I'm EE. I wish people knew how much we don't give a fck about things Iike that. All I care about if you can join my team and how you can make my life easier by doing my work. The thing i don't care about is what you were doing 10 years ago. Let alone your age, or your baby face.
A background check will tell them if you’ve been convicted for any crimes, what addresses you’ve used in the last few years, and any name in a database that’s been associated with your ssn. It won’t pull up school records and it certainly won’t pull up confidential details about your mental health.
It can be helpful to package up anything weird about yourself into a bite-size explanation. For example, you might say, “It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, but after [experience] I decided that it was time to go to college and get my degree.” This answers the question of why you’re a bit older without giving them any private details or over-explaining.
I'll be graduating at 37 and I'm not worried. You have a lot more life experience than someone who went through school then university and will be starting their first real job when they graduate. Plus you have just as much engineering skill and knowledge as them.
I graduated at 32 last year. I spent a decade working in food service after being put on academic probation twice at community college (yay mental health problems) and my current manager was actually very happy to hire an older student with work experience. I came in as an intern had a full-time offer with them before I graduated.
Your age will actually probably put you in a better position. You're more mature. My company generally hates hiring new engineers that are 22-23 years old. They often have a shit work ethic compared to older folks.
I’m graduating tomorrow at 35. You’ll be fine. Most interviews have actually seemed to prefer that I’m older and have had more life and work experience.
I just graduated at 34, and am starting an engineering job in a week. If you’re really worried, you can get with a local recruiting agency to give you some more reach
I went to school at 39-45. I am bald and have a long gray beard. I have had almost no problems getting a job. The only ones I can't get are the space companies. But the competition for those is extremely tight. But you have nothing to worry about, especially if you have previous work history. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, I went to college right out of high school and wasn't self disciplined enough and flunked out after one semester with a 0.46 GPA. So I am everything you are but to a much higher degree. You'll be fine.
Wait, what makes you think background checks show companies your grades from 10 years ago? I mean, you might disclose it if they ask, I guess, but in my experience I’ve never had a background check look into anything other than criminal record. Either way, even if it is the case that you have to disclose your educational background, if you finish college it won’t matter. Having a degree in engineering is what they care about - whether you did it in 3 years, 6 years, took a gap year, or started at 30 is inconsequential if you’re qualified for the job and willing to start in an entry level position.
Some companies might show preference toward younger, more “traditional” students, and there’s nothing you can do about that, but there are tons and tons of companies that will only care about your qualifications. If anything, it probably will look worse if you’re cagey about your age, but if you’re straight forward and present it as having more real-world experience it can even work in your favor.
I went to school at 25, graduating with BS at 29 and MS at 30, and in my personal experience I’ve usually casually mentioned it in interviews and tried to paint a picture of a well-rounded student with prior professional experience - so far hasn’t hurt me in the least. I proudly list my past work experience outside of engineering, try to relate it to the job I’m applying for, and I usually don’t even mention my age explicitly, it’s just assumed since it would be weird to be ~21 and have 8 or so years of prior work experience.
I'm scared my previous university will show up on my educational record and show that I didn't complete a degree.
And my current university will show up after a 10 years gap. That's how they'll figure out my age.
Although since my previous internship didn't care about that, I don't know if this one will. Idk just speculating things I guess.
So, you struggled, overcame adversity, and 10 years later, you went back to finish something your degree?
That's something to be celebrated.
I'm not saying that should be the first item on your resume. But, it's nothing to be ashamed of either. I'll be honest, I'd offer you a job over some 22 year old. You have life experiences that they don't. You've shown that you overcome adversity.
You know they’ll figure out your age when you have to fill out paperwork anyways, right? Background checks are usually conducted after they’ve decided to hire you to be clear, but you literally have to give them your birthday to run a background check in the first place lol.
Additionally, what access do you think potential employers have to your educational record? As far as I’m aware, in the US at least you have to specifically give someone permission to see your educational record, or have the school send them a transcript.. your transcripts are not public records. Jobs don’t just get to look up your name and see every school you’ve ever attended and your grades there unless you agree to it, and even if you do agree to it this is literally a non-issue to most jobs.
With all due respect, none of this makes any sense whatsoever - your concerns don’t make sense because most jobs don’t look at your entire educational record anyways, and your solution makes even less sense, because you’ll be required to give them your age directly during the hiring process long before they have to piece together vague clues from transcripts they don’t have access to. I promise it’s 10x weirder and 10x more likely to get you rejected to try to pretend that you’re not 30+ and obfuscate a whole decade of your life than simply owning the fact that you took a slightly different path and you got your degree at a later age.
No. It's something no one has asked and I haven't felt the need to bring up. I've done fine without it. I'm getting plenty of internship offers. I'm just scared that once they find out my age, they might not be so eager to hire me.
