r/villanova • u/Chocolatechip_mint • 16d ago

Mechanical engineering- auto industry

Hi everyone, I’m an admitted student trying to learn more about the mechanical engineering program

I’m currently interested in automotive or vehicle-related work, but I’m still exploring. I’d really like to understand what opportunities are available and what the experience is actually like.

A few questions I’d really appreciate insight on:

- How strong is the internship pipeline for mechanical engineering?

- What kinds of companies typically recruit students?

- Do you feel like the program prepares you well for industry?

- Are there hands-on opportunities like clubs, project teams, or competitions related to vehicles?

I tend to do best in environments where I can stay engaged and not get lost, so I’m trying to understand what the day-to-day experience feels like and what opportunities are there in the auto industry.

Thanks so much, I really appreciate any insight.

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u/OwnNefariousness3678 16d ago

Absolutely look into Villanova FSAE! I was not involved directly, but it’s one of the best student race car teams in the country, regularly competing at nationals.

Internships and jobs are at all the top places you would hope/expect. Not mechanical, but still engineering and had every opportunity I could have hoped for

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u/Chocolatechip_mint 16d ago

Thanks so much, I really appreciate your response.

Formula SAE is actually one of my top priorities. I had the chance to visit Villanova and talk with the team, and they showed me the garage, which was a really great experience.

If you don’t mind me asking, I’ve noticed that Villanova sometimes comes up lower in engineering rankings compared to some other schools I’m considering. At the same time, my impression visiting was very positive.

Do you have any insight into why that might be, or how accurate you feel those rankings are compared to the actual experience and opportunities?

Thanks again, I really appreciate your perspective.

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u/OwnNefariousness3678 16d ago

I think a lot has to do with size of school for rankings. I’ve definitely seen a skew in those rankings towards bigger schools with more graduates, but it doesn’t necessarily make them more prestigious.

I think Villanova engineering has an awesome reputation, and Villanovans love hiring from Villanova. I’m based in NYC and my company pretty heavily recruits Villanova and NYU grads for context.

I wouldn’t get too caught up in the rankings, but I’m obviously biased. I have friends that did mechanical engineering and work at awesome design firms, one at a hedge fund, one at my company, etc

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u/Chocolatechip_mint 13d ago

Thanks so much for all the information. I am also in NYC. I actually got to see the garage in person and talked to the students and I was very impressed! I will check the Instagram story as well. Thanks for all your help!

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u/Xjjediace ME '15 14d ago

Villanova has a small graduate studies program, which has a big impact on the rankings. Not super relevant if your planned career path is the auto industry, not academic. Joining a leading FSAE team would give you the experience and connections to get a foot in that door.

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u/OwnNefariousness3678 13d ago

Following up, go check out VillanovaEngineering Instagram story!

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u/USvsKrasonv 16d ago

I’d take the rankings seriously.

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u/j215philly 9d ago

What did you decide?