Mechanical Engineering Resource

Guide for College Freshman

Provided by:
Ronald Ryder
English 202C
4 February 2015

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Table of Contents:
Preface.....................................3
Note to
Audience
....4
Content and Material Included............................................................4
Assumptions About the Reader...........................................................4
Tips for Use.........................................................................................4

Internet Based Resources.......................5

Government Resources.....................................................6
Catalog of U.S. Government Publications................................................7
Statistical Abstract of the United States..................................................8

Search Tool Websites........................................................9

National Technical Information Services................................................10
American Society of Mechanical Engineers Journal Program.................11

Penn State Mechanical Engineering Resources.................12

The Learning Factory at Penn State.......................................................13
Engineering House (E-house) Sample Exam Database...........................14
Sample Academic Plan- Mechanical
Engineering...15
Rate My Professors.................................................................................. 16
Engineering Career Resources and Employer Relations (eCareer)..........17

Authors Note......................................18

PREFACE:

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Note to Audience
The next three sections contain information that will help you determine if
this resource guide will be useful in the beginning stages of pursuing a
mechanical engineering degree. The intention of the guide is to provide
young mechanical engineering students with immediate knowledge of
available resources and information on how to access to those resources. The
next three sections will give the reader insight into the content of the guide,
what Im assuming in my writing about the reader and tips for using the
document effectively.

Content and Material Included

This guide includes links to government information resources that can be
used in researching the field of mechanical engineering and obtaining
statistics related to the career field. In addition, the guide introduces the
reader to several in-depth search tools, which allow for specific and reliable
document searches while doing research. The guide also contains some Penn
State University specific resources, compiled based on immediate needs of
young engineering students. Mechanical engineering is an uphill battle, the
more tips and tricks one knows along the way, the better the outcome. The
information presented in the guide is accurate as of 4 February 2015

Assumptions about the Reader

In making this guide, I assumed the reader would be either a first/second
semester freshmen, or a transfer student just arriving on campus. I also
assumed that when reading the guide, the student is either trying to get
ahead and establish a foothold in mechanical engineering or needs help
desperately, as many do in the early stages of engineering. The guide is not
meant to dissuade you from becoming a mechanical engineer or to persuade
you to become a mechanical engineer, just to give you resources to help you
if pursuing a mechanical engineering degree.

Tips for Use

This guide is not a comprehensive list of all available resources for

pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, just the ones available
on the Internet. Other resources include academic advisors, teaching
assistants, professors and fellow classmates.
I would suggest reading the guide a few weeks prior to arrival on
campus or before the semester starts in order to hit the ground
running. If you decide to use the guide later in the semester, it may be
less effective.
For further questions and explanation, please contact me. My e-mail is
rmr5383@psu.edu.

Internet Based Resources:

The following pages detail nine important internet based resources that upon
my review, are helpful for young mechanical engineering students. The
information is presented in abstracts, or synopses detailing each resource.
The guide is subdivided into three sections: government resources, search
tool websites and Penn State University specific mechanical engineering
resources.

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Government Resources:

Catalog of U.S. Government Publications

Government Database
Location/Availability:
http://catalog.gpo.gov/F?RN=231569122
Free online resource
Description:
The Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP) is a search tool for both
electronic and printed publications from the three branches of the U.S.
government. It contains more than a half million records dating back to 1976.
It is updated daily and therefore is an expanding information resource.
Features of the database include:
Direct links to online versions of publications
Locate a Library feature which enables a use to find a nearby Federal
depository where certain publications and expert help can be found
An extensive search engine with basic, advanced, and expert search
options
The results of a search and the records found can be e-mailed via the
website
Catalog documents can be searched by their subjects, titles, keywords,
authoring agencies, years published, formats or languages used. The CGP is
useful to mechanical engineering majors when conducting in depth research
of theories, experiments or new technologies. An engineering student could
also use the website to research potential career fields by finding upcoming
government funded projects and research programs.
For example, if the database user types in mechanical engineering, 1251
records are presented. The user may then choose a particular document to
read. I chose the article titled Satellite propellant pump research, which
was produced by National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Glenn
Research Center; Cleveland, Ohio; [NASA technical memorandum, 200521425, distributor, November 2005]. This report is a highly technical