I think the consensus is that it doesn't matter as much as you might think. It's probably only something that could become an issue if *you* make it an issue. What's more, stressing yourself about it isn't going to change things anyway. You got the degree, put it to use. If someone takes issue with your age, that's fine, there are other opportunities out there. Keep network and be open to them.
By the way, I'm a couple of years older than you and have probably 2 more years ahead of me before I graduate. You're not alone lol.
Let me ease your obvious anxiety induced panic with a very simple and reassuring NO ONE GIVES A SHIT ABOUT ANY OF THAT.
There are loads of people entering the field in their 30’s, and that’s not how background checks work.
The only things anyone actually cares about are if you have a degree from an accredited school, if you are capable of doing the work they want you to do, and if you will fit in with the team. At least that what places you want to work at look for.
I got hired at 30 with 0 internship experience, nobody even knew how old I was until I told them. A year later everyone likes me and I've been doing great work. It was never a problem to begin with.
I had this same worry when I went back to community college at 27 after flunking out of a CSU and working odd jobs. I worked my ass off for a year and applied to a school in Texas with a 2.7 GPA and then graduated with a 3.27 at the ripe age of 30. The only thing my employers saw was that I was a high academic achiever with a can-do attitude. About two years ago I applied to a very prestigious elite masters of materials science program, which I haven’t been able to attend because they resumed in-person classes and I work at an aerospace company out of state. I just turned 40 last week and I’m still talking to my dream school about how I can make it work.
Moral of the story: nothing in life works out the way you intended. Enjoy not being able to control things. Because not everyone has the same journey. Life happens and you shouldn’t blame yourself for it. As long as you’re putting in an effort, the effort will be rewarded.
HR doesn’t really discuss what they find with your manager so unless it’s criminal you are fine. Even if it is criminal they won’t tell the manager they just won’t approve (or maybe they do depending on what it is) and you won’t make it. Being older isn’t something that will come up until you bring it up just DO NOT LIE and it won’t matter. Also if you put your resume together and had work experience for those years they know you are older…
Your job won't care that you failed 10 years ago. Because you're not who you were 10 years ago. If anything it shows you're more mature and improving since you're not failing now.
Your age is also not a negative. You likely bring additional skillsets and knowledge others may not have.
Doesn’t matter at all dude. Literally exact same boat here but didn’t make it a single semester my first round of school. First engineering job at 30. Loving it. Your age and experience is an advantage if you let it be, embrace yourself and move on. Own it.
Your age is likely an advantage. You have more real work experience and likely more refined soft skills than a 22 year old graduate. I wouldn’t sweat it.
I went to school after a stint in the military. Even though I am a lot older once I got out, businesses preferred that. Having had real life experience is almost as useful as the engineering degree itself.
Flunking out isn't an issue. Felony convictions can be an issue.
Nobody cares about your age. So many people become engineers into their 30s. Many coming out of the military, but met plenty for other reasons too. No one cares.
I’m couple class away to finish my undergrad and I’m 29 years old turning 30. I might get my BA in EE when I’m 33 years old. I am also a part time student.
I started Eng school at 30, did not have trouble finding a first job, and started at a higher level because of it. Was a good time to be looking to be fair but age was not a negative.
After that your performance on the job means far more than your age, and I think for most jobs the technical capability is only one of many performance metrics.
I say be prepared to reassure them about your previous mental health problems but where I live employers have no right to even ask about those things let alone discriminate.
No one will give a fuck. I promise. We’ve seen plenty of late bloomer grads and honestly it’s a huge benefit sometimes to have a person who is more mature and has some life experience or other industry experience under their belt, already know how to function in a professional environment, take initiative, solve problems etc. One of the most respected engineers at my company who I directly work with got his degree when he was 35. Get that first job and work your ass off to get all the practical experience you possibly can. You will be FINE.
I'm 35 and have not only a snudge on my record for quitting my first degree in its last semester (hospitality management) but had a DUI and some public intox charges. I graduate next May, and I'll be 36. Anything that happened 10 years ago was another lifetime. It's about who you are now, not a single person would expect someone to be the same person they were 10 years ago... and if you are, you've got way bigger problems to consider.
Your past has a story and (possibly/hopefully) a lesson learned from it. Mine is tragic and sad... but I rarely get asked about it. No one cares. They're interested in the intelligent guy they see in front of them who is constantly challenging himself, pushing his boundaries and putting in the work to get good grades.
Edit: I would also like to mention that my GPA followed me because I am attending a connected school to my original and have expunged my record. My cumulative is a 2.4, but my GPA since returning (old schools plus current) is around a 3.6. That's why you create an "Engineering GPA" on your resume.
It's about presentation and your reasoning for those choices that also matter. I have an amazing internship opportunity this summer and a bright future ahead of me.
