Is 30 too old to start an engineering career?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether starting an engineering career at the age of 30 is too late, particularly for individuals who have pursued degrees in engineering physics or related fields. Participants explore personal experiences, perceptions of maturity, and the impact of prior life circumstances on career prospects.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Personal experience sharing

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that it is not too late to start a career at 30, especially if one is diligent and proficient.
  • Concerns are raised about the impact of life circumstances, such as spending years in depression, on career readiness.
  • Several participants share personal anecdotes, noting that maturity and life experience can be advantageous in job interviews.
  • One participant mentions that many classmates in their engineering program are in their 30s, indicating that this is not uncommon.
  • Another viewpoint emphasizes that starting a career at 30 still allows for many years of professional growth and advancement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that starting a career at 30 is not too late, but there are differing opinions on how prior life experiences may affect one's job prospects and readiness. The discussion remains open with multiple perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference personal experiences and the varying perceptions of maturity in the workplace, suggesting that these factors may influence hiring decisions, but no consensus is reached on the significance of these experiences.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career change to engineering, those returning to education later in life, and anyone interested in the perceptions of age and maturity in professional settings may find this discussion relevant.

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If someone studies engineering physics, nd agets his masters degree in nano science at 30? Will it be too late to start his career?
 
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One-Question said:
If someone studies engineering physics, nd agets his masters degree in nano science at 30? Will it be too late to start his career?
No - especially if one is proficient and diligent.
 
Astronuc said:
No - especially if one is proficient and diligent.

What if you spent 5 years in a deep depression doing nothing? If you cleaned toilets for 6 months its okay? Cause you show that you want to work?
 
One-Question said:
If someone studies engineering physics, nd agets his masters degree in nano science at 30? Will it be too late to start his career?

I hope not. I am 32 and just got by BS/MS in ME and have an interview on Wednesday :eek:

But seriously, I went on a lot of interviews during school for co-ops (internships) and many of the interviewers said that they are often more impressed by the level of maturity older candidates can bring to the table. We also usually have a different perspective on things seeing as we usually have some 'life experience' under our belt.

Anyway, good luck and keep your head up! I can assure you it is never too late! :smile:
 
One-Question said:
If someone studies engineering physics, nd agets his masters degree in nano science at 30? Will it be too late to start his career?

Why would it be too late to start your career? Life doesn't end when you turn thirty.

As to your other question, it won't matter too much what you did before your degree. It might come up in conversation, but it won't hurt you if you took a few years to figure out what you really wanted to do with your life.
 
Many of my classmates (EE undergrad) are in their 30s (or approaching/leaving it). Most of them navy but some professionals wishing to get degrees or move onto design level jobs (i.e electrician to EE).
 
Why would that be too late to start any career? You don't retire until 65 (and that might be older by the time we all get there with the way things are changing), so starting at 30 still leaves you with 35 years to work and advance in that field. Even if others have a 9 year head start on you, surely it's better to lag 9 years behind the younger folks than to spend another 35 years doing something you don't enjoy.
 
Saladsamurai said:
I hope not. I am 32 and just got by BS/MS in ME and have an interview on Wednesday :eek:

But seriously, I went on a lot of interviews during school for co-ops (internships) and many of the interviewers said that they are often more impressed by the level of maturity older candidates can bring to the table. We also usually have a different perspective on things seeing as we usually have some 'life experience' under our belt.

Anyway, good luck and keep your head up! I can assure you it is never too late! :smile:

I hope not too! I am 34 and just about to start second year of Mechanical / Mechatronics Eng. My marks this time around are so far ahead of my first attempt at study too, most likely due to the maturity aspect that you mentioned.
 

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