Kid with questions

[SigElite]

Hi guys, I'm n to this so maybe this isn't the right forum to ask this question, however, here goes. I'm going to college to major in Industrial Technology, emphasis on Advanced Manufacturing. What I looking for is anyone who would be willing to provide some info about this major and the jobs I will be looking at afterwords. I know I'm looking at CNC type stuff but that's about it. So any opinions, comments, recommendations basically anything about this stuff including tools, practices. Anything and Everything.

Thanks guys

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Id say try and get in the door at a big plant on the maintenance dept,that would give you first hand experience on how the machines actually operate and how to fix them

 

[Justanoldguy]

Don't get me wrong but haven't you got the cart before the horse.
You know, figure out what you want to do in life and what sort of job/career you want to train in, then go seek out that training. Maybe it's done different in the USA?

 

[gibbon_guy]

I think it's good to figure or know out what jobs would be available after school. Maybe volunteer at various companies and positions and try it out?

 

[SigElite]

Thanks and justanoldguy I know that this is what I want to do I'm just trying to get some specifics is all

 

[theoldwizard1]

Thanks and justanoldguy I know that this is what I want to do I'm just trying to get some specifics is all

This is difficult at times, because specific jobs can be vary widely.

When I graduated from college I knew I wanted to get into computers. I started doing "general" programming with Fortran, ALGOL and COBOL. Within a couple of years I knew I wanted to do something different so I moved into programming engine controllers in assembly language. From there, I moved on from there to do System Programming and Administration on Large Computers (this was all pre-PC or in the early days when they really were not that useful in business.)

Id say try and get in the door at a big plant on the maintenance dept, that would give you first hand experience on how the machines actually operate and how to fix them

Excellent suggestion. Even a small shop would be good. ("Maintenance" in this case does not mean sweeping the floors and taking out the garbage, but taking care of the machinery itself.)

Try to learn as much as you can about welding and machining. As stupid as it sounds there are a lot of good short videos on YouTube. Things like how a bolt is made, or chain is formed, steel is forged. Basic, practical knowledge and common sense, will help a lot !

College is mostly theory, which combined with practical knowledge will go a long way.

 

[brianh]

Advanced manufacturing is a very broad area, I designed furniture and was involved in production development on the shop floor using the lean manufacturing approach we were small enough I got to be part of the whole process.

Most companies will be more segregated, you will have Cad designers cam programmers shop technicians so I think you need to figure which one will fit your preference, 2/3 of your life will be spent doing it.

 

[kbs2244]

Have your school find you placement as a summer intern in your aimed at department.
It will be a no pay job, but you will be doing all the grunt work,
And that is what you want.
If you like the place it is also a great foot in the door.
If you don’t it still gives you the experience added to your schooling.

 

[larry_g]

Hi guys, I'm n to this so maybe this isn't the right forum to ask this question, however, here goes. I'm going to college to major in Industrial Technology, emphasis on Advanced Manufacturing. What I looking for is anyone who would be willing to provide some info about this major and the jobs I will be looking at afterwords. I know I'm looking at CNC type stuff but that's about it. So any opinions, comments, recommendations basically anything about this stuff including tools, practices. Anything and Everything.

Thanks guys

If you do this industrial technology schooling what degree do you end up with? Can you link to a collage program that describes the training and goals? I worked with a large amount of industrial engineers that served the process flow and floor layout for manufacturing and we did no CNC work. A lot of fixed automation and synchronous and asynchronous assembly. Can you describe what your schooling will prepare you to do as a lot of $9 jobs have a $30 name?

lg
no neat sig line

 

[SigElite]

http://www.uni.edu/chas/academics/technology. Here is the website I'm a Manufacturing Major which is a Bachelors of Science level degree.

 

[lutter94]

unpaid internships? Those exist? Not in the engineering world.....

 

[SigElite]

The reason I had said CNC was that when I toured the college the shop floor had four large CNC machines a couple mills and lathes and what appeared to be a large woodworking shop.

 

[ford33]

Try to find work in a manufacturing company either full-time or part-time. Just get your foot in the door and do excellent work when you get in. Keep your eyes and ears open for new openings in other areas such as maintenance, engineering, etc. and apply or just ask the department manager. Get some experience in as many areas as possible.

If opportunities are limited in one company, move to another. Nothing will prepare you for your career better than working in the field before graduation.

 

[BAIRDENG]

Graduated from this school about 20 years ago with a degree in Manufacturing
Tech. The question you asked should be discussed with your advisor or it should have been answered before you started school.
Back then the degree was to prepare you for something in between an engineer
and the person on the shop floor. The education gave you general information
on a wide range of topics. However, it is not detailed hands-on training like a
technical school nor does it provide you an engineering degree.

I think in today's job market you are going to need some skill set and not
just a diploma to get in the door.