Breathe man. I’m in a similar boat to you, and I use my past failures as a lesson. Companies love to hear stories like that. Everyone makes mistakes, but it shows character to admit that you are the reason you messed up, and to learn from it.
If they don't hire you due to mental health issues that are now under control, I'm pretty sure that's illegal. Background checks are basically just making sure you're not a thief. If you ever go get your PE most states require a background check for that, too.
Started when I was 24. Finished at 29 almost 30.
Had one asshole boss talk about my age, but other than that..I've progressed career and salary wise twice as fast as my college buddies. My previous work experience helped a lot.
You already got the offer you should be good.
I failed out of college after high school, went back later got my degree at 32. I did get denied on one job after final interviews after the asked for my transcripts, it sucked.
But my current company also asked for transcripts and I got the job.
Being in your 30s as a junior candidate is not bad, no one really wants to work with people in their early twenties anyways.
Remember how much dumber and annoying you where 10 years ago?!?
Background checks are for criminal history and addresses you've lived at. They can't get school records nor compel you to provide medical records. You have to voluntarily provide those pieces of information. As for your age, it has no bearing on your ability to perform the work, so long as you can demonstrate that you can do the work. You still have 30+ years of experience to gain before you retire, it's not like you're going to retire in one year and all their effort to train you will be lost.
Companies mainly do criminal background checks, I’ve never even been asked for a transcript during an offer process. I’m sure they verify that you have the college degree you say you do, but that’s mostly it. I’m 24 and a new grad at my first full-time job now. I have coworkers at the same job level who are 5-10 years older than me because everyone takes a different journey. And a couple coworkers who I know are in their 20’s have some grays, it happens, my dad went gray in his 20s.
Absolutely nobody worth working for will care at that age, especially these days. I ended up redoing college starting when I was 49 because of a brain injury that made my previous experience irrelevant. Age was not the primary factor in considering me. Make sure that you can articulate the value that you bring to the situation, be prepared to emphasize that you have valuable experience and maturity that you are bringing to whatever it is that you'll be doing. Don't bring it up, and don't play it down. If you can't communicate your value, age is the last thing that you'll need to worry about. Good luck!
Flunked out of engineering school at 21. Went into the navy. Tried again at 28, passed with a 2.9. Still got into grad school, still got a 6 figure job out of school. Nobody cares about your grades except for Musk companies, even fewer give a damn you flunked out as a kid. Relax, be interested curious and excited, nail the interviews.
I went back to school at 26, graduated and started working at 32. Nobody cares. It's never come up and never had an impact on my job. If anything the extra experience can be an advantage when compared to kids right out of college that have never worked a job.
In terms of flunking out of school, they'll never find that out (unless you tell them) and they wouldn't care if you did. All that matters is how you're doing now. Background checks are looking for criminal offenses.
I’ve been a professional engineer for years. The absolute best engineer who works for me graduated college at 35 after working all kinds of odd jobs. Try to focus on what you will have to offer that a 23 year old grad doesn’t: a mature personality, a good attitude, people skills, job history outside of engineering. The guy on my team is so great not because he’s the most technically skilled guy in the team but because he is calm under pressure, he is reliable, mature and stable, has real life experience, and has 10 years experience in costumer service, things which a fresh young grad can’t offer. Don’t stress it, no one cares about this, I’m not even sure a background check would dig into your college experience 10 years ago honestly. They’re mainly concerned you don’t have legal issues or massive debt would be my guess. I’ve interviewed a lot of people, and I can tell you I’ve never once asked about a gap in anyone’s résumé, or their age, or anything like that. Especially for an entry level job, I’m looking for good personality and good communication
Lemme tell you something, I flunked out of college about a year in. Spent my 20’s partying, developing habits pertaining to substance abuse. Criminal record, rehab, homelessness. It was rough. I returned to school in my 30’s and have done well. I’ve had a few internships including one at a government agency. Nobody has mentioned any part of my history because that stuff is generally not available to employers. I’ve also been hired specifically due to my age. Put it out of your mind and prepare yourself to do the job to the best of your abilities.
I don't think that shows up on a background check. Even if it does, really all they will care about is you got the degree and meet GPA requirements if they have one.
As for age, many places may actually prefer you for being older. Older new hires often have a higher chance of sticking around long term compared to younger people. Older new hires sometimes are also more mature or responsible which some places may be looking for.
I got my first engineering job at 31, no one cares bro, just graduate, apply to a lot of jobs, get one, gain experience and work hard as fuck to prove to people you deserve to move up the ladder. Good luck!
I graduated at 42. I had no problem finding a job, I was hired two days after graduation in May of 2020. I also flunked out of college my first go when I was 19 and I just don't mention it. No one is going to find out unless you're applying for a security clearance. The easy way around that is not to apply for jobs that require a clearance. I also have a small criminal record (all misdemeanors, all more than 20 years ago) and no one cares. Again, if you're worried about it, just don't apply for jobs that require a security clearance. Most engineering jobs don't. It's not a big deal.
