<p>I want to be an inventor when I grow up. I know that most likely I won't have a one-hit-wonder invention that would blast me into aerospace, but I like the idea of innovation.</p>
<p>However, I don't really see myself into the software, chemical, biological, or electronic field.
I'm more geared towards simple design and structure, like something that someone would use in their everyday lives. Ex: a household item.</p>
<p>That being said, what major would best suit me?
Psychology?: -Study human consumer trends
Business?: -Play it safe
Art and Design?
Mechanical Engineering?</p>
<p>Based on what you described I really don’t see how the first 3 would fit your goal, but I would definitely suggest mechanical engineering, even if you didn’t put it on that list. Even with the idea of inventing aside, any engineering field would open up to a lot of career opportunities.</p>
<p>If you really want to be an inventor why are you so worried about salary?</p>
<p>And if it’s going to be a simple household item, you probably wouldn’t need advanced skills to make it. Maybe business with a minor in some form of engineering? Unless you need advanced knowledge it probably doesn’t matter what degree you have.</p>
<p>If you watched the show Shark Tank, you would see a lot of these people that come up with ideas for products, build them and start a business are generally normal people that have no education in building anything. However, they either learn how to or find people that can help them. </p>
<p>If you want to build things on your own that will be more household items, you could probably learn the skills necessary without a formal education. However, if you wanted to do something fancy like revolutionize vacuums, you would need most likely a mechanical engineering understanding, and learn whatever else it takes on your own. Also, mechanical engineering can be applied to almost anything, not just automobiles. Go google it.</p>
<p>Haha, Shark Tank is exactly what I’m talking about.
I watched it and I enjoy how people come up with simple inventions and become hits. Some of them who don’t aren’t educated of course, and need those connections, marketing strategies, or financing.</p>
<p>I worry about salary as an inventor because I would need some money to feed my company (if i were to have one) upon. And also, being an inventor is unstable, you could get sued, and anything else in the world.</p>
<p>I don’t think you can really force inventions. It seems like those tend to be things that just come to you when you’re trying to fill a hole. </p>
<p>I know Shark Tank looks cool and all, but none of those people came there planning on being inventors, they just needed something so thy made it. You can really decide you’re just going to be an inventor (think chitty chitty bang bang, he’s an inventor and his life is a mess (as great as that movie is)). </p>
<p>Major in something you enjoy doing instead of focusing on achieving some vague goal.</p>
<p>I’m not sure there are many colleges I’d say are money well spent for a true inventor like you describe (simple, household items). The money might better be spent DOING rather than learning. It costs money to launch products, maybe it’s better spent that way than in college. You’d want to learn about supply chains, small job manufacturing, importing (because it’s not going to be made in America and be cost competitive). Well, maybe an entrepreneurial type business education would help, but also a lot of info you wouldn’t need and certainly could save $$$ on.</p>
<p>btw, I love the idea! It takes some guts, some investment and a lot of hard work and a don’t give up attitude, but don’t let anyone tell you it’s just dreaming and won’t work for YOU. Lots of ways to get there, but the biggest thing is always look at life through your inventor glasses and when you see an opportunity, do a little research, then go for it!</p>
<p>For: “You’d want to learn about supply chains, small job manufacturing, importing (because it’s not going to be made in America and be cost competitive). Well, maybe an entrepreneurial type business education would help, but also a lot of info you wouldn’t need and certainly could save $$$ on.”</p>
<p>Would this mean a business major would suit me?</p>
<p>Edit: I just read up on a bunch of careers; and I was thinking about Industrial Design. However, I heard the salary is quite low. And then again, im not a good artist</p>
I have thought about Product Design and I’m currently enrolled at Santa Fe for an AA- Engineering to transfer for mechanical engineering at UF but i love the idea of being the idea generator in the workplace and building models and prototypes. What do you think i should study? And if i stuck with mechanical engineering could i still work as a product or industrial designer somewhere as an engineer?
And remember that design and esthetics are important. Steve Jobs found his path by taking a year (about) to study calligraphy. He understood fonts and design, and that made a difference in outlook at Apple, that differentiates it to this day from other products.
Entrepreneurship–including financing and marketing
Design
Mechanics
But also understanding how to work with others and to bring out their best.
We’re approaching the 4 year mark for the last post prior to today. The posters you are replying to are likely long gone. Let’s let this dead thread rest in peace.
same here guys , i feel ya all , i do same thing while i work in a factory, alot of machines around & always for me to think how to improve tools to be safely used by workers . it is funny when i think of something , i go to my basement,make prototype of it & show my boss at work . i made some items and been used at work . it feels good to invent . still not sure where to start & become a hit .
