Any engineers on here? Want to hear your perspectives.

[Shawn5800]

Hey guys, i have recently decided to start back up on schooling. I am using my companies only supported online college to get my associates in electronic and computer programming engineering.

I was just wondering if there are any engineers that have been in the field a while now, what degrees they have, how they like it overall as a profession. I am 4 weeks into classes and loving it, i have great grades and love the courses. You all may wonder why i did not go the night school route, this is mainly because i work 5-5 and once i get out...i really cant fathom driving a half hour and completing 4 hours of class.

If you all are wondering, I am a Equipment Specialist for a laser diode company. I maintain equipment such as vacuum chamber, deposition tools etc. I was a plumber out of trade school and have a ton of hands on experience with any types of tools or repairs, using knowledge to diagnose a problem and repair it is something i truly love as im sure alot of you on here do.

I always hated school but i think this is a great decision for me...Being 20 years old i think i hopped on the wagon at the right time. What do you all think? Best of all 90% of its paid for.

 

[scottyb]

I just graduated in the spring with my bachelor's in mechanical engineering and it fits me like a glove. I love everything about it. I'm currently looking for work in the automotive or aerospace industries so I don't have any industrial experience yet, but maybe someone else will chime in. I couldn't have asked for a better career. Good luck with school!

 

[FactoryRide]

I am about a semester in working towards a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering Technology at SPSU and I'm loving it so far. No experience yet though.

 

[philsey]

Watching the news just last week, saw an article on how much in demand engineers are -- they touched on several companies unable to hire enough engineers. Part of the 'problem' was the number of students dropping out of engineering ... unstated but quite clear was because of the difficulty.

If you've got the brains and ambition, go for it now. As you get older, married, kids, bills, responsibilities, it just rarely happens.

 

[turbodudey2]

I'm a ME, and I have some friends that are CSEs. If you end up liking the coursework once you get into it, I'd say go for a bachelor's.

With engineering, or any other technology degree, you'll be able to go almost anywhere and find work. With the economy the way it is now though, a BS will do a lot more for you than an associates. The associates is still definitely a great place to start though.

 

[madbomber08]

I am going to a Community College right now and on the path to graduate with a associates of applied science. I then plan to transfer onto a University and get my Bachelor's in some type (still unknown to me) in Engineering. I'm in my third semester and, even at the community college level, this third semester has me struggling a bit, and from what I hear, forth semester is even going to be worse. I blew by the first two semesters without many problems but this year-round has proved 5x more difficult.

I decided to go into engineering because I wanted to get a job that paid better than a tech-level job. Now I know money is not the reason to go for something, but I'm 20, and I've definitely got money on my mind. I probably would have gone onto a tech-school to be a mechanic or some type of computer tech guy, but I got money on my mind.

If you have the smarts, but mainly it's the ambition, you will do fine. I think what I'm lacking in is the ambition department as almost every week I wish I was working full-time making money like I was in the summer. Good luck though if you continue on the path. BTW, how the f@ck do you work full-time and get all your homework done? I could work on homework for 9 hours a night if I wanted to....

 

[Burt]

Great career choice IF you have the ambition and love of it. I started taking electronics classes in 11th grade and even worked part time in a TV repair shop (remember those?). Got my Associates degree in electronic in 1979 and still love it. Been an engineer in the television/entertainment industry since 1983.
Keeping up with technology will be your most challenging task of your career.
If you are successful, job and financial security will just happen. Not a bad way to make a living either. Go for it, we could always use some fresh blood in the industry, that way I can easily pass on my knowledge and skills before I retire.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Last June I graduated as with a B.S. in Information Systems Management from University of California Santa Cruz's Baskin School of Engineering.

For me the toughest classes were the math and programing, specifically (undergraduate) Probability Theory and C Data Structures.

I started college after leaving the Navy in 2006. I spent 2 years at a community college in San Diego and then transferred to UC Santa Cruz, enrolling in their engineering program.

