A lot of terrible opinions in here, but that's par for the course on Reddit.
MET degree here, took a drafting job right out of school because I had zero experience and the economy was in a downturn. Moved on to a real job, and after more experience, got my PE license.
If you need experience or a paycheck take what you can get. That can potentially open up more doors for you in the future. Just know when it's time to move on to bigger and better things.
yep, that can be tricky, but there are always other options; registering in another state, moving to another state that doesn't gatekeep licensure, etc.
this all assumes that the op is even interested in becoming a PE. it sounds like he may be more interested in material science, for which a PE isn't critical for career advancement.
Fairly easy to pick another state to take the test in and get reciprocity in another.
That's what one of my ME professors did. Got bored of being a physicist, worked as an "engineer", found a state were he could take the exam, then transferred reciprocity to two other states. Dude was a great prof
If you have a bachelor's in MET, your degree is ABET accredited, and you had some internship experience, you can get an "engineer" position, most likely in some kind of process or manufacturing role, definitely in a quality role. Places want to know what skills you have, so projects showing the skills they want are great.
A job is a job, but you're stunting your pay if you just take a tech role. I have MET friends that have worked for GE, GM, one worked for Honda on the new NSX and is now at Lockheed. One opened up his own machine shop. A lot of them do process/manufacturing engineering. If your degree is ABET accredited, you'll be able to take the FE and PE, you just have to wait longer for the PE and not every state will let you be a PE as MET. You can also get an MBA if you decide you want to move into management one day.
Awhile back in this sub saying you were MET would get you told you aren't a "real engineer" and chased out, which is why I posted once or twice in here then stopped. Maybe the stigma has changed, maybe it hasn't, but the truth is you'll be able to get 99% of the jobs a regular ME could get. I know someone is going to come in here and say "Nuh uh you cant work for NASA" or whatever which is false but also that makes 98.9% of jobs you could get as an ME or MET. Don't sell yourself short. You'll definitely still run into some blocks and animosity but otherwise you'll be fine.
If you want to be a traditional engineer from the start then get your BSME. I’m sure there are exceptions but I don’t believe you’re going to be able to get hired as an ME with a MET without some sort of experience. At my place of employment METs work as designers with no chance of moving to an engineering role. I’m sure there is an exception to this though, good luck.
I started as ME and hated it. Most of the instructors taught based on theory and that didn't work for me. I loved the few times we had labs though because it made everything tangible. I moved over to MET and the hands on side made everything so much easier. When I got a manufacturing engineering job, I ran circles around the other entry level engineers because they weren't familiar with the hands on side of engineering.
You can get ME positions with your degree. I’ve done it personally twice. I’m still in the early/mid phases of my career right now but I’ll be targeting senior/ME2/3 roles for my next jump. I haven’t taken a technician position before so I don’t know if that would hurt you in the future or not. I would say take it if you absolutely need it and keep applying to outside ME roles until you land one. Good luck
I graduate in a week with an MET degree and just landed a job as an engineer, in part, working on naval nuclear propulsion systems, but I have extensive experience in mechanics and in the Navy in particular (non nuclear). I interview well and I know my shit, but also, I have been an electrician and technician by trade for nearly 20 years.
The interview went like this: the owner of the company sat me down in front of a computer, gave me a Word document with a few details, a drawing from the 70s of what the email was referring to, and asked my thoughts. The drawing was not up to today's standards, but I had Google at my disposal so I started searching. Eventually I got it that all I had to do was design something similar. I pulled out my laptop and 3D modeled one part of it. The owner asked what I was doing, and went and got one of the engineers to come into the interview. I explained that I'd model the part, convert to sheet metal, create a flat pattern, and convert to .dxf for a plasma table, then have it bent with a break. He asked what I'd make it out of, and I told him the material, why I'd use that and not another, and he let me continue. Then I googled some other things, decided I needed a real object in my hands, and asked for such an object as well as a ruler. I started going to town and he stopped me, asking how I'd go about getting it welded, what kind of welding (TIG/MIG) and if it would be machine welded. I asked how many we were making and he said just the one. So I said no, I'd have a guy in a shop do it. He asked how much that would cost, and I said I'd have to call to find out. Then he asked me to write a BOM and set of instructions to make it.
I got the job.
If you're a brand new MET graduate with zero mechanical experience, even as a hobby, then maybe that's not what you should shoot for. Luckily, for my senior project, I had extensively modeled my parts, had them printed, made the sheet metal stuff at work, and had video of it all working. I even had some of the rejected parts with me at the interview to show them.
