Lost Young minds

[gty2k2000]

I am currently a sophomore in high school "10th grade which means i only got two years left" in florida and I realized that I need to get my game plan together for life ahead. Im pretty sure that I want a job in marine engineering working for mercury or evinrude etc. but I don’t know what to do, what collages to look at, or what kinds of things I will need for this type of work. if any one was ever in my position and could point me in the right direction it would help a lot.

 

[JB]

Re: Lost Young minds

Howdy, GTY.<br /><br />I see three different routes available.<br /><br />In-service training as a rigger or wrench in a dealership. Start at the bottom and go as far as you want.<br /><br />Junior college degree from a school like Marine Mechanics Institute, which I believe is in FL.<br /><br />BSME degree from a good engineering school like GaTech, NCState, or, if you are really ambitious, CALTECH or MIT. I think the future belongs to computer control in outboards and other marine power plants, so I would focus on that area, usually called robotics or automatic control systems.<br /><br />Best of luck to you.

 

[Marc J.]

Re: Lost Young minds

I wish I had your dilemna. MMI is in your area. An associate degree from there could lay the groundwork for your interests. I'm not sure if their credits will transfer to an University, but from what I hear their graduates are highly sought after by dealerships. If you don't complete engineering school, service techs make good money.

 

[gty2k2000]

Re: Lost Young minds

you see thats the thing though i dont want to fix them i want to design them or wat ever etc.

 

[tommays]

Re: Lost Young minds

i was the rebel in my famly by not going to collage but took a two year marine engine repiar program during my 11 and 12 year of high school <br /><br />i finished in 1974 and worked in the trade for one year but it was not a good year round job on long island at that time<br /><br />i switched to repiaring machines and the training i recived in the 2 year program prepared me to be able to learn how to fix most anything in a pretty short time<br /><br />so here its 2005 i am 49 years old and find that at least on long island i can write my own ticket because with the push towards collage at all costs most of the trade programs have been shut down so long you cant hire repiar people much younger than 40 <br /><br />tommays

 

[tommays]

Re: Lost Young minds

well if you want to design thats a compeatly different path and collage is a must.<br /><br />but i have to warn you that it will be many years of doing small parts of projects before you get a chance to undertake a big one as the lead designer<br /><br />tommays

 

[bayman]

Re: Lost Young minds

You might want to consider looking at Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology:<br /> http://www.westlawn.org <br /><br />Their focus is on designing boats. I don't know if there is a better boat design school in the US but I doubt it.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Lost Young minds

Oh and when you design the next engine make sure a wrench will fit on the nut and not have to remove 49 other parts first. <br /><br />Basically you want to go to an engineering college. You will want to major in mechanical engineering. MIT is good and There are other less know but just as good. In the tenth grade eh?<br />Do a good science project and it could take you to a great college. What about how engines combust in marine environs? Or how about 1000:1 oil in water that affects plant growth? 1000:1 1,000,000:1 so on and such.<br /><br />Good luck and study hard.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Lost Young minds

gty2k2000, Marine engineering just doesn't stop at boat engines. There is a very wide degree of things this profession does. It can be from oil well rigs, ships of all sorts, marina contruction, marine enviromental equipment, navigation equipment, and the list goes on. <br /><br />Depending on how energetic you are, the world is open to you. My suggestion is while you are young, don't set your sights on just one area. This is the real world and sometimes you need more than just a couple of areas of education.<br /><br />Good Luck young man in your endeavors, set your goals and stick to them.

 

[gty2k2000]

Re: Lost Young minds

thanks for the info i am going to chech ou that www.westlawn.org place. <br /><br />and o yeah when i make my first eninge ill make sure that every thing is ez for you Mr. realgun lol thanks

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Lost Young minds

think it was mentioned- you want to pursue a degree in marine engineering. naval academy offers a program, i'm sure other colleges do as well. spend your summers working as a mechanic so you get first hand exp in that. after graduation, you'll be set-

 

[carrotsnapper]

Re: Lost Young minds

Keep in mind as well, that even though you may have one area in mind, as you get involved in it, you may find that your intrests take you in a different direction. Best of luck to you. I wish I had had a direction when I was your age. You sound like you've got it together.

