Going back to School!

So, I recently applied to go back to school, to better myself and my family. Applied at a local College, going to go thru my core classes and shooting for a Mechanical Engineering Degree. From there, I am going to transfer up to a bigger school to continue and get a better degree. I never been this excited about school before! On top of that, I am waiting on a reply from McLaren about a North American Customer Support Engineer position that I hope I get...

Things are looking up for the Understeers!

That's awesome.
You're awesome.

Welcome to the engineering profession! It is hard work, but well worth it!

With an engineering degree you can do anything.

Go get em!

Awesome!

When I went back to school after I turned 30 I found it was a lot easier than when I was 18 - 22. More focused I guess because I had to manage my time better. I hope it's the same for you.

Good to hear!

I've frequently talked about doing the same thing but time and money, yada, yada, the usual excuses. My hat is off to you for taking the plunge!

Be sure to learn the Triple Lindy.

It's true, most engineers seem able to do anything:

Bravo! I applaud your enthusiasm, and I'm sure you will do well.

I've found it's much harder to do as you get older.

As someone as, a Tech Writer, can give you any advice on what to study. Do Electrical Engineering or Software Engineering, that's where the money is going to be in the future.

The big companies (like I've worked for) are already outsourcing your job to India/China, even though their idea of an engineer is very different than ours.

If you like problem solving, software is where it's at, as well as all the money.

I just accepted a job as a Tech Writer for a VERY large software company (I have 9 years experience doing manufacturing tech writing).........ignoring the other perks I've accepted a 40% pay increase.

In reply to z31maniac:

Allow me to disagree. As someone who manages a global engineering staff and uses contract staff in India and China, we still struggle to find engineers of all flavors in the USA. We see good demand for mechanical, electrical, industrial, etc. Most ME curricula have identified the prevalence of electronics / embedded systems and have adjusted their programs. My newest ME from Va Tech is programming a position control algorithm in a variable frequency drive AND designing the mechanical interfaces for new sensors, structural components, etc.

Engineers in Asia are not used in the same way by us as they have a different skill set.

As stated above, and as one of my engineering professors told us - with an engineering degree you will be better at almost anything.

Awesome! Engineering in real life can be a lot more fun than school. With your Motorsport resume you should have no trouble landing a sweet job!

First off, great! I'm always supportive of someone getting further education.

Secondly, if possible, do yourself a favor and dual-major. Get a software or electrical engineering degree at the same time.

Mechanical is only one piece of the pie, and its a whole lot more fun when you know how to do the other stuff as well :)

<--- mechanical engineer

Have you considered HVAC, plumbing, steam... etc for a profession? There is a large group of ME with their Professional Engineers License that are about to retire in the next 5-10 years and not many of us to replace them. As for the job market, as long as there are businesses building or remodeling, there's work to be done. Another thing would to get a co-op or internship. I didn't have one and heard that I didn't have enough job experience for entry level positions because of that.

RossD wrote: Have you considered HVAC, plumbing, steam... etc for a profession? There is a large group of ME with their Professional Engineers License that are about to retire in the next 5-10 years and not many of us to replace them. As for the job market, as long as there are businesses building or remodeling, there's work to be done. Another thing would to get a co-op or internship. I didn't have one and heard that I didn't have enough job experience for entry level positions because of that.

As a current Mechanical Engineering student I'll second this. Your situation may be different given you have other responsibilities (aka your family), but internships/co-ops will earn you money, contacts, and have a great potential to lead to jobs post-graduation (which can be delayed by the same jobs) as long as you're both happy at the end.

If you need to get in touch with Jost let me know.

Congrats! How are your math skills? I think that going to college after being in the real world makes it a lot easier. I started college the second time at 22 years old after 3 years in the Navy and it was a lot easier. The first time when I was 17 I wasted a semester's worth of tuition that my parents paid for, barely went to class, and had fun, but generally did miserably. When I went the second time I was able to complete a 4 year degree in 36 months with honors while getting a minor. A bit of perspective on life went a long way for me and I'm betting it will for you too. Go get 'em.

Flint_Jeff wrote: In reply to z31maniac: Allow me to disagree. As someone who manages a global engineering staff and uses contract staff in India and China, we still struggle to find engineers of all flavors in the USA. We see good demand for mechanical, electrical, industrial, etc. Most ME curricula have identified the prevalence of electronics / embedded systems and have adjusted their programs. My newest ME from Va Tech is programming a position control algorithm in a variable frequency drive AND designing the mechanical interfaces for new sensors, structural components, etc. Engineers in Asia are not used in the same way by us as they have a different skill set. As stated above, and as one of my engineering professors told us - with an engineering degree you will be better at almost anything.

Like I said LARGE CORPS, ie, another division of the same company in India.

The company rhymes with "ROVER" and is a multi-billion international company.

Here's my advice.. Don't listen to what others tell you what to do... Do something that will make you happy(ier). If you are happy ish you will be more successful in your chosen vocation than if you went for "the money" and do something you don't like.

Also.. I started out as an ME. Great profession. Don't listen to the naysayers. You'll be fine, work hard and it will all work out.

Like others, my industry is starving for engineers, especially ones who are already American and do not need sponsorship to work here.

Handily, I'm in the auto industry.

I'm retiring in just over 5 years- someone needs to replace me.

And I'm an ME, too.

The_Jed wrote: It's true, most engineers seem able to do anything:

You found a picture of me on the internet?!?