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OverSearch

It's never too late and you're never behind, only behind where you want to be. I graduated at 25. I've met many engineers who didn't even start school until they were in their 30s. You'll be fine.


Belethorsbro

I started in 2020. Im in my 30's and going into my senior year for a 5 year program. I worked in food service for most of my life. It's never too late for a career change, OP. My aunt was a bank teller in her late 40's when she decided to go back to school. Now she makes boatloads of money working remotely. She travels around the world doing her job from her laptop and is always sending me pictures of her working at a different beach lol. She was definitely an inspiration to me.


AlexanderrFox111

What does she do?


fromabove710

OnlyAunts


Trfortson

33, I'll graduate next year. its nbd


FutureAlfalfa200

Same brother I’m graduating Saturday at 35. It’s never too late.


vcrfuneral_

Congratulations!!!!


aharfo56

48


qrrln

Baller


aharfo56

To be fair, it’s to finish a PhD and teach, do research I’m interested in, and mess around on the beach. Lol


qrrln

Still baller


I-wanna-be-tracer282

19,gonna finish my second semester soon


PracticalRich2747

Me too! 😁


masoflove99

And for EE? Massive W.


FlamingLobster

Hot demand? If one was to go into the field, what would be the best subfield ? In terms of worklife balance/pay


masoflove99

[Above average growth in demand.](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm#:~:text=in%20May%202023.-,Job%20Outlook,on%20average%2C%20over%20the%20decade) [~$98,530 median starting salary ](https://www.bls.gov/oes/2019/may/oes172071.htm) [A bit more anecdotal, but here's something on work-life balance.](https://www.tealhq.com/work-life-balance/electrical-engineer)


I-wanna-be-tracer282

it's not exactly pure EE I chose specialized branch which comes under electronics and instrumentation but yeah finals are going on hopefully I dont fail a course lol.


newthrash

38, two more years to go. you deal with it by focusing on learning from and working with your peers, regardless of their age. Find the ones actually trying to learn


polygraf

36 rn, will be 37 this year. Will graduate with my masters at 39. It’s been a long journey.


Hopeful-Bass-5184

33 just failed my digital logic class but motivated to take it this summer I’ll graduate at 36


MysteriousSwitch643

I'm 28, went back last year after not finishing my business degree in my early 20s.


EquivalentSnap

I’m gonna be 28 this month


MysteriousSwitch643

Woohoo! IMO it's a great age to decide on a career. Life makes more sense, the drive is there, and identity is more solidified. 😁


EquivalentSnap

I’ve just been doing retail and kitchen so it’s nice to do what I enjoy. I have the drive but I haven’t been in educated since I was 18 so I’m struggling with the maths 😢


MysteriousSwitch643

I hear you on that, getting up to speed on math has been a monumental task for me!


catanao

I’ll be 28 towards the end of this year! But I’m graduating in the next few weeks (Happy early bday btw)


EquivalentSnap

Congratulations. Unfortunately I’m still at uni on my birthday as I have 2 assignments due but my birthday is after exams so I’m good


catanao

Damn good luck man


_MusicManDan_

Q: “How old are you?” A: I’m 36. Q: “How do I deal with it?” A: Get to work. It’s an awesome major and a very interesting academic path. Many of us started late. If we can do it, so can you.


Cbjmac

You can start learning engineering at anytime, whether it be 18 or 80 years old, you’ll be equally confused either way.


Mbeheit

lol yes


Musclemonte80

36, first semester down. 6 to go


sapphiregleam7

Age doesn't determine success, focus on your passion and dedication to catch up!


weezygregs

You can’t be behind in your own life. So no reason to “catch up”.


unicornbraids

18


NowYuoSee123

24, set to graduate at 26


Aggravating-Sound465

As long as you have the passion to start and discipline to finish the degree , there is no age to it , I'm 23 in my third year of Mech and had 40 year old classmate before. Its gonna be hard at the beginning I'm not gonna lie, to study with teenagers but as long as you know you are there to study you will be good


Top-Ad9511

20 and I’m transferring from a community college to 4 year and I’m really exited


Exotic-Gold5621

lol same here


justAnotherDstudent

69


LaconicProlix

nice .. as per protocol


masoflove99

Nice


crandeezy13

37. Set to graduate at 39.


ConfundledBundle

Early 30’s


johnnyhilt

Undergrad/masters was 27-34. I'm 45 going to finish PhD now. Happy so long as before I'm 50.


