Comeagain? Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Yep. Currently working on an ME degree. And I've been a part of enough of 'the industry' to know that this is something I definitely want to continue working towards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackdude101 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Math was never my strongest subject, and I'm certain you need to know a thing or two about calculus to design a roller coaster. I took two introductory courses on the subject in college and I barely passed both. I can push the button to start the ride and that's it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A.J. Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 (edited) There are members/readers that are active designers in the industry. They just don't have time to post because they are busy working... Exactly! I'm able to be active around here because A) I currently have the time; B) I like talking about the industry and what I learn; and C) I haven't actually worked for anywhere yet. Once I get working at [insert name here] design and planning firm, I'm basically going to pack my bags and retreat to the games forum again, because I won't be able to talk about anything in development due to the huge secrecy of the industry - I'll pretty much only be able to talk about and interact with stuff that's been made public. But right now, as I'm working on my own portfolio stuff in graduate school, I love talking about theme parks! I'll admit that I've definitely jumped the gun and been a little condescending, inaccurate, etc around here on occasion, but for the most part I like being both rational and enthusiastic when talking about whatever new ride Fårup has going on or whatever new themed area Disney is building. It's fun to hear what other people think as well as what the parks are doing, and how it can (or can't) influence my work. One thing that one of my colleagues told me a few days ago, and that I really agree with, is that my generation is, generally, with some exceptions from older generations for sure, the first one to actively pursue work in the themed entertainment industry directly out of college as a career path, and that as a result the big wigs in the industry aren't completely sure what to think in most cases. Most of the guys and gals who are working there now started as engineers, architects, artists, etc and found their way in because their specific skill was asked for in the context of a theme park. There's definitely a shifting dynamic - and the college theme park engineering / entertainment student organizations, companies' intern programs, and the Themed Entertainment Association's NextGen initiative are suddenly becoming very relevant. Edited February 21, 2016 by A.J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duff Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 100% yes. When I was a little kid growing up in the 80's, I fantasized about designing coasters. (I could show you the old childhood drawings of coasters in my parents' attic...) Then again, I also wanted to be an astronaut and a cowboy. As an adult, I wouldn't want to be an engineer. I was fortunate to find a career in a different industry that I love. And, I can still play-out those old childhood dreams playing RCT. Win-win! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadianparkfan Posted February 21, 2016 Author Share Posted February 21, 2016 There are members/readers that are active designers in the industry. They just don't have time to post because they are busy working... Exactly! I'm able to be active around here because A) I currently have the time; B) I like talking about the industry and what I learn; and C) I haven't actually worked for anywhere yet. Once I get working at [insert name here] design and planning firm, I'm basically going to pack my bags and retreat to the games forum again, because I won't be able to talk about anything in development due to the huge secrecy of the industry - I'll pretty much only be able to talk about and interact with stuff that's been made public. But right now, as I'm working on my own portfolio stuff in graduate school, I love talking about theme parks! I'll admit that I've definitely jumped the gun and been a little condescending, inaccurate, etc around here on occasion, but for the most part I like being both rational and enthusiastic when talking about whatever new ride Fårup has going on or whatever new themed area Disney is building. It's fun to hear what other people think as well as what the parks are doing, and how it can (or can't) influence my work. One thing that one of my colleagues told me a few days ago, and that I really agree with, is that my generation is, generally, with some exceptions from older generations for sure, the first one to actively pursue work in the themed entertainment industry directly out of college as a career path, and that as a result the big wigs in the industry aren't completely sure what to think in most cases. Most of the guys and gals who are working there now started as engineers, architects, artists, etc and found their way in because their specific skill was asked for in the context of a theme park. There's definitely a shifting dynamic - and the college theme park engineering / entertainment student organizations, companies' intern programs, and the Themed Entertainment Association's NextGen initiative are suddenly becoming very relevant. Been kinda of intriguing thinking about m what happens in the next 10-20 years in coaster design. As you've said, this is the first time there's really been enthusiasts actively trying to find their way into the industry. Should make for some interesting ride experiences of any of them make it far enough through the ranks of (insert company here). