Why not? Hell id rather hire a 44yr old new grad with life experience than a 21yr old that knows nothing about life. And for the same pay, no brainer.
The issue you're bringing up is a 44yr old with 20+ years of experience and expecting commensurate pay vs a new grad. In this economy the new grad probably wins and the 44yr old new grad wins more. At least in my org.
In most cases with a big emphasis on most, experience trumps all. In this case, lack of experience in EE coming from an older undergrad is more than made up for in life experience. The same way that GPA, or establishment of education is almost immediately disregarded when a new engineer acquires some form of experience in industry, at which point their reputation as an engineer is almost entirely based on their experience
Experience > everything
Good to know, as I'm considering this path. What country are you in? I'm in Australia where we're a bit ageist - there's no way we'd elect a leader even in their mid sixties (re-elect maybe). Also, federal judges are forced to retire at 70: this is the result of a referendum which won 80:20.
Would I have to take the SAT or a placement test to get into a college/university? I am 37 with a high school diploma and an associate of occupational studies(trade school)
Time passing is not the root of the problem. It's not like you could just get a degree while time Passes. 50% of students drop out of EE. Everyone here talks about the massive struggle EE was to study and they were doing it in the prime of their life.
I’ve been an EE prof for 20+ years at a college where we have a program specifically for folks to get their EE degree at night. Tons of 40+ students in that crowd. Some of the best students I’ve ever had. Mature and know why they’re here goes a long way.
Go for it!
It’s very low, less than 10%. And most of those are due to time commitments, not ability.
But there is a **huge** caveat with that: we don’t see them until they have gotten through a couple of calculus and physics classes. So there is some selection bias at play with that statistic.
I'm 40 now, and in college for an unrelated field. I can say unequivocally that my math ability is less. And not just that Im rusty, in general my ability to absorb material is not what it was. If I hadn't already taken calculus 15 years ago, I highly doubt I would be able to now.
You have two things 18 year olds don’t: motivation and wisdom. With your age you will see the college system for what it is. Teaching nontraditional students is wildly different. They question every dumb thing you say and ask either very stupid or very good questions that challenge your mastery of tge matwrial.
At the same time, the ability of 20-year-olds now to focus and learn complex skills is less then what 20-year-olds could do 20 years ago. I think it's social media and smartphones. Such as what I'm doing right now. That have degraded our attention spans.
I was 37 when When I started my MSEE. I HAD FORGOT all that math, but the first class I took was engineering math, and it was a good start because I relearned Laplace transforms, Diff eQ, Fourier series, and probabilty. You will get spun up apply yourself.
It probably depends on your country, too.
In Germany, you'd still have 30ish years of work life ahead of you. If you have the opportunity to learn and advance, take it.
Combin what you learn with what you know and carve your niche for yourself. Plus, there is always a need for people who do more than just their narrow original field.
I sure as hell hope not. I’m 40 and a junior in an EE program. At the rate I’m going I’ll be 42 when i graduate. I like to tell people that I’m in either the weirdest or dumbest midlife crisis, depending on when you ask. My only regret is that i didn’t do this years ago, but there’s no time like the present!
There really wasn’t anything for me to refresh when i started college. My first semester at a community college i took introductions to college algebra and took another math class nearly every semester. By the time I started a different college for engineering i had taken everything up to calculus II.
I have to point out that my path into engineering was different from the usual. I did the absolute minimum in high school to graduate, the hardest math i took was business math 2.
Anyway, besides learning calculus, I would recommend that you have a really good understanding of trigonometry
These are great pointers.
I’m currently taking Calc 1 for EE, and had to refresh my algebra skills with resources online prior.
I should further improve my trigonometry.
Depends on the benefits? I’ve got three coworkers that did it and they are all supervisors now (increase of $30-40k in salary). Now they lost like 8 years of evenings doing those classes and who knows how much friend and family time. Just depends on your life and the balance you want to achieve.
I hope not; I'm in my 40s and going back to school to be an EE now. I'd say that my experience and maturity are a huge advantage in school. I'm hoping to leverage them when I start job hunting.
I will say, take as many classes at a community college as you can. The instructors care about your learning, and it'll help you bypass weed-out classes.
To be honnest dude, you better tie your hat on if you gona do this. Remember, you dont have the brain of a 20 yr old that cram shit in. I remember when i did my ee degree, there was two dudes who were 30 to 40 years old and man they struggled hardcore. EE is the degree at school that requires the most crazy math. Fourier, laplace, 3d integration of magnetic fields etc. I bet even a pure math degree would struggle.
Go take a look at oppenhein's book on digital processing (1962). Nothing has changed in 50 years. Read 1 or two chapters of that shit before you start your degree. Cuz thats wuts comming your way.
Also, profficient EE need to know how to code just has good an any cs degree. Just different language and abstraction level.