 

[ARCWINSTON]

Re: Lost Young minds

In your first post you mention Mercury and Evinrude so if you are serious about designing marine engines you will definately need a BSE. There are many aspects to marine propulsion; an outboard for example is engine and transmission in one package and involves a large design team skilled in many engineering disciplines. The motor guys while working alongside the gearbox guys have very different learning and you can be sure the project chief engineer who holds it all together is REALLY smart and has experience in many of the design areas. As mentioned above the future is in hi tech controls and super efficient combustion. Also as mentioned you must get your hands dirty. Work in the repair shops through college and understand how the decisions made during design and development work out in the real world. I see many young engineers where I work and invariably the ones with practical experience do a better job. You have to have a feel for what you are doing. You sound like you are on a mission and have a definate goal. It sounds like a cliche but the possibilities really are endless. Good luck...W

 

[Captn Dave]

Re: Lost Young minds

GTY2K2000,<br /><br />First of all, you’re headed in the right direction. Having a goal and direction for a career path at your age is commendable.<br /> <br />Marine engineering may not be the field that you think it is. Marine engineers design and specify propulsion and related systems for ships and boats. Some engineers run the propulsion systems onboard the ships.<br /><br />If you are interested in the design and development of outboard and/or inboard engines, mechanical engineering would be the way to go. That is, if you’re interested in the mechanical aspects of the design.<br /> <br />You will have to be strong in math and science. Engineering is one of the toughest majors. But with some discipline and hard work, the four years will go by fast.<br />If you’re looking for value, go with one of Florida’s schools.<br /> <br />Also bear in mind the location of Mercury’s and Bombardier’s manufacturing facilities. You’ll find they're a long way from sunny, warm Florida.<br /> <br />Do a search on the internet for Marine Architects, Marine Engineers and mechanical engineering to gain some information on each.<br />Also, don't be afraid to call the Human Resource office for a company that you're interested in and ask to speak to someone about job opportunities.<br />Ask them how many college graduates they hire each year and in what discipline.<br /><br />I'm a Navy aerospace engineer but my first love is boats. Even though I have an interesting job, I'd rather go boating than flying. When I was your age, I had no idea what I wanted to do or what was even out there. As it turned out, everyhing fell into place for me. If I had to do it all over again, who knows, maybe I'd look into someting like Naval Architecture. <br />Good luck.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Re: Lost Young minds

Here is a slightly different approach:<br />First get an Associate's Degree in machining or in marine engine service at an accredited 2 year college. Take classes, espically math and sciences, of academic rigor. Earn good grades. Work part time in the field. Then, transfer to an engineering college at a major university. This is a valuable approach as many engineering students have no hands-on training or experience. When it comes time to build projects or prototypes, they don't have a clue. The UIniversity of Michigan has great programs in both mechanical engineering and in naval architecture. Either would be valuable with the tech background. Were one to double major, he would be gold!

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Lost Young minds

This is one of the most heart warming threads I have ever read. A young man (teenager) with the desire to direct his life and career. Then he has the moxy to ask adults on an appropriate marine forum. And lastly, a host of adults offering sincere help and suggestions. That is just great!!!! Good luck to the young man.<br /><br />Here is one little suggestion, since you have targeted some of the companies you may wish to work for, inquire with them to find out if they offer any programs for new employees which may assit with the eductation while working. It is done in other industries.

 

[gatorboaterUF]

Re: Lost Young minds

uptraveler has a good idea, but an AS degree is not sutible for trancfer to a state university. You would endup having to start all over again as a freshmen. You should consider while your still in highschool geting a summer job at a shop as a helper, this would give you a good idea of how things work. I would start talking to college advisers now, they can save you alot of guesswork.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Re: Lost Young minds

I know nothing about the Florida system, but in Michigan (and surrounding states), the (2 year) Community College system is fully acrediated and transfers to even top State Universities are seamless. The University of Michigan welcomes transfers from the CC system. Most students transfer with no loss of credit. One does not have to "start over"! High School guidence counselors and university admissions offices can be of help. However, be careful, they are not always familair with all options, espically creative ones.