Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
(OP)
I'm in my late twenties now, and know that I need to go back to school so that I can get a decent job in the future. I'm seriously considering studying engineering, but don't know if my age would be a hinderance when I graduate. (I'd be 33-34 by the time I finish.)
I've asked some of the schools in the area, and they all say age shouldn't be a problem...but then again, are they really going to discourage anyone from attending their university? Do you all have any opinions regarding the chances of someone in my position having a good career in engineering if I start now?
I've asked some of the schools in the area, and they all say age shouldn't be a problem...but then again, are they really going to discourage anyone from attending their university? Do you all have any opinions regarding the chances of someone in my position having a good career in engineering if I start now?





RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
David
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
I went to university straight out of school, and know a couple of people who went back to uni at a similar age. They did quite well (though the economic situation was strikingly different at the time) so I can't see it being quite such an issue for you.
That said, as you've probably noticed, university places don't directly translate to employment. In Australia, the university places do mean more funding (of sorts, without going into detail over fee paying or not) so the university people are likely to say that. However, I wouldn't necessarily get too concerned about it.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Discover what you want to do and go do it.
You are not too old to do anything you want.
Doctor, lawyer, engineer, archeologist, ophthalmologist whatever.
Don't set low goals. Set unrealistically high goals and don't take no for an answer.
Choose something that pays well, live well within your means. That way you have something to work with if you do burn out after 10 or 15 years.
Understand the business model for work in the chosen field. If wide open competition exists, the competition pressure drives salaries down.
Work somewhat protected because it's monopolistic in nature or shielded by safety regulations (pilot work) or shielded by unions or better yet by strong lobbyists will probably pay better.
The day you finish, nothing in the business technical environment will be the same way it was the day you started, so there is always some risk.
If you choose an easy but fun looking carrier, the job market soon gets flooded and salaries drop.
If where you live is really important to you, choose something that supports industries that exist in every city and state.
If school is required, it will be to expensive no mater where you go.
You cannot compare the quality of credentials from, Harvard Business School to (for example) Memphis (TN) School of Business. The later is a business school in a dead city. It's rather like studying botany on the moon.
Likewise an Obscurity Technical Institute Bachelors of Something Like Engineering degree is too expensive and too easy to come by.
Networking is important. Play golf. Lear to be secure around supervisors and senior executives. If you're smart, it pays to let those folks see it, just don't over play it.
Don't be afraid to invest in yourself. Corporate training is not oriented toward your goals, it's oriented to corporate goals.
Good luck!
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
If you have thoroughly done your research, really know what you're getting yourself in for (both in the schooling aspect as well as what engineers do day-to-day), and can't imagine doing anything else, go for it!
If you think you should do it because engineering pays well and that is the main reason you're interested, you should reconsider. I've seen a lot of students who thought they wanted to be engineers because of the money. Most of them worked only a few years as engineers but ultimately left engineering because it isn't what they expected. They weren't usually very good at their jobs, either. Also, if you don't have a passion for life-long learning, you may want to choose a different field. The rapid pace of changing technology means rapid self-education is often necessary as an engineer.
One last note: don't expect engineering education to give you an accurate picture of what you'll do as an engineer. Most engineers will tell you that school is very different. I encourage my students to work as technicians/trades workers while going to school because they learn how to construct/maintain the things that engineers design. This makes them better engineers in the long run, in my opinion. Schools teach mostly theory, and many college graduate engineers find themselves in deep water after school because they know the mathematics but not how parts fit together, or can't read/create real engineering drawings, or don't know anything about codes and standards. Some swim; some sink. (By the way, I teach part-time so I can introduce students to real-world engineering design before they graduate. When students interviewing bring a real-world design package of a system that they created, drew in CAD, then built to code and tested, employers salivate.)
Best of luck!
xnuke
"Live and act within the limit of your knowledge and keep expanding it to the limit of your life." Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged.
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RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Old Engineers don't die, they just stop studying.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
If you have the opportunity, by all means, go for it. don't look back later and wish you'd taken the step.
If you think it's expensive now, wait'll you figure out twenty years from now what NOT going cost you.
old field guy
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
One thing I can say for sure is that someone in your position is there because you want to be, not because you're good at math and science so this is what you should do. That makes such a difference.......... I can't even begin to tell you. It makes a difference in the way you approach schooling, particular classes, the whole reason for being in college. You also have a maturity that kids just out of high school rarely have. This shows through to your professors, and definitely to prospective employers.
I would say to you..... Who cares if you are 33-34 when you finish? How old will you be in 6-7 years if you DON'T go to school now? You'll still be 33-34, only you'll be wishing you were finishing up instead of still contemplating going.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
The next best time is now.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Now is a good time too though.