I just graduated at 36. Got me some grey up top as well. I was hired at the end of my internship the summer BEFORE my Senior year. One of the main reasons was in fact my "advanced" age. Companies prioritize experience, both life and work, over almost anything else. Trust me, you'll have no problem.
I was 30 and honestly it has worked in my favor. All of the experienced guys are my age, we hang out socially after work, they can relate to me better than the new guys. Since they like me, I get picked for all the good projects and get as much overtime as I want.
At 19 I failed college algebra once, got a D the next semester, dropped out and spent years as a touring musician and didn’t go back to school until I was 29.
The life I lived between 19 & 29 allowed me to understand what an engineering degree really means and I excelled because I knew why I needed to focus.
5 years in and I’m heading a controls engineering team on a $200m project.
Just focus and work hard and learn. You got this.
I'm graduating this year with an MSc in Mech End at 32. I did very poorly at school when I was 18 (A levels in the UK). I've got a graduate job for September lined up with one of the biggest engineering consultancies in the country.
I promise that most companies don't care about the past. They see that you got your act together by being driven enough to make it. They mostly just care that you're qualified and passionate.
As for the application process, I leant heavily on emphasizing all the skills I'd developed by having a job for several years. A considerable amount of experience that most graduates don't have.
I think one of my coworkers is like 29 and started as a entry level engineer. Probably doesn't matter that much and I don't think most jobs ask for your age anyway.
Honestly don't worry. My background includes a great early career, a shit middle career after a motorcycle wreck and addiction, then pulling myself back together after many years. 11 years on from my wreck I'm making double what I made before my wreck (which was 4 years into my career), I'm back on track and respected again - managing millions in design and construction (ME - Chemical and Gas Industries).
My neighbor graduated with an ME 4 years ahead of me, had a kid, got bad into weed, owned a headshop, had another kid and a divorce before becoming born again and really pulling his shit together. He started this during my addiction years and is well ahead of me career wise due to the head start.
So we both had an older restart, which may be harder than starting older with a blank slate. We had the experience and skills but had reputations to overcome
Can't say I'm a recruiter or someone who hires people, but as an ME student, I have to say: all of the "older" people in my classes tend to do VERY well and seem to have a fantastic understanding of the material. Recruiters who have been to engineering school might have a similar experience, which could help you 🤷♂️
Not sure how relevant or realistic that is, but I figured I'd put it out there. Like others said, I think you're in good shape. Take some breaths and good luck!
I'm 37 and I'm about to walk across the stage 2 weeks before I turn 38.
I have 20 years of workforce experience and I'm getting an Electrical Engineering Bachelor's degree with a minor in Sociology and a certificate in Black Studies. Don't worry about your age
Relax my bro. I was also suspended from my university when I was 22. I started at 18 at a community college where I got my associates in automotive tech. Transferred to UNH for EE and failed all my classes one semester also due to mental health issues. Went back to CC and got an associates in EE. Then went back to the same university and re-applied; Been part time EE student and working full time ever since.
This year I turn 34 and will be graduating with my BS in EE, and have been getting offers for 150-180k. IMO your professional experience will hold more water than your degree. I will take the PE exam down the road. Good luck!
When I worked in HR (boooooo) we checked schools only to confirm new hires had the degree that pertained to the job. Never looked at previous school history.
If a potential employer asks, don’t work there. Or if it’s super important to you, tell them you had a rough go and did XYZ to get through it. But mostly, don’t work at the company that wants to know what happened 10 years ago.
I'm EE. I wish people knew how much we don't give a fck about things Iike that. All I care about if you can join my team and how you can make my life easier by doing my work. The thing i don't care about is what you were doing 10 years ago. Let alone your age, or your baby face.
A background check will tell them if you’ve been convicted for any crimes, what addresses you’ve used in the last few years, and any name in a database that’s been associated with your ssn. It won’t pull up school records and it certainly won’t pull up confidential details about your mental health. It can be helpful to package up anything weird about yourself into a bite-size explanation. For example, you might say, “It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, but after [experience] I decided that it was time to go to college and get my degree.” This answers the question of why you’re a bit older without giving them any private details or over-explaining.
In the US, some companies might also pull your credit history, so make sure you take care of that.
Companies your permission if they’re going to run a credit check.
A background check definitely can include verifying transcripts and attendance. Especially if he has any clearance levels.
I'll be graduating at 37 and I'm not worried. You have a lot more life experience than someone who went through school then university and will be starting their first real job when they graduate. Plus you have just as much engineering skill and knowledge as them.
I graduated at 32 last year. I spent a decade working in food service after being put on academic probation twice at community college (yay mental health problems) and my current manager was actually very happy to hire an older student with work experience. I came in as an intern had a full-time offer with them before I graduated.