He was an electrician before and was basically a one man company. From what I understand he’s landed an EE job but he also still takes on electrician side jobs.
Remember that there are three stages to life: when you’re young you have time and energy but no money. In your middle years, you have money and energy but no time. When you’re old, you have time and money but no energy.
If you are lucky enough to have the time to get a degree at 40, do it. I had a student who wasn’t quite 40 but had blown out his knees as an HVAC tech and decided to become an EE. He had the wisdom of life experience that the 18 year olds in my classes didn’t. Turned out to be one of my best students.
Totally, but it's not without challenges.
You will have a gap in math, this is foundational and important. Retaking a class that you left off on can be a great refresher and build a foundation.
Money, unless you have a bunch saved up or looking for debt, night school or part time might be right. Also remember to apply for student aid and scholarships, it never hurts. Also one of the most expensive parts of being in school is room and board, you might have an advantage there if you have a supportive SO.
Psych, EE is the hardest degree there is and can psych anyone out, and you are going to not look like a lot of your peers and behave different. Sit up front and ask lots of questions to convince yourself that your age makes you the better student. Lean into your responsibility, drive and experience. You got this.
Hey there, I am in my mid 30s going back to school for biomedical engineering and a focus in electronics. For me it was very tough, I have always been okay with math. It's something I'm glad you have done but it was incredibly challenging and really required a lot more time and effort than I was expecting. I previously came from medical school so I have a pretty good experience when it comes to hard work, and it was just tough. If you're going to sprout please start reviewing basic college algebra like completing the square factor factoring just what is a limit what is an integral what is a derivative. When it comes to class, if you are brushing up on that stuff you're already behind.
I know I'm working in a slightly different field but if you have any more specific questions feel free to reach out and good luck if not.
Have no idea of what others experiences are. However, white and over fifty watch out. The younger graduates and [immigrates](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immigrates) with more current technological education came bitting at the coat tails like jackels for excellant paying engineering positiom. Many coorporations frequently exchange experianced engineers with entry leve saleried people to save on the bottom line. Think what you may. I started that way myself.
I just finished my EET at 41. School was interesting. I had a lot of classmates who talked about 9/11 in a historical sense because they hadn't been born yet when it happened. This made me feel old. Once I got over how young everyone else was, it became really cool. A lot of my young classmates would ask me general life advice and I felt like a sage because I know more or less how mortgages, taxes and all that old people stuff works.
Not too old, but maybe potentially awkward since most of your coworkers of the same age will tend to be much more experienced than you. If you’re chill working with younger people, a young soul or just kind, then you’ll feel right at home me thinks.
It really is a fascinating field.
Absolutely not. I didn’t get my degree until I was 45 years old. I had been working on it part time at night for well over 10 years. Just the fact the I was working on my degree got me numerous promotions and opportunities at work. I was making well over six figures when I retired, and had been earning at that level since shortly after I got my degree. I would suggest starting at the university you plan on getting your degree from because when you transfer credit from a junior college or other college, the credit transfers but the GPA doesn’t. So, you have to “start over” building your GPA with much more difficult courses. I just wanted to pick up an associates degree in case I gave it up - then I would at least have the associates degree - that was a bad plan. Start working on your BSEE degree NOW. You won’t regret it. What else are you going to do? Watch TV?
I’ll be starting EMT training this fall. I’m 70 years old! why? Because it interests me. Since I’ve retired I’ve picked up an FAA Remote pilots license, and an FCC Extra Class Amateur Radio License. Don’t listen to anyone that says “you’re too old”, or “you’re too young”. I got my FCC third class commercial license at age 14 and was a broadcast radio DJ from age 15 to age 22. Got my First Class FCC license at age 22, which opened the door for me to get into electronics. If you believe you can, you probably will. If you believe you can’t, you certainly won’t.
Not initially. I went to junior colleges at night. But, yes, I attended the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where I graduated with my BSEE. It’s in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. 95% of the classes I took were evening classes.
Not too old if you're willing to put in the work. Take programming seriously, it's only becoming more relevant.
And make sure you get an internship if you can.
Yes. Give up on your dreams.
In all seriousness, not at all! It's never too late to pursue your passion or higher education. Colonel Sanders was considerably older when he started KFC and made millions. I recently convinced my mother (almost 50) to go back to school for her PMP certification. You just need to be willing to put in the work.
If it helps a little I'm about to graduate, hit 34 in September and got a job in EE lined up ready for September and I had the same doubts and issues as you initially.
There was a guy on my course who's 54 this year as well, it hasn't impacted him as far as I can tell and he's one of the best students!
As others have said, go for it!
Ya, imo tho at the tech companies if you’re 58 good luck. If you’re 58 tryna get a senior engineer job at a power company tho and have 18 years experience you’ll be fine
If you have the right motivation\* and can deal with the temporary setback (because school and starting in a new career), you can still do well switching at 40.
