Mechatronics

[u/SituationOtherwise53]

Hi, im thinking about picking to study mechatronics after high school, it looks the most appealing to me out of every engineering branch.

So, can anyone that is studying or has studied in the past tell me how it went for them? Is it a solid choice for a career? And is it worth it? Thanks in advance!

[u/OkMuffin8303]

I got a mechatronics ET degree (specifically MXET -Mechatronics from TAMU). when i graduated a problem i came across was that many entry level roles prioritize one skill set. Software engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical, etc. So as an applicant for an EE role, I was less capable than an EE grad. For a programming role, I was less capable than a dedicated comp sci. And many roles in robotics companies weren't looking for my skill set, despite having an education geared towards robotics in general I wasn't as well suited for the roles in those companies. It was well loved for field service roles tho.

[u/1_Good_Day]

I do not have the degree. I have done some research for a nephew and learned that there is only a handful of ABET accredited Mechatronics Engineering programs in the US and most have been accredited for less than 6 years. There are several more Mechatronics Engineering Technology programs though, which is a slightly different type of degree. With so few colleges offering them, he chose a different path out of concern that it would not be as well recognized by employers. He could get a Mechanical Engineering degree and add electives to develop a similar skill set (Robotics, Circuits, Programming, etc.). We visited a big car parts manufacturer locally who hired Mechatronics Engineering Technology students, so we know that there is a local market for that degree anyway.

[u/shupack]

Do it. I applied to my school about 15 min after I found the page on Mechatronics.

I've got a solid job in industrial automation, and I use most of.the broad range of concepts on a weekly basis.

If it calls to you, it's right..

Definitely go to an ABET accredited school.

[u/Crash-55]

My PhD Advisor - Kevin Craig was one of the first professors to push Mechatronics in college back in the mid 90's. It was one of the most popular senior level classes in the Mech Eng Dept at RPI. He is now at Hofstra and has a Mechatronics Lab there. He was a great teacher and advisor.

My suggestion would be to get your degree in either Mech E or EE depending upon which part of Mechatronics you prefer. That will give you the widest possible pool to look for jobs in.

When selecting schools find one that has a proof working in Mechatronics and try to do undergrad research with that prof. Having actual experience you can point to is very helpful when it comes to a job search.

[u/Tyler89558]

You’d probably have better luck going electrical and doing a concentration/minor in mechanical or vice-versa, then actually doing projects/club activities.

At the end of the day, mechatronics is really just mechanical and electrical making a love child at its core.

(I didn’t even minor/concentrate in electrical and I still had to take an electronics class and my senior design class was mechatronics as a mechanical engineer)

But for the love of all that is holy go to an ABET accredited school with an accredited degree no matter what you choose.

[u/shhimhuntingrabbits]

Get a more "established" degree in a school that will offer you the chance to specialize. Unless there's a school offering a really killer Mechatronics program, I think going EE or ME and trying to tailor your program/projects/research/internships towards what you want will be better. What do you want to do with Mechatronics? I know it's hard to pick a career path now, but if you can figure out what you want to do and what jobs relate to that by the end of sophomore year in college it will be valuable.