Hi and thanks for taking the time to read and answer any questions that you can. I am, and have been, trying to get into the Mechanical Engineering field. Most of my experience is in the maintenance and/or machine repair field. Right now I am unemployed due to a layoff. I have an A.A.S. in Mechanical Enginnering Technology and a diploma in Electrical/Electronics. I am currently working on a A.A.S. in Industrial Systems Technology. I have noticed that it seems that most Engineer jobs require a B.S. or M.E. I would love to know if it is possible for me to get a job with the education that I already have or if I need to get my B.S. or better. What other requirements do I need? Is there anything else that I could do to help me get a job in this field? Please let me know anything that you could that might help. Thanks very much for your time.
I would like to get a job in the Mechanical Engineering field. Can you anwer some questions please?
Jul 16, 2003
2 Replies
Dear Leon Finley:
It helps to be in an area with industry. I am not, and am currently selling "stuff". With your background, you might be better off working with instrumentation/ PLC/ controls stuff like that. Are there any conveyor industries near you? Larger newspapers use a lot of controls and conveyors, you might want to check that out.
David A. Smith
For many jobs, the degree is sort of like a union card-- without a degree, you won't even be considered. Actual qualifications and/or experience come into it, but are a 2nd tier consideration. You might be able to get "engineering" jobs without a degree, but it'd be the exception rather than the rule....you'd be far better off with a 4 year degree rather than two AAS's
It'll take some hard work to get a BS or ME, but if you can find a way to struggle thru it, getting a degree would be a good investment--in the long run, you'll have the opportunity for better jobs, and make significantly more money. I went back to school at 28, and it's probably the best decision I ever made.
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