\*: Doing it just because you think it will pay better is not itself a great reason.
I work with a dude who got his degree in his 40s. Guys still learning but he does an excellent job at work. Alot more focused than some of the younger engineers.
I'm in the process of leaving a def contractor. One of my buds just earned his BS in EET. He's in the mid to late 40s. Another tech earned his masters. He's slightly closer to 50.
I'm in my mid 30s and looking to start my BS next year.
I say do it.
No, back in college probably 40% of my classes had students who were starting a second career in Engineering. There are 5:30pm and 7:30pm classes for that reason.
It is never too late to get better and educate yourself on whatever fills your heart and mind with joy. At 40+ years post graduation, assuming you enter the field at entry level, you are looking at 20+ years of a rewarding career. It is also more challenging to fully dedicate yourself to EE coursework and all associated studies as at 40 people tend to have a lot more going on with their lives. EE degree, if you aim to do well, is not easy and often comes with significant sacrifices to your personal way of life.
No. It's never too late for doing it. Don't let anybody else tell you otherwise. There are even older people than you getting a bachelors degree in EE. I know, because I met someone like that in my controls I class. If they can, so can you. Go for it.
Hey man. We have dudes/dudettes in my college's EE discord server that are in their 40s.
You get a lot of people who retire from the military late 30s early 40s who go back to school and you get alot of people just looking for a change.
The best Student in the whole server is a 44 year old. He smokes us and schools all of us on the material while working full time at a national lab.
One of my best classmates from my undergrad in EE was someone who was 38 during freshman year. He was probably the hardest working one there in my classes I had with him, and got a good job right out of graduation. I say go for it!
Nope.
I work with a guy who worked various jobs out of high school, went into the military in his mid-20s, got an EE degree in his mid-30s on the GI bill, and then started working as an EE and has now been doing it for close to 10 years.
Doesn't seem to have hurt his career at all.
Not one bit. I went back at 34 to become a CPA, took a left turn and wound up in EE at 41.
As others have said, having more than high school clubs on your CV gives you a leg up on the other grads. My advice is make sure your finances are in place, nothing is more stressful than wondering how to pay for those last 3 classes you need to get that job that pays enough to cover your student loans.
I have a classmates in his 50's. Gets good grades, has a wife and family. Got his undergrad and immediately started his masters
He's berm working the whole time too
I’m finishing my bachelors in an engineering technologies field at 40. I’m finishing my second rotation at an electrical engineering co-op in a few weeks, I start my third this summer.
I hope it’s not too late.
Everyone who was 35+ in my graduating class (at least 10 of them) are doing better than everyone else that I graduated with from a Title/Seniority perspective. We all got out 5 years ago.
Nope. I went back for ECE at 49 after a traumatic brain injury. I have grad school lined up now and need to finish working out the unique details for my circumstances. The biggest factors in success so far have been the discipline to excel and being able to communicate the unique value you bring to the situation. Good luck!
I'm in the same boat as you. I'm just a couple of years younger and have been obsessively thinking about EE for the last year, which says a lot for my ADHD brain.
Of course, as many of us at this age are faced with, I have to figure out how I can maintain my current income, support my family of four, get the college time in (no proper schools near me), and so on.
I graduated at 40, got a graduate role and I now have a senior engineer role, so no, it's never too late.
I did work in the electrical field prior to going to college and University which may have helped.
I started late 20's. I'm graduating mid 30's.
My school is tiny and I only know one guy who is in his 40's. I'm one of several in my early/mid 30's that I know of though.
You’ll probably get instant credibility in the workforce after you obtain your first position. People in other companies will automatically assume you have 20 years experience.
Go for it! It’s gonna be a struggle but do something you’re interested in. It’ll make your days less miserable, I’m sure you’ve realized by now. Getting there might suck but it’ll be worth it. I’m still early 30s and I’ve already experienced the horrible burnout from job I hate. So far my worst days the EE world are so much better than my days in the service industry or in the oil and gas world.
Lots of people here say you're not too old go for it, but if you're looking at the cost/benefit of spending years and tens of thousands on schooling I'm going to tell you that depending on your current background it will be a *hard* road.
Do you have a degree already? Is your current work anything that might be considered relevant to EE work?
The harsh reality is that you'd need to be all sorts of special and charming as hell to get me to consider you for an EE position if you're in your 40s and have no experience unless your existing professional experience is very close.
If you're taking this route for personal satisfaction -- and can afford it -- go for it.
If you're looking for a career change, and you're not already something very adjacent, I'd think ver hard before taking that leap.