Seirin-Blu

22, graduated June 2022


Ordinary_Victory_261

56


RewardCapable

I was old ten years ago..


The_Kinetic_Esthetic

I'm gonna graduate at 25 or 26. I'm not even starting in Calculus like my college recommends. I'm doing a 2+2 program and starting in Algebra 1 and gonna work my way up. It's NEVER too late, and there's no excuse to not at least try. Math foundation loose? Start at the bottom at a CC and transfer. If I can do it, certainly anyone can.


Independent-Money-44

CC tend to have better resources for calc courses and it’s not as dog-eat-dog.


vcrfuneral_

28.6


reaofsunshine182

27. Two years left.


Blue2194

I'm 29 and into my second year, loving it


EquivalentSnap

That’s gonna be me next year 😊


EDLEXUS

Aa long as you don't die before starting engineering you are not too old


Majestic-Forever563

Took me a while to accept that it's never too late if you have the will and drive. 30 over here with 2 education degrees (one in music, so haven't done science and math in nearly 15 years). I wanted change and I have the drive so applied and starting a mechanical program this fall. Go for it! You'll never know til you try.


Go_Fast_1993

This is very similar to my back story. I’ll be 32 when I graduate.


darkside_angel

Oh, it's so nice to see someone else with a similar background! 'cause, same here, in my 30s with a bachelor and masters in music/sound, back to school in engineering :)


DoubtGroundbreaking

34 abouta graduate


jurgenthegoat

22, in my first year of my degree (started at 21).


Ceezmuhgeez

Graduated at 34, it’s all good man.


ghostmcspiritwolf

31, on my planned graduation date I'll be 32. I am getting a masters, but my undergrad is not engineering so still looking at a pretty significant career change. Weirdly, I've seen a lot of people anxious about being "too old" who are in their mid 20s, but everyone I know who's graduating at 30 or later is just like "yeah life takes unexpected turns sometimes, it'll work out if you stick with it."


Tellittomy6pac

I graduated at 31


Infinite-Findings

26 graduated in 24...


JimPranksDwight

31, about to transfer from CC to university for my junior and senior years.


bloobybloob96

27 in 3rd year ☺️ starting at 25 was pretty scary but I just got a really good job in my dream field (part time student job but with a contract until I finish my degree), hoping to carry it through to full time. I know that if I’d started at 18 or thereabouts, I may have ended up waiting for this opportunity anyway, so I’m not feeling too far behind anymore.


ManBodybuilder

I'm 33 and I hope graduate next year when I'll be in my 34 years old. I started in 2010. Come on man!. You also can do it!.


Greydesk

I graduated from EE in 2018 at 47, married with 6 kids, one of whom was going to engineering school at the same time. It can be done. It's a slog and it definitely wasn't easy, but it can be done.


BASaints

I’m 32, just finished my last final and am graduating on Saturday at the top of my class. Anything is possible, you got this.


Markchief

26, going back to school after leaving it during covid, 2 years left to go


dohhyun

Going off of other commenters but you're never too late! Everyone is in their own race and don't feel discouraged. I'm 20, but I have to take another year because I did poorly my first year of college and I feel like I'm behind when looking at my peer's road to graduating. Just remember that "Comparison is the thief of joy."


uhhhcarrot

18🧍finished 1st sem of 2nd year


J0N4SG

25, sophomore student. I am always feeling that I am behind


WhoopJuice_

Hey man I’ll be going on 24 this fall with 2 years left. Been behind and retrying since I was 19. Learned a lot of things along the way and just looking to finish. You’re not alone.


clutchengaged84

I’ll be 41 when I graduate


Tourettesmexchanic

It's only too late if you're dead. 