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KPfan Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I think it'd be a great career, one that I'd love to have. I think it would be important to realize that it may never happen and be willing to accept alternatives. Technology is rapidly changing. Coaster design is becoming automated. In 5 years they'll likely only need humans to assemble one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lameformer Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Ever since elementary school I have wanted to become an imagineer at WDI. I really want to work on the engineering side of things, as I excell in math and science (for instance, I'm a Freshman and I'm taking Honors Algebra 2). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TB305 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Ever since elementary school I have wanted to become an imagineer at WDI. I really want to work on the engineering side of things, as I excell in math and science (for instance, I'm a Freshman and I'm taking Honors Algebra 2). Taking Algebra II with Trig (Honors) is fairly common in freshman year. Nearly all of my friends took it freshman year with me, and not many of us are nerds by any means. I wouldn't use the class you're in the single guage in how much you excel, as it's pretty ambiguous. A better way to determine this is by looking at your grade in combination with the rigour of the course. For example, someone could take Discete Math or Prob Stat and get a 100, and someone else could be taking AP calculus and get a 65. In one case, there's a fantastic grade, in the other, a rigorous course; however, neither of them would be considered to excel in math. In addition, you don't truly find out how much you excel in math until you're done laying the foundation (Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Trig) for higher level math classes. I didn't know I excelled in math until I was pushed really hard on Analysis (basically precalculus), and now I'm crushing AP calc with an over 100 overall grade average. Even so, my in school grade doesn't easily translate to real life applications, but rather a foundation for future learning. TL;DR: If you're dedicated, you can excel, but just remember that real life and jobs aren't like a math class! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerstlaueringvar Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Currently getting tortured by Calc 2. The math department here also makes our courses unnecessarily hard! But I'm sure it will all worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenbowl Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Now that I graduated from Cal Poly SLO (in December) with a BS in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Manufacturing, I am seeking employment in the amusement engineering industry. In fact, I just had an interview with WhiteWater West. Wish me luck, guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadianparkfan Posted February 21, 2016 Author Share Posted February 21, 2016 ^Congratulations and good luck! If you get the position, let me be the first to say, welcome to Canada! (Most unlikely water-ride design capital of the world... Yet somehow, we are ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fooz Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Currently getting tortured by Calc 2. The math department here also makes our courses unnecessarily hard! But I'm sure it will all worth it. Calc 2 is the worst math in the engineering lineup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TB305 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 ^Should I exempt it in college since BC Calc counts for both calculus 1 & 2 credits? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comeagain? Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 ^Should I exempt it in college since BC Calc counts for both calculus 1 & 2 credits? It probably won't matter. From what I've seen, many colleges don't accept AP for math based majors like engineering. I took and passed Calc BC and still have to take all of the calc series in college. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TB305 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 ^Should I exempt it in college since BC Calc counts for both calculus 1 & 2 credits? It probably won't matter. From what I've seen, many colleges don't accept AP for math based majors like engineering. I took and passed Calc BC and still have to take all of the calc series in college. Interesting, I had an interview at UVA a couple weeks ago and engineering admissions was briefly discussed. I was told the deans of admission are really looking for 4's and 5's on the AP Calc exams, so I assume they just use the courses/exams to see your level of math intellect rather than using them to exempt college courses? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comeagain? Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 ^Should I exempt it in college since BC Calc counts for both calculus 1 & 2 credits? It probably won't matter. From what I've seen, many colleges don't accept AP for math based majors like engineering. I took and passed Calc BC and still have to take all of the calc series in college. Interesting, I had an interview at UVA a couple weeks ago and engineering admissions was briefly discussed. I was told the deans of admission are really looking for 4's and 5's on the AP Calc exams, so I assume they just use the courses/exams to see your level of math intellect rather than using them to exempt college courses? Correct. We could use them in place of the math placement test, but not for exempting the course. But that's after you've been admitted. Admissions will probably value high AP scores and knowing that material will make some stuff easier (at least for a little while). Also... That's been my experience. Your results may vary. Your engineering advisor will be a much more authoritative source of information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Physical Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 I've considered it, especially since I've started messing around with NL2 around this time last year. Unfortunately, after doing some research, and realizing actual coaster designers don't use CAD programs, and instead use Excel and formulas, it kinda turned me off the whole idea. Perhaps if I get good enough with NL2 I could get a job doing contract work making simulations of proposed rides. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TB305 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 ^Yea, NL2 is a great program, but its nothing like what you would actually like doing designing a real coaster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anac0nda Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 ^Yea, NL2 is a great program, but its nothing like what you would actually like doing designing a real coaster. I wouldn't say nothing like designing a real coaster. It has been confirmed that some manufacturers use it to quickly sketch layout possibilities or even use it in actual marketing (GCI), and it's no wonder why. It's the best in the market at the moment, and it has quite powerful graphics and scripting engines to make the surroundings look like their real life counterpart. Now could you use your NoLimits track in manufacturing and blueprinting? Of course not. NoLimits (for me) is a graphic designing tool. To make proper calculations, I'd imagine you'd use analytic methods. Creating blueprints and checking cross-sections and connections you'll have to use something a bit more validated than just a 'game'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChris125x Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 An engineering degree is nearly required to work for a coaster or ride manufacturer as a designer. These firms are often small and the engineer functions as the designer. An engineering degree is preferred, but not required, to work for a corporate or even family sized park when selecting, designing, and installing a new ride or coaster. Again, the group designing and selecting new rides is often very small, so proficiency in the technical aspects of rides and structures is necessary (beyond the internet). Groups like Imagineering and Creative both have strong art and engineering departments. Which area you want to work in is up to you, but you will never escape the mathematical aspects of the industry. Yes Disney, Universal, B&M, Intamin, etc. build rides, but what they really build is complex and often prototypical heavy machinery. Ride design is considered very high risk engineering because of the life-safety aspect. There is no room for failure. There are several universities that have active Themed Entertainment clubs. Many trend toward engineering and less toward art/design. A club like this is how I, and many others I know, became an industry professional. Feel free to PM if ya have any questions. http://www.teaconnect.org/NextGen/TEA--University-Clubs/ Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadianparkfan Posted February 25, 2016 Author Share Posted February 25, 2016 ^Really cool... Didn't know any schools had those sort of clubs. A friend of mine who's into Rally-Car Racing joined a dune-buggy building club at his college, and as far as I know, he's not in any engineering program at the school, yet still able to contribute a fair bit. Not too sure if the other clubs you mentioned would work that way (letting non-engineering students join) but still cool to know they exist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChris125x Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 ^Really cool... Didn't know any schools had those sort of clubs. A friend of mine who's into Rally-Car Racing joined a dune-buggy building club at his college, and as far as I know, he's not in any engineering program at the school, yet still able to contribute a fair bit. Not too sure if the other clubs you mentioned would work that way (letting non-engineering students join) but still cool to know they exist. We often had non-engineering students as well, so no need to worry. Speaking from experience, these clubs welcome dedicated members. Engineering students are often swamped with homework so it takes many people to coordinate any projects or traveling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 (edited) Not until a few decades later, darnit. I still have a rejection letter from Disneyland, before 1963 when I was under ten years old, and wrote them a snail mail letter, about possibly hoping to work there! Their advice to stay in school and go into particular courses, I should have followed. But, I didn't. I was really excellent in math, which would have made it easy to suppose I should have gone into physics in high school. But I chose chemistry, and it was all downhill from there for me. Thinking back on it, my coaster interest was happening in my teens, but things just didn't connect. I blame my parents for that. Edited February 25, 2016 by Nrthwnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thrillseeker4552 Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 I'll keep my answer short & sweet: Alan Schilke is my role model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadianparkfan Posted February 26, 2016 Author Share Posted February 26, 2016 ^Really cool... Didn't know any schools had those sort of clubs. A friend of mine who's into Rally-Car Racing joined a dune-buggy building club at his college, and as far as I know, he's not in any engineering program at the school, yet still able to contribute a fair bit. Not too sure if the other clubs you mentioned would work that way (letting non-engineering students join) but still cool to know they exist. We often had non-engineering students as well, so no need to worry. Speaking from experience, these clubs welcome dedicated members. Engineering students are often swamped with homework so it takes many people to coordinate any projects or traveling. Awesome news. Sounds very similar to the role my friend has in the Ralley-car club (stepping up to help whenever the team is swamped with work ). Did a bit of research, and found that quite a few local universities have teams that enter a coaster-design contest. http://www.ress.ca/events?event_id=10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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