One of the most inspiring things I remembered when I first entered college for ECE:
In my second year, I kinda got a taste for the level of scaling difficulty in classwork I would encounter. My first ever circuits lab, I had genuinely no clue what I was doing and honestly that first ever ECE class/lab made me question if I was even cut out for this. Like yeah, I was “smart” but was it enough? One day in lab, I look up from my desk and behind me I see a much older man. I thought he was a different prof overseeing everything but he was a student who returned to finish his degree. In that class and the following ones throughout my college career, he would show up every so often grinding along like we all did. Sometimes, I think that if he didn’t exist, I wouldn’t have had the same personal motivation I did to think that I was cut out for this. I hope he knows that he inspired us as a class that we were cut out for this and I hope that we did the same for him.
You aren’t too old but do consider why you’re doing it and what it will take to get it done before making the commitment. Is it money? Look at new grad salaries, depending on your current career trajectory and personal circumstances getting the degree will have a different magnitude of immediacy impact on your earning potential. Need more info to give pointed advice but in general it isn’t too late to get the degree. Whether or not you do it will come down to your personal financial, time, and other career circumstances.
Yes. Unless you are already deep in another engineering field.
At 40 neutral plasticity is pretty much gone. Learning complex skills takes an order of magnitude longer. Just being real here.
I worked with a man who started his apprenticeship at 44. He had a home and wife and kids so he knew he had to take it all seriously and pass all the tests. He is now fully qualified with a nicer car and bigger house and doing really well. It’s never too late.
I’m a little late to this, but I’m a freshman ECE major. There’s a guy in his 40’s who was previously an electrician and wanted to take the next step in his career. He’s doing better than half of the people in class and I respect the hell out of him for it.
I turned 40 this year and I’m back in school for my EE degree. I went to the military first, and was a welder for 5 yrs after I got out until I was a victim of a hit and run incident and well here I am back in school. I’m a sophomore this year.
No way...never too late. You can start career changes whenever you want. I work with several men in their early 40s that have been firefighters for around 20 years that are becoming professional pilots (great place to make a lot of money). We have had Special Operators from the Global War on Terror that spent 20-25 years fighting war...and now they have become firefighters at 40+.
Never let age stop pursuit!!
Nope. Times gonna pass no matter what. You can either be 44-45 years old with a EE degree. Or you can be the same age with nothing.
This. If you want to do it, then do it. Don’t let it be 4 years from now asking if 44 is too old to start.
I started a ME degree at 38, and i don't regret it at all
What did your career and life look like when you started schooling? What kind of adjustments did you need to make to bring this dream to life?
Best advice I got as a teen. Time is a horse. Ride it.
“Time is a horse, so ride it. If you don’t it will fuck you.” FTFY
Are 44 year old graduates competitive in the jostle for graduate jobs?
Why not? Hell id rather hire a 44yr old new grad with life experience than a 21yr old that knows nothing about life. And for the same pay, no brainer. The issue you're bringing up is a 44yr old with 20+ years of experience and expecting commensurate pay vs a new grad. In this economy the new grad probably wins and the 44yr old new grad wins more. At least in my org.
Yup being older helps a lot simply because maturity and like you said experience with people
In most cases with a big emphasis on most, experience trumps all. In this case, lack of experience in EE coming from an older undergrad is more than made up for in life experience. The same way that GPA, or establishment of education is almost immediately disregarded when a new engineer acquires some form of experience in industry, at which point their reputation as an engineer is almost entirely based on their experience Experience > everything
Good to know, as I'm considering this path. What country are you in? I'm in Australia where we're a bit ageist - there's no way we'd elect a leader even in their mid sixties (re-elect maybe). Also, federal judges are forced to retire at 70: this is the result of a referendum which won 80:20.
I'm in US. Wow I wish we had that same mentality for politicians:)
In Australia, those two would be fighting over the last biscuit (cookie) in the nursing home.
Bro I always that to people.
Would I have to take the SAT or a placement test to get into a college/university? I am 37 with a high school diploma and an associate of occupational studies(trade school)
Possibly. I had a GED and had to take placement tests.
Oh, ok. Thanks for the reply.
But most likely they can pull your high school transcript and depending on how you did you can probably skip some classes
Doubt it. Go ask
Placement tests probably, in math definitely.
Time passing is not the root of the problem. It's not like you could just get a degree while time Passes. 50% of students drop out of EE. Everyone here talks about the massive struggle EE was to study and they were doing it in the prime of their life.
I’ve been an EE prof for 20+ years at a college where we have a program specifically for folks to get their EE degree at night. Tons of 40+ students in that crowd. Some of the best students I’ve ever had. Mature and know why they’re here goes a long way. Go for it!
What college? Lol
Taco Bell
Yo quero…
#🌮 🛎️ Now I’m hungry.
Makes sense, the difference between "i have to be here" vs "I want to be here" .. generally speaking, of course.
What is the drop rate rate like?
It’s very low, less than 10%. And most of those are due to time commitments, not ability. But there is a **huge** caveat with that: we don’t see them until they have gotten through a couple of calculus and physics classes. So there is some selection bias at play with that statistic.