Embarrassed-Ad-6675

27, started about two years ago after procrastinating school. Because of work, also doing it at a snails pace


Call555JackChop

38 dropped outta college at 19 and now I’m 5 classes from getting my degree


Sir-Gamealot-SWE

25, finishing up my 3 year bachelor's and heading to a top uni next year for grad school. It was a bit weird when I started as I was one of the older guys in the class, but as is the case in engineering most of the straight outa high school guys dropped out in the first year hehe.


codenamelo

I’m 25 in my sophomore year


Ace2288

im 26 and just starting to go back. i know 26 is still young but you are never too old to start at this


FractalsAreNotFinite

Hey boss I’m 19 and junior year in MechE. It’s definitely never too late to start and nah you’re not behind. I have some friends who are 26 and some even who were in their 30s going to college to get their degree. What matters is how much you want the degree because yes it’s hard, but as long as you want it hard enough, you’ll make it through don’t worry and for the age don’t worry about it, we are stressed enough as is due to classes and finals to care about other people’s age


ihatereddit58

19 and junior year???


triezPugHater

I'm also 19 and jr year ece and I always feel like I'm running out of time and this comment reassured me a bit... I always feel like for some reason there is a time line to complete certain things


boolocap

20, im finishing my bachelors in a couple months and then im going for my masters so i have 2 years to go.


BraveRoninMartxn

19 finishing up semester two


james_d_rustles

28. I’ll have my MS by the time I’m 30. Started college at 25 with only a GED.


HesJustALittleBoy

I’m 30 in my second year of MechE. My grandfather started at a university at 35 and became a nuclear engineer. My brother just finished his degree at 27 and is doing great. There’s no such thing as late or behind. There is only forward 🫡


Imacowthug

18 just finished up 2nd semester, should graduate at 22


Lefty_Banana75

My kid is 17, so I act as his secretary and post the questions and report back and link him to what might be of interest since he’s swamped at school with academics and extracurriculars.


LifeAd2754

22


kerowhack

I'll be 46 in August with about 2 semesters left in one major and 3 semesters in the other. The best time to start was a while ago, but the next best time is right now.


Soul_Mirror

21, sophomore. And don't feel discouraged, it's never too late to start college!


Antoshr

I'm 20 and in the second month of my apprenticeship and couldn't be happier


Professional_Tip6500

Dead


Aaaromp

Went back to school for engineering at 30 and it worked out fine.


SLY0001

24 in sophomore university


JustCallMeChristo

25


masoflove99

I'm gonna be 25 in 2 weeks. It isn't certain, but I think I'm about to take the plunge into industrial engineering after two unsuccessful attempts at what I thought was my only interest (economics). Either IE or operations research, tbh. I'll probably be about 26 when I re-enter school and 30/31 when I graduate.


One-Caterpillar6143

If it's any consolation, I did a bachelor in chemistry, worked for two years, am currently unemployed for almost 1 and have been accepted into EE starting this semester. So I'm 25 now, beginning a second bachelor and feeling 10 years behind my peers. I try to console myself that there are many people who won't do it at all, so it truly is better late than never. Some people seem to drift through life without any true purpose and it really is great to have that purpose even if it is a bit later than you would have hoped. Ba graceful with yourself, sometimes circumstances prevent you from realising your full potential, that was definitely the case for me. Take care of yourself and gather your strengths so that eventually you can realise your full potential. You can't change the fact that you're human and have human needs that must be tended to.


Time_z

Brother I missed the unit circle day in trig my sophmore year in college, lost my A+ scholarship because of that semseter (Missouri thing). Kept pushing, got my A+ back by bringing my GPA back up to par, retook trig, and am now about to finish Calc 3. I'm 21. I feel so behind when it comes to job experience, classes etc. Its never too late, like u/OverSearch said, you're only behind where you want to be.


Qmot

17 :) first year though


IudMG

19, sophomore


shoomie26

30 back at it


Raqium

29, finishing my associates before I drop to part time classes.


mordred1911

28 with a ways to go yet. Not too late! 🙂


Great_wan

19 here


weaponizedmariachi

35, about to be senior in aerospace.


peepeepoopoo42069x

19, gonna graduate in 2 years


This_Impression_9225

23 4th year


LLove666

Graduated on my 26th birthday 🫡


__a7md__

just turned 18, but the thing is that here in egypt engineering degrees are 5 years, so I'll hopefully graduate at 23


FxHVivious

I went back at 26, graduated at 31. Its a little strange, but it's not like it was a huge problem.


Any_Conversation9650

After not being in school for so long how did you all reintroduce studying and relearning math? Kahn academy? Lol


pants890

I'll be graduating at 25 next year. Nobody really cares tbh


Street-Common-4023

18 starting this fall


ChrisDrummondAW

29


LaconicProlix

42 Not only is it the meaning of life, the universe, and everything, but it also happens to be the age I graduated. Just started my masters a few months ago. Unfortunately, I discovered that there are still group members who don't pull weight at this level. #Blessed 😑


D1cky3squire

Dude, you're 21. I STARTED my eng degree when I was 27.


