I'm 28 and going for an engineering degree.......?

Question

I'm a pilot and A&P mechanic but now I want to go back for an aerospace or possibly mechanical engineering degree. I will be in my early 30s by the time I'm done, what are my job prospects going to look like? I know I'll be competing against 23 year olds, but being older and wiser I know I'm pretty driven. But I'd like to get the thoughts of engineers out there. Should I do it? Is it worth it at this point?

Answer 1

You should see no issues with age other than your own memory.  Lots of us start late.

Answer 2

Seems to me like the supply of 23 year olds, especially those who can engineer, is decreasing.  I read about companies worried because their people are retiring and they may not be able to replace them.

Answer 3

It depends on what you did in high school. Did you take algebra?, Trigonometry?, Geometry?

Physics? if you did not, you will be behind. I think the University will not let you in unless you take make up courses in a Jr. College. One biggy will be the computers. Are you literate? You'll have to be. Yes, you have plenty of time to put 30 yrs in for a pension. It will be more restrictive for you if you take Aero Engineering because you have to work in areas where they design and build aircraft, or missiles. Also they are building a lot less aircraft and missiles than they were 20 yrs ago. Mechanical Engineering would give you much more opportunities. Pay would be about the same.

Wishing you the best!

Answer 4

Hey, I finished my BS in ME 2 weeks before I turned 30.  It's not too late.  Your age (and more importantly your experiences and maturity) will actually work FOR you come graduation time.  

Take some summer internships or even co-ops.  They may delay graduation by a semester or two, but the experience is invaluable!