 

[onewaydave]

Best laid plans of mice and men...

The best plans for a battle are useless the second the first shot is fired. (Or something like that.)

Whatever one trains for today will most assuredly not be what they will do tomorrow.

The only thing for certain is change.

DAMHIKT

Dave.

 

[SigElite]

Thanks. BAIRDENG I haven't started yet I will this fall. So I still have time to change The sales pitch they gave me was that the summer intern ships would provide more of the hands on experience. Is this just wishful thinking? And no disrespect but isn't it possible the program has changed since you went through?

 

[justanengineer]

I believe your degree will put you on what some companies call a "technologist" path, basically somewhere between a technician and an engineer. Realistically, you could go either way or stay in the middle. We have technologists that handle CNC programming, CAD drafting prints off of the 3d model and all of the necessary checking/paperwork associated with it, manufacturing quality, and a whole host of other specialties "in the middle" there. We also have them that became more of a tradesman/technician handling machining, maintenance, and plant repair. We also have them that started in the middle, gained a ton of real world experience, and now handle component design, validation, or simulation on engineering teams.

+1 on the recommendation to try to find an internship/co-op in a big manufacturing plant that will expose you to a bit of everything ASAP. If you have trouble finding something through the school, dont hesitate to inquire around town with neighbors or at a plant itself. I know many folks love to show off their work, myself included, so if you were in my area youd get a tour from me personally. You really wont know what you like until you try it IME. Once you know, focus your studies in that area. If you wanna become a draftsman, take as much print reading, GD&T, and CAD/3d modeling as possible. If you wanna try CNC programming focus on machine operations classes, measurement, and the like. Irregardless, plan early on in school then work your plan.

 

[aggierailroad]

Be prepared to do a lot of CAD/computer work as your job. Unfortunately, engineers get to do a lot of the cool design stuff, techs actually have to struggle and figure out how to build it - meaning seat time at the computer.

I started on your route, but changed early and got a degree in mechanical engineering. The thing I like about my position is that I can do design, and as a project leader, can go to the shop and play around with the toys when I want to. Comments about the internships are correct on the pay - expect fairly decent pay for "engineering" internships - at least in Texas. Most people I know are making ~$20k a summer for a sophomore/junior year internship.

Good comment by BAIRDENG, I don't think this degree will teach you what you are wanting to know about running mills, lathes, etc. You'll get an overview, spend a few hours in a crappy lab, and come out screwing up more parts than those that turn out. Most machinists apprentice - no formal college training. I learned how to use machine tools during my summer jobs - which I was able to get because I was studying engineering and with help from school placement programs.

The techs I knew in school (~3 years ago) spent most of their time drafting and drawing gears.... Not at all what the "brochure" advertised.

 

[stewie97]

Thanks. BAIRDENG I haven't started yet I will this fall. So I still have time to change The sales pitch they gave me was that the summer intern ships would provide more of the hands on experience. Is this just wishful thinking? And no disrespect but isn't it possible the program has changed since you went through?

What is it you want to do? Maybe check out hawkeye for a couple of night courses in machining and welding?

This class is $400, it runs 10 total nights from 6-9 pm. A great cheap way to get your feet wet. They have many similar courses in welding, cad, and other trades as well.

http://hawkeyecollege.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=3053&int_category_id=1&int_sub_category_id=4&int_catalog_id=0

 

[bigguns69]

As mentioned by several of the posts, the Industrial Tech degreee is some where between a associates degree and an engineering degree. I have heard it called "engineering light". Not as much theory and detail, more hands on practical use focus. If you go this route, you can focus your direction in design through CAD/CAM focus; programming of controls for robots, machines via PLC and various other programming languages; or you can focus more into manufacturing methods and processes from a practical point of view. I have hired several folks over the years with this type of education and that seems to be the general direction starting out. By no means does this mean that's it. I have witnesses several people with this background, progress with experience to designer, design engineer, project engineer given demonstrated on the job experience. You are doing the right thing by investigating now. Get some part time jobs in areas that you have interest in an try it out. Is that something you want to pursue for the next 10-15 or so years. The main things is, does the career interest me, challeng me, pay me well, has a future. Being an engineer for 20 years has been a blast for me. Paid me well, seen some cool things. I like playing with welders, bridgeports, lathes, etc. too such that I went and bought them all to play with in my own shop. That's another point of view. I can tell you this, an engineer/technician that is good at design, hydraulics, electronics circuits and/or PLC programming have always been in good demand. I will tell you this much, in the state of Iowa, Iowa State has the name recognition for engineering/technology over UI or UNI. That is another consideration to make. Not as important but can help in getting that first job after school that much easier. Good luck.