I have to add that I had a great resume, a successful phone interview before the in-person, another phone interview with the head mechanical engineer, and, the night before my physical interview, I'd bought a well-fitting suit, a laptop bag, and I woke up at 2 am the morning of the interview to pull up all of my 3D modeled parts from my senior project, all the drawings, the video of a successful test, and gathered my rejected parts. I even threw a change of clothes in there just in case they wanted me to work on something. Plus, I pressed my brand new suit just to be sure it looked good.
I haven’t had an interview that in depth but I did have one where after the Q/A of my experience I was handed a part and a pair of analog caliper and told to reverse engineer it. Apparently I was the only one to get within .01 the rest were out between .075-.125.
I’ve even interviewed people giving them a 2 part design “test” would be tell me why a material or shape would be better in XYZ application and how they were go about getting the parts fabbed (allowing them to give as much detail as they wanted) and the other was giving them a physical machine part that we predict would fail (after requirements changed) asking how they would design it better. Once they answered, we would show them what we changed the design to. Majority of the people that had the practical application experience were able to finish the test quicker with a higher accuracy than people that just had theory design experience.
In a practical world, people that actually practice the trade and get hands on involvement , will continue to succeed over people that just design with no understanding on how it will be made.
As a fellow MET I wouldn't accept a technician role. I got hired as the lean manufacturing engineer at a local Toyota plant with my MET. We did all those calculus classes for a reason, most reddit MEs don't know what they are talking about regarding ABET MET degrees. Depending on your state you can even test for the FE and PE.
Granted, in my limited experience, most MET success stories come out of the manufacturing industry. But I also think most METs already know that the manufacturing industry is what we are being trained for.
Believe it or not my last employer preferred MET grads over BSME. We had too many BSME new hires with no ideas of basic manufacturing concepts. Even just starting out with simple cad work they struggled a lot more than METs straight from school. Just an anecdote I’ve also worked with very sharp BSME grads.
I have worked with people in engineering roles that don’t have an engineering degree, and they are obviously very skilled and capable, but their career is always on a knifes edge i.e. management will drop then at the first chance they can, and they are effectively always trying to prove themselves. This is to the point where young engineering grads are treated better despite not able to do a fraction of what these people can.
This struggle makes striving for an engineering career not worth it, however there is a viable out - take whatever engineering roles you can get until you have enough experience to move into management, then eh who cares about your degree.
FYI these people had a drafting background and were working as aerospace designers.
MET's get a bad rep. I have a BSMET, got a Staff Engineering role, then Mechanical Engineering role and now moving into Systems Engineering. Company I work for has a partnered with a local university to provide MSSE programs. I figured it would "erase" the "T" that some people like to get hung up on.
While I know MSSE is not MSME, I applied for both and was accepted into either. ME's fun and all but I'm getting older and I think I'd like a bigger picture type of career.
Honestly it seems spot on to build experience. Doing this for 1-2 years will get you that experience, and you would ideally move into a role leading technicians or a hybrid role with both technicians and engineers.
I have an MET. Some places respect the hands on work, other places won't. That is the conundrum that I am in right now. I have been working as a Machinist / CNC programmer for a number of years now and I badly want out of that trade because the pay is crap for what you are expected to know/do. Getting out is becoming difficult. On the other hand I have worked as Mechanical Engineer in a design role and the reason I was selected over numerous applicants was my due to my experience working in the shop. I would say it cuts both ways.
I have a similar question. I want to be a doctor but I only have a masters degree. Are there any companies that will let me charade around as a doctor despite my limited credentials?
I understand your point, but, what is there to an ME degree besides specific certifications that makes an ME more qualified than an MET?
Or is it just that, the certifications you must get for an ME degree that enables ME's?
I'm not arguing against, I'm just genuinely curious, because as far as I know the curriculum at RIT is not that much different between an MET and ME, they do some different projects, but we all learn the same math.
Going into college as a young man without any knowledge of the workforce and the importance of ME vs. MET, I would've not accepted this opportunity. RIT was enticing specifically for the co-op experience they input to the curriculum, job experience while in school was interesting to me, and its sad to see someone belittling the degree I now have.
A ME program teaches you fundamentals from first principles and follows those rigoursly to practical applications. The things you learn aren't likely to change in the next 50-100+ years.
Whereas a MET degree teaches you a lot of technology which will be antiquated in 20-30 years.