College was tough and I spent 4+ years doing math and science but I don't regret it at all. It is increasingly tough out there for jobs and engineers are still in demand.

Definitely make sure you major in something at a traditional engineering school, not University of Phoenix, ITT Tech or Devry ect. Those are 'for profit' schools that only scam the students by taking their money ($30-$40k) on false promises of "good jobs" at "top companies" for only 2 years of schooling.

Engineering is not easy, there is NO shortcut but if you are patient and willing to make the LONG trip (4-5 years) then it will be worth it.

One last thing, if you do go to a 4 year school, do whatever you can to get an internship your junior year / summer.

Good luck man

:fishing:

 

[Kung]

What he said. IMHO (and this isn't just opinion, as it's backed up somewhat with stats) you really can't go wrong with some sort of engineering degree - so long as you have somewhat of a 'plan' for how you'll go about it. Hiring is down in general, but much less so in the IT and engineering sectors than in other sectors; so you'll be better off with an engineering discipline of some sort.

That being said, you'll want to keep an eye towards the market, what there's a big calling for, and how that fits in with your degree.

And Brian means it when he says "do whatever you can" to get an internship. College degrees are great, but experience is a HUGE factor. Case in point - my own hiring. When I got my civil service job last year, I easily beat out a candidate with 3 to 4 years of experience and a master's degree, because while I have my associate's degree (am almost done with my bachelor's in Management Information Systems), I ALSO have about 15 to 16 years of experience. Experience will be an enormous help.

 

[Burt]

Last June I graduated as with a B.S. in Information Systems Management from University of California Santa Cruz's Baskin School of Engineering.

For me the toughest classes were the math and programing, specifically (undergraduate) Probability Theory and C Data Structures.

I started college after leaving the Navy in 2006. I spent 2 years at a community college in San Diego and then transferred to UC Santa Cruz, enrolling in their engineering program.

College was tough and I spent 4+ years doing math and science but I don't regret it at all. It is increasingly tough out there for jobs and engineers are still in demand.

Definitely make sure you major in something at a traditional engineering school, not University of Phoenix, ITT Tech or Devry ect. Those are 'for profit' schools that only scam the students by taking their money ($30-$40k) on false promises of "good jobs" at "top companies" for only 2 years of schooling.

Engineering is not easy, there is NO shortcut but if you are patient and willing to make the LONG trip (4-5 years) then it will be worth it.

One last thing, if you do go to a 4 year school, do whatever you can to get an internship your junior year / summer.

Good luck man

:fishing:

I disagree with this advise. The two year tech schools are a great way to get a jump start into a career with breaking the bank. I am looking for two entry level engineers now and both will most likely have associates degree. The people with 4-6 years education simply want too much for an entry level position and a reminder that they have no more experience than the 2 year graduate. The two year schools also focus on training a student for the current workplace which is a big plus. I see it way too often, the heavy 4-year educated worker bragging in the hallways, while the lesser educated worker is getting the job done. Hoping to find a "natural", one with no formal education but out performs everyone just because they know how. They do exist, I know.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Burt,

Do you mind stating the job title you are trying to fill and the pay you will give. This forum is anonymous. You say people with a BS from a traditional engineering school want too much. To me that comment translates as they are worth more. if companies were not willing to pay CS, CE, EE, and ME majors $50-70k starting, graduates wouldn't expect it.

Your advice is to get a major that pays less, that is bad advice. Also, note that if you go to a 2 yr non traditional school, the credits do not transfer to any state school. So if the student decides after a period of time they want a masters degree or PHD, there is no path at any of the respected colleges.

Students interested in engineering should ask "Where do top companies like Intel, Google, Cisco, Facebook, NSA, SPAWAR" recruit from? The answer is traditional schools with 4-5 yr standard BS degrees.

I encourage everyone to go to BLS.gov and look up the pay scales for different jobs. That site is probably the best source on the net for jobs data.