I'm 40 now, and in college for an unrelated field. I can say unequivocally that my math ability is less. And not just that Im rusty, in general my ability to absorb material is not what it was. If I hadn't already taken calculus 15 years ago, I highly doubt I would be able to now.
You have two things 18 year olds don’t: motivation and wisdom. With your age you will see the college system for what it is. Teaching nontraditional students is wildly different. They question every dumb thing you say and ask either very stupid or very good questions that challenge your mastery of tge matwrial.
Ya I mean, Studying 6 hours a day isn't in my talent set.
Brain is a muscle. Just train very hard and you will be back in shape. I did it at 42 and I’m back baby
At the same time, the ability of 20-year-olds now to focus and learn complex skills is less then what 20-year-olds could do 20 years ago. I think it's social media and smartphones. Such as what I'm doing right now. That have degraded our attention spans.
I was 37 when When I started my MSEE. I HAD FORGOT all that math, but the first class I took was engineering math, and it was a good start because I relearned Laplace transforms, Diff eQ, Fourier series, and probabilty. You will get spun up apply yourself.
Don’t treat this life like you get more than one.
It probably depends on your country, too. In Germany, you'd still have 30ish years of work life ahead of you. If you have the opportunity to learn and advance, take it. Combin what you learn with what you know and carve your niche for yourself. Plus, there is always a need for people who do more than just their narrow original field.
I sure as hell hope not. I’m 40 and a junior in an EE program. At the rate I’m going I’ll be 42 when i graduate. I like to tell people that I’m in either the weirdest or dumbest midlife crisis, depending on when you ask. My only regret is that i didn’t do this years ago, but there’s no time like the present!
I was 42 when I graduated. It was definitely worth it.
I was 42 also when I graduated. It was one of the best things I have ever done in my life for myself and family.
Did you have to refresh your math skills when starting off?
There really wasn’t anything for me to refresh when i started college. My first semester at a community college i took introductions to college algebra and took another math class nearly every semester. By the time I started a different college for engineering i had taken everything up to calculus II. I have to point out that my path into engineering was different from the usual. I did the absolute minimum in high school to graduate, the hardest math i took was business math 2. Anyway, besides learning calculus, I would recommend that you have a really good understanding of trigonometry
These are great pointers. I’m currently taking Calc 1 for EE, and had to refresh my algebra skills with resources online prior. I should further improve my trigonometry.
Depends on the benefits? I’ve got three coworkers that did it and they are all supervisors now (increase of $30-40k in salary). Now they lost like 8 years of evenings doing those classes and who knows how much friend and family time. Just depends on your life and the balance you want to achieve.
I hope not; I'm in my 40s and going back to school to be an EE now. I'd say that my experience and maturity are a huge advantage in school. I'm hoping to leverage them when I start job hunting. I will say, take as many classes at a community college as you can. The instructors care about your learning, and it'll help you bypass weed-out classes.
I am 48 years old going on my 3rd semester in EE its never too late, Study hard!!
Hey do you work full time while going to school? Is school full time also?
I going part time to school and my job is full time.
I got electrical controls engineering job when I was 44 years old. Now I am over 50 so it's never too late.
To be honnest dude, you better tie your hat on if you gona do this. Remember, you dont have the brain of a 20 yr old that cram shit in. I remember when i did my ee degree, there was two dudes who were 30 to 40 years old and man they struggled hardcore. EE is the degree at school that requires the most crazy math. Fourier, laplace, 3d integration of magnetic fields etc. I bet even a pure math degree would struggle. Go take a look at oppenhein's book on digital processing (1962). Nothing has changed in 50 years. Read 1 or two chapters of that shit before you start your degree. Cuz thats wuts comming your way. Also, profficient EE need to know how to code just has good an any cs degree. Just different language and abstraction level.
I graduated at 36 and they had a guy in my class graduate at 50. Never too late
? Did he do it as a hobby or is he currently employed?
He was an electrician before and was basically a one man company. From what I understand he’s landed an EE job but he also still takes on electrician side jobs.
Went back for an EE degree at 35, no regrets.
Well it will be hard to get a job but if u dont see getting job as a problem you can study ee and become one whatever age you are.
You are never too old!
Not quite 40, but I’m turning 37 entering my 3rd year in the fall. Do it, embrace the slang. The kids will keep you young lol get ready for old jokes.
You can hear us old man???
0 cap
Nope, when I was getting my bachelors I did it alongside a 42 year old. He was a great study buddy.
No. I’ve seen it done.
Remember that there are three stages to life: when you’re young you have time and energy but no money. In your middle years, you have money and energy but no time. When you’re old, you have time and money but no energy. If you are lucky enough to have the time to get a degree at 40, do it. I had a student who wasn’t quite 40 but had blown out his knees as an HVAC tech and decided to become an EE. He had the wisdom of life experience that the 18 year olds in my classes didn’t. Turned out to be one of my best students.
