Is it Worth Pursuing Engineering at 38? Expert Insights and Advice

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility and implications of pursuing an engineering degree at the age of 38, particularly for someone with a background in sales and customer service and limited formal experience in engineering. Participants explore the potential for transitioning into technical fields and the challenges associated with age and prior qualifications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the futility of starting an engineering degree at 38, given their lack of experience and qualifications.
  • Another participant shares a personal anecdote of a friend who successfully transitioned to engineering at a similar age, suggesting that age is not a barrier.
  • Some participants note that many students in engineering programs are over 30, indicating that it is a common age for starting such studies.
  • There is a suggestion that while job prospects may be challenging due to entry-level skills, the participant's prior work experience could be beneficial in related fields.
  • One participant advises brushing up on math skills before starting the degree, highlighting the importance of foundational knowledge.
  • Another participant questions the adequacy of GCSEs for entry into a degree program, suggesting that higher qualifications may be necessary.
  • Several participants encourage the original poster to pursue their interest in engineering, emphasizing motivation and the idea that age should not be a deterrent.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that age should not be a significant barrier to pursuing an engineering degree, though there are differing views on the necessary qualifications for admission and the potential challenges in job prospects.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specific entry requirements for engineering programs and the implications of prior work experience on job prospects in technical fields.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career change to engineering later in life, those interested in the intersection of technical education and career development, and anyone exploring the impact of age on educational pursuits.

Gringo123
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Study Engineering at 38??

I have always worked in sales and customer services. I fancy a change and a new challenmge and have recently developed an amateur interest in Physics and Engineering although my only real experience of engineering is passing my GCSE Physics exam at school (that's a basic British school qualification) and learning how to service my car.
I have a local colleage where I can do a 3 year part time degree in engineering and I am thinking about doing it with a view to moving into technical sales, manufacturing support or something like that?
Given my age and lack of experience, does anyone think that it is a little futile taking up engineering from scratch at this stage of my life?
Thanks for your advice.
 
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Gringo123 said:
Given my age and lack of experience, does anyone think that it is a little futile taking up engineering from scratch at this stage of my life?
I have a friend about your age who just finished up a degree in EE and his first bachelors was in history, so I know it's doable. I think about half the guys in my classes are over 30, a quarter about 40, though some of them do already have degrees of sorts in the field. So yeah, I don't think age would be an issue.
Job prospects might be hard 'cause you'd be entry level skill wise but have job experience, making you a strange hiring prospect, but as you want to move into related fields you'd probably be fine. I'm not even sure you need an engineering degree for the fields you want to go into, you may want to do some research.
 


Have a go Gringo123, am 34 this year and 1/2 way through ECE. Its never to late for a fresh start.

Your experiences will translate into the work ethics required quite easily.

Good luck with it.
 


Go for it! My only advise is however to brush up your math skills before starting.
 


I don't think age would be an issue.
I know many people who start a university about this age.
Go for it.
 


I don't think you could get onto a degree program with GCSE's only. Don't you need 3 good A-levels including Maths at a minimum of grade B, or a good Distiction level performance on an HNC/D program?
 


Any inspiration and opportunity to better yourself should be taken advantage of. You seem motivated enough. Why would you let something like age stop you?

After all, it's just a number.
 

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