- #1
Vikhr
Hi guys,
I am looking to get a degree in mechanical engineering and eventually work in the defence industry (I am in Australia but would like to move to the US eventually). The problem is that I am 25 and so would be going down this path late due to getting an unrelated degree previously (B.Com - Economics & Finance). Getting another bachelor degree would take 4.5 years - 1 semester to do the necessary math/physics/chem prerequisites that I didn't do in high school, 4 years for the degree itself - so I will be 30 by the time I graduate. My questions:
1) Just how bad is it to start late in engineering? Is it too late to start (essentially from scratch) and become an expert in my field?
2) What skills would be useful to learn in addition to the uni coursework (i.e. how do I compete for a job against 22 year olds when I'm 30)? My degree didn't really give me any concrete skills other than some Excel, academic writing/researching and working in a team. I also have some basic machine shop skills and will buy a lathe/drill press to work on some of my own projects while I study.
3) Would potential employers look unfavourably on having 2 bachelor degrees? I've often heard that it's a waste of time getting another undergrad degree and employers would see it as you being indecisive/avoiding getting a job, but in my case I can't get a masters in engineering as I simply lack the necessary technical background.
Does anyone have a similar story? How did it work out?
All advice/criticism/guidance is welcome.
I am looking to get a degree in mechanical engineering and eventually work in the defence industry (I am in Australia but would like to move to the US eventually). The problem is that I am 25 and so would be going down this path late due to getting an unrelated degree previously (B.Com - Economics & Finance). Getting another bachelor degree would take 4.5 years - 1 semester to do the necessary math/physics/chem prerequisites that I didn't do in high school, 4 years for the degree itself - so I will be 30 by the time I graduate. My questions:
1) Just how bad is it to start late in engineering? Is it too late to start (essentially from scratch) and become an expert in my field?
2) What skills would be useful to learn in addition to the uni coursework (i.e. how do I compete for a job against 22 year olds when I'm 30)? My degree didn't really give me any concrete skills other than some Excel, academic writing/researching and working in a team. I also have some basic machine shop skills and will buy a lathe/drill press to work on some of my own projects while I study.
3) Would potential employers look unfavourably on having 2 bachelor degrees? I've often heard that it's a waste of time getting another undergrad degree and employers would see it as you being indecisive/avoiding getting a job, but in my case I can't get a masters in engineering as I simply lack the necessary technical background.
Does anyone have a similar story? How did it work out?
All advice/criticism/guidance is welcome.