You’re a Mechanical Engineering student. How can you learn from others’ mistakes to avoid them yourself?

Analyzing the root cause of others' mistakes allows for a deeper understanding of why those mistakes occurred and the factors contributing to them. By identifying common patterns or underlying issues, I can proactively address potential pitfalls and implement preventive measures to avoid similar mistakes in my own work. This approach promotes a systematic and thorough examination of mistakes, enabling me to learn valuable lessons and improve my problem-solving skills as a Mechanical Engineering student.

I'd want to share my opinion on learning from mistakes. In this industry, even tiny errors can have serious effects, emphasising the significance of thoroughly researching previous failures. We can gain useful lessons and insights by thoroughly studying the core causes and results of earlier blunders. This method enables us to fine-tune our practices, improve our problem-solving abilities, and, eventually, provide safer, more efficient, and dependable engineering solutions. Adopting a proactive approach to continual improvement is critical for professional development and upholding the highest standards in our art.

Here's how I can do it:Case Studies: 1) Analyze case studies of engineering failures or mistakes in the field. Understand the root causes, design flaws, or operational errors that led to those incidents. 2) Mentorship: Seek mentorship from senior engineers or professors. They can provide valuable insights and guidance. 3) Industry Events and Seminars: Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops where professionals share their experiences and lessons learned. Networking with professionals can also provide opportunities to learn from their mistakes. 4) Online Resources: Utilize online resources such as forums and blogs discussing engineering failures. 5) Continuous Improvement: Cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement.

Before doing a work we need to study well about that works and need discussions with most experience engineers in engineering society, the connection of senior engineers in industry is very important.

1-Study Failures: Analyze case studies and failure analyses to understand root causes. 2-Seek Mentorship: Learn from experienced professionals and mentors. 3-Gain Practical Experience: Participate in internships and co-op programs. 4-Stay Updated: Continuously educate yourself on industry developments. 5-Reflect and Improve: Conduct post-mortem reviews to learn from project outcomes. These points provide a concise framework for leveraging others' mistakes to enhance your own engineering practice.

Seek feedback from working level and to compare with SOP. Seek also advice from Subject Matter Experts and Manufacturer to get better views and verification.

Several strategies can help you seek feedback and advice effectively, such as: • Be open and receptive: Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback or advice and appreciate the opportunities and benefits that come from it. yourself. • action. Use methods and tools such as The 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, or Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to analyze the root cause of a mistake and prevent future occurrences3. • Be proactive and collaborative: Don’t wait for feedback or advice to be given to you, but rather seek it out yourself. success. Also, be willing to share your learnings, insights, and experiences with others.

Listen hard. Ask questions. Dig into things in depth. Understand the physics. Drink beer. Establish relationships. Etc. Repeat. Sorry I am getting old. These days you have to provide wine for the ladies as well as beer.

One of the best free sources for decades are articles along with tutorials and case studies presented at turbomachinery symposia held by Texas A&M University They have a searchable database for authors and subjects. Search "Texas A&M Turbomachinery Symposium Proceedings", and go first hand this fall if you can to get all the digital files. Also have short courses the first day. All then can get downloads after 6 months time. Frank Kushner

If one is an engineering student is it safe to assume one is not working? I'd suggest to get an internship at a company, preferably in the field one is interested in. Many times school does not necessarily prepare one for actual business practice.

In my experience the best way, is to always ask questions. Over the years I find the biggest problem with young engineers is that they don’t ask enough questions. It became apparent when I managed several work packages on an engine program. The more experienced asked questions to confirm and refine the scope. The younger engineers waited until the PDR before raising questions. Also, if you have a question, ask it: Don’t wait for a meeting - time is money!

Study and review case studies related to incident and this will be the benchmark on Incident rating. To recommend on the betterment of practice and MOC if required in order to get better result.

In my experiance learning from others' mistakes can be a valuable way to avoid them yourself. One way to do this is by actively seeking out mentors or experienced professionals in the field who can share their experiences and offer guidance. Additionally, studying case studies or projects that have encountered challenges can provide insights into common pitfalls to watch out for. Collaborating with peers on group projects can also offer the opportunity to learn from each other's mistakes and brainstorm solutions. By being open to feedback and continually seeking to improve, you can apply these lessons to your own work and ultimately become a more successful engineer.

Quote from Herman van Herwijnen 1986 (former chief engineer), advice to newcomers: A good engineer gives his boss an answer one day before the question is asked. It needs: ANTICIPATION and INITIATIVE. When your boss needs information ask him in what detail he wants it and when. It results in: EFFICIENCY and good TIMING. Do not reinvent the wheel, find out first whether your idea has been used before. It avoids: WASTE of TIME and DISAPPOINTMENT. If you do not know, then ask. It avoids: WASTE of TIME and SUB-OPTIMUM SOLUTIONS. If you want to INFORM your boss then give him: A 15 SECOND SUMMARY. If you want your boss to APPROVE an action then give him: A ONE PAGE EXPLANATION. If you want to ANNOY your boss then give him: A 40 PAGE REPORT.

Keep a record of your own mistakes and lessons learned throughout your academic and professional journey. Reflect on past experiences to identify patterns and trends, allowing you to make more informed decisions in the future.

Many Export regulations may not allow to document actual problem and solution. I would recommend to follow one scientific journal and incorporate those learning to avoid mistakes. This may sound unreasonable but site like research gate give enough scope to document without declaring actual issue..So that one doesn't get involved in IP conflict

As a Mechanical Engineering student, learning from others' mistakes involves actively studying case studies, seeking mentorship from experienced professionals, and engaging in group discussions to analyze past failures and their root causes. By understanding these mistakes, I can identify common pitfalls and develop strategies to prevent them in my own work, ultimately fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and risk mitigation.