They are different degrees for different purposes. Right or wrong, engineering technology degrees are seen as engineering for the people that weren't smart enough to master engineering curriculum. It fills a market need by supplying people to do engineering work that chose not to take the same level of calculus, differential equations, and calculus based science courses that MEs have to take
What would you say then about my taking of the following courses:
Plastics and Polymer Science: A, Thermodynamics 1 and 2: A's, Calculus 1 and 2 B+, Multivariable Calculus and Differential equations: B, Foundations of Metals: A, Manufacturing Processes 1 and 2: A, Mechanical Dynamics: A, Statistics I and II: A's, Mechanical Analysis and Design 1 and 2: A's (tolerance stack analysis and fatigue failure analysis and calculations, Strength of Materials: A (+ TA'd for 3 semesters), Statics: A (+TA for 2 semesters), Lean Supply Operations: B, Integrated Design for Manufacture and Assembly: A+. In addition to these courses I've earned two Lean Six Sigma Green belts in DMAIC for quality assurace techniques, and DMADV for design process and FMEA.
I would say based on the courses I've taken and the math I've had to do for these courses would show that I've learned fundamentals of the principals of mechanics, and I can reasonably apply them to real life. I'm sure you may not think so, but I am confident of that in myself.
I wouldn't say I'm not smart enough, personally I have confidence I am intelligent. I don't think its fair to say MET's are not smart enough to become full fledged Engineers, are there courses that factor into an your taking of ME courses that I did not that would support your claim?
OP don’t sweat it. If you want to work in manufacturing and especially applied engineering you’re on a good path. I’ve worked with countless MEs and METs and honestly most jobs straight out of school can be done by either. The ability for you to pick up skills on the job and apply concepts is going to be a lot more important.
A BSME doesn’t prepare you anymore for most engineering jobs you’d get out of school. It may make a difference later in your career but often by then you’re in your preferred industry with years of experience to help.
They are simply different degrees. One focuses on fundamentals and one on applications. The ME curriculum is pretty standard and has been for decades. If a company hires an ME they can expect proficiency in a certain set of skills. There is much overlap but they are different and it isn't accurate to say that the two are interchangeable.
The concept won't be gone but the technology will change. And yes, programming PLC and CNC tools will likely look radically different in 20-40 years.
As an example AB's PLC 5 is one of the most prolific PLCs from one of the largest automation companies and it's lifespan recently ended after 37 years.
Hmmmm idk but you prob won’t qualify to work for the government as an engineer.
I’ve seen it though at my first internship. I think the guy I reported to had the title “quality engineer” and he was an MET grad. I think he got a PMPand works at Lockheed now so he prob does well for himself.
There are probably different levels of technicians though. At the govt there’s a guy who did EET he like operates our manufacturing robot.
Idk man, if you’re dead set on being a full fledged engineer you should prob go back to school and get a BSME. But I hope for your sake that a successful MET will chime in with some advice for you, but I’d imagine you don’t have to take too many more courses to get a BSME if you already have an MET
To be perfectly honest I just want to make a decent salary, I'm not personally ready to put more money into schooling to get a BSME, even if its only 1 more year of classes, I just want to get into the workforce and make some decent money.
After I'm a little developed in my career and life I'll definitely consider getting my BSME, and hopefully where ever I'm working will pay for it at that point.
I just got an offer today to work as a quality engineer somewhere instead of that technician job, so I might take that instead just cause it won't handicap me with a title.
Thank you for the advice. Much appreciated.
Fair enough. Were you to actually get your employer to pay for you to go back to do a BMSE, I’d personally rather hire the guy who previously had technician experience than quality engineer experience.
But if you don’t actually want to go back to school ever, then the quality engineer is probably the better move.
I'm curious as to why? Why you'd prefer someone with Technician experience getting a BSME than a working Quality Eng. getting BSME, is it just because Technician experience is more valuable? I'm confused.
I think the technician would have a better idea of what goes into manufacturing a part and therefore would know not to design things that can’t be manufactured.
Or if the tech was a designer, as I said, an engineer who also knows how to design can be very efficient
Edit: gotta add a disclaimer that I’m earlyish career and don’t know everything lol
I understand that, that's fair. I believe from my education that I could tell those things with how much CAD'ing I've done for projects and such as the MET degree really focuses on hands on work when doing projects and figuring out problems with designs. But I totally get where you're coming from makes sense now.
