Is there a need for mechanical engineers?

Question

I have recently went back to college, pursuing a pre-engineering degree, in order hopefully of completing several more years down the road a B.A. in Mechanical Engineering. My question is: At my current age of 40, do I have a realistic chance to find a job in this current market. I would hope that my common sense, maturity, experience in heavy equipment operations, and being drug free would be considered an asset, not a liability. Is there someone here that would lend some sage advice?

Work Experience
10 years U.S.A.F. Heavy Equipment Operator
86-96
2 Yrs Heavy Equip Operator (Hwy Construction)
96-98
7 Yrs Manager Vehicle Maintenance and Mechanical Shop
98-95
95-present
Full time student/ Part time work on family ranch.

I have always been mechanically inclined. I have a "Don't tell me it can't be built/ Can't be designed attitude". I am extremely loyal, trustworthy, and very drug free. Personality is somewhat introverted. I prefer to be satisfied in doing a job well. I would rather let my accomplishments speak for themselves and stay out of the limelight.

Answer 1

There is always a need for mechanical engineers. Mechanical engineers build weapons, civil engineers build targets.

Anyway, I started my engineering degree at 32 and graduated at 36 years old. I got a pretty good job, I got lucky enough to get a job in my engineering field. As long as you enjoy what you are learning, what the heck - The thing I miss about school the most is that engineering is the truth. Ask an engineer how much is 2 + 3, he'll say 5. Ask an accountant how much is 2 + 3, he'll ask you how much do you want it to be?

Good luck -

Answer 2

There's a huge need for ME's (METech's are another story - there, it really depends on what courses you took). As an ME fresh out of college, your other experience will give you a leg up, but the lack of technical experience may keep you at an entry level to start. Knowledge of heavy equipment operations would be a limited asset in most ME positions - unless you go to a heavy equipment manufacturer. However, if you've really got all that experience (and learned from it), after a couple of years in the field, you should be pretty marketable.

Answer 3

Mechanical Engineers have B.S. deg rees, not B.A. A B.A. degree implies that the degre is in Mechanical Engineering Technology, which is not at all the same.

"several more years down the road" will have you at 50, or approaching 50, which will make it extremely difficult to get past personnel departments. It's sad, it's now against the law, but it's still fact. Direct contact with firms w/o personnel depts or posting on the internet may be your best job search choices.

Answer 4

Yes, you have an excellent chance with your background and desire to achieve.
Age is NOT a factor.
Being drug free is a definite asset.
I'm just starting as an engineering consultant in Italy at the age of 75 (I've been in the field but as an author most of the time).