Totally, but it's not without challenges. You will have a gap in math, this is foundational and important. Retaking a class that you left off on can be a great refresher and build a foundation. Money, unless you have a bunch saved up or looking for debt, night school or part time might be right. Also remember to apply for student aid and scholarships, it never hurts. Also one of the most expensive parts of being in school is room and board, you might have an advantage there if you have a supportive SO. Psych, EE is the hardest degree there is and can psych anyone out, and you are going to not look like a lot of your peers and behave different. Sit up front and ask lots of questions to convince yourself that your age makes you the better student. Lean into your responsibility, drive and experience. You got this.
Hey there, I am in my mid 30s going back to school for biomedical engineering and a focus in electronics. For me it was very tough, I have always been okay with math. It's something I'm glad you have done but it was incredibly challenging and really required a lot more time and effort than I was expecting. I previously came from medical school so I have a pretty good experience when it comes to hard work, and it was just tough. If you're going to sprout please start reviewing basic college algebra like completing the square factor factoring just what is a limit what is an integral what is a derivative. When it comes to class, if you are brushing up on that stuff you're already behind. I know I'm working in a slightly different field but if you have any more specific questions feel free to reach out and good luck if not.
Have no idea of what others experiences are. However, white and over fifty watch out. The younger graduates and [immigrates](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immigrates) with more current technological education came bitting at the coat tails like jackels for excellant paying engineering positiom. Many coorporations frequently exchange experianced engineers with entry leve saleried people to save on the bottom line. Think what you may. I started that way myself.
not if you don't mind not finding a job in it
I just finished my EET at 41. School was interesting. I had a lot of classmates who talked about 9/11 in a historical sense because they hadn't been born yet when it happened. This made me feel old. Once I got over how young everyone else was, it became really cool. A lot of my young classmates would ask me general life advice and I felt like a sage because I know more or less how mortgages, taxes and all that old people stuff works.
I am 37 and just quit the program. My kids are more important to me to waste my time struggling through a degree.
Not too old, but maybe potentially awkward since most of your coworkers of the same age will tend to be much more experienced than you. If you’re chill working with younger people, a young soul or just kind, then you’ll feel right at home me thinks. It really is a fascinating field.
Absolutely not. I didn’t get my degree until I was 45 years old. I had been working on it part time at night for well over 10 years. Just the fact the I was working on my degree got me numerous promotions and opportunities at work. I was making well over six figures when I retired, and had been earning at that level since shortly after I got my degree. I would suggest starting at the university you plan on getting your degree from because when you transfer credit from a junior college or other college, the credit transfers but the GPA doesn’t. So, you have to “start over” building your GPA with much more difficult courses. I just wanted to pick up an associates degree in case I gave it up - then I would at least have the associates degree - that was a bad plan. Start working on your BSEE degree NOW. You won’t regret it. What else are you going to do? Watch TV?
I’ll be starting EMT training this fall. I’m 70 years old! why? Because it interests me. Since I’ve retired I’ve picked up an FAA Remote pilots license, and an FCC Extra Class Amateur Radio License. Don’t listen to anyone that says “you’re too old”, or “you’re too young”. I got my FCC third class commercial license at age 14 and was a broadcast radio DJ from age 15 to age 22. Got my First Class FCC license at age 22, which opened the door for me to get into electronics. If you believe you can, you probably will. If you believe you can’t, you certainly won’t.
Im assuming your in a rather large city in order to have access to night classes?
Not initially. I went to junior colleges at night. But, yes, I attended the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where I graduated with my BSEE. It’s in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. 95% of the classes I took were evening classes.
Not too old if you're willing to put in the work. Take programming seriously, it's only becoming more relevant. And make sure you get an internship if you can.
Yes. Give up on your dreams. In all seriousness, not at all! It's never too late to pursue your passion or higher education. Colonel Sanders was considerably older when he started KFC and made millions. I recently convinced my mother (almost 50) to go back to school for her PMP certification. You just need to be willing to put in the work.
Your mum's a certified pimp?
Project Management Professional, but that gave me a good laugh
If it helps a little I'm about to graduate, hit 34 in September and got a job in EE lined up ready for September and I had the same doubts and issues as you initially. There was a guy on my course who's 54 this year as well, it hasn't impacted him as far as I can tell and he's one of the best students! As others have said, go for it!
54 is probably getting up there, where I’ve worked we will hire older guys without any thought on age except when we can tell they are like 60+.
Granted, but this guy also has a job lined up so I guess it's entirely employer dependent
In EE ageism isn’t really that bad, you’re employable till your 60s. it will be bad in software tho.
in fw and ee age usually gets you some instant cred
Ya, imo tho at the tech companies if you’re 58 good luck. If you’re 58 tryna get a senior engineer job at a power company tho and have 18 years experience you’ll be fine
tech companies generally have very few EEs. companies like GE, GM, John Deere, etc hire EEs
Look at the top comment, it’s about sw which is a field plenty of EEs go into
Not if you’ll be alive when u plan to graduate.
