re-teach things you might have already done, but you will also get taught how to use graphing calculators, and computer-math software like Maple, or Mat-Lab.
Choose mechanical engineering, it is a wide and varied field, and you have an almost limitless number of choices! Best of luck in your new endeavor!
quote:Yes that was me. I wish you the best. One thing I have to keep telling myself is that is always A to B. That is the line to follow, if try going to C, D or E you will get into trouble. Have fun and remember you will have to work, but you can do it.
Originally posted by jeff02ss8457:
quote:Vargod, Did you post a message on the old SLP message board stating you were returning to school full-time? If you did I remember reading the post and thinking this is what I should do. I guess you helped plant the seeds on change by leading by example. It may have taken months for me to realize I needed to make a drastic change in my life but it helps knowing others have done it and are happier with their decision.
Originally posted by vargod:
I can appreciate what you're about to embark on. I too have decided to return to school full time and go a different direction. After 9 years of working with state and now that I'm 38, I walked away from a good paying job. I did this because I learned that there is more to life than money. If you like what you are doing the money will come. If you don't like what you are doing, there is no amount of money that will make you happy. My wife like yours has given me her blessing and support. The feeling your going through right now are now, is normal. The one thing your going to see is that you're going at this differently than the kids who are in school now. You are singularly focused and will put all of your energy into your studies; whereas the kids in school today find it easy to get distracted by college life. Create a space and time for you to do your course work. You can do this. I graduated with a BS in Criminology almost 11 years ago, when I was 27. Now I'm working on a BS in Forensic Science with a double in Biology. THey transfered about 68 credits, but only about 12 of those are for science related courses. Now I'm having to remember 1st year chemistry and physics. After many hours of reading and rereading, and working numerous excerises, those concepts are coming back to me. I say this because, you can do this. I found if you go to google and type in the subject matter many links will come up. You have to go to many of them, but many large university will have tutorials on the net fot their student to use, but they are free all you have to do is find them. My big concern was organic chemistry, I found 5 tutorial sight with interactive testing area where I could practice reactions; read the same material we went over in class, but expressed differently. Good luck.
The part about being focused is to true. When I began taking classes last January I was worried I would not do well because 10 years had past since the last time I was in school. I found, I was very focused to do well achieved a 4.0 GPA.
Gook luck with your studies!
quote:Thanks
Originally posted by cytruffle:
Good luck, Jeff!! I can tell by your posts that you are committed, and that's 9/10's of the process! I am in awe of engineers and others that are so math-oriented, because I am so NOT! Be sure to keep us posted on your progress. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance -- there are sooo many sharp people on this board who are willing to help! You'll do just fine!
quote:Harry,
Originally posted by Harry P:
Good luck with your dreams. With the attitude and drive you obviously have, your math knowledge will evolve... don't worry about it. Start by reviewing where you left off... if you don't get it, go back a little more. Then, move forward with some good textbooks: good sources have been referenced above, as has good advice.
As a registered engineer with twenty years of experience in design and construction of industrial facilities, it has been a very rewarding career. It has taken me many places I never could have imagined, and I continually learn new things along the way. One warning: for some reason, lay people seem to think engineers make a lot of money, like it's some sort of absolute. Not true. It can be lucrative, but like anything else, hard work is the only way to get ahead.
Sounds like your head is screwed on correctly regardless of where life takes you. Don't let anything get in the way of your dreams, especially calculus!
