I am 32, and came to the US last year from Guyana ,am doing my pre-requisites in engineering in Florida. I am not 100% sure what field I want to get into(yea I know i am 32). My true likeness is Electrical- electronics but have a feeling that jobs is very hard to find,since most American companies are exporting their work now. Another choice I looked at is Nuclear-my main reason is to try to get into the energy I field.\nI have found out that engineering is not that respected anymore. even though it's as difficult a program to study as say like  Pharmacy. My wife is in the health field and she make big buck with an A.S. I was told by many people to get into the health field. the thing is i like engineer but i want to study something that will make me some money after i graduate. I guest i just need someone to tell me some thing good in the engineering field, since everyone is bombarding me with Pharmacy, physician assistance ete etc etc.\nAny advice. Thanks.
135470
My brother-in-law is an electrical engineer and designs ultrasound equipment.  So he combines electrical engineering with the health field.  Maybe you could get into something like that.  \n\nNuclear is very well paid, but the jobs are hard to find.  Because of the sensitivity of nuclear, they are unlikely to ship the jobs oversees.  I think nuclear will be growing in the future in the US, because people are starting to realize that nuclear is actually less polluting than burning fossil fuels.
220459
Simply choose what field in engineering interests you the most. You will get a better feel for this as you start taking college courses. Most college curiculum is set up that you take engineering basic courses first, and then gradually expand into your field of specialty as you advance through the program. Find what interests you most and stick with that.\n\nI personally chose the a "Power" engineering specialty within the Electrical Engineering field because I found the power classes that I took in school to be the most interesting. I subsequently took a job working for an electic utility.\n\nI would not have guessed that I would have chosen that field when I entered college, but as I took classes I found it to be the most interesting subject.\n\nGood luck in whatever you choose ...
237207
Engineering affects everyone, everywhere in the world. Which is nice. And kind of cool don't you think? And, here's the thing - there's a global shortage of engineers out there. Employers - from big blue chips to start-ups - are looking for newly qualified workers by the bucket load.\n\nHmmm - food for thought? Worth taking some time out to explore what the engineering industry could do for you?\n\nWell, you're in the right place...\n\nThere's a route into engineering to suit everyone, whether you want to earn and learn at the same time or whether you'd prefer to stay in full time study.\n\nStep one is to ensure that your knowledge of maths and science is up to a good standard, as these are the mainstays of a career in engineering. Other useful subjects for potential engineers include design & technology and modern languages.
633581
First of all, I'd like to say that you can become successful in any major (whether it is a simple salesman or a brain surgeon) as long as you practise something you enjoy and can excel in.  If you end up doing something because it has better income or you have some family pressure, then this might give you career problems later on.\n\nNow, as an electrical engineer myself, I can tell you from my personal experience that electrical engineering has many specializations.  For example, you can focus on Control, Power, Micro-Electronics...etc.  Many of my electrical engineering classmates even decided to work in software related jobs.\n\nTherefore, by choosing electrical engineering you have many options open (including software) if you decide to change your mind later on.  However, things might be a bit more limited if you choose software engineering alone as a major.\n\nBest of luck.
586963
Well, the choice is entirely up to you. What are you interested in?\n\nWould you like to pursue a career in medical sciences? choose biotech, it's a rising career.\n\nElectronics and mechanics are pretty old players of the block. You get into these through a good college, say IIT, or DCE, then you are bound to reach a rewarding place.\n\nBut the question really is - what interests you? \nBecause if you're just gonna do something just for the sake of doing it, then it wont work. because you're not gonna like it.\n\nFind out what you really want to do, and who you want to be for the rest of your life.
289218
When the oil business cratered in the 1980's, many engineers retrained into environmental. There were also gov't subsidies to retrain.\n\nAny engineering degree is a 4-yr degree, otherwise you are a Tech. \n\nThe amount of money depends on where you go to school. I live in Oklahoma, where the oil used to be, but where many colleges still have good curriculum. Private universities are ten times the cost of State schools, like OU and OSU, and the Junior Colleges are even cheaper.\n\nThere are many grants available. Check at your local library. At the very least, you can get low-interest loans. \n\nDon't worry about the money to get started. Just get started. You may need money to live on to attend school full time, but work on getting funding first. A free ride while attending school is what you're trying to do. \n\nThere is a reason some colleges cost more. You get what you pay for. The major schools employ the genius, while the lesser schools employ those who are just beginning, or haven't made a particular mark. You want to be taught by the best you can afford. Do not scrimp or cut corners on your education. Challenge yourself. It will reward you for a lifetime.
47627
It all depends what you are trying to accomplish.\n\nI’m 65 and began programming in the very early 1960s.  During the early years I programmed in more than a dozen different computer languages, but over time increasingly move into pure systems work and then business consulting (which I still do) and finally owning my own businesses. For me that evolution was correct, but it didn’t take long to lose my edge with programming.  If you are going to stay in programming you are best served (in my opinion) to remain as up to date as possible.\n\nThis field changes so quickly (it did even when I began) that it is difficult to stay up with it at any point.  For me working on the development of leading approaches to programming specialized applications (for me it was applications for manufacturing environments) was a good path because breaking new ground got your name around the industry.  Job offers were always available.\n\nI don’t know if such helps this day and age or not.  In my experience I used what I learned to start my own business and that was more satisfying than everything else.
