Second Bachelors Degree in Aerospace engineering at age 27?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the considerations and implications of pursuing a second bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering at the age of 27, following a prior degree in economics. Participants explore the potential career paths, experiences, and challenges associated with this transition, including the feasibility of gaining work experience during studies and the impact of age on job prospects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Career-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in aerospace engineering and discusses their background in economics and self-directed study in rocket engine design.
  • Another participant suggests that interning during studies could provide valuable work experience, which may alleviate concerns about job prospects after graduation.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential difficulty of finding a job at age 30 without prior work experience in the field.
  • It is noted that engineers and scientists can transition into finance roles, which may provide a fallback option if aerospace engineering does not work out.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present a mix of supportive and cautionary viewpoints regarding the decision to pursue aerospace engineering. There is no clear consensus on the best path forward, as opinions vary on the implications of age and work experience.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the potential for internships to mitigate concerns about work experience, but there is uncertainty regarding how age may affect job opportunities in aerospace engineering.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career change into aerospace engineering, particularly those with non-engineering backgrounds, may find this discussion relevant.

harkkam
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Hi guys, I hope I can explain my situation well enough and get some good feedback on what to do.

I graduated with a Bachelors in Economics, at the age of 24, started college late due to some financial hardship. I've been working for two years now, and I'm at a crossroads on what to do next.

I really don't find myself as fascinated with finance, in fact I routinely study rocket engine design and as a hobby have taken up building my own liquid propellant rocket engine. Check out Copenhagen Suborbital, great bunch of guys trying to send a man into sub orbit.

The next step would be for me to go and get a masters in finance ie. MBA but I'm not so sure about that anymore.

I took cal 1 and cal 2 and physics 1 and physics 2 and chem 1 and chem 2. I found calc to be quite easy actually. I struggled in my liberal arts courses and my gpa was a 3.2. Calc and physics being the only classes that I got an A in, in my entire college career.

I don't doubt my aptitude but if I apply to college know, I will be 27 when I start and spend about 3 years graduating and be done by 30.

I worry that at 30, with no work experience that I will have a tough time finding a job.

My end goal is to spend time in design and research, being able to test new materials and systems for propulsion in rockets and jet engines.

I envision it would almost be fun to come into work and fire up the CAD and go to work, as if everyday was creative and new.

Anyway, I hope I can get some guidance and opinions.

Thank you
 
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You can intern during your studies to help gain useful work experience, further if you go on to get a masters many companies will waive the "one years experience."

It is illegal for an interviewer to ask your age, although it's inferable from your résumé. I don't think age 30 will a be a problem.
 
If it doesn't work out, you can always go back into finance and pay off the debt.
 
Engineers and scientists regularly get jobs in the finance industry. Plus, he has an economics degree and experience in finance.
 

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