Pursuing Second Bachelor's after Completing Mechanical Engineering

College Search & Selection
1

Here is my situation. In 2015 I graduated from University at Buffalo with a BS. in Mechanical Engineering with a 2.9 overall gpa. Since then I have worked as a CAD drafter and paid off all my debt, this was completed in March of this year. Somewhere along the way I felt that I was stagnating and saw my career getting stuck. In an ideal world I would design control systems in automated equipment or robots. A master’s degree is out due to my average gpa, and self teaching on this scale is not within my skill set. I could pursue certificates by attending night school and then get another job in my field of interest, but I am depressed.

The option I desire the most is to get a BS in Electrical engineering. My top choice is Bloomsburg University, and second is Penn State, third is Temple University. Not only do I want a more interesting job, I miss having a long term goal within a culture of focused academia. If I do well and secure grants I may pursue a masters degree. After designing robots for 20 years I will be then try to become a professor. The BS at Bloomsburg will be 2 years because of my previous coursework, and in total will be a 50,000$ venture. 10,000 of my own bank, 20,000 fed loans, 20,000 private student loans.

If you have gone through a similar process or are considering one, please describe your thoughts below. I read a similar article by a user named CalDud titled “Master’s degree vs. Second Bachelor’s” several months ago. Since he wrote that in 2015 it would be really dope if I could speak with him.

2

To become a university professor you would need a Ph.D.

You have only been on the job 3 years and feel that you are stagnating. Your expectations are not realistic.

3

With a BS in mech eng and three years of CAD experience you are in a great place to look for another job…one that is more fulfilling and in a field closer to your heart. Having paid off your college loans, you are now free to look for work that excites you. Look for employers who will help pay for your second bachelors or masters.

If you feel that you have to explain a lack of professional advancement when looking for your next job, simply state that paying off your loans was your first priority and that DullCo offered you the best opportunity to do that. But realistically, nobody is going to view three years as stagnating (even though it feels that way to you). Employers will instead see it as a sign of stability and maturity.