Graduating soon, ramifications of a non-engineering position???
Graduating soon, ramifications of a non-engineering position???
(OP)
Hello,
I am graduating in May with a mechanical engineering degree.
I have considered applying for a non-engineering position that requires "Mechanical aptitude" etc. The position is something along the lines of "technical customer service representative". (it is cooler than it sounds I promise)
The reason I am considering the position is that the job is with a motorcycle company and motorcycles happen to be my passion.
Do you think accepting a non-engineering position right out of school limit my future 'real' engineering opportunities??
Thank you for your opinions on the matter.
I am graduating in May with a mechanical engineering degree.
I have considered applying for a non-engineering position that requires "Mechanical aptitude" etc. The position is something along the lines of "technical customer service representative". (it is cooler than it sounds I promise)
The reason I am considering the position is that the job is with a motorcycle company and motorcycles happen to be my passion.
Do you think accepting a non-engineering position right out of school limit my future 'real' engineering opportunities??
Thank you for your opinions on the matter.





RE: Graduating soon, ramifications of a non-engineering position???
Is there any way this job could work into an engineering position?
RE: Graduating soon, ramifications of a non-engineering position???
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Graduating soon, ramifications of a non-engineering position???
Life is a series of choices. One could envision that this particular position may provide you with the opportunity to pursue your "passion." At the same time, it would provide you with deep understanding of customer's needs & wants. Which could position you for a deeply satisfying entry level design or manufacturing position somewhere else.
Or not. After all, life is a series of choices.
Your youth may limit your vision of what you want your life to be. Regarding the concept of following your "passion", keep in mind this thought: Today's passion may be temporary & short term, replaced by any number of other pursuits. Illness, relationships, and this wretched economic malaise we're in may derail any plans you have. Or force a total redirection. Where would this position leave you then? What's your plan B, C, & D?
TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering
www.bluetechnik.com
RE: Graduating soon, ramifications of a non-engineering position???
However, that would not be the path that I would choose.
A much better two-step is to work for a Tier one parts supplier and then move into the OEM as the design/release engineer in that system (they'll bite your hand off), and then move around as you see fit.
Cheers
Greg Locock
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RE: Graduating soon, ramifications of a non-engineering position???
I used to work for a small design company that did a lot of design for a US motorcycle manufacturer. I knew a lot of engineers at the bike plant that I worked with in other jobs. They worked hard to get in, only to find they were shuffling projects while handing off the design work to the likes of me.
RE: Graduating soon, ramifications of a non-engineering position???
BUT I like motorcycles too!!
Bottom line - you have to be HAPPY!!
RE: Graduating soon, ramifications of a non-engineering position???
RE: Graduating soon, ramifications of a non-engineering position???
This has played out much the same as in my mind...
I will add that the "tech customer rep" position wasn't local...it was a regional position and I do have some experience in the field.
To make matters worse I do have MBA ambitions, however, I have worked hard enough to become an engineer. It looks easier to shift to sales from engineering than vise-versa.
RE: Graduating soon, ramifications of a non-engineering position???
TTFN

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