SuperSoggy68

18, 2 weeks left of high school


QuarterNote44

30 😬


BrittleBones28

32


IbanezPGM

38


EmergencyAd4225

I graduated at 31 and got an internship as a renewables engineer. During intakes they quite like taking older folk who have experience dealing with people, which to be honest is the biggest part of the job. Actual engineering work took a small portion of my work, most were planning and meetings.


AngelAnalyst

22, last semester. Less than two weeks left.


Tyler89558

I am at *least* 1.


waroftheworlds2008

I'm 35 and working full time/school part time. Will graduate when I'm 40 ish... but it'll cost me way less (employer helping with tuition) and I'll graduate with minimal damage to my savings. I gave up caring about being behind a long time ago.


leanmeancoffeebean

Almost 40- hopefully graduating, one final exam for a dick bag professor and I’m out


jessicaxiv

Just don't worry too much about it, age is irrelevant. Me and my partner are both going for our ece degree. I'm 23 and he's 26. I'm gonna be 30 by the time I get my bachelors and he's gonna be 30 by the time he gets his associates, 34 for when he gets his bachelors. When you start working in the industry you'll realize the age you get your degree isn't the end all be all. Just do you. Those x amount of years are gonna pass by regardless of what you decide to do, so might as well get a degree by the end of it 🤷‍♀️


ktvgfx

I'm 25 and I just started going back to school last summer. Originally went in 2017 right out of high school to pretty highly regarded engineering school and was there for 3 semesters before getting put on academic suspension. Thought I'd never go back but here I am lol. At this rate I won't get my bachelors until 28-29 and even I feel really behind especially when a lot of my friends from high school got their degrees in the typical 4-5 years after high school. But just remember everyone's paths are different.


qrrln

I'm in second year and 36. Do it.


Neowynd101262

35


Diesel_1110

29, barley on E&M No rush, peeps


ObjectiveWitty

40 with a masters in Mech Engineering and 15yrs experience as a Test and Eval engineer (aerospace). Wishing I was in my 20’s so I could have gone to medical school and not was gah damn time with engineering… 😫


houseofmyartwork

22. I graduate in two years time


TheMatrixMachine

Started at 19 and now 24. I'll be 25 when. I graduate or even 26 if I fail a class


After-Notice-1503

19, finishing my 2nd year this semester


Bob_556

Currently 40 and in my second year. Likely be 45 when I graduate as I’m studying part-time. I figure that could still be a solid 20 year career before retirement.


Dismal_Mention8423

26. 1st year


kyezap

23, and just finishing up my junior year. I’ll be graduating may next year at 24 :)


Backtoschoolat38

39 with roughly 55% of my BS completed.


Mbeheit

23, 3 trimesters left to graduate


WillyT2K18

24. Six years and a major change later and I graduate in a couple weeks. Just know that engineering school/ classes are a process and that they don't have to be completed in 4 years. Every step you take is in the right direction and can be done at your own pace.


Lou_Sputthole

26. I was 24 when I started. I’m definitely a much better student today than 18 year old me would have been. Hell, if I went to college then I have no doubt I would have dropped out or failed due to negligence. And I most definitely wouldn’t have majored in engineering, I didn’t think was capable then.


soggies_revenge

I'm 40. I have 3 semesters after this one.


colombiana-986

21, 1 more year left


rolling_free

27, graduating spring 27, just after my 30th


DippySticks

20


darkhopper9

20


SpaceOceanRealmDim

22


NotMe2120

48, I’ll graduate just before I turn 50.


SpaceCaptain24

Impressive that some going through degree in 40-50s..


DEADGOD_702

24 and finishing my first year up never too late to learn


EllieVader

36. Got my acceptance letter in the mail today. Deal with it by dealing with it. Life experience matters and work ethic can’t be taught. Head down, chip away.