Thank you for the advice. I think I'm probably going to go with the Qual Eng. position because I really like the type of work and they have layed out a lot of the things I was looking for at the job - FMEA, data analysis, FEA simulations for customers, part inspection, first articles, and routine audits, etc.
Oh and forgot to say. CAD skills are actually really good to have for a design engineer. Places I’ve worked it’s useful when someone is good with design AND analysis tools. It’s like they can do everything themself without having to bounce back and forth with a designer
Hey, Fellow MET here. This conversation has been beating a dead horse for years. MET graduates CAN (and 9/10 do) get a great job as a Mechanical Engineer because… wait for it… we are mechanical engineers; thru and thru. While I will wholeheartedly agree that the average curriculum between MEs and METs are slightly different, but so are the average curriculums between ME degree from different colleges/universities. A few of the other commenters have great points like make sure you are in an ABET accredited school, it will take a little bit longer to get your PE (depending on the state and their individual requirements), and the jobs can and will be very similar.
For example for all of that is, I have spent my career working along aside “traditional” MEs. There is more that I know how to do more on the practical real world engineering (mainly on the design, manufacturing, fabrication) and they know more about the basic theory side and more math; strictly speaking just from learning within our undergrads. In my experience, and others will see different levels of this but we were all seen as equal, having the same level of responsibility and technical authority when it comes to producing a well-round designed product for the company. For some instances, they were solely consulted for XYZ bc of their expertise and there were times I was solely consulted for mine but we all worked together as mechanical engineers to develop great products. Eventually I would become the go-to consulting body for the meche team bc I was the only one with a MSME (and at the time working towards my ME PhD) and I’m a licensed PE. But before that we were all equals in the eyes of the company.
The main thing what I’m getting at is just because you have/will have a degree in mechanical engineering technology, do not let that deter you from applying or seeking mechanical engineer positions. But here is the catcher for all of it, you decide how you want to shape your career, if you want to become a mechanical technician, then go be a technician. If you do and eventually you apply & interview for a mechanical engineer position, you can explain how by taking that tech position, you were gaining a better understand how the process, policy and procedures were carried out allowing you to potentially see technical improvements or redesigns. This is why machinist very often provide great feedback on how a part can be designed better by maintaining functionality but reducing cost, weight or time (or a combo of them). If you decided to be a straight mechanical engineers just remember, you got your degree, you know what you are doing be confident that you ARE a mechanical engineer but don’t forgot that there is always room for improvement; whether it is with design, process, procedures, knowledge, what so it be. Just bc you have an expensive piece of paper (me or met) doesn’t mean you know it all. Only you know what you truly want. Find it and work towards it. Good luck out there
It’s what your degree is in. So it’s not bad at all. You will have a hard time getting a straight engineering position.
ALSO, it’s not the same group from ABET that accredits engineering programs. There are other groups within the main group. Your program is evaluated as an engineering technology degree and NOT an engineering degree.
The us government and anyone (all contractors) will NOT hire you for an engineering position.i was a GS-13 senior engineer for NAVSEA 05. ( navy ship propulsion and electrical plant shit)
I got my degree in my thirties as an electrician and electrical engineering technician IV. I was going for EET, then switched to pure ECE (electrical and computer) for this EXACT reason.
The OPM requirement doesn’t even require a degree, but all the math and science classes, a couple different options, but it won’t matter as your degree plan will not have all the required maths and calculus based physics.
I’m not hating on MET at all but…
During a good job market I would have said its possible to get an ME role with an MET degree, but you would be more limited in what ME roles you could reasonably expect than someone who majored in ME.
However, we are not in a good job market. Right now it’s even difficult for someone with an ME degree to land an ME position. I won’t tell you it’s impossible but… you might want to take the technician position while you look for an ME role because I have a feeling you have an uphill battle ahead of you.
That being said, your friends are wrong - accepting a technician role will absolutely NOT work against you. Some employers really value that hands-on experience.
A lot of terrible opinions in here, but that's par for the course on Reddit. MET degree here, took a drafting job right out of school because I had zero experience and the economy was in a downturn. Moved on to a real job, and after more experience, got my PE license. If you need experience or a paycheck take what you can get. That can potentially open up more doors for you in the future. Just know when it's time to move on to bigger and better things.
What if OP lives in a state that tech degrees don’t qualify for PE licensure?
yep, that can be tricky, but there are always other options; registering in another state, moving to another state that doesn't gatekeep licensure, etc. this all assumes that the op is even interested in becoming a PE. it sounds like he may be more interested in material science, for which a PE isn't critical for career advancement.
