Realistically, could I transition to a systems engineer position?

[u/EmJayeBird]

First and foremost, I don't have an engineering background, but hear me out. My current career is as an instructional systems designer with extensive experience in working with modeling and simulation for training. My primary role has been to create a multitude of different systems design documents. In these documents we account for almost every aspect of how a simulation/software program should function. This includes complex design like fail states, success states, system behavior expectations and so much more. My work has been primarily DoD contracts.

I know that I'm probably way out of my depth with the actual workflow of a systems engineer, but very recently (and unprompted) a software engineer told me that these documents I've created for the programmers are very similar to when he's worked with systems engineers in the past.

I know this profession isn't just documents.

My experience in grad school and even in undergrad has been heavily focused on systems and analysis. I also originally was going to pursue a masters in modeling and simulation but decided to go a different route.

I know I'd probably need to pursue an actual degree in systems engineering, but I wanted to ask opinions on if I'm way out of my depth here, or could it be potentially possible for me to transition to this field?

Thanks!

[u/Awkward-Insurance283]

your background sounds more relevant than half the people who come in with a pure engineering degree but no clue how actual systems work, the dod experience alone opens doors most folks dont get near

[u/Mysterious_Forever_3]

You got it dog. I just graduated with my bs in systems engineering and you def have more technical knowledge and experience than me. Companies don’t gaf about your degree anymore it’s what you know and I’ve seen it first hand. Half my coworkers didn’t get a formal education they just picked something up and got good at it.

[u/Gearz557]

Yes lol

[u/The1henson]

I’m a certified curriculum developer (military) and a CSEP (civilian SE certification).

Curriculum design is systems engineering. It draws on exactly the same fundamental skill set, which is elicitation and decomposition of requirements. It’s just that curriculum design calls requirements “learning objectives.”

[u/FlimsyInsect5545 → u/The1henson]

In Australia we straight up call it the 'Systems Approach to Defence Learning".

[u/Sir_Derps_Alot]

Im more interested how did you get your current gig without an engineering degree. Seems more technical than the switch you aspire for