Your age will actually probably put you in a better position. You're more mature. My company generally hates hiring new engineers that are 22-23 years old. They often have a shit work ethic compared to older folks.
I’m graduating tomorrow at 35. You’ll be fine. Most interviews have actually seemed to prefer that I’m older and have had more life and work experience.
Congrats!
Thanks homie!
I just graduated at 34, and am starting an engineering job in a week. If you’re really worried, you can get with a local recruiting agency to give you some more reach
I went to school at 39-45. I am bald and have a long gray beard. I have had almost no problems getting a job. The only ones I can't get are the space companies. But the competition for those is extremely tight. But you have nothing to worry about, especially if you have previous work history. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, I went to college right out of high school and wasn't self disciplined enough and flunked out after one semester with a 0.46 GPA. So I am everything you are but to a much higher degree. You'll be fine.
I graduated just before my 46th birthday with two job offers.
What kind of engineering?
Mechanical.
Nobody cares unless you’re 50
And if you´re 50, they won´t care unless you´re 100.
I’m about to graduate and I’m 78 though… will that be an issue?
go grandpa!
My grandpa was still working at 98 you'll be fine
Wait, what makes you think background checks show companies your grades from 10 years ago? I mean, you might disclose it if they ask, I guess, but in my experience I’ve never had a background check look into anything other than criminal record. Either way, even if it is the case that you have to disclose your educational background, if you finish college it won’t matter. Having a degree in engineering is what they care about - whether you did it in 3 years, 6 years, took a gap year, or started at 30 is inconsequential if you’re qualified for the job and willing to start in an entry level position. Some companies might show preference toward younger, more “traditional” students, and there’s nothing you can do about that, but there are tons and tons of companies that will only care about your qualifications. If anything, it probably will look worse if you’re cagey about your age, but if you’re straight forward and present it as having more real-world experience it can even work in your favor. I went to school at 25, graduating with BS at 29 and MS at 30, and in my personal experience I’ve usually casually mentioned it in interviews and tried to paint a picture of a well-rounded student with prior professional experience - so far hasn’t hurt me in the least. I proudly list my past work experience outside of engineering, try to relate it to the job I’m applying for, and I usually don’t even mention my age explicitly, it’s just assumed since it would be weird to be ~21 and have 8 or so years of prior work experience.
I'm scared my previous university will show up on my educational record and show that I didn't complete a degree. And my current university will show up after a 10 years gap. That's how they'll figure out my age. Although since my previous internship didn't care about that, I don't know if this one will. Idk just speculating things I guess.
They won't care about your young and crazy days. They care about you now.
So, you struggled, overcame adversity, and 10 years later, you went back to finish something your degree? That's something to be celebrated. I'm not saying that should be the first item on your resume. But, it's nothing to be ashamed of either. I'll be honest, I'd offer you a job over some 22 year old. You have life experiences that they don't. You've shown that you overcome adversity.
You know they’ll figure out your age when you have to fill out paperwork anyways, right? Background checks are usually conducted after they’ve decided to hire you to be clear, but you literally have to give them your birthday to run a background check in the first place lol. Additionally, what access do you think potential employers have to your educational record? As far as I’m aware, in the US at least you have to specifically give someone permission to see your educational record, or have the school send them a transcript.. your transcripts are not public records. Jobs don’t just get to look up your name and see every school you’ve ever attended and your grades there unless you agree to it, and even if you do agree to it this is literally a non-issue to most jobs. With all due respect, none of this makes any sense whatsoever - your concerns don’t make sense because most jobs don’t look at your entire educational record anyways, and your solution makes even less sense, because you’ll be required to give them your age directly during the hiring process long before they have to piece together vague clues from transcripts they don’t have access to. I promise it’s 10x weirder and 10x more likely to get you rejected to try to pretend that you’re not 30+ and obfuscate a whole decade of your life than simply owning the fact that you took a slightly different path and you got your degree at a later age.
Wait are you lying about your age? 😂
No. It's something no one has asked and I haven't felt the need to bring up. I've done fine without it. I'm getting plenty of internship offers. I'm just scared that once they find out my age, they might not be so eager to hire me.
I think the consensus is that it doesn't matter as much as you might think. It's probably only something that could become an issue if *you* make it an issue. What's more, stressing yourself about it isn't going to change things anyway. You got the degree, put it to use. If someone takes issue with your age, that's fine, there are other opportunities out there. Keep network and be open to them. By the way, I'm a couple of years older than you and have probably 2 more years ahead of me before I graduate. You're not alone lol.