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document presenting in depth NASA research on satellite propellant pump

technology. The report includes analysis of several demonstrations and
includes graphs and charts highlighting important discoveries.
Tips:
If looking for a specific document, be sure to use the advanced search
option or the document will be difficult to find
The website is extensive, use the help tab if having trouble locating
certain documents or if finding irrelevant information

Statistical Abstract of the United States

Government Database
Location/Availability:
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/index.html
Free online resource
Description:
The Statistical Abstract of the United States is a research tool that contains
an inclusive summary of statistics related to the social, political and
economic organization of the United States. It contains records dating back
to 1878 however has ceased updating since October 1st, 2011. It is to be
used for quick statistical reference and as a navigation tool to find more in
depth resources. Although the statistical abstract is a government database,
data is provided from both federal agencies and private organizations. Along
the left side of the page a list of very specific topic sections appear, allowing
a user to quickly find documents related to the research subject. The
Statistical Abstract of the United States is useful to a mechanical engineering
student in several ways. Once a student travels higher in the academic
hierarchy, the website would be useful because it provides insight into
employment statistics and statistics pertinent to graduate school. A
comprehensive report on any subject could use this website to provide
backing for its thesis. As an engineer the Energy and Utilities and Science
and Technology tabs could be useful.
If a user searches mechanical engineering and clicks the first link on the
list, a document titled Science and Engineering Degrees: 2009-Census
appears. The information is given in a pamphlet with an introduction, a
detailed graph and statistical data. The user can research which states have
the highest percentage of citizens with science and engineering degrees,
which could be useful when deciding where to apply for jobs or internships.

For example, a state with a very low percentage of people with technical
degrees may have less competition in those fields and therefore be a smart
place to pursue a career.

Tips:
A comprehensive list of all subjects covered by the website is provided
by clicking the Subjects A to Z link located at the top right corner of
the page
There is a search box at the top right corner of the page, use this if
looking for specific information from a certain time range
On the home page towards the bottom, use the Sources of Data
section to find information relating to the location of sources used in
the documents on the website. This could be very useful when digging
deeper into a subject.

Search Tool Websites:

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National Technical Information Services

Scientific Search Tool
Location/Availability:
http://search.proquest.com/ntis/advanced
Student/faculty only online resource
Description:
The National Technical Information Service (NTIS) database is a top-tier
resource for locating the most up to date government sponsored research
in addition to global information on engineering and science. The
database is the primary vendor of unclassified information from Federal
sources in the forms of research reports, journal articles, data files and
computer programs. The information is not only relative to the United
States, but also expands to international organizations from Canada,
Japan, as well as several European countries. Information is updated
weekly and therefore this website is an ever expanding resource;
approximately 3,500 records are added each week.
As a mechanical engineering student there will be plenty of research
opportunities, many of which are essential in the professional building of a
resume worthy of employer recognition. NTIS is an essential website if for
example, the student using it was in the beginning stages of research and
needed technical background knowledge to continue research progress.
The search tool is effective enough to allow a user to locate extremely

specific documents in a timely manner and contains information related to

most engineering types. On the right hand side of the page, a list of
subject areas appears and allows for specific searching of documents
related to the field the user is interested in.
Tips:
When searching for documents related to a specific field, be sure to
fill out as many of the search options as possible. Otherwise the
information received may be clouded with information not needed
such as magazines or bibliographies, for example.
If the user knows when the publication he or she is looking for was
published, the search can be narrowed down to a time range using
the Publication Date tool.
Once an article is located, a user may select the item and add it
to a list of selected items for later purging.
If a user deems an article unfit for use but then later realizes the
information was needed, there is a Recent Searches button on the
top of the page allowing for quick location of recent documents
found.

