Is 35 Too Old for Graduate School in Engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether 35 is too old to pursue a graduate degree in engineering, specifically from the perspective of individuals who have returned to education later in life. Participants share personal experiences, motivations, and concerns regarding age and academic pursuits in engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express that age should not be a barrier to pursuing a Master's degree, citing personal success and motivation as key factors.
  • Others argue that returning to school later in life can bring advantages, such as a stronger work ethic and clearer goals.
  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about a friend who successfully completed a PhD at 40, emphasizing that age is a matter of mindset.
  • Concerns are raised about the perception of graduate school as a "young man's sport," with some participants challenging this notion.
  • There is a suggestion that a Master's degree is increasingly becoming necessary for entry-level positions in certain engineering fields.
  • Participants discuss potential areas of specialization for graduate studies, such as Thermal Fluids and Control Theory, indicating a desire for further advice on these topics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that age should not deter someone from pursuing a graduate degree, but there are varying opinions on the implications of age in the academic environment and the perceived challenges associated with returning to school later in life. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader societal perceptions of age in graduate education.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention personal experiences and anecdotal evidence, which may not universally apply. The discussion reflects a range of individual circumstances and motivations that influence the decision to pursue further education.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering graduate school later in life, those interested in engineering education, and participants in discussions about age-related perceptions in academia may find this thread relevant.

MEM33
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Hello all, I am a 33 year old pre-junior mechanical engineering major. This is my second degree and I am doing extremely well. Current GPA 3.88. Coming into the program I figured I would get my bachelors and that would be it, but since I have been doing so well and truly appreciate the learning process I feel like I want to keep going and get my Master's. Does anyone think I am too old? It seems like a young guys sport, but I seem to out perform most of the young guys in the program. I know this is a personal decision, but any input from people is always helpful when making big decisions.

Thanks,
MEM33
 
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Same exact boat as you. I'm not too old. I feel that I regularly outperform my younger peers, a fact likely attributed to work ethic, genuine interest in the subject, and knowing what life is like without a good job.
 
What are your goals? I don't know what doors open for you with a masters that aren't with a bachelors, but if you're interested in it and can make a few bucks more and are in that "school" zone where classes aren't a drag, then go for it. The whole "young man's sport" thing I think is totally wrong. It'd go way better for everyone if you couldn't start grad school until 32 or so for the reason's QuarkCharmer said.
 
QuarkCharmer thanks for the positive feedback. Einstein Mcfly, I was thinking more so promotions down the road, and personal accomplishment. Like you said I am in the school zone right now and don't see myself stopping getting comfortable, then starting up again.
 
QuarkCharmer said:
Same exact boat as you. I'm not too old. I feel that I regularly outperform my younger peers, a fact likely attributed to work ethic, genuine interest in the subject, and knowing what life is like without a good job.

Well said. Though I'm just a year into my undergraduate studies at 27, I feel the same way. I feel much sharper now at 27 than I ever did at 18. One thing is for certain...my work ethic at this age is far, far higher than it was at 18! Working dead-end jobs for a decade can really be an enlightening experience.
 
Hi, a friend of mine finishes her PhD being fourty, having family, two adult sons etc. She started about 4 years ago and now she's very well established in theoretical physics and has nice friendship with the 'big' people of her science. She's working very hard, she's a good mother, a very popular teacher. The difference to the youngsters is simple: she knows what she wants (unlike me), she is a hard worker (harder than anyone else I know).

As prof. Cassaza writes in "A mathematician's survival guide" - Mathematics is ageless. And: Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

So thumbs up!
 
MEM33 said:
Hello all, I am a 33 year old pre-junior mechanical engineering major. This is my second degree and I am doing extremely well. Current GPA 3.88. Coming into the program I figured I would get my bachelors and that would be it, but since I have been doing so well and truly appreciate the learning process I feel like I want to keep going and get my Master's. Does anyone think I am too old? It seems like a young guys sport, but I seem to out perform most of the young guys in the program. I know this is a personal decision, but any input from people is always helpful when making big decisions.

Thanks,
MEM33

You ABSOLUTELY are not too old to get a Master's degree. When I was in graduate school there were a number of people there your age and older. It's not a young guy's sport at all, it's just that people who do it tend to be young because it is so hard to leave a comfortable job and life to go back to school.

I think it is a great idea to go for a Master's because, for better or for worse, the Master's degree is fast becoming the entry-level professional degree in a lot of engineering subfields.

Good luck!

Carl
 
carlgrace said:
You ABSOLUTELY are not too old to get a Master's degree. When I was in graduate school there were a number of people there your age and older. It's not a young guy's sport at all, it's just that people who do it tend to be young because it is so hard to leave a comfortable job and life to go back to school.

I think it is a great idea to go for a Master's because, for better or for worse, the Master's degree is fast becoming the entry-level professional degree in a lot of engineering subfields.

Good luck!

Carl

Thanks Carl, and others for the boost of confidence. I am definitely going to do it. I am thinking about specializing in either Thermal Fluids, or Control Theory. Any advice on either?

Mem33
 

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