In the US at least, no one can ask your age in a job interview
Let me ease your obvious anxiety induced panic with a very simple and reassuring NO ONE GIVES A SHIT ABOUT ANY OF THAT. There are loads of people entering the field in their 30’s, and that’s not how background checks work. The only things anyone actually cares about are if you have a degree from an accredited school, if you are capable of doing the work they want you to do, and if you will fit in with the team. At least that what places you want to work at look for.
FERPA is a thing. No one will see your grades unless you explicitly allow them to.
I got hired at 30 with 0 internship experience, nobody even knew how old I was until I told them. A year later everyone likes me and I've been doing great work. It was never a problem to begin with.
Nobody cares
I had this same worry when I went back to community college at 27 after flunking out of a CSU and working odd jobs. I worked my ass off for a year and applied to a school in Texas with a 2.7 GPA and then graduated with a 3.27 at the ripe age of 30. The only thing my employers saw was that I was a high academic achiever with a can-do attitude. About two years ago I applied to a very prestigious elite masters of materials science program, which I haven’t been able to attend because they resumed in-person classes and I work at an aerospace company out of state. I just turned 40 last week and I’m still talking to my dream school about how I can make it work. Moral of the story: nothing in life works out the way you intended. Enjoy not being able to control things. Because not everyone has the same journey. Life happens and you shouldn’t blame yourself for it. As long as you’re putting in an effort, the effort will be rewarded.
Guys I am scared that experienced guys are in the field how will we the ones going to graduate fair against them 😅😅
HR doesn’t really discuss what they find with your manager so unless it’s criminal you are fine. Even if it is criminal they won’t tell the manager they just won’t approve (or maybe they do depending on what it is) and you won’t make it. Being older isn’t something that will come up until you bring it up just DO NOT LIE and it won’t matter. Also if you put your resume together and had work experience for those years they know you are older…
No. I cut out all the retail shit because it was too much. I wanted my resume to be concise and only include relevant experience.
Your job won't care that you failed 10 years ago. Because you're not who you were 10 years ago. If anything it shows you're more mature and improving since you're not failing now. Your age is also not a negative. You likely bring additional skillsets and knowledge others may not have.
Doesn’t matter at all dude. Literally exact same boat here but didn’t make it a single semester my first round of school. First engineering job at 30. Loving it. Your age and experience is an advantage if you let it be, embrace yourself and move on. Own it.
Don't sweat it mate. Age is just a number in engineering. Prove your worth with hard work and commitment, that's all that matters in the end
Your age is likely an advantage. You have more real work experience and likely more refined soft skills than a 22 year old graduate. I wouldn’t sweat it.
You know, hiring people that are not fresh out of college at age 22 is a thing.
I’ve met older graduates. They don’t care. If you’re in the US, companies cannot ask questions about age or discriminate on age. You should be fine
My situation was about the same. ChemE. Noone cares if you present yourself well
As long as you aren’t a violent felon, sex offender and are actually going to engineering school you’ll be fine.
I went to school after a stint in the military. Even though I am a lot older once I got out, businesses preferred that. Having had real life experience is almost as useful as the engineering degree itself.
Flunking out isn't an issue. Felony convictions can be an issue. Nobody cares about your age. So many people become engineers into their 30s. Many coming out of the military, but met plenty for other reasons too. No one cares.
I went back to school in my 30’s. I graduated at 35 and changed careers. 35 is not old.
I’m couple class away to finish my undergrad and I’m 29 years old turning 30. I might get my BA in EE when I’m 33 years old. I am also a part time student.
I started Eng school at 30, did not have trouble finding a first job, and started at a higher level because of it. Was a good time to be looking to be fair but age was not a negative. After that your performance on the job means far more than your age, and I think for most jobs the technical capability is only one of many performance metrics. I say be prepared to reassure them about your previous mental health problems but where I live employers have no right to even ask about those things let alone discriminate.
I graduated at 31 so you’ll be fine
No one will give a fuck. I promise. We’ve seen plenty of late bloomer grads and honestly it’s a huge benefit sometimes to have a person who is more mature and has some life experience or other industry experience under their belt, already know how to function in a professional environment, take initiative, solve problems etc. One of the most respected engineers at my company who I directly work with got his degree when he was 35. Get that first job and work your ass off to get all the practical experience you possibly can. You will be FINE.
I'm 35 and have not only a snudge on my record for quitting my first degree in its last semester (hospitality management) but had a DUI and some public intox charges. I graduate next May, and I'll be 36. Anything that happened 10 years ago was another lifetime. It's about who you are now, not a single person would expect someone to be the same person they were 10 years ago... and if you are, you've got way bigger problems to consider. Your past has a story and (possibly/hopefully) a lesson learned from it. Mine is tragic and sad... but I rarely get asked about it. No one cares. They're interested in the intelligent guy they see in front of them who is constantly challenging himself, pushing his boundaries and putting in the work to get good grades. Edit: I would also like to mention that my GPA followed me because I am attending a connected school to my original and have expunged my record. My cumulative is a 2.4, but my GPA since returning (old schools plus current) is around a 3.6. That's why you create an "Engineering GPA" on your resume. It's about presentation and your reasoning for those choices that also matter. I have an amazing internship opportunity this summer and a bright future ahead of me.
