Hi Orlando,
Good to hear from you.
You are, by no means alone!
I was a 2-year college A.A.S. Civil Tech., non-graduate, 33 years old, with 4 young children when I decided to
"Get real."In addition to what you have already shared, if you have not yet done so, join one of the ASCE construction technical committees that compliments your interests. Volunteer to help/coach some of the young students, with special sensitivity towards our women students.
Consider writing a brief note/paper in concert with an agreeable professor and present it to your student chapter.
Cheers,
Bill
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William M. Hayden Jr., Ph.D., P.E., CMQ/OE, F.ASCE
Buffalo, N.Y.
"It is never too late to be what you might have been." -- George Eliot 1819 - 1880
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-17-2019 08:41
From: Orlando Castelblanco
Subject: New career in engineering as a 38 year old
Thank you all for the advice. Reading some of your posts really makes me optimistic. I wish I could post them on the fridge so I can see them every morning. LOL. I appreciate the replies and look forward to more.
Regards,
Orlando
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Orlando M Castelblanco
Civil Engineering Student
Florida International University
Miami, FL
Tel. 305-896-0609
Original Message:
Sent: 04-16-2019 13:05
From: William Key
Subject: New career in engineering as a 38 year old
Hi Orlando,
Congrats on switching gears in your career. I know how big of a step that is - I was 28 when I enrolled to begin work on my BSCE, after a decade working for regional scale GCs on a wide range of commercial and healthcare projects. Like you, I figured out I wanted a more engaged role in designing what was built and I'm very glad that I did. There are days I miss being in the field more often, but then there are days I don't miss being out in the elements at all!
Your field experience will be invaluable to you in an engineering career, particularly the closer your work to the specific industry you've previously worked in the field. Make sure that when you look for positions after graduation (if you do leave your current employer, or apply internally for a new position) that you highlight your experience on your resume and relate it to the engineering position you're seeking. I've discussed career/engineering development with a number of senior engineers over the years, and one common thread is the cost-investment in taking on very intelligent engineering graduates with the traditional educational background who have little to no practical application knowledge and building up their real-world knowledge to become profitable engineers. Your wealth of field experience will likely allow you to accelerate that process and make valuable contributions to your employer much more quickly. Do not be afraid to highlight it in selling yourself, and do not be shy about using it your engineering design career.
That said, as always, keeping a humble attitude and an open mind motivated to learn is key as well. When you do get your first engineering position, you're likely to be reporting to someone the same age or younger than you who might not have your field experience but has all many years of experience in engineering design. You'll finally get the answers to some of those situations in which construction professionals always wonder "why engineers design it this way." And always ask questions if you don't understand something - this is important for all engineers of course, but doubly so for an older engineering graduate with years of field experience. The engineer you're working under may occasionally over-estimate your experience and assume you understand things that you do not, or may feel uneasy about directing someone older with so much field experience, and so it's even more important than normal to cultivate a strong and open relationship with confident communication flowing both ways.
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William Key
EI,S.M.ASCE
Structural EI
TLM Associates
Jackson, TN
Original Message:
Sent: 04-15-2019 08:33
From: Orlando Castelblanco
Subject: New career in engineering as a 38 year old
Hello All.
My name is Orlando and I live in Miami, FL. I've been working for a company that offers underground shoring to contractors in the area among other products for rental. We provide various trench/shoring systems among other products. While working with this company, I found that I had a liking to what was done from an engineering perspective. This was 5 years ago. I decided to go back to school and pursue my degree in Civil Engineering. I have on the job experience and have great relationships within the construction industry. As I mentioned, I am 38 years old and as blessed that I do feel, there are times when I freak out and feel like I just want to walk away. Having a full time job and going to school is not easy. As I said.....there are times. But then I remember that failure or quitting is not an option for me. I am very excited with what's to come and am willing to work hard.
With all said, I'd love to hear from you all when I ask, what advice can you give to a 38 year old looking to grow within the industry. What can you tell me that will help me further myself and push forward with all I have.
Thank you,
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Orlando M Castelblanco
Civil Engineering Student
Florida International University
Miami, FL
Tel. 305-896-0609
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