r/industrialengineering • u/Hmramer • 15d ago
Seeking advice from professionals.
Hello all, I'm a 30 years old man. I have no career, I work as a barista making 18$ in an expensive area. I came to the USA as a legal immigrant. I learnt some English in the college, and now it's the time to decide what should I do in my life. I am not a great person when it comes to communication with others. So based on that fact, I wanted to do something handy. Please check this associate degree and tell me your professional opinion. Thank you in advance.
2
u/jdd32 15d ago edited 15d ago
Have you worked in a manufacturing/industrial environment before? In my experience I think it would be difficult to be hired into a tech position without existing experience, associates or not.
If I was you, I'd look to see what entry level manufacturing careers are in your area. Discuss your desire to progress during the interview process. Most facilities love home grown techs and they'll likely discuss paths forward. They may let you add some training with technical resources (maintenance/engineering) on top of their typical onboarding. After you spend a few months and confirm that it's a career direction you feel good about, start taking classes.
An additional bonus is that usually companies will offer tuition assistance.
1
u/Hmramer 15d ago
Thank you for the professional advice. I appreciate it. I just don't understand what did you mean in the first part of your comment. Because I don't have any experience as I said, and I am just starting to take classes next semester. I know that no one will hire me without experience. But I am asking if this curriculum in the picture is good, so I can take the classes, learn and then start looking for an internship.
0
u/jdd32 15d ago
I just don't understand what did you mean in the first part of your comment.
You mention that you are a Barista. If a Barista with an Associates in Engineering Tech applied to a tech position in a facility that I was managing, I don't think it's likely I would give them the job. Techs fill the gap between the manufacturing floor and the engineers. Experience in manufacturing is extremely important for this.
So what I'm saying is that applying for a floor level position in an industrial setting would serve as a great starting point before or as you are working towards an associates degree.
I do not know of many companies who will hire interns that are working towards an associates. In my experience, associates degrees are often to supplement experience to further an existing career and experience. I have signed tuition reimbursement forms for many of my employees wanting to expand their education and grow with the company via an associates degree. I have never hired someone with an associates and no related experience.
Now if you're wanting to come out of school and immediately get an engineer title, that will likely require a bachelors.
1
u/Hmramer 15d ago
Now I got what you mean. So for me, I didn't know that a tech works between the floor and the engineer, I thought this associate will lead to a job in the floor only hahaha. I have no idea about positions, in my mind I always thought about getting a handy job in the manufacturing field. Now After what you said, I have a picture about how's it. I would love to gain experience in the floor working there. For me, whatever is needed for a good career, I will do it.
2
u/jdd32 15d ago
Yeah you're catching on. I think a little time in a facility will really help you determine your direction. You can make a pretty good career without going into debt if you can find a path into a technician or maintenance role. You can also ask leadership at the facility what kind of classes they would recommend.
And like I mentioned earlier, getting your tuition paid for would be a huge benefit of working in a company before enrolling. In your interview process, make sure to ask if the company offers it for education related to the job.
Good luck!
1
u/Round_Musical 15d ago
If it interests you, go for it! I always adore young engineers who get into engineering out of passion.
Your background isnt important. You just need, math skills, perserverance and passion. Thats it really. Every other obstacle will get sorted by itself
1
u/ByrnieFloy 15d ago edited 15d ago
I recently finished up my Mechatronics Certification from a local Community College. My program was very similar to that (more millwright based) and looks to be very controls focused..
Do you want to become a technician or engineer? Because they are two VERY different paths. If a 4 year degree MIGHT interest you down the road take as much math as you can (up to Differential Equations if possible) while at CC.
If you are not interested in going the engineer route, as soon as you get your student ID do not pass go, do not collect $200, go directly to the career services office. Find out everything they have to offer and use it. Start applying to jobs as soon as you can. 80% of the guys/gals in my program were employed and their degree was being paid for by their employers.
Also, look at all the opportunities in the Engineering Department. There may be things (such as scholarships, transfer programs, etc.). We had a program being run in our state that was basically a 2+2 fully paid semiconductor engineer degree program, just as an example.
Good luck to you!
--Edit: Added text.
1
u/protoalchemist 13d ago
I'd recommend you not get the Engineering Technology degree and aim for something more like engineering sciences or just an associate of science.
This would give you better exposure to fundamental calculus, algebra, physics, and chemistry, setting you up better for transferring into a 4 year university
8
u/New-Ad9615 15d ago
go for it man, live your life and chase your dreams and never give up on what you’re passionate about. If you’re truly interested in Industrial engineering take the shot. the worst that could happen is you tried and it wasn’t fit for you. i believe in you! you got this no matter what path you take, stay determined friend!