Advice for new grad wanting to eventually be self employed

I started out of college with a plan. I started working for a large company (doing system development/project management coincidentally). My goal was at age 50 I would go out on my own. For the 23 years I worked for that company (I spent a while in the service prior to college) I worked toward my goal. I joined technical societies and published papers for their conferences. I searched out the best projects (amazing how often bringing a good project to your boss can be a way to manage the best projects) with the most difficult technical aspects and toughest deadlines. When I had learned all I was going to learn (not all there was to learn, but people have limitations) from systems development, I got my masters in ME and started working as an ME on tough projects. Got my FE and PE. Facilitated internal company technical networks. More papers for the SPE. Got active in SPE Section management.

Two weeks after I turned 50 I started my company with a very strong resume and hundreds of industry contacts. The company has never had a quarter that was not profitable.

I don't know if my path of a 20+ year apprentiship would work for anyone else, but even if you were to do the Readers Digest Condensed version of my path you would be in pretty good shape to start. One key is establishing yourself as someone worth hiring and that takes time. Another is becoming known to potential clients, that also takes time.

David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

The harder I work, the luckier I seem

I'd like to start a business somehow related to engineering and computers hopefully in my early 30s...or sooner.
I'm gainfully employed right now but I'd like to be my own boss and work doing something I really feel close to. And have the freedom to do what I want when I want to. Hopefully it will be succesful enough to allow me to have a lot of spare time to pursue any leisure activities my whims direct me towards. Otherwise, what's the point?

For now, I started my own website and work at improving it and bringing visitors in.

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Scientific/Engineering Code Exchange:

If you goal is to go out on your own, you have a bit of time to decide on the experience core.

One thing you should be doing is saving your money to start or buy this business.

So this is my advice.... SAVE your money.

Charlie

Network, network, network
Since I've started my own business, the vast majority of customers have come from contacts that I knew prior to the business

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Implantable FEA for medical device manufacturers