Interview with a Mechanical Engineer
Anita B. Singh graduated from Stony Brook University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering in 2006 and is currently an HVAC (Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning) Design Engineer at Cameron Engineering & Associates, LLP. She designs the air conditioning systems for buildings by studying the occupancy and the exterior walls and windows (skin) of buildings. This information is then used to calculate the heating, cooling and fresh air requirements for indoor spaces. She utilizes AutoCAD to create her design on the computer.
Anita has agreed to answer some questions about her experience in the mechanical engineering program at Stony Brook University and working as a mechanical engineer in industry. Here are some questions posed to Anita and her responses.
1. How hard is it to earn a degree in mechanical engineering?
On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the hardest, I would rate it an 8. Some classes were more challenging than others. However, this is what the major is about; solving problems and puzzles. I personally liked to solve brain teasers and complex math problems in high school. In college, I welcomed the work because I always loved a good challenge. This is what makes engineering an exciting major.
2. What are some of the projects you had to do at Stony Brook University?
- I had to design a gear and pulley system on a design software for gears.
- I made a presentation on geothermal heat pumps.
- I had to use computer programs to design and build a device to deliver a precise amount of intravenous medication to a patient.
- For my senior design project my team designed and built a 4 passenger manual cart to enable exercising and mowing the lawn as a family activity. It looked like a car chassis with 4 bicycle wheels. There were also blades that were detachable to the back of the device so that this mechanism could also be used for joy rides. There was one driver behind a steering wheel. Both a passenger and the driver pedaled the cart like a bicycle. The remaining 2 passengers were able to enjoy the ride.
3. What qualities should one have to be a mechanical engineer?
- Neat and confident in your math skills.
- You should like problem solving.
- You should enjoy challenges.
- You tend to always want to accomplish a task the easiest and or quickest way possible.
- You like to make complicated things more simple.
- You take things apart so you can put them back together.
4. What is the environment of your workplace? Indoors? Outdoors?
Most days I am indoors. I design the air conditioning systems in an office on a computer. When the system is ready to be built, I put on a hard hat and go to the construction site to verify that the building is being built the way it was designed.
5. How much is the workload?
I work 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or 40 hours a week.
6. How flexible are the work hours?
In my office, they like for everyone to be here at the same time because we work in teams. In other offices, it may be different. It also depends on the industry you go into.
7. How much fun is it to be a mechanical engineer?
A lot of fun. You get presented with a problem. You figure out how to solve it. Then you design it and watch it come alive from your mind, to a piece of paper, to a computer. Finally, you see it get built and used by people everyday to make their lives better.
8. What is the most fun part about being a mechanical engineer?
Going to see your design being built. It is the best feeling to see what you imagined come to life right in front of your eyes.
9. Is there any more information you would want others to know about mechanical engineering?
- There are many things you can do with this major.
- You have broader spectrum of jobs to choose from compared to other engineering majors.
- Don’t be afraid of challenges. Go for it and don’t give up. You will be rewarded with the feeling of accomplishment.
- Never be afraid to ask questions.
WHAT DO MECHANICAL ENGINEERS DO?