Career change into engineering: need advice

[sti571]

Hello all,

A little background about myself. I have a B.Sc in molecular genetics and a master's degree in biotechnology. Since I graduated I have become unhappy with the opportunities available to someone with my training. Most of my classmates ended up working in pharmaceutical companies doing things like regulatory affairs and clinical trials which do not appeal to me at all. The only employment I have been able to find are lab technician positions which involve boring and repetitive tasks with low pay. I am also not interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in the field as it does not seem like the right course for me and my interests.

One option I am considering is doing a degree in Mechanical engineering at Ryerson University in Toronto. I have always been interested in design, manufacturing and machines and I am hoping that my combined background might allow me to find employment in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Another reason that I am interested in mechanical engineering is that my father is a pipefitter and I used to work with him in the summers. I was hoping that I might also be able to find employment that involes the design of piping and heating/cooling and plumbing in buildings(I'm not sure what this field is called). Does anyone know if this is a difficult field to enter?

I was wondering if this would be a good idea. I would be 31 years old when I graduate and I worry that I may not be attractive to employers as i'll have too much theory with little experience. I am very interested in a career change but I want to make an informed decision. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[buzzp]

I would go for it. I graduated when I was 26 and have no regrets about waiting. I don't believe your age when you graduate will harm you at all. In fact, in may help. Now is the time to make a major change if you don't like what you see in your current field.

Mechanical engineering, I believe, would encompass HVAC design for buildings. Generally, in engineering curriculum, you can choose what your electives will be in (kind of what do you want to focus on in MEing). In your case, it would be HVAC.

 

[casseopeia]

I will second buzzp's suggestion for focus on HVAC. You may even want to consider working for a large architectural/engineering firm that has in-house mechanical. I worked for a firm that designed hospitals and prisons and it would have been VERY useful to have a mechanical engineer with your biotech. background to bring to design development meetings.

I think someone who has gone back to school is potentially more attractive to employers. There is a level of maturity and drive that you just don't get with people in their early 20's. I've noticed a huge difference in my attitude going back to school after being in the workforce vs when I was studying for my undergrad degree (and Dad was paying).

Now that it's all me, and I'm paying the bills, I am actually learning the topic as opposed to learning enough to pass.

 

[ELEcontrol3e]

sti571;
Hey I also say go for it, but do so with a plan.

First the financial stress of going to school is always an issue. I would look into possibly getting a TA or RA position, even if it is with the Bio or Chem departments. A tuition waver will help a lot.I would also consider a position as an intellectual property consultant or patent agent. As a patent agent all you have to do is qualify (which you do already) for the patent bar exam. You could write patents, draft, and provide feasibility/patentability consulting to legal firms/inventors in your area. The pay is real good,you can work temp or part time, and you could do it out of your basement. There is big demand for professionals with a bio background. With two backgrounds you could continue in that field after graduation and make a good living if your find it rewarding.

Secondly, do an internship when you go back to school in the summers; that way you can get a little better idea of what Mech.E's and engineers do in general. There are lots of different types of work that engineers perform, its a good idea to know what you like to do before you graduate.

I went back to school after working in a lot less prestigious a position for years in drafting. Your ability to take tough exams and endurance to study will help you with the rigorous engineering curriculum. Balance your self out as well, financially and otherwise.

I suggest that you follow your instinct, especially with Mechanical Engineering. It is in my opinion the most diverse engineering background. Good luck. Keep us posted on this thread when you make a decision.

jt

 

[ivymike]

you could always get a job with a company like Nalco and go about advising people on how best to keep legionella and the like out of their HVAC systems and cooling towers. I had a roommate who did that for years - he traveled the globe and seemed to have a very good time of it. His background was microbiology.