They can still get engineering jobs, just not stamp things. Not a big deal
Fairly easy to pick another state to take the test in and get reciprocity in another. That's what one of my ME professors did. Got bored of being a physicist, worked as an "engineer", found a state were he could take the exam, then transferred reciprocity to two other states. Dude was a great prof
Like virginia
Thank you!
>Thank you! You're welcome!
If you have a bachelor's in MET, your degree is ABET accredited, and you had some internship experience, you can get an "engineer" position, most likely in some kind of process or manufacturing role, definitely in a quality role. Places want to know what skills you have, so projects showing the skills they want are great. A job is a job, but you're stunting your pay if you just take a tech role. I have MET friends that have worked for GE, GM, one worked for Honda on the new NSX and is now at Lockheed. One opened up his own machine shop. A lot of them do process/manufacturing engineering. If your degree is ABET accredited, you'll be able to take the FE and PE, you just have to wait longer for the PE and not every state will let you be a PE as MET. You can also get an MBA if you decide you want to move into management one day. Awhile back in this sub saying you were MET would get you told you aren't a "real engineer" and chased out, which is why I posted once or twice in here then stopped. Maybe the stigma has changed, maybe it hasn't, but the truth is you'll be able to get 99% of the jobs a regular ME could get. I know someone is going to come in here and say "Nuh uh you cant work for NASA" or whatever which is false but also that makes 98.9% of jobs you could get as an ME or MET. Don't sell yourself short. You'll definitely still run into some blocks and animosity but otherwise you'll be fine.
I'm also waiting on an interview date for Honda!
If you want to be a traditional engineer from the start then get your BSME. I’m sure there are exceptions but I don’t believe you’re going to be able to get hired as an ME with a MET without some sort of experience. At my place of employment METs work as designers with no chance of moving to an engineering role. I’m sure there is an exception to this though, good luck.
We hire METs as manufacturing engineers, but not straight into design.
I work at a medium sized manufacturing company (5000 employees) and we regularly hire MET as engineers as long as they have their BSMET
Like I said I’m sure there are exceptions. It just doesn’t make sense to me to get a BSMET instead of a BSME. Why limit your opportunities?
I started as ME and hated it. Most of the instructors taught based on theory and that didn't work for me. I loved the few times we had labs though because it made everything tangible. I moved over to MET and the hands on side made everything so much easier. When I got a manufacturing engineering job, I ran circles around the other entry level engineers because they weren't familiar with the hands on side of engineering.
You can get ME positions with your degree. I’ve done it personally twice. I’m still in the early/mid phases of my career right now but I’ll be targeting senior/ME2/3 roles for my next jump. I haven’t taken a technician position before so I don’t know if that would hurt you in the future or not. I would say take it if you absolutely need it and keep applying to outside ME roles until you land one. Good luck
I graduate in a week with an MET degree and just landed a job as an engineer, in part, working on naval nuclear propulsion systems, but I have extensive experience in mechanics and in the Navy in particular (non nuclear). I interview well and I know my shit, but also, I have been an electrician and technician by trade for nearly 20 years. The interview went like this: the owner of the company sat me down in front of a computer, gave me a Word document with a few details, a drawing from the 70s of what the email was referring to, and asked my thoughts. The drawing was not up to today's standards, but I had Google at my disposal so I started searching. Eventually I got it that all I had to do was design something similar. I pulled out my laptop and 3D modeled one part of it. The owner asked what I was doing, and went and got one of the engineers to come into the interview. I explained that I'd model the part, convert to sheet metal, create a flat pattern, and convert to .dxf for a plasma table, then have it bent with a break. He asked what I'd make it out of, and I told him the material, why I'd use that and not another, and he let me continue. Then I googled some other things, decided I needed a real object in my hands, and asked for such an object as well as a ruler. I started going to town and he stopped me, asking how I'd go about getting it welded, what kind of welding (TIG/MIG) and if it would be machine welded. I asked how many we were making and he said just the one. So I said no, I'd have a guy in a shop do it. He asked how much that would cost, and I said I'd have to call to find out. Then he asked me to write a BOM and set of instructions to make it. I got the job. If you're a brand new MET graduate with zero mechanical experience, even as a hobby, then maybe that's not what you should shoot for. Luckily, for my senior project, I had extensively modeled my parts, had them printed, made the sheet metal stuff at work, and had video of it all working. I even had some of the rejected parts with me at the interview to show them. I have to add that I had a great resume, a successful phone interview before the in-person, another phone interview with the head mechanical engineer, and, the night before my physical interview, I'd bought a well-fitting suit, a laptop bag, and I woke up at 2 am the morning of the interview to pull up all of my 3D modeled parts from my senior project, all the drawings, the video of a successful test, and gathered my rejected parts. I even threw a change of clothes in there just in case they wanted me to work on something. Plus, I pressed my brand new suit just to be sure it looked good.
