Mechanical Engineering Technology : Student Activities

MET students are strongly encouraged to become involved in professional organizations. A student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) ( http://www.cwu.edu/~asme ) is the most active professional organization for MET students at CWU. A majority of MET students participate in ASME activities. Benefits of ASME membership include student loans, scholarships and the ability to place a resume on an ASME national/international job search bulletin board. In addition the student ASME chapter provides professional development by providing club activities such as field trips to industrial companies, industry speakers at meetings, and trips to ASME student regional conferences and leadership seminars. An interested student may learn more about ASME membership from Professor Roger Beardsley, the faculty advisor.

CWU also has a student chapter of the American Foundry Society (AFS), advised by Dr Craig Johnson, with students from MET and Industrial Technology programs. The AFS chapter meets with industry professionals and visits working foundries. Other opportunities include trips to AFS national conferences and Foundry Education Foundation (FEF) scholarships. Other student organizations such as the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) have been active in the past and could be reactivated if there is enough student interest.

Although not specifically required by the major, students are encouraged to apply for technical internships over the summer months. In addition to complementing their classroom education, internships also help to bolster resumes when seeking permanent employment upon graduation. Employment opportunities for summer internships and permanent positions are announced in class and posted in located in Hogue room 215. Students are also encouraged to establish a placement file with the Career Services office (http://www.cwu.edu/~career) located in Barge Hall.

Video of CWU MET students Kevin Sykes and Matt Brooks competing (and winning first place!) in the 2009 ASME "Mars Rocks" Design Competition at ASME Regional Student Conference, April 2009, at WSU, Pullman WA: