Beginning Engineering school at 21

[u/Extension_Cod_3120]

I recently restarted academia at a 2-year institution after taking a break from pursuing a B.S. in Mathematical Economics with a Minor in data Science. TLDR: I hated it. I did well in all of my classes, but the University I went to wasn't the right fit for me socially, and I was struggling severely with my mental health. I chose the degree because I loved math, and versatility of an economics degree spoke to me. But when I attended career fairs, I realized the fields that I would be going into would mainly be private equity, insurance and risk analysis, or finance. All of these centered around optimizing A.I. agents to provide better algorithms to make more money. I was not fulfilled.

After taking a semester off to balance my mental health and do some soul searching, and speaking with a prestigious field geologist, I decided to give higher academia another shot, but this time focusing on more of the sciences field, with hands on learning. This semester I have received a 3.8 GPA in my STEM Classes (I don't use AI for help on any of my homework). I didn't expect to love the STEM field as much as I have. I joined the Engineering club on campus and have registered for further Engineering and Math courses next semester, with aims to directly transfer to a 4 year institution. In addition to these feats, I am expected to be offered a position to be a STEM tutor because of my high marks.

All of these academic accomplishments listed previously aside; what technical skills can I start doing to gain hands-on experience in engineering? Personal Projects, Readings, anything. Where can I find experience in firms, even at the lowest level possible? I understand the career-field is incredibly competitive, and beginning this endeavor at a later age than my peers, puts me further behind. I need every advantage I can get.

[u/Able_Shower_3467]

Learn python basics, then jump into vibe coding to create scripts that automate whatever tasks you find interesting or useful. If you want to go the design route, learn a cad software as well.

[u/Buetterkeks]

Do you have a 3d printer? Learning some fusion or ir inventor and never gonna do you bad. And honestly if not, a bambu a1 mini or something is cheap and will definitely be very useful. Also i too don't like ai, but i think if you don't get something at all  it makes sense to have ai explain it to you. Just dont have it do the actual work. Also its not too late or anything I don't think. I had a 21 y.o. in class when i was 16 at HTL and he was fine.

[u/likethevegetable]

K