- Steve
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Fe
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Today in school it is very important for me to do well in my coursework. My first year after high school I goofed off in community college and did not take it seriously. Being more mature today I work very hard and make good grades.
I also work full time as an engineering technician, which should be good experience as a designer of things.
Graduation should come at 30 or maybe 32 years of age for me and I can't say I regret not going straight through after high school due to my lack of maturity and focus then; I never would have made it.
If engineering is what you have a passion for I sincerely encourage you to finish your studies and move onto the next step even if you are older than many other students. My university has many older students in engineering and I've seen no clash between them and the younger students.
Good Luck!
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Age was no barrier in school or since.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Or don't go and make it easier for lazy slackers like I was.
(I exagerate, slightly)
KENAT,
Have you reminded yourself of FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies recently, or taken a look at posting policies: http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
If you're ok with how the numbers turn out and have a passion or specific personal goals, then go for it.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Fe
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Community colleges are often about half price compared to a four year institution. Some will even cover your tuition if you volunteer a set number of hours a week.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
And I still had 30 years of a career ahead of me ;)
Towards the end it did feel kinda strange going to school with students 10 years younger, but since I was going to school at night, there were at least a few others that were older.
I agree with alot of the other posters. Go for it. You already have experience , although maybe not engineering, and this could give you a slight advantage over someone that is 22 with only their grades to fall back on, and no real world xp.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Personally, I went straight from high school to getting my BSME. However, many of the "older" students seemed to have their lives more together and organized. I would think that would help in both pursuit of a degree and in trying to land that first job.
However, there were some "older" students trying to juggle a demanding job, family, taking care of a house, etc. Some of them seemed to be spreading them pretty thin and their education suffered (in my opinion). If you are at a point in your life that you are confident you can devote the necessary time and energy to your education, then definately go for it. However, it seemed the time and effort required when I was getting my BSME was for a full-time student who could focus on eating, sleeping, basic hygiene, school work, maybe a very limited part-time job, and not much else. Be sure you are ready for it and go for it!
-- MechEng2005
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
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This is normally the space where people post something insightful.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Don't waste your time, or the time of your instructors or future employers and co-workers, by pursuing engineering because you "need a good job in the future" and think engineering might give you that chance. There are plenty of people (2/3 of Canada's annual graduating class according to our 2006 census) who finish an engineering degree and DO NOT end up working as engineers. I strongly suggest that you do NOT become one of them.
If you know what engineers actually do for a living, and you think it's truly interesting and exciting, then go to school and become one. If your passion is there, your age won't be a hindrance whatsoever- unless you try to keep up with the young kids partying while you're going to school!
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
1. Should I study Engineering.
2. Will my age be a disadvantage.
1. has been debated before I think if not on this forum then forum731: How to Improve Myself to Get Ahead in My Work or forum732: Overcoming Obstacles Getting My Work Done. Basically if you have a decent interest in Engineering, and some basic aptitude in the requisit skills are are fine with being comfortably off but probably not rich, then it may indeed be for you.
2. Overal it probably wont be a disadvantage. Sure you'll have about 5 - 10 less years to get your Return on investment but that goes for any degree. Your extra age though will hopefully give you some maturity that will give you an advantage.
KENAT,
Have you reminded yourself of FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies recently, or taken a look at posting policies: http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Fe
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
I went back to school full time at 40. It was not the easiest thing to do, but I have never been sorry.
Regards,
Mike
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Engineering's great, if it's your calling- and sucks big time if it isn't. If this thread's any indication, that call came late in life to some very good folks, and they haven't looked back.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
However, I have to agree with the other posters with the question is Engineering your calling? Even before you get to your engineering courses, you will have to get thru the weeding out class such as the math, physics, and chemical classes and then wield these subjects in the engineering classes. I'm not trying to deter you, but get you psyched up. I went to a public university where a good part of the student population was and still is working parents. Many have come in with good intentions, but realizing the brain power needed to jump thru the classes deemed too much and eventually dropped out. But, there were many who had the aptitude and passed the classes despite only having four hours of sleep because of work and family.
So lace up, get your head into the game, and go kick those calculation's a$$e$.
Good luck
Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Wife and kid on the way at 28.
Graduated when I was 31.
It actually helped when I interviewed!!! A few places looked at it as a negative and you could see it when they were looking at me, but most looked at it as a positive. You have the ability to work. Most kids out of college don't. I work with 3 new engineers (<2 years out of school) and the biggest difference is not the skill but the ability to handle the work place.
Good luck and have fun with it!!!
Engineering has always been my love, but it ended up being my second career...
