I’m currently undergoing a transition which may allow me to go back to school and obtain a second bachelors degree in engineering (computer). I have some background in IT (not much) and have mostly been in managerial positions throughout my career. My question is, if I were to go graduate from computer engineering in my mid to late 30’s would my job suffer because of my age at graduation?
the main reason I would go back to school is to obtain the “hard skills” (math, science, programming, design) etc, which are not necessarily gained in the IT field (which is more about management, at least in my experience). I think i’d rather design and program than manage systems or networks.
I’d like to hear from anyone that has experience with a situation like this.
OK, so you want engineering and not CS? I thought employment prospects were better for CS.
Sure the is alway ageism. It is hard to be a new inexperienced hire in late 30’s I’d say.How good will you be will help you. Looking younger, lol. Building on your current experience instead. I guess it depends on what job you want, what you imagine your will be doing, presenting yourself as a first time engineer to do Jr level work? or as a manager who happens to be an engineer? My relative is and EE but went right to the business side as the guy having technical understanding at a semiconductor company and did very well that way. Never worked as an engineer except in a summer internship. Has an MBA now on the company dime.
Maybe you would do better in a programming boot camp as you have the degrees already.
Definitely look into colleges with strong co-op/internship programs. At your age, you must have work experience, there is no question. It will be easier to get in as a student than graduating with a BS at your age with 0 years experience.
If you have IT experience, you might be able to wing it towards engineering experience by rewriting your resume. But definitely search out strong co-op schools like Drexel in your situation.
BrownParent, you may be right that CS has better job prospects. However, the reasons I would go engineering are: 1) I find the hardware/software balance genuinely interesting (and maybe more practical, since i’m more of a “big picture” kind of person) and 2) because it provides more options (let’s call it “backwards compatibility”).
As an example, it is possible that a CS major is qualified to do an MIS/CIS majors’ job, but not the other way. Likewise, a CPE may be qualified to do a CS’ duties, but not the other way around. Therefore, I would assume that the CPE is qualified to do an MIS/CIS’ job, but not he other way around.
In my case, career path would be similar to yours, gain the knowledge/skills of an engineer, and work in the tech industry.