This is my first post in this forum. I am hoping to get some input from any professionals. I just turned 40. I have a mechanical engineering degree, but ever since the recession, the work I have been doing was mostly drafting and design with some engineering related task.
I was thinking about going back to university to take bachelors of mechatronics. Working on P&IDs sparked my interest. I only need to do two years. I really want to get into the oil and gas sector. Are mechatronics graduates in demand in the O&G industry? Would anyone hire a new graduate that is 42 years old. Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Well first of all, regardless of any employment opportunities having a degree in 'Mechatronics' just sounds fantastic. That alone will make you an insane hitn at parties.
Aside from that I know nothing about 'Mechatronics' beyond the fact that it sounds super cool.
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What I've pondered over further education are questions regarding ageism when entering a new field. Going back to school in your late 30s brings up issues of employability and salary expectations that are not necessarily the truth, but result in exclusion from consideration for some positions.
In retrospect, I wish that I had begun a second degree a couple of years ago, because the last two years have been a colossal waste, and not even a snazzy piece of paper on the wall to show for it.
If you are in the financial situation where you can handle the loss of income for two years, my impulse would be to go for it.
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I was thinking about going back to university to take bachelors of mechatronics. Working on P&IDs sparked my interest. I only need to do two years. I really want to get into the oil and gas sector. Are mechatronics graduates in demand in the O&G industry? Would anyone hire a new graduate that is 42 years old. Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Sounds like you are working now in a non O&G job. Basically what you are asking is if going to school full time in the hope of breaking into O&G in two year's time for entry level salary is wise.
I can't say it is in the current environment from a financial point of view.
You'll be losing two year's of salaries and likely to take on some debt as well and it'll be very hard to make the math work for you.
I also don't know what Mechatronics is but it sounds badass. I don't think its a bad idea, in two year the O&G sector may be recovering and looking to add jobs again, and being a 'fresh grad' may make you more appealing than a candidate who maybe worked as a barista for the last two years.
Also, if they don't give you the job you could always incinerate them with your mechatron army.
I say this to pretty much everyone thinking of going to school, younger or older. Have a good long look at what your new earning potential will be after school (and be realistic!). Then use this formula:
A = lost wages while going to school
B = tuition cost
C = other costs related to going to school (books, moving, whatever)
Z = increased earnings over your remaining working life (consider your industry too, as O&G can have high earning potential, but is volatile as we are seeing right now).
Compare A+B+C to Z and see the financial difference school will make. I know there are other factors to the decision, and they should be considered of course, but I really think the financial benefit of going to school is one of the most important things to consider.
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Honestly, 40 really isn't that old anymore. By the time you retire, 75 will be the new retirement age, and most people waste their 20s anyways. So you've got 35 of 45 working years ahead of you.
Your engineering degree/work is also related to the mehactronics degree. So it's not like you're starting over in a brand new field.
I would make sure your proposed new degree will actually add something to your employability.
I would also look into business related courses that might get you to the same place or a similar place you want to be. For example, there may be an MBA program that will allow you to transition into a similar or even higher position.
There could also be a 2 years Master's program which will qualify you. Could be better just for the letters and Master's programs tend to be more specialized.
For those who are curious, the word did not come from Megatron. Mechatronics > Mechanical & Electronics. In other words controlling machinery. The speed of a pump or a compressor. How much a control valve opens to get right mixture or heating requirements. From my experience the work is normally done by instrumentation techs.
I am much more concern about acquiring the right skills set that future employers would value than getting a higher salary. The two things I have learned ever since the recession, employers are hesitant to train and experience is king.
I was unfortunate to be in the wrong industry went the recession hit and it still hasn't recovered. I spent the last few years learning to design piping systems in order to help me transition to Q&G when just my luck the price collapsed. Oh well.
And yeah ageism scares the hell of me. I would be competing with graduates in their early twenties. Thanks for the feedback all of you.
And yeah ageism scares the hell of me. I would be competing with graduates in their early twenties. Thanks for the feedback all of you.
And you are right that it's no fun competing with the twenties and taking orders from the thirties when you are in your forties. If you can further your education without giving up your job, that's the best course of action.
Last edited by darklord700; 03-03-2016 at 09:44 PM.
For those who are curious, the word did not come from Megatron. Mechatronics > Mechanical & Electronics. In other words controlling machinery. The speed of a pump or a compressor. How much a control valve opens to get right mixture or heating requirements. From my experience the work is normally done by instrumentation techs.
I liked it better when I pictured you making the dinosaurs for jurassic world 2.
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