American Society for Mechanical Engineers Journal

Program
Engineering Journal Location Tool
Location/Availability:
http://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/journals.aspx
Open to general public; some publications cost money
Description:
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is a highly
regarded organization for professionals in engineering as well as
prospective engineers. A professional membership organization for more
than 127,000 mechanical engineers and their associates, ASME publishes
information relevant to nearly all facets of mechanical engineering. ASME
is one of the largest technical publishing operations in the world and
offers thousands of titles, many of which are considered prestigious by
professionals in the field. Journals in the database date back to the 1960s
and cover current day mechanical engineering innovations as well.
The ASME journal database is tailored more for professionals in
engineering or upper level engineering students, but is a resource for
young engineers in that it provides insight into the future of engineering.
If a student were to know specifically where he or she hopes to end up

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professionally, i.e. what field within mechanical engineering, the website
provides journals for a student to stay up to date in that field. A young
engineering student could use the website as a reference in modifying his
or her course plan to reflect their future goals. ASME is also the
coordinator of several professional conferences across the country, all of
which are host to hundreds of highly regarded professionals in the field of
mechanical engineering.
Tips:
The website home page is overfilled with information making it
difficult to navigate, be sure to use the search tab or click View All
Journals to simplify the process of locating relevant information.
If interested in specific programs or information listed on the
website, sign up for weekly e-mail alerts to stay up to date on
progress and changes relevant to that information.

Penn State Mechanical

Engineering Resources:

The Learning Factory- Penn State

Hands-on engineering resource center
Location/Availability:
Engineering Resources Building, Penn State University Park
https://www.lf.psu.edu/
Available to all engineering students working on assigned projects
Description:
The Learning Factory at Penn State, University Park is a machinery lab
available to engineering students working on projects for engineering
related classes. It includes some of the most advanced cutting, drilling,
pressing and welding tools on campus. Its mission is to connect the real
world with the classroom by giving students a chance at hands-on
experience. The lab itself is industry sponsored and many of the projects
worked on at this lab are for companies such as Boeing, Shell and
Siemens. The Learning Factory is the best engineering tool available on
campus for students to connect to faculty and industry to link theories
with practice.
As a young engineering student, there is valuable experience in different
applications of engineering to be gained by working at The Learning
Factory. As the website explains, there are dozens of machines on site, all

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of which can be learned about through the website and through a hands
on class offered at the beginning of each semester. Under the facilities
tab, there is important information regarding lab safety, essential
knowledge to any engineer. The website allows students to sign up for
classes on welding, machining and lab safety; also providing quizzes for
each that students must get a perfect score on prior to the instruction
period. 3-D printers are available for students use upon request, which
can turn a computer design into a physical product in minutes. For a class
such as Engineering Design 100 (EDSGN 100), the use of The Learning
Factorys website and facility would put a design team several steps
ahead of their peers.
Tips:
Sign up for instruction classes early, they fill up within 3 weeks of
the semesters start.
Be prepared to spend a lot of time getting used to machines before
feeling comfortable working with them.
Use the website prior to attending to research the machines and to
gather essential safety knowledge.
The on-site staff loves to help students, ask as many questions as
needed.

Engineering House (E-house) Sample Exam

Database
Comprehensive list of sample exams made available by professors
Location/Availability:
http://www.engr.psu.edu/e-house/studymaterials.aspx
Available to anyone with internet access
Description:
The Engineering House (E-house) sample exam database is a website that
lists sample exams available for many of the core engineering classes
required during freshman and sophomore years of engineering. The
website gives young engineering students access to hundreds of
questions relevant to course material that test knowledge in the same
way an exam would. Coupled with sufficient studying, the sample exams

could be an effective tool for succeeding in difficult weed-out

engineering courses at Penn State. Students have access to more than
ten sample exams in courses such as physics, math, chemistry and
statistics.
Tips:
Do not complete sample exams by looking at the answers keys
along the way, use the sample exams just like an actual exam and
grade after completion.
Do not be fooled by a high sample exam grade, the real exam may
not be similar to the sample exams provided.
Use the sample exams as tools that indicate how well preparation
for the exam is going, not as a crutch for studying.

Sample Academic Plan- Mechanical Engineering

Comprehensive list of courses required to graduate divided into eight

semesters
Location/Availability:
http://www.engr.psu.edu/AcademicPlans/UniversityPark/ME.aspx
Available to anyone with Internet access
Description:
The sample academic plan for mechanical engineering at Penn State is an
extremely important tool used for scheduling appropriate courses. The
document organizes all the classes required to graduate with a
mechanical engineering degree into eight semesters. The classes are

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organized in accordance of pre-requisites and concurrent classes,
meaning the academic plan ensures courses are taken in the right order.
It is important for students to know that this plan is not mandated, but
recommended. Many students alter the plan significantly, taking summer
classes or additional classes for minors or double majors. This tool is
effective when scheduling occurs each semester, it is a simple checklist of
courses required to graduate. Using this document in combination with
the next resource I describe Rate My Professors increases the chances of
getting a good schedule exponentially.