****

One more thing, I specifically spoke out against "for profit" trade schools like Kaplan and those mentioned above. Read up on it. They promise the equivalent training of a 4 year institution but don't pull through. Students and especially veterans are often scammed.


In Hard Times, Lured Into Trade School and Debt
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/14/business/14schools.html?pagewanted=all

Troubles Grow for a University Built on Profits
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/11/education/11phoenix.html?pagewanted=all

For-Profit College Group Sued as U.S. Lays Out Wide Fraud
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/09/education/09forprofit.html

:bat:

 

[hamdog]

I graduated with BS in Mechanical Engineer in 2007. I have been working for a Mechanical Contractor (design and install HVAC systems) since I graduated. I will hopefully be sitting to take the PE exam in April hoping to become a professional Engineer. I design and esitmate HVAC systems, perform energy modeling, 3D modeling, etc.

My take on it is, its great job, good pay, but long days and lots of stress at times. But overall a great way to make a living. Now it matters what field you go into but I would have to say most engineering positions come with a lot of office time (sitting behind a desk). So if you are like myself a hands on always on the go, likes to be in the field then sitting behind a desk designing and trouble shooting systems for 10hrs a day can be really tough. Not all engineering positions keeps you in the office all day, but majority do.

Personally I struggle day to day sitting behind a desk. I would love to be in the field as a service tech troubleshooting and installing systems, but unfortunately with $100,000.00 of school loans I financially can't afford to take the initial pay cut.

Also don't be fooled with the typical "you don't work hard its an office job". I get that a lot from our guys in the field. The truth is I work on a family farm on the wknds and all I can say after a long day in the office you are mentally drained and tired all you want to do is go home and do/think about nothing. I'd much rather be physically tired than mentally. We have had several guys from the field move to an office position and immediately beg to get their old field position back. It makes for long stressfull days.

Not to discourage you, engineers are in high demand and will always be. Its a great career and great way to make a living. We have the knowledge and ability to take on any postions whether it is as a tech, project manager, business, R&D, etc we can do it. Some days I wish I woudl have went into a trade school and some days I'm glad I went to engineer school. It has its perks and downs, you just have to figure out for yourself what carreer will you be happy doing, I wish I would have. Sorry for the long rant. Good luck with school!!!

 

[BrianSD_42]

As I mentioned before, please visit BLS.gov if you are a college or HS student. They have fact based data on every career in the United States. Go there and read up on your future job prospects then iterate as necessary

I realize engineering & tech are not for everyone but please look into your proposed field. You do not want to end up like the millions of other college students with high debt and no job prospects. It is a sad situation because most of those kids' parents failed them and these young kids were TOTALLY ignorant about the real world and realistic job prospects based on certain majors.

This is just my opinion ... if you don't think you are ready for a difficult and rewarding college program then maybe you shouldn't be in college right now. I don't think it makes any sense to choose an easy major that has limited job prospects (unless you come from wealth). IMO, you would be better off working part time and just going to the library for a few years until you are ready to really challenge yourself.


I didn't start college until I was 24. I do not think I could have done it at age 18, 19 or 20 so if you are unsure about your path perhaps you should hold off a few years.



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US Bureau of Labor Statistic | Engineers (non-software)
----> BLS.gov | All engineers by specialty

In 2008, engineers held about 1.6 million jobs.

Following is the distribution of employment by engineering specialty (non-Software):






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Starting salaries of engineering majors (4 yr BS)




/*********************************************/



Software and Applications Engineers | BLS.gov
----> BLS.gov | Computer Software Engineers and Computer Programmers






:fishing:

 

[Bigrupp]

Well, I hate to disagree with these other "more" educated members of the forum, but there are good opportunities out there for tech school grads. I've got two associates that took me three years and I'm making more than a few of my friends with engineering degrees from a top engineering school. I don't want to discourage anyone from the engineering route, but if you'd rather be in the field than a desk jockey there are other options. I had my loans paid in a couple years and am doing fairly well, although I will say that not everyone that went the same way I did is doing so good. I get to work with the latest technologies, and a lot of the nurses and hospital staff are nice to work with. And by that I mean look at.

