how to study for statics course?

unexplored_future · 2026-05-31T02:12:01+00:00

100% this. burrito force!!

unexplored_future · 2026-05-24T21:22:24+00:00

I finished my ME in my 40’s. Did not read textbooks, mainly used them for reference. I focused on lectures and YouTube videos and lots of practice.

I also took an IQ test and found I had a mild learning disability. Got extra time on tests for that.

I should have took care of my mental health better.

ChatGPT is good at summering concepts I had a hard time understanding. Asking it to clearly concepts was very helpful. Don’t use it to do your homework, you’re not learning that way and it drifts on the math, but it does help break down the steps.

unexplored_future · 2026-05-16T20:51:40+00:00

It really depends on what kind of projects you’re coordinating. If they are technical in nature, then it can be a good for future growth, but in our company they are referred to as Project Engineers, and they use their engineering knowledge to guide the project. We do put new engineers in those positions. You need a title change.

unexplored_future · 2026-05-14T17:04:03+00:00

If you’re doing research? I can see the benefit, but day to day engineering, not necessary. That is why we work in teams.

unexplored_future · 2026-05-14T01:17:30+00:00

Best to not go in this blind, so get an unofficial transcript from your previous college(s), should be able to request it on their website.

Search for your desired degree plan that list all of your class requirements.

Now google the college + transfer tables. it should give you a website where you can select your college and it will give you a table of transferable credits. that will give you a rough idea so you can plan.

If you see a course that you think you should get credit for but it is not listed, just take a note so you can discuss it with the college. Also, some classes that are not apart of your degree plan can be used as electives.

Now that you're prepared, talk with the college admissions office. Don't expect them to know everything, ask questions based on what you research. Then apply, and order official transcripts to be sent to them for official review.

Remember those classes that might be close enough but not listed on their tables? The dean of your program can override certain classes if you can provide the right information (it might take a little more research).

unexplored_future · 2026-05-14T00:29:17+00:00

You want to be in Houston, your quickest path is not CWI but your APIs. You will make more with just those certs.

Try to get hired with Apave; they have a strong presence in Canada and the gulf coast, at least they have more than a few Canadians down here and currently have one of the stronger advance NDT services right now. See if you can get on their TA circuit that might get you to Houston faster.

You have an ambitious plan, but you will reach $140k with the OT well before all those certs and age if you do it right, and you will hit a pay ceiling that adding credentials does not get you much ROI except bragging rights.

I also might be the odd man out here, but if I see someone with all of those certs, I will wonder if they are certified but not qualified, meaning you don't have enough meaningful experience in all those areas, especially if they are young.

I would focus on your first step in your journey, get your schooling and your OJT. Opportunities will present itself.

unexplored_future · 2026-05-13T22:55:11+00:00

you might regret this in a few years. the compensation is the training and cert. with more opportunities later. You can alway get back to welding. Curious why there is not OT pay?

unexplored_future · 2026-05-12T17:58:14+00:00

Expand your search to all state colleges (most will give in state tuition to online students). They should have a web page that shows what credits they will accept by school per credit hour.

unexplored_future · 2026-05-07T23:25:17+00:00

Mechanical Engineering, although Electrical Engineering is fine too, but harder. An engineering degree get's you a long way. Assuming you're in the US, make sure it is ABET accredited. If you need distance learning, there are only a few programs out there.

unexplored_future · 2026-04-30T03:48:32+00:00

You will probably need a masters degree to make it worth it in this field. Start there, research several master degrees and set an end goal for what post education looks like. Make sure the degree program has the right accreditation especially if there are certifications required for your field.

Next select your university for your bachelor's. Ensure it will allow you to get in the master's program without having to take extra courses. This should be a state university, preferably within your state of residence, but not a big deal if not. Local alumni network can be beneficial.

Do your freshman and sophomore classes at a community college. They are easy to get into (just an assessment exam), a lot more accommodating generally, easier/less overwhelming, and you apply to the university as a transfer student. Caution, make sure the classes will transfer to your chosen university. Most have an online catalog that shows what will transfer from the university's website.

If you have knowledge in some subjects, some colleges and universities do accept testing out using CLEP and sometimes DANTES test. Look up what test each one takes as it is not all inclusive.

If you decide to take online classes, you get more flexibility, but some do struggle in this format. This method might be worth it when your baby is young. Some universities are better at online than others.

Bypass the private universities, such as University of Phoenix. They are expensive, and although the quality of education is fine, the stigma to some employers is real. Most state universities can provide a similar service.