225895
What is your MS in?  If it's remotely related to anything to do with education or research, I could pass your resume around here, a Canadian University.\n*edit* a followup now that I know your degree- I would contact the companies that are involved in the Oil Sands exraction in Alberta- they are desperate for engineers and environmental experts, and they are in short supply- The pay is excellent, and it is likely to be stable because of oil prices...It's a bit isolated, but fantastic experience and pay-
606082
I'm a recently retired Director of Engineering of a large Aerospace company.  All areas of business have their ups and their downs.  On up cycles we couldn't find enough good engineers.  On down cycles we had to lay-off plenty...as much as 35% of the engineering workforce.  However, those that were let go usually found another job within a month or so.  I don't recall many who remained unemployed for too long.  \n\nWe live in a highly technical world, and technology is advancing everyday.  I highly recommend engineering.  The one area that might be a little shakey is computer software engineering.  There is a trend to offload this type of engineering to India, Mexico, Russia etc because of their low labor rates.
405159
You can do anything you set your mind to, if people discourage you consider it a challenge to prove them wrong. There is a serious lack of Quality engineers. There is plenty of time for your choice, many very successful people do not find their calling until they have experienced a number of choices. The main thing is to believe in yourself and perhaps you should try writing down your goals, and each year go back and review them; you will be surprised at how far you can go, and how things can change in this technical age. Best Of Luck!
6434
Ohh, i was actually considering that in high school, some guys from it came to talk to my AP physics class last year to get us to enroll.  I really like physics, but wasnt sure of a stable career in it so that program was kind of appealing.  If it's the Nuclear Power Program that they came to talk to us about, basically you control the nuclear reactors on submarines, so yes, you have to go out to sea a lot, but you won't really be in direct battle, you'll be working with the nuclear power that makes the sub work while the other people on the sub shoot missles at things.  You'll travel a lot to other countries and stuff.  They pay for your college, and you can go anywhere you want that you get accepted to, then you go to their college, i forget where to get the nuclear power training for a year.  Personally, I decided not to do it because you are always traveling and in strange places.  It would be nice to see the world, but it would be impossible to settle down because you are gone for weeks and weeks at a time and only get to be home a few days before you depart again.  That's all I know about it, good luck.
19561
First, I would like to say it is RIDICULOUS to make someone decide what they are going to do with the rest of their life at 18. You will probably change majors a few times (I think the average is around five now-whew!)One thing that helped me is taking a "COPS" test which highlights your likes, dislikes and where you are strongest. Guidance school counselors should be able to assist you with that...Freshman year of college will provide you with basic and generic classes. Dont be worried if you have to claim a major in the beginning even if you are unsure. Nothing is etched in stone. I knew someone one semester away from graduating in engineering and decided he was unhappy with it and changed his major. With your Freshman classes something will peek your interest. Have fun and keep an open mind!
524054
Sorry about your job loss. But congratulations on your decision to go back to school! \n\nI got laid off last year due to the global economy and as a result was qualified for Federal retraining dollars. So, check with your state employment/unemployment department to see if you might qualify for worker retraining funds. That's a starting point.\n\nNext, check with your local community college since they usually get the state and federal funds for worker retraining. They may have other funds... and don't discount the community college programs, they could get you into the career of your dreams that don't require a 4 year degree (a friend of mine who also got laid off is getting retrained as a video technician and is loving it after 30 years in high tech as an engineer). \n\nFinally, be careful about these online "universities" many are unscrupulous and are in business to get financial aid from the government by enrolling bodies. Make sure the school is fully accredited by the same body that certifies your major state universities.  I teach for the leader in this field (they are based in AZ) and feel they do a really good job supporting the students they admit and provide good counseling and career advice, especially for older students.  But also check your local state university since they may have scholrship $$ for "non-traditional (18-20 year olds) students. I dontae $$ each year to such at fund at the school I got my MBA from. \n\nbest wishes for every success in your new career!\n\n(PS I decided to become a high school teacher and am really enjoying it).
74729
Ed you are only 24, sorry to say that's not that's old people change their careers all the time some after more than 24 years in that said career. If you don't feel like starting over in a new career, then are you really ready for a new career?\n\nI always suggest finding a career counselor, in your area, and they can help you search out were your interest may lie. Often times there are many more opporunities than you ever imagine. Good luck!!
609837
I once was going to go into Electronic Engineering. I was told that it is a market where woman are needed most. Good luck to you....and who cares about whether it be suitable or not, does it make you good money??? Is it a job you love???
578086
Sorry but I have to agree with your folks. I worked in a technical recruiting firm for 6 years. Every employer wants a 4 year degree. You could go to the tech school but will have less of a chance at getting the better paying jobs, and more difficulty getting hired. Better to get the degree now than find out you need it after the tech school. Best of luck
400762
I would consult with someone locally in your field concerning this issue. Your question is broad and you need to narrow down what you are trying to find (e.g. desired location, interested course work, etc.)  Plus, this person may know of someone in particularly that is looking for a person that meets your qualifications.\n\nIf you are planning on studying in the US, make sure you apply to ABET credited Engineering Universities. There are many colleges to choose from but if they are not an ABET certified Engineering program it will decrease the "value" of your post graduate degree.\n\nAlso, don't forget to consider your quality of life. Your studies do come first but you should never have to completely sacrifice your personal life to complete your post-graduate studies. If your interviewing professor thinks -- find a different one. You are wasting your time working for this type of person.\n\nGood luck with your studies.