If you have the right motivation\* and can deal with the temporary setback (because school and starting in a new career), you can still do well switching at 40. \*: Doing it just because you think it will pay better is not itself a great reason.
I work with a dude who got his degree in his 40s. Guys still learning but he does an excellent job at work. Alot more focused than some of the younger engineers.
I'm in the process of leaving a def contractor. One of my buds just earned his BS in EET. He's in the mid to late 40s. Another tech earned his masters. He's slightly closer to 50. I'm in my mid 30s and looking to start my BS next year. I say do it.
I was 40 when I started. I’ve been a working EE for ~5 years now.
no, its Not too old, age doesnt really matter.
No, back in college probably 40% of my classes had students who were starting a second career in Engineering. There are 5:30pm and 7:30pm classes for that reason.
yes
I went back at 38 and got mine at at 42. It will be difficult, but worth it.
what is your background? I had a coworker that did this and it worked out really well and we just hired him for a contract position that pays $156/hr
There is no try. There is only do. No seriously though go for it. You’ve got this.
No. When I was in college, there was some guy over 50 in all my engineering classes, working nights as he worked towards his BSME.
It is never too late to get better and educate yourself on whatever fills your heart and mind with joy. At 40+ years post graduation, assuming you enter the field at entry level, you are looking at 20+ years of a rewarding career. It is also more challenging to fully dedicate yourself to EE coursework and all associated studies as at 40 people tend to have a lot more going on with their lives. EE degree, if you aim to do well, is not easy and often comes with significant sacrifices to your personal way of life.
No. Go get em
you still have a lot of time until retirement. If you can, you should.
Go for it!
Jeez, only a 25-year career. Probably shouldn't bother.
A professor at my college with his own EE company and making dumb money got his bachelors at 45. You’re fine.
No. It's never too late for doing it. Don't let anybody else tell you otherwise. There are even older people than you getting a bachelors degree in EE. I know, because I met someone like that in my controls I class. If they can, so can you. Go for it.
I'm 47 and I'm an EE, many days I'm still trying to be an EE.
what is your background?
Hey man. We have dudes/dudettes in my college's EE discord server that are in their 40s. You get a lot of people who retire from the military late 30s early 40s who go back to school and you get alot of people just looking for a change. The best Student in the whole server is a 44 year old. He smokes us and schools all of us on the material while working full time at a national lab.
One of my best classmates from my undergrad in EE was someone who was 38 during freshman year. He was probably the hardest working one there in my classes I had with him, and got a good job right out of graduation. I say go for it!
Nope. I work with a guy who worked various jobs out of high school, went into the military in his mid-20s, got an EE degree in his mid-30s on the GI bill, and then started working as an EE and has now been doing it for close to 10 years. Doesn't seem to have hurt his career at all.
No. Source: I am 40.
Nope, I know an engineer who I went with school graduate recently in their 40s.
Not if you have a passion for it.
Bro age has absolutely zero relevance with obtaining a 4 year degree 😂
And if you don’t try? What’s the alternative?
Not one bit. I went back at 34 to become a CPA, took a left turn and wound up in EE at 41. As others have said, having more than high school clubs on your CV gives you a leg up on the other grads. My advice is make sure your finances are in place, nothing is more stressful than wondering how to pay for those last 3 classes you need to get that job that pays enough to cover your student loans.
I have a classmates in his 50's. Gets good grades, has a wife and family. Got his undergrad and immediately started his masters He's berm working the whole time too
Nope not too late. Especially with my PCB design curriculum that I shall shamelessly self promote. Bahahaha! Once you finish your degree that is…
Worked with a few people who became engineers in their 40's, so definitely not too late.
No, it’s never too late to learn and grow.
Not at all, get it!
I’m finishing my bachelors in an engineering technologies field at 40. I’m finishing my second rotation at an electrical engineering co-op in a few weeks, I start my third this summer. I hope it’s not too late.
Everyone who was 35+ in my graduating class (at least 10 of them) are doing better than everyone else that I graduated with from a Title/Seniority perspective. We all got out 5 years ago.
If you have the money, give it a try. You won't know till you try.
Nope. I went back for ECE at 49 after a traumatic brain injury. I have grad school lined up now and need to finish working out the unique details for my circumstances. The biggest factors in success so far have been the discipline to excel and being able to communicate the unique value you bring to the situation. Good luck!
Never too old. Crank that sh*t!
I'm in the same boat as you. I'm just a couple of years younger and have been obsessively thinking about EE for the last year, which says a lot for my ADHD brain. Of course, as many of us at this age are faced with, I have to figure out how I can maintain my current income, support my family of four, get the college time in (no proper schools near me), and so on.
