<p>is this a good idea?
my dad makes quite a lot from his business(i won't like to mention it);around twice as much per annum compared to a good qualified engineer today,because its been around for about 27 years.
i have a lot of interest in engineering and want to make money out of it.
i am unbelievably good at math,at least that is what people say.
but as i love money,i will like to most probably try to support my dad's business to increase profits.
*since i will have my dad's experience,i will have a good life a at least till i am 30(as i plan to).
then maybe after 8 to 10 years,i.e. when i am around 30,i would like to get an engineering job with a degree that i plan to get now.
is it practical to get a degree now?
will i still be viewed equally compared to other applicants when i apply?
or should i look to get a degree much later when i plan to work?
this is only because i want to have a better life than working as an engineer till i am at least 30,which i can due to financial stability.</p>
<p>would you be working for your dad as an engineer or as a financial guy?</p>
<p>Getting an entry-level engineering job after a ten year hiatus might be a little challenging. Depending on the field, the undergrad content may be a somewhat dated (not to mention partially forgotten). In addition, a recruiter will question your salary needs and job satisfaction in an entry-level position.</p>
<p>On the other hand, working in the family firm may provide experience in other areas - management, sales, etc. - that would let you leverage your degree into a managerial role of some kind.</p>
<p>You may find that you like the more entrepreneurial feel of your own business, of course, and continue on with the family firm or strike out in your own venture.</p>
<p>I would NOT recommend postponing your undergrad degree. Trying to complete that after years in the family business would be very difficult. Instead, if you still find yourself wanting a straight engineering career years in the future, you might consider doing an MS in your field as a refresher and to demonstrate current competence. Good luck!</p>
<p>@youknowme123:nope.not at all.
my dad’s business has nothing to do with any degree.
nothing related to technical or financial field.</p>
<p>@Roger_Dooley:will finding a job be difficult even if i have a near-perfect GPA?
if yes,there is always the MS way as you mentioned.</p>
<p>Do you feel you’d be able to increase profits enough at his company to justify him paying you at a rate considerably higher than a typical engineering?</p>
<p>Is his company something you could take over when he retires (a trade or something of that sort)?</p>
<p>First, have you talked this over with your dad? Including salary?</p>
<p>Second, if your dad’s business is so lucrative why are you planning on leaving after a decade to start a second career? Remember that you will be starting over at square one, with a starting level salary!</p>
<p>Finally, I do not think there is a good solution to this. Waiting to get your degree later will mean going to college at a point in your life where you are likely to have a family and a mortgage, but will vastly improve your chances of getting a good job. Getting the degree now will be convenient but will expend your time and resources with little chance of being able to apply it.</p>
<p>I guess I would recommend waiting and seeing what happens. If you are serious about it, keep college on your radar and make sure that you put lots of money away against that need.</p>
<p>Go ahead and get the degree now. You will have the degree in a few years and can decide at that point whether or not to pursue an engineering job right away, or work with your dad. The mental training you’ll get in the process of getting that eng. degree will assist you in your work with your dad, no matter what business he’s in.</p>
<p>And if you stick to your plan and work for dad for a few years, you can figure out at that time what you’ll need to do to make yourself marketable as an engineer.</p>
<p>Well, if you plan to take a decade off, you better come up with a better explanation for it than, “I wanted to live the good life until I finally had to start slogging away as an engineer”.</p>