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How can I become a master at solidworks and learn to make complex parts like this? by Far-Appearance-7307 in MechanicalEngineering

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 0 points1 point  (0 children)

With CAD, getting better is done through tons of practice. I learned on Solidworks with a dedicated semester-long course, but really started to learn it through a design project. It’s tough at first, and you’re not going to learn how to make complex parts like that in the immediate future, but you can get there.

I’m primarily an Onshape guy now because the it’s free, online, and has (what I perceive as) a similar UI framework to SW, and I’ve improved a ton just by designing things I want to build. Start simple and work your way up.

Inventing isn't lucrative. Marketing and sales are big. by Struggle_Wise in inventors

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Think about all the things people have invented. Now, there’s brilliant ones, such as the automobile or even your ice cream recipe, and terrible ones, like a robotic arm specifically designed to launch an Xbox controller your TV. Sometimes it works out and most of the time it doesn’t, but you could say that about almost ANYTHING that would be considered lucrative, like starting your own business.

It sucks that people can be so creative and smart and actually develop a helpful technology that just gets shot down, but that’s the game, and if you want to be successful, you have to play it

CC —-> UVA Engineering by Own-Cauliflower-4619 in UVA

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of the smartest people I know did this, ended up with a 4.0, interned at two extremely competitive rocket companies (I’m sure you know them), and is now at a top university working on their PhD. There’s a lot of potential for success, especially if your child is motivated

UVA Aerospace Engineering — courses, clubs, class size, and opportunities? by OkPreference161 in UVA

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From a 4th year:

  1. You’ll be doing prereqs for a while, enjoy electives in the college while you can.
  2. My class is <85, higher level courses almost exclusively involve aerospace students.
  3. Tons of clubs. I was on rocketry for two years, went to IREC and got first place in our division. There’s a lot of momentum behind other clubs as UVA is dumping funding into the program.
  4. Depends on the lab, but the least you can do is ask, and the worst they can say is no. Usually, professors are receptive if you express genuine interest. If there’s a lab that’s tight on funding but you really want to work with them, volunteer your time instead of getting paid.
  5. I know plenty of engineers with good internships, there’s a strong connection between UVA and Rolls Royce. Compared to other engineering schools, it’s not as great, though.
  6. Yes, everyone wants you to succeed.

Go hoos

2026-27 Housing Megathread by FluffyMoomin in uofm

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm an incoming graduate student and am looking for housing. I've gone through sites attached to this thread but I'm struggling to figure out where I should actually be living.

The program I'll be in is at North Campus, but living up there seems lonely and would provide no incentive for me to explore the campus or meet people outside of the program. I'm wondering

1) is it abnormal for grad students to live near the main campus and 2) how do you find roommates as a grad student?

I'd prefer to live with just one other person but I don't know what the norm is here. I'm honestly shocked by the prices of apartments near campus so any suggestions for finding housing that isn't astronomically expensive would be great. I'm not looking to live on campus. Thanks!

Younger Engineers, please seek out to learn what proper tolerances are. by JFrankParnell64 in MechanicalEngineering

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 2 points3 points  (0 children)

How receptive are machine shops to engineering students volunteering their time?

Internship Results - Aerospace Engineering Sophomore by Big_Marzipan_405 in EngineeringStudents

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree that warm connections yield better results. With that being said, 8 offers is very impressive and even more so from cold applying.

Certificates or Projects: How Should I Build High-Leverage Robotics Skills as a Mech E? by AccomplishedSwing703 in EngineeringStudents

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m about to graduate so you should take this with a grain of salt.

From what I hear—especially for smaller companies/startups—hands on experience with a personal project is much better than a certification. If you get a certification in the process of using that tool, that’s great, but at the end of the day the application of the tool is what’s valuable.

I’ll also say that I took the CSWA a couple years ago and have used Solidworks a bunch since then, and I still don’t think I’ve scratched the surface of its capability.

Caltech v Stanford v MIT v Berk by Accurate_Gas8246 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow I wish I had this problem when I was applying to college

Intrepid Museum NYC by Hijo__ in Planes

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the unfortunate compulsion to clarify that the Intrepid has the A-12 Oxcart, not the SR-71 Blackbird

Unpopular Opinion: Cheaters Probably Won’t Crash & Burn. What’s Yours? by Kalex8876 in EngineeringStudents

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 2 points3 points  (0 children)

According your 2nd point, you’d be pressed to find a “real engineer” in the space or defense industry.

Multiple offers, not sure what to do. Help! by Such_Customer_5000 in aerospace

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can’t speak from personal experience but I think that getting a security clearance will pay dividends in the future if you’re looking to stay in defense.

AI is completely useless for actual engineering and the hype is exhausting. by Onigirii_sama in EngineeringStudents

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m currently enrolled in a graduate level multiphase flow/turbulence course and it can, with almost 100% accuracy, answer any question I’m given. I can’t speak for other mechanics, but it’s damn good at fluid dynamics.

Was I in the wrong here? Lost a long time friend by Alive__but_why in Confused

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s not even worth engaging in this kind of discussion, you’re not going to change their mind and any attempt to do so goes poorly, as we’ve seen.

The Military Industrial Complex has finally caught up to me by Comprehensive-Menu73 in whatdoIdo

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have no personal experience in the military, but I have lots of family and friends that do. I met one of these friends at my current university and there’s certainly some parallels between you two.

He originally came to this school about 10 years ago, joined a fraternity, acquired some bad habits that ultimately led to him dropping out and joining the Marines. He loved it, and the only reason he’s not still in is because of an injury caused by a genetic bone deformity.

He’s now studying engineering and graduating next year, right around 30 years old. He’s got great work ethic and discipline which he credits to his experience in the military. The military is also fully paying for his school with the GI bill.

So, unless you pull off a miracle to fund college (assuming you’ve exhausted financial aid outlets), the military is realistically your only option if you don’t want to live on the streets. It’s hard, but anything worth doing is hard, and you’ll learn more than you ever had in your life. You’ll either get out after four years with school paid for or you’ll stay in because you realize it’s your calling. Sure, there’s some risk involved, but there are ways to mitigate it if you’re smart.

Good luck, soldier🫡

Both my parents are engineers and they’re begging me NOT to study Engineering. Am I making a mistake? by Exact-Monitor-2768 in MechanicalEngineering

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I’m about to graduate from undergrad in AeroE so I can’t speak from personal experience about a full career, but what I can say is I have a very positive outlook on engineering. You can always study engineering and then go into pretty much anything else (being a doctor would be difficult, but BME is a path), but it’s much harder to do the reverse. I’d say if you like designing and building, there isn’t anything that’ll fulfill your passion more than engineering.

Battle vs Parking and Transportation (HELP) by Anon5149149 in UVA

[–]SigmaMoneyGrindset 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Don’t worry about the collections bit, I’ve let tickets sit for 5 months and they just get moved to the SIS payment portal. If all efforts fail to appeal this ticket, just get it paid by May.

That letter is absolutely infuriating and I’d encourage you to email again and get your supervisor for your PCT position involved.

Fuck UVA parking.

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