 

[SigElite]

thanks everybody

 

[northern rodder]

Hey Sig, I graduated from a similar program almost 6 years ago now. I took mechanical engineering technology. The program was 3 years, and heavy in CAD design, but covered subjects like hydraulics, precision measurement, and machining. I was able to complete an internship one summer and a co-op placement during my final year. In the end i ended up with a industrial millwright apprenticeship with a power company. If you want to know anymore feel free to contact me.

 

[Outlander]

I believe your degree will put you on what some companies call a "technologist" path, basically somewhere between a technician and an engineer. Realistically, you could go either way or stay in the middle. We have technologists that handle CNC programming, CAD drafting prints off of the 3d model and all of the necessary checking/paperwork associated with it, manufacturing quality, and a whole host of other specialties "in the middle" there. We also have them that became more of a tradesman/technician handling machining, maintenance, and plant repair. We also have them that started in the middle, gained a ton of real world experience, and now handle component design, validation, or simulation on engineering teams.

+1 on the recommendation to try to find an internship/co-op in a big manufacturing plant that will expose you to a bit of everything ASAP. If you have trouble finding something through the school, dont hesitate to inquire around town with neighbors or at a plant itself. I know many folks love to show off their work, myself included, so if you were in my area youd get a tour from me personally. You really wont know what you like until you try it IME. Once you know, focus your studies in that area. If you wanna become a draftsman, take as much print reading, GD&T, and CAD/3d modeling as possible. If you wanna try CNC programming focus on machine operations classes, measurement, and the like. Irregardless, plan early on in school then work your plan.

Great answer. I went back to school in mechanical engineering technology at night while working in a large aerospace company. Being in industry helped, a lot. I eventually took a deviation and went into IT, and to this day I am known as someone with engineering and manufacturing background. I have developed new mfg processes, managed teams of phd holders doing IT support for researchers and delivered large complex projects.

The purpose of my post was not to brag....it sounded like it when I read it.....but to point out that you have a world of opportunity in front of you. It may appear in different forms.

Many days I look at the work being done by our technicians, or by my client and think how much more fun that would be than my spreadsheets and power points. So, I live vicariously through them and designate myself executive sponsor where my teams are involved.

Have fun...learn a lot..try different things...learn more and enjoy.

 

[sberry]

If a guy intends to do any hands on take some effort no matter what the cost and become fairly proffecient with a welder and a torch. Its a skill set hard to fake and noticeable when done right, its like stapling "can do" on your forehead.

 

[billp603]

I graduated from UMass Lowell 20+ years ago with a 4 year BS degree in Industrial Technology. During the time in school I knew very little of what that would involve, but the program was summed up at the time by one of the advisers as giving you knowledge “a mile wide and an inch deep”

I have worked as an Industrial/Manufacturing Engineer ever since. My first job out of college was for a Tier 1 automotive supplier supporting injection molding, painting, and coating process. I then went to a defense contractor with classified security clearance supporting CNC machining, electro-mechanical assembly and durability testing . And for the past 14 years I have worked at a couple of companies making capital equipment, first for the printing industry, and then industrial ovens and vacuum furnaces. These have mostly been supporting final assembly, testing, and customer installations with the fabrication of parts mostly done by suppliers.

I’ve done factory and office layouts with AutoCAD, developed Access data collection systems, moved plants and product lines, been involved with opening a greenfield plant and closing down a plant. I’ve designed parts and fixtures from scratch and modified existing parts with SolidWorks, written ECN’s, approved and rejected ECN’s, done supplier audits, incoming inspection, designed and tested packaging, programed conveyor logic, stocked shelves, driven fork trucks, loaded trucks, counted inventory, assembled machines, coordinated riggers, planned manpower, quoted jobs, reviewed budgets, emptied the trash and swept the floor. I’ve had a chance to travel around the country along with Canada and some of Europe, but have so far avoided the other hemisphere. My point to all of this is you have no idea where your career will take you, but getting the technical degree is a good foundation and will get you started in the industry. Use the time in school to get tours in as many different types of manufacturing facilities as you can, no two are alike and you’ll learn something from each and every visit. Like others have said if you can get an entry level job in a factory doing anything, you’ll have great exposure to the daily issues any company faces.

 

[Jack Burton]

Thanks. BAIRDENG I haven't started yet I will this fall. So I still have time to change The sales pitch they gave me was that the summer intern ships would provide more of the hands on experience. Is this just wishful thinking? And no disrespect but isn't it possible the program has changed since you went through?

I'm sure you'll get plenty of hands-on experience in your internships. Hopefully you'll get the basics of manual machining in class and also as an intern since most CNC kids these days seem to be clueless about it. A whole generation of machinists and tool & die makers are retiring and there are no young people to take their places. If industry ever came back to the US in a big way, we'd be hurting.

Something to keep in mind. If you're gonna bother to get a BS in any technical field, you want a program that is ABET accredited. That lets employers know you went to a university and not ITT. According to the ABET site, the program you're going into is not but the EET program is. So maybe it's in the works.