Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
https://www.asme.org/career-education/articles/career-and-education/5minors-for-mechanical-engineers
Share ASMEShare on linkedinShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on emailMore Sharing ServicesShare on print
Image:
You major in mechanical engineering and are excited to learn the ins and outs
but there are other skills that can be a strong complement to that invaluable
degree, and they may not be so obvious. With this in mind, here are a few
minors for mechanical engineers to consider.
Data Science
Image: seewhatmitchsee
Big data is hot right now and knowledge of data analytics can be a potential
boost to job performance for a ME, says Alexis Abramson, professor of
mechanical and aerospace engineering at Case Western Reserve University.
We are collecting more data on everyday life, she says. What used to be
dealing with hundreds of pieces of data is now seemingly endless. By being
able to use this data to inform their design process and their understanding of
failure, the lifetime of engineered devices can be improved. You used to have
an engineer with years of experience to make a call on an invention but now
you also have years of data to run analyses.
Business
Abramson is quick to remind that you cant usually just hide in your workand a
business minor is a great way to improve interaction skills and relating to the
selling of a product you might even create. Were talking about the professional
softer skills you need to pick up somewhere, she says, Here you can talk
about real world problemsthe market, competition, a key in for-profit settings.
Also, in business classes youre practicing presentation skills and theres often
an emphasis on team projects which is coveted in the job market.
The Humanities
This covers more than one minor, but Abramson likes the humanities because
they often force you to improve critical thinking skills and are another place to
further develop conversation skills. Many humanities minors can fit the bill but
she does see English and History as two standouts. Its helpful to write papers
on a topic that isnt actually a technical report, she says. You learn to have an
argument and clearly articulate it. Exactly what could help you in defending your
product when you have to find a way to appeal beyond just the numbers.
Image: seewhatmitchsee
Psychology
Electrical Engineering
And, just in case you dont want to stray from engineering for even a minor,
Towles likes electrical as a leg up in many areas. It just has so many things it
crosses over to, he says. Youre talking robotics, aerospace, hydroelectric, and
more. Having that background will give you the advantage of speaking that
language better, and also help with fitting into that fabric.
Want to comment?
Sign In
or Register Now
Comments(0)
August 2015
by Eric Butterman, ASME.org
Related
Media
ASME.org
ASME.org
Video: Behind the Scenes with Kenneth Williams and Mark Conner, Part 2
ASME.org
Articles
Pages to Inspire
Resources
2013 2013 Proceedings of the ASME 2013 21st International Confere...
PROCEEDING $230.00 / $115.00
Learn More
Receive exclusive resources and a free ME Magazine subscription, discounts on training,
conferences & publications, and join thousands of dedicated engineers.
Bioengineering
Career & Education
Design & Manufacturing
Power & Energy
Standards & Certification
Technology & Society
All Topics
Site Map
Events
Conferences
Competitions
Committee Meetings
Calendar
About Us
News
Membership
Get Involved
Advocacy
Foundation
Careers at ASME
ME Magazine
Shop ASME
Utility
Standards
Certifications
Courses
Journals
Proceedings
Books
Shop All
Shopping Cart (0)
C&S Connect
CA Connect
Journal Tool
Job Board
Directory
Sign In or Register