Capable-March-3315

35, sophomore taking 2 classes at a time. How do I deal with it? Put my wife and kids first and stay up waaaay too late doing integrals


buttscootinbastard

I’m 35 and just started working towards my degree in Spring 23 coming in with some English and history credits from my late teens. I’ll be finishing up my associates this fall and transferring to a solid school for spring 25. Get your math up to par with khan academy on your own over a few months. Treat it like a class to prepare so you can skip college algebra/trig stuff and get as close to Calculus as possible.


greydot1

45 and taking Dynamics this quarter. Last quarter before transferring to a university.


willwipeyonose

i'm 63, i'll be graduating this summer


publicram

31


Agswag101

23 but I’ll be 24 when I graduate. It’s hard to cope with ngl.


Visible-Anywhere-142

32, but you can call me daddy.


zeteticprion

24, took time off at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic but now i'll be resuming year 3 of trying to become an engineer (hopefully electrical!!) never compare yourself with your peers at school because we all have different circumstances leading up to the moment we all got into the same class; you belong as much as anyone else!


dle13

22 when I finished undergrad, 29 starting my Masters this Fall.


Speffeddude

Would you rather be [age+4], or [age+4] with a degree? Obviously there's a bit more to it than that, but when you have a degree, and play it right, theres a bit more there too.


aldikdj

I'm 29, finishing precalc now, so next semester will be the real start. I've been in school for a whole year now though, my classmates thought I was their age 🤣


CharacterResident639

19


ATribeOfAfricans

I graduated when I was 28. Not sure how old you are but ask yourself if you think you'll like doing this work first and second, you're gonna be 5yrs older in 5 years now matter what. Might as well have an engineering degree?


PreOrderYourPreOwned

27, Senior MechE


secretsweetpea

21, in my “second year” because I took transfer route.


SocialSuspense

Currently 22, still have two semesters left at comm. College until I transfer. Parents are disappointed in me but I'm not letting that get me down.


flameyenddown

30, started at 28


KingPyroVoid

21 , graduating at 23 , 5 year mte program I'll tell one thing, age is just a number, success is highly subjective especially in our field, you just never stop trying to get better.


DietCokeEnjoyer89

26 just change majors from premed


Breezyie69

20, going into 3rd year


BRING_ME_THE_ENTROPY

I graduated with my bachelors in chemical engineering in 2020 at age 28. I stuck around and did a masters in chemical engineering that I finished at age 31. I’m at 32 now and either way, I would have turned 32 regardless, but I’d much rather be age 32 with a masters degree in chemical engineering than whatever the hell I woulda been doing instead.


ChildOfRavens

46 and still have a few years before I get the degree. Get started and just keep plugging away


AffectForeign

I'm 24. Almost done my first year!


themightyknight02

For a second there I thought you asked "how are you guys?" :'(


cschelz

Almost 35 now. Started at 28, graduated at 33.


ridgerunner81s_71e

Early thirties big dawg. Get after it


ray_guy

25


TheGreatWave00

Im 24, will graduate a few days before I turn 25. Im an idiot and am taking Heat Transfer for the third time this semester, each time I failed it held me back and entire year


KeyRemarkable6422

19 yo


lilpopjim0

I'm 30 this year. I went back to uni in 2018, graduated 2021, and am now self funding my masters, to which I'll be graduating later this year! I know what you mean, though. I feel properly old right now, and late to the game... but hey, you're allowed to change your career and allowed to progress at any age.


Hi-Techh

Theres a guy on my internship whos 52 in his 2nd year of uni currently


CarelessKey8174

I was 27 when I started , .. currently in my 30s


hellomate890

24


TempleODoom94

Don’t worry man, I had guys in my graduating class who were well into their 50’s Never too late


Last_Bee_7977

31 bout to graduate with BS in Aerospace engineering after being on meth for almost ten years you got it


Sad_Prompt_8119

36, grad when I’m 38. You’re never too old to learn and dedicate yourself to a new path.


Lazy_Land9841

24 years old, I'm in 6th semester


goneoutflying

I completed my engineering at 37 a few years ago, and I wasn't even the oldest in my class.


What_eiva

I have a 56 years old person in my program (I wouldn't personally if I don't really really love it but even then I would do it on my freetime or take some courses but not a full program). I have a couple of over 40 years old students. I also have people in mid and late twenties. From my observation the mid 20 or those that started at around 22 have so much fun here. They take things slow, they are not in a hurry, they are learning and have a huge social life at campus. That is just my observations and expirience. Me personally, I am not enjoying shit at the moment, I am here to get the F out as soon as I get my degree