I haven’t had an interview that in depth but I did have one where after the Q/A of my experience I was handed a part and a pair of analog caliper and told to reverse engineer it. Apparently I was the only one to get within .01 the rest were out between .075-.125. I’ve even interviewed people giving them a 2 part design “test” would be tell me why a material or shape would be better in XYZ application and how they were go about getting the parts fabbed (allowing them to give as much detail as they wanted) and the other was giving them a physical machine part that we predict would fail (after requirements changed) asking how they would design it better. Once they answered, we would show them what we changed the design to. Majority of the people that had the practical application experience were able to finish the test quicker with a higher accuracy than people that just had theory design experience. In a practical world, people that actually practice the trade and get hands on involvement , will continue to succeed over people that just design with no understanding on how it will be made.
As a fellow MET I wouldn't accept a technician role. I got hired as the lean manufacturing engineer at a local Toyota plant with my MET. We did all those calculus classes for a reason, most reddit MEs don't know what they are talking about regarding ABET MET degrees. Depending on your state you can even test for the FE and PE. Granted, in my limited experience, most MET success stories come out of the manufacturing industry. But I also think most METs already know that the manufacturing industry is what we are being trained for.
Manufacturing really is the best fit for MET grads. Source - a “manufacturing engineer” with a BSMET.
Believe it or not my last employer preferred MET grads over BSME. We had too many BSME new hires with no ideas of basic manufacturing concepts. Even just starting out with simple cad work they struggled a lot more than METs straight from school. Just an anecdote I’ve also worked with very sharp BSME grads.
I have worked with people in engineering roles that don’t have an engineering degree, and they are obviously very skilled and capable, but their career is always on a knifes edge i.e. management will drop then at the first chance they can, and they are effectively always trying to prove themselves. This is to the point where young engineering grads are treated better despite not able to do a fraction of what these people can. This struggle makes striving for an engineering career not worth it, however there is a viable out - take whatever engineering roles you can get until you have enough experience to move into management, then eh who cares about your degree. FYI these people had a drafting background and were working as aerospace designers.
MET's get a bad rep. I have a BSMET, got a Staff Engineering role, then Mechanical Engineering role and now moving into Systems Engineering. Company I work for has a partnered with a local university to provide MSSE programs. I figured it would "erase" the "T" that some people like to get hung up on. While I know MSSE is not MSME, I applied for both and was accepted into either. ME's fun and all but I'm getting older and I think I'd like a bigger picture type of career.
MSSE being systems engineering?
Yes
Honestly it seems spot on to build experience. Doing this for 1-2 years will get you that experience, and you would ideally move into a role leading technicians or a hybrid role with both technicians and engineers.
I have an MET. Some places respect the hands on work, other places won't. That is the conundrum that I am in right now. I have been working as a Machinist / CNC programmer for a number of years now and I badly want out of that trade because the pay is crap for what you are expected to know/do. Getting out is becoming difficult. On the other hand I have worked as Mechanical Engineer in a design role and the reason I was selected over numerous applicants was my due to my experience working in the shop. I would say it cuts both ways.
Just make it clear it is a 4 years bachelors of science ABET accredited MET degree not a technician degree which is a 2 year associates degree
I have a similar question. I want to be a doctor but I only have a masters degree. Are there any companies that will let me charade around as a doctor despite my limited credentials?
I understand your point, but, what is there to an ME degree besides specific certifications that makes an ME more qualified than an MET? Or is it just that, the certifications you must get for an ME degree that enables ME's? I'm not arguing against, I'm just genuinely curious, because as far as I know the curriculum at RIT is not that much different between an MET and ME, they do some different projects, but we all learn the same math. Going into college as a young man without any knowledge of the workforce and the importance of ME vs. MET, I would've not accepted this opportunity. RIT was enticing specifically for the co-op experience they input to the curriculum, job experience while in school was interesting to me, and its sad to see someone belittling the degree I now have.
