Want to go back to school for engineering at age 32

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision to return to school for an engineering degree at the age of 32, particularly in the context of working in the aerospace industry. Participants share their experiences and perspectives on the challenges and benefits of pursuing further education later in life, focusing on the fields of engineering and aerospace.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to return to school to fulfill their potential and questions whether age is a barrier to this decision.
  • Another participant encourages the move, emphasizing the support from the employer for educational expenses.
  • A participant mentions knowing individuals who have transitioned to engineering after initial dissatisfaction with their careers, highlighting the value of employer support.
  • A participant shares their experience of testing aircraft systems and pursuing an AAST to prepare for engineering studies at a community college.
  • A participant from the UK notes that it is common for individuals aged 25-35 to pursue degrees after gaining industry experience, often leading to opportunities for higher degrees later on.
  • A participant recounts their journey of returning to college in their late 20s, noting improvements in discipline and time management, as well as challenges with retaining detailed information after a long break from education.
  • This participant also reflects on the positive impact of their education on their problem-solving skills and overall personal development.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of returning to school for further education, particularly with employer support. However, there are varying perspectives on the challenges faced when transitioning back into an academic environment after a significant break, and no consensus is reached regarding the impact of age on this decision.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the importance of prior industry experience in enhancing understanding of engineering concepts, while others highlight difficulties in retaining information after a long absence from formal education. These points suggest that individual experiences may vary significantly based on personal circumstances and backgrounds.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a return to education in engineering, particularly those with prior work experience in related fields, may find the shared experiences and insights valuable.

Kiyo15
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Hello everybody,
I'm new here and this is my first thread. Just wanted some feedback on my situation. I want to go back to school because I feel I have peaked out and I'm not pushing myself to see my full potential. I have always loved math and science. I want to go back for engineering and I guess my initial thought is I'm I to old to make this move? I work for boeing so they pay for my school. It would be for a bachelor's degree. I want to stay in the aerospace field. Thanks for the help.
 
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I think you should absolutely do it if the company will be paying for you to study.
 
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Well, I've known people who went to school started careers, got dissatisfied and then went back to school again for an engineering degree. It's good that your employer is helping to pick up the tab for your education. You didn't say what your current job is or whether you have any previous college experience.
 
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Yes, absolutely.
 
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I test aircraft systems at boeing and I'm finishing up my AAST that will set me up for engineering at a community college. SteamKing
 
In the UK it is quite normal for people in the 25-35 age group to go to University after working several years in industry .

Often these are people who have followed the apprenticeship/ONC/HNC route to technician qualifications and want to go the final step to a degree .

Some do higher degrees as well .

People with substantial industrial experience before getting their degree can often have their pick of higher degree courses later on . Places like Cranfield College of Aeronautics actually used to head hunt applicants for higher degree courses at RR .
 
For what it's worth, I'm 29 with a year left in my undergrad ME curriculum. I have full intentions of going for my Master's in aerospace. I originally started college immediately after high school at which point I dropped out and returned in my late 20's. A few things I will note:

There is a drastic difference in discipline/time management.
The experience in industry allowed me to visualize concepts that would otherwise be difficult for one with no experience.
I genuinely appreciate the curriculum and coursework as opposed to having the, "when will I ever need this crap" attitude.

The list goes on...

However, I will say that I had a more difficult time, particularly in the beginning, with retaining information. This may or may not be from being out of school for nearly 10 years. My study habits were/are great, but it just seems more difficult to remember the small details as opposed to the fundamentals - and the small details are what KILLED me in some of my early engineering courses (mainly mechanics courses like statics, strength of materials, etc.)

If you are even remotely intrigued with engineering, go for it. Going back to school was one of the best decisions I've made thus far. Aside from the career opportunities it has created (including my current employment), it has helped shape me into a more well-rounded individual. The engineering curriculum has completely retrained the way I approach problems, visualize them and execute - in both a mechanical sense as well as life in general. Best of luck with your decision.
 
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boostedda said:
For what it's worth, I'm 29 with a year left in my undergrad ME curriculum. I have full intentions of going for my Master's in aerospace. I originally started college immediately after high school at which point I dropped out and returned in my late 20's. A few things I will note:

There is a drastic difference in discipline/time management.
The experience in industry allowed me to visualize concepts that would otherwise be difficult for one with no experience.
I genuinely appreciate the curriculum and coursework as opposed to having the, "when will I ever need this crap" attitude.

The list goes on...

However, I will say that I had a more difficult time, particularly in the beginning, with retaining information. This may or may not be from being out of school for nearly 10 years. My study habits were/are great, but it just seems more difficult to remember the small details as opposed to the fundamentals - and the small details are what KILLED me in some of my early engineering courses (mainly mechanics courses like statics, strength of materials, etc.)

If you are even remotely intrigued with engineering, go for it. Going back to school was one of the best decisions I've made thus far. Aside from the career opportunities it has created (including my current employment), it has helped shape me into a more well-rounded individual. The engineering curriculum has completely retrained the way I approach problems, visualize them and execute - in both a mechanical sense as well as life in general. Best of luck with your decision.
Awesome man, thanks. My attitude towards school has definitely change since I have experience compared to when I was a lot younger.
 

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