Advice for an aspiring engineer?

Hello,

Currently, I have 10 years experience as an Aircraft Electrician/Environmental Specialist. I have 1 year left on my enlistment and I am ready to start a new career in engineering. I have an Associates degree in Applied Science.

My questions are:

1. Can you specialize in electronics as an Aerospace Engineer? I am interested in schematic and electrical design.

2. What would your advice be to someone with an Associates degree and 1 year available for schooling? I don't think I have enough time to achieve a bachelors degree before I need to find a job. Would my time be better spent moving as close to a bachelors degree as I can or should I take some pre-engineering, non-degree courses and hope for an internship somewhere that allows for academic advancement while working?

3. I am 30 years old. Is it too late for me to begin this career path? I don't know how competitive the job market is, but everyone my age will have 10 years on me. I have a lot of applicable knowledge about aircraft and electronics, but very little training in design.

I hope that my questions are appropriate for this forum. If I am posting this in the wrong area, please direct me to the proper area or forum. I am really excited about my new career!

Thank you

A question to ask. What specific tasks can you do? What problems can you solve?

It comes down to getting past the albative layer of HR, getting in front of the project managers, and demonstrating what you can do.

Personaly, I would time my move, to match the hiring cycles of aerospace companies.

One plan would be to be a two fisted badass at drawing, charting, and document creation, landing a tech writer job, then use that to fund your degree. If you've got mech skills, maybe a machinist route would work.

Good luck. Maybe I'll see you someday on the next STS or the next HaveBlue.

P.S. The Candidate shall read and write in the language of formal requirements specifications.

One more thing. I suspect you'd have a competitive advantage going for something like Raytheon Polar services at the south pole.

funny.... ;)

It's never late to plan your future... come on! you are only 30~
South Pole is fun~ Chilly though...
BS degree is always useful...

[I'm looking for a Principle Rotorcraft Gear Engineer, any leads?
Helical, Spiral gears on helicopters,Chinook, Apache.

QUOTE who="Laduch in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma"]It's never late to plan your future... come on! you are only 30~
South Pole is fun~ Chilly though...
BS degree is always useful...