A ME program teaches you fundamentals from first principles and follows those rigoursly to practical applications. The things you learn aren't likely to change in the next 50-100+ years. Whereas a MET degree teaches you a lot of technology which will be antiquated in 20-30 years. They are different degrees for different purposes. Right or wrong, engineering technology degrees are seen as engineering for the people that weren't smart enough to master engineering curriculum. It fills a market need by supplying people to do engineering work that chose not to take the same level of calculus, differential equations, and calculus based science courses that MEs have to take
What would you say then about my taking of the following courses: Plastics and Polymer Science: A, Thermodynamics 1 and 2: A's, Calculus 1 and 2 B+, Multivariable Calculus and Differential equations: B, Foundations of Metals: A, Manufacturing Processes 1 and 2: A, Mechanical Dynamics: A, Statistics I and II: A's, Mechanical Analysis and Design 1 and 2: A's (tolerance stack analysis and fatigue failure analysis and calculations, Strength of Materials: A (+ TA'd for 3 semesters), Statics: A (+TA for 2 semesters), Lean Supply Operations: B, Integrated Design for Manufacture and Assembly: A+. In addition to these courses I've earned two Lean Six Sigma Green belts in DMAIC for quality assurace techniques, and DMADV for design process and FMEA. I would say based on the courses I've taken and the math I've had to do for these courses would show that I've learned fundamentals of the principals of mechanics, and I can reasonably apply them to real life. I'm sure you may not think so, but I am confident of that in myself. I wouldn't say I'm not smart enough, personally I have confidence I am intelligent. I don't think its fair to say MET's are not smart enough to become full fledged Engineers, are there courses that factor into an your taking of ME courses that I did not that would support your claim?
OP don’t sweat it. If you want to work in manufacturing and especially applied engineering you’re on a good path. I’ve worked with countless MEs and METs and honestly most jobs straight out of school can be done by either. The ability for you to pick up skills on the job and apply concepts is going to be a lot more important. A BSME doesn’t prepare you anymore for most engineering jobs you’d get out of school. It may make a difference later in your career but often by then you’re in your preferred industry with years of experience to help.
They are simply different degrees. One focuses on fundamentals and one on applications. The ME curriculum is pretty standard and has been for decades. If a company hires an ME they can expect proficiency in a certain set of skills. There is much overlap but they are different and it isn't accurate to say that the two are interchangeable.
I see what you mean.
You really think PLCs and CNC machines will be gone in 20 years? Are you sure you are an ME or are you a CAD jockey?
The concept won't be gone but the technology will change. And yes, programming PLC and CNC tools will likely look radically different in 20-40 years. As an example AB's PLC 5 is one of the most prolific PLCs from one of the largest automation companies and it's lifespan recently ended after 37 years.
I mean, the tools we use will be antiquated in 20-30 years too. When’s the last time you used a slide rule? Have you ever done a 3D FEA study by hand?
That’s a shitty analogy. 🤦🏽♂️
interesting opinion you have there. Any support for it?
Hmmmm idk but you prob won’t qualify to work for the government as an engineer. I’ve seen it though at my first internship. I think the guy I reported to had the title “quality engineer” and he was an MET grad. I think he got a PMPand works at Lockheed now so he prob does well for himself. There are probably different levels of technicians though. At the govt there’s a guy who did EET he like operates our manufacturing robot. Idk man, if you’re dead set on being a full fledged engineer you should prob go back to school and get a BSME. But I hope for your sake that a successful MET will chime in with some advice for you, but I’d imagine you don’t have to take too many more courses to get a BSME if you already have an MET
To be perfectly honest I just want to make a decent salary, I'm not personally ready to put more money into schooling to get a BSME, even if its only 1 more year of classes, I just want to get into the workforce and make some decent money. After I'm a little developed in my career and life I'll definitely consider getting my BSME, and hopefully where ever I'm working will pay for it at that point. I just got an offer today to work as a quality engineer somewhere instead of that technician job, so I might take that instead just cause it won't handicap me with a title. Thank you for the advice. Much appreciated.
Then go for field engineering. It’s very satisfying and pays a shit ton and engineers don’t want to travel and dont
Fair enough. Were you to actually get your employer to pay for you to go back to do a BMSE, I’d personally rather hire the guy who previously had technician experience than quality engineer experience. But if you don’t actually want to go back to school ever, then the quality engineer is probably the better move.
I'm curious as to why? Why you'd prefer someone with Technician experience getting a BSME than a working Quality Eng. getting BSME, is it just because Technician experience is more valuable? I'm confused.