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
My late university experience also produced some rather comical situations. I competed in the Great Moonbuggy Race for my senior project and was asked how it was to mentor the students. Of course I proceeded to say I was one of the students. Also I received comments about me riding my bycicle to class going across campus.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
I think it was well worth it
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Why not? - All the upsides have been mentioned above, and if it's what you really wanted to do – Great!
"If you think you are really interested in engineering, do it. If you just feel you need a degree, get something different, it'll be easier". That line should be in every University's School of Engineering's reception area.
BUT
I have been sat on both sides so the interview desk quite a few times now, and I would put a very cynical question to you
"Did you enter engineering later in life because it just took you longer to realise that's what you wanted to do, or did you realise that, all things considered, it's not that bad as an occupation?"
As long as your answer is believable, and the rest of the interview answers line up with this reply, I don't see a problem.
The age thing won't work against you.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Don't do it for the money. Aside from the fact that there is no money in engineering, your search for it will make you miserable. If you are looking for money, then be a welder or a plumber!
Keep in mind that your experience is part of an overall picture of you. Don't under emphasize this if (when?) you do become an engineer.
Life happens!
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Here are a few suggestions to maximize your college experience. Sit in the front rows and get to know every professor. Stop by their office and ask what they are doing as research. Join some technical clubs like SAE mini-baja, Formula SAE, SAE aerodesign team etc. There are simialr groups for electrical, cival and chemical, these were the groups most focused on mechanical. If there is a group sponsered by a different dept you can still join it. The solar car team was sponsered by the EE dept. but drew people from all engineering diciplins.
find out what research the profs are doing and insinuate yourself in. Hang around the lab and annoy them with questions and ask if there are undergrad research postitions available. Offer to work as a tutor or grader for a class you have already taken. I did this for the ME comuter programming class since I had a lot more programming experience. I not only helped out ME who were clueless about programming when they started I learned alot more about it then I ever knew, and could debug programms faster then before.
Most important in my eyes for future employement is to apply for summer internships. don't leave these for the fresh from high school group. This is the best way to network as an engineering student. If you interned at a company and liked it try interning at the same company every summer. If your interships go well you should be a shoe in for any entry engineering position at that company.
Also important is to make friends with the other students. It may be a bit of a maturity difference at first, but they will catch up in the maturity department very quickly in the few years you are at college and they might even find your more mature perspective helpful when they are having problems. Remeber it's not just technical subjects we need to be mentored on. These people will be your lab partners and group project co-workers for 4 or 5 years, so be nice. Besides there will be a few non-traditional students (I like to use the term re-treads). A group of us got in early every morning (no problem with parking before 7am) and sat in the foyer at Durland/Rathbone/What ever that new wing was called and did homework and prepared for the day, but mostly just hanging out and chatting with students and professors as they came in.
As you work through your classes keep a portfolio of projects you have worked on. The best interviews ask about what you have done, and the best answers are to show them the projects you have worked on and how you contributed.
Have fun with it, and absolutely go for it.
-Kirby
Kirby Wilkerson
Remember, first define the problem, then solve it.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
I Still have the time to study I just don't know if it will be worth the time and money.
Money is not everything I have learned that in accounting and my life. I just want to make a steady living.
What do you think?
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
engineering=differential calculus
It is rare that people are equally adept AND HAPPY at both. Do the one that interests you the most, and pursue it with enthusiasm.
Do you really believe that accounting is a dying industry? I have worked in engineering for 31 years, every single company I have worked for, except one (and that is no sure thing), has been bought out, bankrupted or merged. I'm pretty sure accountants had something to do with all that!
Cheers
Greg Locock
SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
There's no job security in anything any more. But the top 10% in any profession have the best shot. Focus on staying in the top 10% of whatever you do.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
When do you plan on retiring? if you have to work till you are 70, thats 37 years. You'll see a good ROI.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
Just as StructuralEIT put it, you are going to end up somewhere in the next 6 to 7 years anyway so go for it!
Studying engineering is not an easy fit though, takes serious hard work and beware most engineering textbooks are poorly written and incredibly boring.
Also select courses that are most relevant towards the career you are headed towards.
I had many courses that were thought by professors who went straight into academia and research work out of university and worked us up the wall with the most complicated things that you might not even see outside of the research field and I personally did not like it because I had not intention of working in a research lab.
Oh yes, taking up a part time trade that is related to your engineering studies will help you a lot in becoming an engineer.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?
It used to be that when 1 industry went down,others picked up and you re-tooled yourself to the new business. That is not happening.
With an upsurge in regulation,taxes, and the like, it is doubtful that the USA will pull out of this in less than decade (if ever).
The truth is that engineering curricula are very watered down and simply don't prepare you for work in the real world.Ideally,you should be working in an engineering environment while you go to school.Better than that, you need a Master's Degree in your field.
RE: Should I start studying engineering in my late 20s?