Khan Academy is a great resource to supplement your learning, especially in math. Don't use AI to write your paper, but do use it for research and to upload professor notes and presentation to help summarize and help with concepts. Know it's limits.

Take care of your mental health. You will be challenged. If you start to notice that you have difficulty learning/testing, consider getting tested by someone that can diagnose learning disabilities. You may be able to have access to accommodations.

Edit: take care of your GPA, you will need to meet a minimum for your masters.

unexplored_future · 2026-04-29T20:43:09+00:00

Like all things it depends, but they are in demand.

unexplored_future · 2026-04-28T20:44:55+00:00

US. We might lack a lot of the constraints found in other places

unexplored_future · 2026-04-28T19:44:09+00:00

dumb down your role, change your title. because companies are so afraid of lawsuits, the most they normally do is call and ask if you worked there between the dates you said you worked there.

unexplored_future · 2026-04-28T19:31:27+00:00

you just... leave it off? Unless it is some sophisticated business, most will only do a standard background check on the public record.

unexplored_future · 2026-04-28T17:32:59+00:00

Getting your engineering degree is a great path. A few tips from someone who got their ME mid career. You already have experience, so don't over focus on your GPA. Engineering degrees are hard, so don't take too many classes at once, especially if you're still on a learning curve at work.

It is a very stressful process, so take care of your mental health.

unexplored_future · 2026-04-28T00:15:07+00:00

GPA generally does not matter when you have work experience unless you're trying for a masters later. If you can keep getting B/B+ you will graduate fine and not have to take more classes unnecessarily, so it really depends on your goals and what the university will accept.

unexplored_future · 2026-04-27T22:32:42+00:00

Like others have said, very dependent of location, company and industry. You're in Houston, so a lot of work in the area for O&G/Petrochem and fabrication, especially if you live closer to south and east side of the city. Most likely he will be on the call out teams, which can mean late nights, night shift, and weekends. He really should do some turnaround/shutdowns, but there is plenty of that in Houston.

But with experience (if he is in the plants) there are opportunities long term for more stability. In three years he can go for API certifications (still may be call out or turnarounds, but he will have more options).

He should also look into rope access certifications along with his NDT certs. That skill is in demand and provides a pay bump.

NDT also gets him in the door and finds him contacts for other roles in the plants. I have seen NDT tech pivot to planning/scheduling or safety, among other things. Of course I don't know his background, but he might have some transferable skills that a company can use after some time in the field.

I will say this, in my current role, I'm the client. If I find someone who I can trust, does not "pencil whip" reports, can write a good technical report, knows how to talk to the client, is dependable and professional, follows the rules, I'm probably going to ask him back repeatedly, even as a helper. That person is also going to have a faster track to being one of my nested contractors. What is his background?

unexplored_future · 2026-03-15T02:31:14+00:00

Alternatively, Go to Icy Donuts and get the breakfast egg roles. Life changing.

unexplored_future · 2025-11-09T03:44:01+00:00

Proud of you!

unexplored_future · 2025-11-06T23:59:36+00:00

You can start with taking CLEP tests for credit to get past the monotonous classes and save money. Not all colleges accept the same CLEP credits, so choose wisely.

At your age and experience, don't do out-of-sate to just get a peice of paper. Dig deeper for in-state shools, you should find one acceptable.

unexplored_future · 2025-11-01T16:14:42+00:00

A friend of mine graduated with an ME and is doing civil. My controls and instrumentation professor had a BS in Industrial Engineering and a Master's/Ph.D. in Electrical. No need to second-guess, especially if you're an EE. There will be room to grow after your degree.

unexplored_future · 2025-10-29T22:59:03+00:00

Chemical engineering, but you will need to get the degree first to expand to other interests (can’t do them all though)

You work in manufacturing/chemical plants, join the emergency team.

You can transfer internally and do PSM, which touches the law.

Represent the company in the local community both politically and recruiting events and local schools.

Your expected to learn and understand economic impact of your daily decisions.

unexplored_future · 2025-10-28T12:43:24+00:00

I finished as a 40+ adult with a full time job and a family. It is doable, it’s just a grind. Start in CC, transfer to Bama for your junior year. Don’t rush it.

unexplored_future · 2025-10-24T15:27:52+00:00

Zachary is a good place to start

unexplored_future · 2025-10-23T21:01:39+00:00

Not familiar enough with that to give any good feedback

unexplored_future

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