Tips:
Print one of these prior to taking any classes and Penn State and
realize how much it really takes to get a degree in mechanical
engineering. Each semester will require 15 to 17 credits on average,
a very high course load.
Each semester write down classes you need to take and research
who teaches those classes, then search their name on Rate My
Professors. It may be worth it to completely change a schedule just
to have a higher quality professor.

Rate My Professors
Student reviews of professors compiled by university
Location/Availability:
http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/
Description:
Rate My Professors is an online resource for locating student reviews of
professors at specific universities. A student is able to locate a professor

by searching through the schools departmental lists of professors or by

searching his or her name. A student can also provide their own personal
account of a teacher, rating them in helpfulness, clarity, easiness and
overall quality. A comments section is also available for students to
elaborate on their thoughts of professors.
At large universities such as Penn State there are thousands of professors
and it can be a daunting task lining up a schedule filled with good
professors. Rate My Professors is a resource for ensuring the schedule a
student sets up is filled with professors who care about the classes they
teach not just the research they conduct for the university. In highly
technical courses, having a knowledgeable and caring professor can be
the difference between an A and failing the course. Rate My Professors
allows students to understand professor expectations and teaching styles
and get information about how the class is run prior to the first day of
class. The disclaimer here is that not all reviews reflect the truth, a risk
taken in using the website. Some students studying habits may not be
sufficient yet the blame is placed on the professor.
Tips:
Use the website prior to the date scheduling occurs to research
which course numbers you need to input while scheduling. If a
student waits until the last minute to research the professor the
class may fill up right before his or her eyes.
Use more than the website to decide scheduling, gather information
from classmates that have taken the course before as well as from
academic advisors

Engineering Career Resources and Employer

Relations (eCareer)
Online employment search tool
Location/Availability:
http://www.engr.psu.edu/career/Students/resources/ecareer.aspx
Available to all engineering students and recent alums
Description:

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The Engineering Career Resources and Employer Relations (eCareer)

system is a free online job search database that lists engineering co-op,
internship and entry level full time positions available at hundreds of
companies and government agencies around the world. The way it works
is as follows: employers send job description and availability documents
to eCareer, engineering staff members review the documents and then
post them to the eCareer website for students to review and apply to.
Some jobs have applications directly integrated with eCareer, where
others provide links to corporate websites where the application can be
completed. eCareer also provides students with updates about employer
informational meetings, events and presentations on campus.
As an engineering student high grades are important, but hands on
experience with innovative technology may be worth even more. The
chances of a company hiring someone with little hands on experience but
high grades is slimmer than the chances of hiring a student with a lot of
hands on experience and lower grades. eCareer is the best career
resource available to engineering students at Penn State. Not only are job
listings provided, but eCareer will have a professional review a resume
free of charge and provide professional feedback in a timely manner prior
to submitting a job application. The engineering career fair each semester
gives students access to hundreds of employers and is integrated highly
with eCareer. Students can use the website to research companies prior to
stopping by their booths, get contact information for companies and
submit credentials to the company prior to a potential interview.
Tips:
Join eCareer and get resumes reviewed early in the semester with
time to make improvements
Update resumes after each semester and submit it for review again
Make a list of a few companies that could be potential employers,
focus on getting to those booths, the career fair has a lot of people
and lines can be long
Check eCareer weekly throughout the semester and find new
employment opportunities

Authors Note:

First of all I would like to congratulate you on choosing mechanical

engineering as your potential major. You have signed up for both a
challenging and rewarding college career. In my personal experience I
have been through the lows and highs of the major. Ive been
overwhelmed with the desire to quit and Ive been seemingly floating
on top of the world. The key is to stay the course. However daunting a
course may seem, no matter how close to failing you may be--hang on
until the last possible moment. Sometimes the biggest achievements
happen at the least expected times. Sacrifice time that others
wouldnt, allow the life that surrounds you to inspire you. One hour,
one class, one day and one semester at a time, stick your feet in the
ground and push forward. I hope this guide was able to help you gain
some traction.

"Engineering is a form of art and has filled the world with

things of obvious visual beauty but also with subtle forms." ~
Louis Brown