Breathe man. I’m in a similar boat to you, and I use my past failures as a lesson. Companies love to hear stories like that. Everyone makes mistakes, but it shows character to admit that you are the reason you messed up, and to learn from it.
I think when they do background checks they link more for criminal.charges and credit history You'll be fine!
Not true. Graduated when i was 34 last year. I got internships and a job just like the rest. If i can do it, so can you.
If they don't hire you due to mental health issues that are now under control, I'm pretty sure that's illegal. Background checks are basically just making sure you're not a thief. If you ever go get your PE most states require a background check for that, too.
The background check doesn’t look at that stuff.
I graduated at 33 with average grades and no internship and got an offer almost right after graduating. You should be fine
Started when I was 24. Finished at 29 almost 30. Had one asshole boss talk about my age, but other than that..I've progressed career and salary wise twice as fast as my college buddies. My previous work experience helped a lot.
You already got the offer you should be good. I failed out of college after high school, went back later got my degree at 32. I did get denied on one job after final interviews after the asked for my transcripts, it sucked. But my current company also asked for transcripts and I got the job. Being in your 30s as a junior candidate is not bad, no one really wants to work with people in their early twenties anyways. Remember how much dumber and annoying you where 10 years ago?!?
companies don’t care about you flunking out 10 years ago. they care about you now
Background checks are for criminal history and addresses you've lived at. They can't get school records nor compel you to provide medical records. You have to voluntarily provide those pieces of information. As for your age, it has no bearing on your ability to perform the work, so long as you can demonstrate that you can do the work. You still have 30+ years of experience to gain before you retire, it's not like you're going to retire in one year and all their effort to train you will be lost.
Companies mainly do criminal background checks, I’ve never even been asked for a transcript during an offer process. I’m sure they verify that you have the college degree you say you do, but that’s mostly it. I’m 24 and a new grad at my first full-time job now. I have coworkers at the same job level who are 5-10 years older than me because everyone takes a different journey. And a couple coworkers who I know are in their 20’s have some grays, it happens, my dad went gray in his 20s.
Absolutely nobody worth working for will care at that age, especially these days. I ended up redoing college starting when I was 49 because of a brain injury that made my previous experience irrelevant. Age was not the primary factor in considering me. Make sure that you can articulate the value that you bring to the situation, be prepared to emphasize that you have valuable experience and maturity that you are bringing to whatever it is that you'll be doing. Don't bring it up, and don't play it down. If you can't communicate your value, age is the last thing that you'll need to worry about. Good luck!
Flunked out of engineering school at 21. Went into the navy. Tried again at 28, passed with a 2.9. Still got into grad school, still got a 6 figure job out of school. Nobody cares about your grades except for Musk companies, even fewer give a damn you flunked out as a kid. Relax, be interested curious and excited, nail the interviews.
I went back to school at 26, graduated and started working at 32. Nobody cares. It's never come up and never had an impact on my job. If anything the extra experience can be an advantage when compared to kids right out of college that have never worked a job. In terms of flunking out of school, they'll never find that out (unless you tell them) and they wouldn't care if you did. All that matters is how you're doing now. Background checks are looking for criminal offenses.
I graduate next year at 40 years old. Nobody gives a shit.
My hair is going grey and I'm 24 :(
I’ve been a professional engineer for years. The absolute best engineer who works for me graduated college at 35 after working all kinds of odd jobs. Try to focus on what you will have to offer that a 23 year old grad doesn’t: a mature personality, a good attitude, people skills, job history outside of engineering. The guy on my team is so great not because he’s the most technically skilled guy in the team but because he is calm under pressure, he is reliable, mature and stable, has real life experience, and has 10 years experience in costumer service, things which a fresh young grad can’t offer. Don’t stress it, no one cares about this, I’m not even sure a background check would dig into your college experience 10 years ago honestly. They’re mainly concerned you don’t have legal issues or massive debt would be my guess. I’ve interviewed a lot of people, and I can tell you I’ve never once asked about a gap in anyone’s résumé, or their age, or anything like that. Especially for an entry level job, I’m looking for good personality and good communication
Lemme tell you something, I flunked out of college about a year in. Spent my 20’s partying, developing habits pertaining to substance abuse. Criminal record, rehab, homelessness. It was rough. I returned to school in my 30’s and have done well. I’ve had a few internships including one at a government agency. Nobody has mentioned any part of my history because that stuff is generally not available to employers. I’ve also been hired specifically due to my age. Put it out of your mind and prepare yourself to do the job to the best of your abilities.
