Looking for some advice

[narcissus]

I'm currently on pace to graduate in June of next year with a bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics with a focus in Mechanical Engineering and am looking to enter the Nuclear energy field. Does anyone have any suggestion for further courses and or certifications that would be useful to help get into the field?

Thanks

[Fermi2]

I'll give you an introduction to the Nuke Industry right now. A College graduate should be capable of performing basic research, and the hall mark of a good nuke is being about to research items. There are currently 825 Bazillion items concerning this topic on this message board. If I may make a suggestion, there's this really cool tab on the other right hand corner called Search. Why not make your start there?

Mike

[Roll Tide]

One of the things to consider is PE. Not a lot of those at Commercial Power Plants. Based on what I have seen, rarity can mean extra $$$.

And in spite of the remarks of a grumpy shiftworker, we can answer questions. But you would want to ask a specific question after doing your research. Right?

[Marlin]

Try here.

http://www.nei.org/index.asp?catnum=1&catid=7

The nuclear field extends well beyond the narrow confines of a nuclear plants control room.

[narcissus]

Thanks, that website was helpful.

[SloGlo]

narcissus.... the short answer to your question would be any course of study in an engineering discipline that interests you and any certification that you find listed thru the nei or any other nuclear/energy based group.  the long answer is that it woud behoove you to determine what avenue you would like to pursue in the nuclear energy field.  there are myriad to choose from and all are interesting to some.  most are well compensated.  i would make the assumption that with a b.s. in e.p. and a concentration in m.e. math and the associated sciences are friendly to you.  however, since you are making the inquiry that you did, i think that perhaps you are thinking of using that training as a basis for a career and not becoming immersed in those aspects of the field.  perhaps a short series of courses in business oran additional concentration in the legal field would be more towards what you feel would be fulfilling?  the nuclear energy field employs professionals in every aspect of society, from abstracts thru zoology.  they all come with certifications.  but certificates without knowledge of future pursuit is merely another method of professional schooling.

[OldHP]

SG: Great answer (and readable to the uneducated in slospeek at that).  However, I'd ask the question: N, Why did you choose the major in the first place and what did you anticipate when you chose it?  If you didn't know then, and you don't know now, I,m not sure the education was worth it!

[thenuttyneutron]

Operations is always a good place to start.  You can see the many departments at work and decide what you want to pursue after working in the industry for a while.  Many places are hiring engineers for NLO positions.  The money is great if you can handle the rolling shift work and long hours.