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Ask HN: Am I too old to switch to an engineering degree?
Dear HN,
I've been following this site for over 5 years now, because I'm a curious person by heart and love to break and build stuff. I love this community for all the deep insights, discussions and inspirations. But I have chosen a different career path for various reasons which I now begin to regret. I have finished an undergraduate degree in business administration with a focus on information technology and management (most definitely more soft skill) and then have started a law degree (as well as philosophy).
I cannot take law anymore. I know that I don't really want to have a job in such a field. But I turn 25 in May. I am a quick study, still, finishing an engineering degree (either mechanical or electrical, I find them both equally exciting) with a masters will approximately take me 5 years. Then I am 30.
I am afraid that this is "too old" and future employees could disdain my path.
Please advise, I will gladly take any input and/or feedback.
Kind regards.
- goldenbeet 9y agoDefinitely not too old. We recently just hired an engineer who had a degree in Biology, got accepted into medical school, realized he loved tech way more, and then went back to school for engineering. If anything, this was a plus for us, because we knew that this was something he was passionate about. I also personally respect people who are willing to take the scarier path because they want to do something they love. Also worth noting that his engineering degree was only 2 years rather than four, since he already had GEs covered and all of that. So your 5 year estimation might be shorter than you think
- mrleiter 9y agoOK, thanks goldenbeet, very helpful answer! Will consider this but I believe I'll drop law school and go to an engineering school :)
- decacorn 9y agoNever too old to do what you really love. While I don't personally know anyone that has done this, and certainly there are who have, I have been in your situation and would honestly recommend going for it if you truly believe your heart is in it. otherwise down the line you may regret not going through with it, and that can honestly wear on you.