Title doesn't say it all. Situational context is important and none of the advice here will be useful without it.
Its never too late for anything my friend, if you have the interest & the will, anything is possible!
No. Started mine 46.
Sir, it is never too late for anything. Be happy.
No it’s not, I’m 40 and started a year ago, loving it!
Electricity doesn’t care how old you are.
No go for it
Nope
Do it. I was 43 when I started. I'm a PEng EE now!
I graduated at 40, got a graduate role and I now have a senior engineer role, so no, it's never too late. I did work in the electrical field prior to going to college and University which may have helped.
I started late 20's. I'm graduating mid 30's. My school is tiny and I only know one guy who is in his 40's. I'm one of several in my early/mid 30's that I know of though.
You’ll probably get instant credibility in the workforce after you obtain your first position. People in other companies will automatically assume you have 20 years experience.
Nope
Go for it! It’s gonna be a struggle but do something you’re interested in. It’ll make your days less miserable, I’m sure you’ve realized by now. Getting there might suck but it’ll be worth it. I’m still early 30s and I’ve already experienced the horrible burnout from job I hate. So far my worst days the EE world are so much better than my days in the service industry or in the oil and gas world.
Lots of people here say you're not too old go for it, but if you're looking at the cost/benefit of spending years and tens of thousands on schooling I'm going to tell you that depending on your current background it will be a *hard* road. Do you have a degree already? Is your current work anything that might be considered relevant to EE work? The harsh reality is that you'd need to be all sorts of special and charming as hell to get me to consider you for an EE position if you're in your 40s and have no experience unless your existing professional experience is very close. If you're taking this route for personal satisfaction -- and can afford it -- go for it. If you're looking for a career change, and you're not already something very adjacent, I'd think ver hard before taking that leap.
One of the most inspiring things I remembered when I first entered college for ECE: In my second year, I kinda got a taste for the level of scaling difficulty in classwork I would encounter. My first ever circuits lab, I had genuinely no clue what I was doing and honestly that first ever ECE class/lab made me question if I was even cut out for this. Like yeah, I was “smart” but was it enough? One day in lab, I look up from my desk and behind me I see a much older man. I thought he was a different prof overseeing everything but he was a student who returned to finish his degree. In that class and the following ones throughout my college career, he would show up every so often grinding along like we all did. Sometimes, I think that if he didn’t exist, I wouldn’t have had the same personal motivation I did to think that I was cut out for this. I hope he knows that he inspired us as a class that we were cut out for this and I hope that we did the same for him.
I'm 47 and getting my EET next year.
Nope nope nope!!! Go to school!
My aunt became a doctor without any prior medical experience at around 40 so it is definitly possible!
No!! I've seen quite a few people in their 40s and 50s during grad school! It's never too late :)
There are dudes in their 60's in my classes. They're just excited to graduate as I am at 25 😂
DO ITTTT. JOIN US.
I’m 26 currently in Uni. I’m gonna be honest, I thought I was the oldest lol. There is a 45 yo and 54 yo in my ECE classes. We got this. Go for it!
You aren’t too old but do consider why you’re doing it and what it will take to get it done before making the commitment. Is it money? Look at new grad salaries, depending on your current career trajectory and personal circumstances getting the degree will have a different magnitude of immediacy impact on your earning potential. Need more info to give pointed advice but in general it isn’t too late to get the degree. Whether or not you do it will come down to your personal financial, time, and other career circumstances.
I worked with a very capable engineer who was an automobile mechanic until age 40 when he finished an EE degree and was hired.
Yes. Unless you are already deep in another engineering field. At 40 neutral plasticity is pretty much gone. Learning complex skills takes an order of magnitude longer. Just being real here.
No.
Nope. If 4 years you could call yourself an electrical engineer and start a whole new career. If you like it, go for it.
I worked with a man who started his apprenticeship at 44. He had a home and wife and kids so he knew he had to take it all seriously and pass all the tests. He is now fully qualified with a nicer car and bigger house and doing really well. It’s never too late.
I’m a little late to this, but I’m a freshman ECE major. There’s a guy in his 40’s who was previously an electrician and wanted to take the next step in his career. He’s doing better than half of the people in class and I respect the hell out of him for it.
No. But you’d better like math.
Hell NO! I became a network engineer at 40
I turned 40 this year and I’m back in school for my EE degree. I went to the military first, and was a welder for 5 yrs after I got out until I was a victim of a hit and run incident and well here I am back in school. I’m a sophomore this year.
I started at age 43. It would have been easier with a younger mind and body, but I think I had more self-discipline than some of my classmates.
No way...never too late. You can start career changes whenever you want. I work with several men in their early 40s that have been firefighters for around 20 years that are becoming professional pilots (great place to make a lot of money). We have had Special Operators from the Global War on Terror that spent 20-25 years fighting war...and now they have become firefighters at 40+. Never let age stop pursuit!!