Sent from The Far Side

 

[BrianSD_42]

I have nothing against an associates degree, hell I didn't even start school until I was nearly 25.

I spoke out against for profit trade schools mainly because they are shady as **** with their recruiting practices. University of Phoenix was indited for fraud by the fed gov. and ended up settling for millions in fines. My main point is directed to young students, if you want to build and design things then go to a traditional school because at then there is a solid path as far as you want to go and all the credits transfer to any school in the county.

everyone check out bls.gov no matter what your major.

 

[SigSense]

Have knocked out a BS and MS in AE, but am not using those degrees in my current job. They needed someone with a Masters, but they really didn't care about your specialty. Engineers will always have jobs, you've got to decide if you want to study THAT hard. It is not the easiest career path. Glad that I went and finished, but I had help from the government via tuition assistance. If I had to pay it all by myself, I would NOT have completed both the undergrad and grad.

 

[1engineer]

I have been in the engineering world 24 years. Have both a AS in design and a BS in mechanical eng. AS vs BS vs ME is a debate that has been going on forever. I know people with NO degrees making more than I do but to go get your EIT and PE I doubt you will do it wit no degree haha. It is not as much as what degree you have as what you do with the degree once you get out of school. Degrees only prove to your prospective employer that you have the ability to learn. The higher the degree the more proof you have. I have hired AS through ME's and found good people at every level. Now, if you are going to work for a large cumbersome place (Federal government, 20K+ employee globally) the higher degrees are more important because of layers of management. If you are going to work in a small enviroment not so much as you might need to have the ability to design, sell, wrench and service. Good luck and get what is comfortable to you. The highest salaries on average in engineering are tech sales and AS guys can sell just as good as anyone. I will leave you with this: My degree was only important when I had no experience. With experience degrees are not so important. Unfortunately, you usually need that degree though to get the opportunity to get experience. Good luck!

 

[Atlanta_man]

Be sure to check with some working engineers, those in the field you are interested in.

I recruit several engineering co-op students every year and their unfamiliarity with what engineers do in the real world is astounding.

Real life generally means familiarity with project management and current industry and regulatory standards. A big thing to know would be the current vendor products that are in heavy use in particular industries.


Example: I have yet to meet an electrical engineering student who knows what a PLC is.

 

[Shawn5800]

Wow, many more engineers here than i had thought. Its great to hear all of your insight guys i appreciate it. As for experience, i work side by side everyday with engineers to solve what may be a easy or complicated problem. Most problems i can fix myself but when it comes to problems that are more associated with our processes i turn to the engineers and we are able to come up with the best plan of action. Or...use a "utilitarian approach" (that damn engineering and ethics book).

I honestly think that being surrounded by engineers everyday and being interested in their line of work i am slowly but surely being recognized as someone who has the mindset to do both the equipment and process work.

Atlanta Man- I know exactly what you mean by this. We have a number of interns from engineering colleges come into our place and work the summers and i am amazed at the lack of hands on experience they have. I remember watching one attempting to drill a hole into a piece of aluminum and he could not figure out why it was not working. A quick glance from across the room i noticed and said.."its in reverse." He proceeded to say. "Oh so that is what that button does."

He was smart as can be when it came to math, chemistry and physics but to ask him to put a bolt in a hole....eh.

I really hope that my background in mechanical hands on repair paired up with the knowledge from a degree in electronic and computer engineering is going to set me on the right path.

Thanks again for your responses guys.

 

[Dilong26]

I have 1 quarter left to go to before I graduate Cal Poly SLO with a BS in ME. I have no job lined up for me yet. SOMEONE HIRE ME PLEASE!!