<p>My undergrad major is in mechanical engineering, but there is a particular technical elective i'm considering taking called 'Introduction to Systems Engineering.' I know systems engineering is very important to the defense and aerospace sector, and these are some of the prime companies that I would like to work for when I graduate. (Boeing, DoD, Lockheed, etc)</p>
<p>My question is, what might employers think about undergrad systems engineering classes on a resume? I know they are typically done as a masters. My thoughts are that by taking this systems engineering class, perhaps it might make my resume stand out to these types of companies.</p>
<p>Do you think this is something that would make me stand out to them as a candidate? Or would they basically not care, since it's simply an introductory undergrad class?</p>
<p>If you’re interested, you should take it. What other classes are you considering taking instead? I’d compare them realistically against other courses you could take and see which ones (a) are most interesting and (b) which ones will look good to employers you want to work for.</p>
<p>One course a resume does not change, though.</p>
<p>i personally don’t think systems classes are anything too fancy for undergrads. if fourier analysis and signal processing are skills that people typically learn in grad school then i am left to wonder what those people do during undergrad…</p>
<p>for instance, every student at hmc must take intro to systems and signals.</p>
<p>every hmc engineer must also take advanced systems and controls…which is more systems. so a typical hmc eng comes away with 3 systems classes on his/her resume. then there are those who take grand-daddy stems and a few jedi stems…</p>
<p>so if you’re doing it to stand out, i don’t think it’ll do much. however, i think it is good to have to be in the running.</p>
<p>Rocket, I imagine most people don’t take classes in fourier analysis and signal processing since they’re busy taking other engineering electives within their own department since they’re getting a specialized engineering degree and not the general one.</p>
<p>I mean, I was learning how to calculate volume fractions of vacancy defects in materials my third term of school, but I certainly don’t expect everyone to know how to do that.</p>
<p>Personally, I think it is a great idea to take some systems engineering courses. I have worked for Boeing and sub-contracted for Lockheed and knowing systems engineering methods is big at those companies.</p>
<p>I know MechE is hard enough alone and allows for very few electives but if you can get in 2 to 3 courses, it would be nice. I would look at the schools offering certificates (undergrad or grad…usually grad) and take the equivalent courses at your school. Many of the graduate certificates in SysE are only 3 or 4 courses.</p>