Getting back into engineering

[squirl]

I've been out of school now for 7 years and have no experience in the real world of engineering. I graduated, and did well in school with B.S. in mechanical with an emphasis on HVAC.

Instead of going into engineering I decided to follow my dream of being an artist. I work with glass, and have had to build a fair amount of equipment (ovens, furnaces etc....), but with the recent downturn in the economy, and wayning intrest in being an artist I find myself thinking about engineering again.

Is it realistic to think I can get back in to the engineering world. Do you have any advice?

 

[civilperson]

Get a job with a consulting engineer such as Jacobs. Stick it out until you have your PE.

 

[HgTX]

Simplest but not cheapest way to get back into it is to get a master's degree. It'd be hard competing in the job market against new grads who haven't had 7 years to forget what they learned in school.

Hg

Eng-Tips policies: faq731-376

 

[bk19702]

Get back to school. You have no real world engineering work experience to speak of at the moment, so the job hunt will be difficult. The master's will give you a leg up in the long run.

 

[rbulsara]

It is never too late to pursue anything you want or desire!

What you need to decide is what field of engineering market do you want to be in.

If you want to be in a consulting field (HVAC and Plumbing design), start now. Masters is of no real benefit for that field, but a PE is. Masters will only push you two yeas further from the experience. Try getting in an entry level job.

If you want to be in manufacturing or research, Masters is very useful, PE is less so.

If you like meeting people all the time and don't mind traveling, marketing/sales is a very good field without a need for masters or a PE.

 

[TheTick]

If you have to ask, the answer is "no".

 

[graybeach]

squirl,
I know a structural engineer who was in your same situation, i.e. pursued sculpture for 6-7 years instead of engineering after getting his BS. He had no problem getting hired by a consulting engineer at entry level, but this was during more booming times. Anyway, he turned out to be an excellent engineer. There is something to be said for having actually built something with one's own hands. The sort of planning and execution you did as an artist should be a great asset to you once you get over the initial hurdles of getting hired. Good Luck.

 

[PEDARRIN2]

Find an engineering firm that would be willing to bring you in at a less than "engineeer" in order to retrain or reacquaint yourself with HVAC design.

You could also pursue getting LEED accredited which would not require additional schooling, just some time and a little bit of $. This would give you an edge over those who are coming out of college. LEED is the current "hot topic" and HVAC engineers/designers need to be familiar, if not accredited with it.

I did something similar many years ago when I found myself pigeonholed and out of work. I started with a contractor, then went to a engineering firm at a lower pay rate and learned the field on the job.

It can be done.

 

[Daianto]

You probably could, but it might require some effort.

I took about 8 yrs off (for personal reasons) and was able to get back in relatively easily--but did have several years of work and a Masters degree before that.

Do get your professional designation. There may be professonal organizations or societies in your area which have job lists or provide help to get work-workshops, seminars etc....Contact your old university and look up old classmates, see where they work, see if they have any leads or tips.

Taking a master's degree would be a good upgrade to your skills. You might take it at night (I did) and still work during day. I have not found the degree particularly useful re work but it does give you an edge on your resume and looks good on your cards.

LEED designation is also good to get. You can study on your own for exam and he exam is not very hard. It does cost to write it but it is probably worth it if you are in HVAC.

Read professional and industry journals and go to trade shows and conferences. Some of the contacts you make there may be useful. Take courses (ie ASHRAE or other industry ones). Manufacturers may have seminars or workshops on recent innovations which can be very useful.

Good luck!

 

[ctopher]

If you really desire to get back, go to graduate school.

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
SolidWorks Legion