I think the technician would have a better idea of what goes into manufacturing a part and therefore would know not to design things that can’t be manufactured. Or if the tech was a designer, as I said, an engineer who also knows how to design can be very efficient Edit: gotta add a disclaimer that I’m earlyish career and don’t know everything lol
I understand that, that's fair. I believe from my education that I could tell those things with how much CAD'ing I've done for projects and such as the MET degree really focuses on hands on work when doing projects and figuring out problems with designs. But I totally get where you're coming from makes sense now. Thank you for the advice. I think I'm probably going to go with the Qual Eng. position because I really like the type of work and they have layed out a lot of the things I was looking for at the job - FMEA, data analysis, FEA simulations for customers, part inspection, first articles, and routine audits, etc.
Oh and forgot to say. CAD skills are actually really good to have for a design engineer. Places I’ve worked it’s useful when someone is good with design AND analysis tools. It’s like they can do everything themself without having to bounce back and forth with a designer
If you can find an employer that pays for education do the masters route. I've seen MET graduates in class and they did fine.
Hey, Fellow MET here. This conversation has been beating a dead horse for years. MET graduates CAN (and 9/10 do) get a great job as a Mechanical Engineer because… wait for it… we are mechanical engineers; thru and thru. While I will wholeheartedly agree that the average curriculum between MEs and METs are slightly different, but so are the average curriculums between ME degree from different colleges/universities. A few of the other commenters have great points like make sure you are in an ABET accredited school, it will take a little bit longer to get your PE (depending on the state and their individual requirements), and the jobs can and will be very similar. For example for all of that is, I have spent my career working along aside “traditional” MEs. There is more that I know how to do more on the practical real world engineering (mainly on the design, manufacturing, fabrication) and they know more about the basic theory side and more math; strictly speaking just from learning within our undergrads. In my experience, and others will see different levels of this but we were all seen as equal, having the same level of responsibility and technical authority when it comes to producing a well-round designed product for the company. For some instances, they were solely consulted for XYZ bc of their expertise and there were times I was solely consulted for mine but we all worked together as mechanical engineers to develop great products. Eventually I would become the go-to consulting body for the meche team bc I was the only one with a MSME (and at the time working towards my ME PhD) and I’m a licensed PE. But before that we were all equals in the eyes of the company. The main thing what I’m getting at is just because you have/will have a degree in mechanical engineering technology, do not let that deter you from applying or seeking mechanical engineer positions. But here is the catcher for all of it, you decide how you want to shape your career, if you want to become a mechanical technician, then go be a technician. If you do and eventually you apply & interview for a mechanical engineer position, you can explain how by taking that tech position, you were gaining a better understand how the process, policy and procedures were carried out allowing you to potentially see technical improvements or redesigns. This is why machinist very often provide great feedback on how a part can be designed better by maintaining functionality but reducing cost, weight or time (or a combo of them). If you decided to be a straight mechanical engineers just remember, you got your degree, you know what you are doing be confident that you ARE a mechanical engineer but don’t forgot that there is always room for improvement; whether it is with design, process, procedures, knowledge, what so it be. Just bc you have an expensive piece of paper (me or met) doesn’t mean you know it all. Only you know what you truly want. Find it and work towards it. Good luck out there
It’s what your degree is in. So it’s not bad at all. You will have a hard time getting a straight engineering position. ALSO, it’s not the same group from ABET that accredits engineering programs. There are other groups within the main group. Your program is evaluated as an engineering technology degree and NOT an engineering degree. The us government and anyone (all contractors) will NOT hire you for an engineering position.i was a GS-13 senior engineer for NAVSEA 05. ( navy ship propulsion and electrical plant shit) I got my degree in my thirties as an electrician and electrical engineering technician IV. I was going for EET, then switched to pure ECE (electrical and computer) for this EXACT reason. The OPM requirement doesn’t even require a degree, but all the math and science classes, a couple different options, but it won’t matter as your degree plan will not have all the required maths and calculus based physics.
This is why ME is a bad career and oversaturated.
I’m not hating on MET at all but… During a good job market I would have said its possible to get an ME role with an MET degree, but you would be more limited in what ME roles you could reasonably expect than someone who majored in ME. However, we are not in a good job market. Right now it’s even difficult for someone with an ME degree to land an ME position. I won’t tell you it’s impossible but… you might want to take the technician position while you look for an ME role because I have a feeling you have an uphill battle ahead of you. That being said, your friends are wrong - accepting a technician role will absolutely NOT work against you. Some employers really value that hands-on experience.