Am I old to start a Masters degree in Engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether 25 years old is too old to start a Master's degree in Engineering, specifically Electrical Engineering, and the implications for employment prospects upon graduation at age 29. It explores perceptions of age in academia and the job market, as well as personal experiences related to age and education.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Personal experience sharing

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that 29 is not too old to pursue a Master's degree, citing personal experiences of older students in graduate programs.
  • Others mention that age discrimination in hiring typically becomes a concern around age 40, suggesting that 29 is still considered young in the job market.
  • A participant notes that many older individuals return to school due to changes in their previous professions, indicating a trend of non-traditional students.
  • One participant emphasizes that experience may be more valuable than age, suggesting that a candidate's work experience could outweigh the benefits of having a Master's degree at that age.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that 29 is not too old to start a Master's degree, but there are differing views on the importance of age versus experience in employment prospects.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference the impact of economic changes on education and employment, highlighting that the relevance of age may vary based on individual circumstances and industry demands.

shpongle
I have recently finished BEng degree in Electronics Engineering, I am 25 years old now. I am thinking of applying for a MS in Electrical Engineering starting in 2016, by the time I graduate I will be 29!

Is it very old, are there any chances to get employment in a related field or do employers only prefer young graduates?
 
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No it isn't too old. I'd say it's above average but when I was in graduate school we had four or five students in their late 20s (mostly ex-military),several students in their 30s and one in his 40s.

The age discrimination thing doesn't really get going until you're around 40 or so.
 
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Try using the "Search" function. There are quite a few posts here asking this question and the answer is always no, it is not too late.
 
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I finished my MS in electrical engineering at the age of 31. It launched me into a better job in a great field. In 2016 you'll be 29 with or without the degree, right?
 
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With all the changes in the economy in recent years, it's not uncommon to see much older students going back to school because their previous profession is no longer in demand. There is some age discrimination, but at 29 you will still be viewed as very young compared to applicants attempting a career change in their 40s or 50s.
 
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shpongle said:
I have recently finished BEng degree in Electronics Engineering, I am 25 years old now. I am thinking of applying for a MS in Electrical Engineering starting in 2016, by the time I graduate I will be 29!

Is it very old, are there any chances to get employment in a related field or do employers only prefer young graduates?

No way that is too old. You realize many Physics PhDs and PostDocs around that age will start looking for non academia jobs working along MEngs at that age or older.
 
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shpongle said:
I have recently finished BEng degree in Electronics Engineering, I am 25 years old now. I am thinking of applying for a MS in Electrical Engineering starting in 2016, by the time I graduate I will be 29!

Is it very old, are there any chances to get employment in a related field or do employers only prefer young graduates?


You are more likely to not be hired because you don't have experience. A 29 year old with just a Bachelors degree and 4 years of proven experience will be more valuable than a 29 year old with an MS. In that respect age is not a factor. My advice, work and do your MS part time.
 
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