To the point; people with Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's of Science degrees, have you found yourself typecast by previous industry experience? Locked out of working in one field because you have "too much time" in something else? I'm considering going back to school in the fall to get a "real" engineering degree to add to my bucket. My BS-EET is becoming a limitation and I'm wondering if mechanical systems is where I should have been all along.
Early in a career, yes. Mid to late in a career, no, not without a huge pay decrease, or if your prior experience somehow applies.
In reply to bravenrace:
Out of curiosity, what sorts of things have you done as an ME?
Yes, although depends whether you grow as a technical guy (I.E. Staff engineer or other high-level resource) or as a manger.
It seems to me to happen in all career lines.
Moving is A-ok
Automotive ->Medical ->transportation ->Power generation
When we look at resumes, the previous industry doesn't even really matter unless it's identical. So long as some of the stuff you learned translates well.
pres589 wrote: To the point; people with Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's of Science degrees, have you found yourself typecast by previous industry experience? Locked out of working in one field because you have "too much time" in something else?
No. I've jumped several times, though that was long(ish) ago. Utilities, manufacturing, private sector, regulatory.
What has mattered has varied. Early on, regardless of my background, it was all GPA and the name of my school. Later on, it became more about my experience and abilities. For a while, it was very much management abilities.
Freely admitted that I am on the backside now, and not jumping ship before retirement.
In reply to foxtrapper:
I'm about 25 years away from my 60's, when I would think retirement would start sounding like the next step, so spending a year or two going to school doesn't seem like a big loss. If I was half that distance away, or less, I wouldn't be considering it much. Right now I'm dealing with companies turning me away from opportunities because I can't easily get my PE with an EET and there's HR drones out there that think this thing is some kind of associates or made up, etc.
I have never met an EET or MET that had a hard time because of their degree. I suppose YMMV.
I don't think that switching is a big deal, but three jobs later I am still basically in automotive test.
I was discussing the job market for engineers with a colleague recently. We both concluded that employers still think it's 2008 and they deserve a candidate with premium qualifications for minimum salary. On the flip side, potential employees seem to have unreasonable expectations, too. Hopefully everyone can meet in the middle.
The importance and power of being a PE varies with the job/employer/situation/etc. Sounds like for whatever reason you're knocking on doors that want it, and don't particularly want an EET. So, you either need to become what they want, or knock on different doors.
Agree with you that if you're 25, you're young enough to easily start over. I was 29-30 by the time I got my degree.
If you go after a second degree, I'd suggest looking at a masters degree instead of a second bachelors degree. Not sure at all how it would work out, but generically it'll look better on paper, and it puts you one step closer to a PHD.
In reply to foxtrapper:
I got my second degree when I was 28 and figure I'm 25 years from retirement. I had been looking at getting into something involving renewable energy and was turned away from two companies looking to fill EE positions because I have an EET and would have a difficult to impossible time getting a PE. I'm not sure if I want to work at a technical level that would require a Master's (never mind a PhD); I know one wouldn't hurt me but I kind of want to get this over with, and if getting a Master's adds more time I'd probably pass. I need to talk to someone at the university I plan on applying to and see what avenues are available to me. But I've had issues with the EET holding me up in the past, with recruiters that have reached out to me only to shut the door once they figure out I have an EET instead of an EE. Had the skills, time in industry, but the wrong degree.
pres589 wrote: In reply to bravenrace: Out of curiosity, what sorts of things have you done as an ME?
I started out working for Matco Tools. I had previously been a diesel mechanic, worked on cars also, and that previous experience seemed valuable to them. I worked there ,for 4 years. Then I went to Hercules Engines, which I believe I also got because of my diesel experience. I only stayed there for a few months because it was apparent that they were going to go under. After that I went to work for Volvo Truck, and I don't think I have to tell you why I got that job. I worked there for 5 years. I then took a job at with my current employer, Red Dot Corporation, where I design, develop and test new designs in air conditioning and heating systems for specialty vehicles. I've been here for 18 years and am probably stuck here at this point.
This depends largely on the individual and how he is able to sell his past experience. It also comes down to luck and knowing an opportunity when it knocks.
I hire young guys for their exposure to current technology and ability/willingness to prove themselves with whatever it takes. I hire older guys because of their relevant Rolodexes and battle experience.
You are going to run into roadblocks after about age 56 in that people will be hard to convince that you are not coasting into retirement. You got to sell it.
bravenrace wrote: Early in a career, yes. Mid to late in a career, no, not without a huge pay decrease, or if your prior experience somehow applies.
my experience as well
I keep writing things about beating your head against the HR door, or having two degrees and looking at a third, things like that. And I don't like a single thing I keep writing. So let me see if I can be more successful this way.
I spent years pursuing a military commission. In no small measure, it's what got me through college when things got really hard. Eye on the goal, nose to the grindstone. Stuff like that.
As I finished the final military schooling, and I'm looking at my very own butter bars (they were in the displace case, with my name) I found myself realizing more and more that this really wasn't what I wanted anymore. Sure, it would have been great to have become the first military officer in my family for several generations. But I'd changed, my life had changed, and even the military had changed.
In the end, I walked away from it completely. The commission and the entire military. I'd love to say I've never looked back, but that wouldn't be exactly true. While I don't regret my decision, I sometimes wonder a bit.
So to you, with your two degrees already, will a third really get you what you want? Is it the goal that really matters, or is it that you're finding the door closed that has you slamming against it?
Are you successful already? Making a decent living, not ashamed of what you do? If so, do you really need this third degree? Will it really improve your life that much? Does it really matter that some folk sneer at your "T"?
It took me quite a while to understand that happiness isn't having what you want, it's wanting what you have. Where are you looking for your happiness?
I have been in the field for 13 years.
Plastics / Textiles
Fermentation / Food
Armored Vehicle repair
Steel Industry
Fluid Conveyance Devices
Jumping around didn't seem to hurt me! I have made more money with every jump.
Rob R.
Salary goes up with moving.
Here's my 30+ year career track. Talk about being all over the place.
• Bearing company, Manufacturing Engineer
• Consumer Products, Project Engineer (it was Tampax, I've heard all the jokes)
• Automotive Textiles, Industrial Engineer, learned the Toyota Production System from the #1 customer - Toyota
• Contract Manufacturer, Quality
• Electronic Connectors, Manufacturing Engineer
• Government Contractor - Parachute Systems, Floatation Collars, Military Aircraft Seating, there was lots of cutting and sewing; Manufacturing Engineer and Production Manager
• Medical Device, Quality Engineer, Sterile Barrier Packaging and Sterilization Validation
• Dietary Supplement, Operations Compliance Manager
Every job presented the opportunity to learn new skills and I've learned to translate those business skills across industry.
My degree is Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering Technology along with an MBA. I have had only one company say they would not interview me because I did not have a BSME.
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