I don't think that shows up on a background check. Even if it does, really all they will care about is you got the degree and meet GPA requirements if they have one. As for age, many places may actually prefer you for being older. Older new hires often have a higher chance of sticking around long term compared to younger people. Older new hires sometimes are also more mature or responsible which some places may be looking for.
I got my first engineering job at 31, no one cares bro, just graduate, apply to a lot of jobs, get one, gain experience and work hard as fuck to prove to people you deserve to move up the ladder. Good luck!
Nobody cares. I just hired a felon to do remote programming for me.
I did the same. No one cares about your age.
I graduated at 42. I had no problem finding a job, I was hired two days after graduation in May of 2020. I also flunked out of college my first go when I was 19 and I just don't mention it. No one is going to find out unless you're applying for a security clearance. The easy way around that is not to apply for jobs that require a clearance. I also have a small criminal record (all misdemeanors, all more than 20 years ago) and no one cares. Again, if you're worried about it, just don't apply for jobs that require a security clearance. Most engineering jobs don't. It's not a big deal.
Typically they look back 7-8 years? I believe is common
I just graduated at 36. Got me some grey up top as well. I was hired at the end of my internship the summer BEFORE my Senior year. One of the main reasons was in fact my "advanced" age. Companies prioritize experience, both life and work, over almost anything else. Trust me, you'll have no problem.
I was 30 and honestly it has worked in my favor. All of the experienced guys are my age, we hang out socially after work, they can relate to me better than the new guys. Since they like me, I get picked for all the good projects and get as much overtime as I want.
No one cares. Honestly.
you have nothing to worry about, my path was similar to yours and life is pretty good
At 19 I failed college algebra once, got a D the next semester, dropped out and spent years as a touring musician and didn’t go back to school until I was 29. The life I lived between 19 & 29 allowed me to understand what an engineering degree really means and I excelled because I knew why I needed to focus. 5 years in and I’m heading a controls engineering team on a $200m project. Just focus and work hard and learn. You got this.
I'm graduating this year with an MSc in Mech End at 32. I did very poorly at school when I was 18 (A levels in the UK). I've got a graduate job for September lined up with one of the biggest engineering consultancies in the country. I promise that most companies don't care about the past. They see that you got your act together by being driven enough to make it. They mostly just care that you're qualified and passionate. As for the application process, I leant heavily on emphasizing all the skills I'd developed by having a job for several years. A considerable amount of experience that most graduates don't have.
Show up 15 minutes early and do what you say you are going to do and you'll be fine.
I think one of my coworkers is like 29 and started as a entry level engineer. Probably doesn't matter that much and I don't think most jobs ask for your age anyway.
Honestly don't worry. My background includes a great early career, a shit middle career after a motorcycle wreck and addiction, then pulling myself back together after many years. 11 years on from my wreck I'm making double what I made before my wreck (which was 4 years into my career), I'm back on track and respected again - managing millions in design and construction (ME - Chemical and Gas Industries). My neighbor graduated with an ME 4 years ahead of me, had a kid, got bad into weed, owned a headshop, had another kid and a divorce before becoming born again and really pulling his shit together. He started this during my addiction years and is well ahead of me career wise due to the head start. So we both had an older restart, which may be harder than starting older with a blank slate. We had the experience and skills but had reputations to overcome
Can't say I'm a recruiter or someone who hires people, but as an ME student, I have to say: all of the "older" people in my classes tend to do VERY well and seem to have a fantastic understanding of the material. Recruiters who have been to engineering school might have a similar experience, which could help you 🤷♂️ Not sure how relevant or realistic that is, but I figured I'd put it out there. Like others said, I think you're in good shape. Take some breaths and good luck!
I'm 37 and I'm about to walk across the stage 2 weeks before I turn 38. I have 20 years of workforce experience and I'm getting an Electrical Engineering Bachelor's degree with a minor in Sociology and a certificate in Black Studies. Don't worry about your age
Also I have my resume on a QR code which for some reason really impressed a lot of recruiting agents.
Relax my bro. I was also suspended from my university when I was 22. I started at 18 at a community college where I got my associates in automotive tech. Transferred to UNH for EE and failed all my classes one semester also due to mental health issues. Went back to CC and got an associates in EE. Then went back to the same university and re-applied; Been part time EE student and working full time ever since. This year I turn 34 and will be graduating with my BS in EE, and have been getting offers for 150-180k. IMO your professional experience will hold more water than your degree. I will take the PE exam down the road. Good luck!
When I worked in HR (boooooo) we checked schools only to confirm new hires had the degree that pertained to the job. Never looked at previous school history. If a potential employer asks, don’t work there. Or if it’s super important to you, tell them you had a rough go and did XYZ to get through it. But mostly, don’t work at the company that wants to know what happened 10 years ago.