[f o r m i d a b l e]

My background is finance. I want to invent but also build expertise in Mechanical Engineering & IT fields.

It's going to be a physical metallic mechanism with computerized technology to operate. I do welding too, btw.

From a past engineer friend told me, all the calculus is unnecessary when one problem can be used throughout the career. Is this analogy correct in those fields?

Any tips/advice on where to start? Any good video course programs? Should I hire tutors?

I want to get there fast without a degree.

EDIT: I mean Technology, not IT.

[webdev77]

You haven't said where you want to get. Where is "there"? It sounds like you have some kind of plan to build something but didn't really directly state that.

[f o r m i d a b l e]

You haven't said where you want to get. Where is "there"? It sounds like you have some kind of plan to build something but didn't really directly state that.

Haha, yes I have a plan, I can't say what my plan is, hence it is an invention.

I want to run my own lab and create the physical requirements. Then have it manufactured, etc., but I know what to do on the business side.

[keene91]

Here to find out what people say.. I am a business major but learning mechanical engineering always seemed interesting to me

[mudbenson]

I think IT can be self taught... There are a ton of resources online. Difficulty is finding where to start.

[_Mysterious]

There are a plethora of resources online in order to self teach yourself.

[Werd]

IT is easy to figure out online, you will have a harder time finding good, reliable resources for the ME side of things. Some sort of mentor is usually the best way to learn that type of thing outside of formal schooling. Some may argue a mentor might even be more useful.

[Rsynced]

Youtube is your friend ;p

[Scumbag]

Find a university that offers that specific program and look at their core curriculum related to ME. From there, you can google related texts and begin to learn fundamentals. It probably won't be an overnight process and also the majority of practical knowledge is learned on the job anyway from more experienced engineers.

GL

[f o r m i d a b l e]

IT is easy to figure out online, you will have a harder time finding good, reliable resources for the ME side of things. Some sort of mentor is usually the best way to learn that type of thing outside of formal schooling. Some may argue a mentor might even be more useful.

As much as I'd like to find a mentor, finding the mentor would take the right time and place. I would also have to build relationship, but it can be accomplished. My debate is if I should pay them or offer equity in the business, but I would feel paranoid to hire a few engineers too early. Also the more equity I share, the more future investors will hate it, so I try to keep it 100.

I would buy the machines (or borrow/rent it) to produce the metal. It'd be easier to "reverse engineer" how to work the machines and then proceed off of that.

EDIT: It is Tech, not IT, so I'll learn both.

Find a university that offers that specific program and look at their core curriculum related to ME. From there, you can google related texts and begin to learn fundamentals. It probably won't be an overnight process and also the majority of practical knowledge is learned on the job anyway from more experienced engineers.

GL

Yeah I need to make sure to learn fundamentals without wasting time on unnecessary theories, then learn how to build the parts of my invention with suggestions from different engineers respectively.

I didn't think of learning it that way, but it's on point.

[Capn_N3m0]

As much as I'd like to find a mentor, finding the mentor would take the right time and place. I would also have to build relationship, but it can be accomplished. My debate is if I should pay them or offer equity in the business, but I would feel paranoid to hire a few engineers too early. Also the more equity I share, the more future investors will hate it, so I try to keep it 100.

I would buy the machines (or borrow/rent it) to produce the metal. It'd be easier to "reverse engineer" how to work the machines and then proceed off of that.

EDIT: It is Tech, not IT, so I'll learn both.


Yeah I need to make sure to learn fundamentals without wasting time on unnecessary theories, then learn how to build the parts of my invention with suggestions from different engineers respectively.

I didn't think of learning it that way, but it's on point.

If you're not technically literate, and there is a core component of the design that has some networking/IT fundamentals, then it might be worth contracting out/hiring a technologist to work on that portion of the device. There are ways to do this with a minimum of risk to you, such as using an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). Even if they don't complete the task or get fired, you can sue them for any loss or damage to profit they might cause you.

Engineering is essentially applied physics and/or chemistry, and it either works or it doesn't. That said, manufacturing is a different process than engineering, and requires a different kind of thought applied to the process, as they don't always work well together because of the peculiarities of the manufacturing process. Once you have a design for a finished product, you can consult with an experienced machinist, small shop, or rapid-prototyping shop to see if any changes might be warranted or recommended, again, using an NDA to protect you if you feel that it is warranted.

Sometimes, an engineer might want a a port or channel in a particular place or location that simply doesn't work for the machine's ability to cut or grind, so the machinist might recommend making two parts, or relocating the channel in such a way that can accomplish the same task. It's wise to consult with, hire, or contract work out to people that simply have more experience than you when you're trying to get something done well. Even if it exposes you to some slight risk, our court systems and patent offices have literally been dealing with these issues for hundreds of years.

[Neal Caffrey]

It sounds like you're looking to actually build products - I'm not sure you'd need a formal education since most of what you're doing is applied (i.e. you can learn it as you go). The long way is to get a formal education, create a plan and build your product. The short way is to start building and fix anything that's wrong along the way.

[Ahmad]

My background is finance. I want to invent but also build expertise in Mechanical Engineering & IT fields.

It's going to be a physical metallic mechanism with computerized technology to operate. I do welding too, btw.

From a past engineer friend told me, all the calculus is unnecessary when one problem can be used throughout the career. Is this analogy correct in those fields?

Any tips/advice on where to start? Any good video course programs? Should I hire tutors?

I want to get there fast without a degree.

EDIT: I mean Technology, not IT.

A degree in mech eng doesn't really teach you those things, industry will. But what an eng degree teaches you is discipline and the ability to learn, yes the calculus will not be really necessary, but an understanding of calculus will help you innovate. But from what you wrote it seems like you aren't looking to be a mechanical engineer, rather a personal with skills in that field. So tbh why not do an apprenticeship

[Bear]

No, it cannot be self taught lmfao.

[f o r m i d a b l e]

If you're not technically literate, and there is a core component of the design that has some networking/IT fundamentals, then it might be worth contracting out/hiring a technologist to work on that portion of the device. There are ways to do this with a minimum of risk to you, such as using an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement).

I agree with those actions, which is the faster way to market consumer items -- by hiring/outsourcing. My invention would benefit society and economy. With such impact and recognition, it's better that I utilize knowledge of engineering and technology as the Chief Developer. I would sub-contract the technology side on the late stage, because that part is too tedious.

Engineering is essentially applied physics and/or chemistry, and it either works or it doesn't. That said, manufacturing is a different process than engineering, and requires a different kind of thought applied to the process, as they don't always work well together because of the peculiarities of the manufacturing process.

Another concept similar the way you describe it is an architect showing his drawing to the engineer, then the engineer will say you can't do this, this, and that.

At least I know welding in my opinion is a much faster alternative to engineering. So the welded designs would be used as prototype.

A degree in mech eng doesn't really teach you those things, industry will. But what an eng degree teaches you is discipline and the ability to learn, yes the calculus will not be really necessary, but an understanding of calculus will help you innovate. But from what you wrote it seems like you aren't looking to be a mechanical engineer, rather a personal with skills in that field. So tbh why not do an apprenticeship

I've heard of senior engineers without degrees, and went through apprenticeship. The thing about apprenticeships is you have to learn what they plan you to learn. So why I might not do an apprenticeship is due to time constraints, because it really is a job. Unless they have apprenticeships in engineering for basic and practical applications, then I would join, but yet to find that.