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The Bar => The Lounge => Topic started by: RayRaytheSBS on April 22, 2013, 02:37:43 PM

Title: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: RayRaytheSBS on April 22, 2013, 02:37:43 PM
Wasn't sure where to post this, so I figured this would be a good place to start. I am in the Army currently as an Infantryman, and have three years left until retirement. I am looking into pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA.

I have the pre-9/11 Army College Fund and qualify for the  Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. My questions are this: Is this a degree that can be leveraged into job opportunities? Is this a degree path that is worth looking into? And has anyone here attended Gonzaga?

I am asking these questions,  as I don't want to invest all that time and effort and wind up with an obsolete or worthless degree (i.e. B.A. in Underwater Basket Weaving). Your thoughts and comments are appreciated
Title: Re: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: Big Dog on April 22, 2013, 02:40:33 PM
Wasn't sure where to post this, so I figured this would be a good place to start. I am in the Army currently as an Infantryman, and have three years left until retirement. I am looking into pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA.

I have the pre-9/11 Army College Fund and qualify for the  Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. My questions are this: Is this a degree that can be leveraged into job opportunities? Is this a degree path that is worth looking into? And has anyone here attended Gonzaga?

I am asking these questions,  as I don't want to invest all that time and effort and wind up with an obsolete or worthless degree (i.e. B.A. in Underwater Basket Weaving). Your thoughts and comments are appreciated

Yes, yes, and no.
Title: Re: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: Wineslob on April 22, 2013, 04:04:30 PM
You gonna Major in Gazonga engineering?


 :-)
Title: Re: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: RayRaytheSBS on April 22, 2013, 06:57:17 PM
You gonna Major in Gazonga engineering?


 :-)

While that is tempting, I didn't plan on going to med school! Thank you for your input big dog. I am just trying to pick something I know will keep me competitive in what I know will be a shrinking job market.
Title: Re: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: Firekrakka on April 22, 2013, 07:01:52 PM
You gonna Major in Gazonga engineering?


 :-)

(http://cdn.motinetwork.net/peoplesniper.com/image/people/1203/encino-man-gazongas-people-pic-1332533570.jpg)

Sorry, had to.  :-)
Title: Re: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: RayRaytheSBS on April 22, 2013, 07:05:14 PM
(http://cdn.motinetwork.net/peoplesniper.com/image/people/1203/encino-man-gazongas-people-pic-1332533570.jpg)

Sorry, had to.  :-)

Hi 5! Well played madam!!  :rotf: :rotf:
Title: Re: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: marv on April 22, 2013, 07:39:21 PM
And has anyone here attended Gonzaga?

(http://www.conservativecave.com/Smileys/default/rotf.gif)
Title: Re: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: RayRaytheSBS on April 22, 2013, 07:42:37 PM
(http://www.conservativecave.com/Smileys/default/rotf.gif)

I can see I walked right into that one! Thanks for the laugh! I needed it, Hi 5!
Title: Re: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: Big Dog on April 23, 2013, 07:00:55 AM

While that is tempting, I didn't plan on going to med school! Thank you for your input big dog. I am just trying to pick something I know will keep me competitive in what I know will be a shrinking job market.

It was short and sweet, but the longer answer is, "a mechanical engineering degree is your ticket to a long and successful career." I know a grad from Kansas University, BS in Mechanical Engineering, who was hired by a firm in the Kansas City area for $50k. He interned his last semester, and started working for pay the day after graduation.

He may have specialized in gazongas. I can check for you, if you want.  :-)
Title: Re: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: RayRaytheSBS on April 23, 2013, 07:17:14 AM
Thank you once again for your insights. I just don't want to get a degree in a field that is swamped with too many people and not enough positions. Like, say for example, a B.A. in wymin's studies. Or like one of the occupoopers who got a Masters in, get this... Puppetry... :banghead:


 I just know that my current career field in the Army (Infantry) does not offer much that transition's over into a civilian career outside of Law Enforcement. And quite frankly, I am not interested in Law Enforcement at all anymore, as I basically was a cop for 13 months in Iraq. 

Title: Re: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: Wineslob on April 23, 2013, 09:33:35 AM
Try something like CSI (not the TV bullshit) My daughter is looking into it. With a law enforcement background you may have a foot up.
Title: Re: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: RayRaytheSBS on April 23, 2013, 10:10:50 AM
Thank you for your thoughts wineslob, I will consider it!
Title: Re: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: Eupher on April 23, 2013, 11:08:11 AM
Ray, 18+ years ago I retired from the Army as a euphonium player/musician. Believe me, that doesn't translate well into civilian life. There isn't an overwhelming market for euph players and the few that there are have things more or less locked down.  :-)

Six months before I retired, I graduated with a BA in Management -- essentially a worthless degree.

But, at the time, it was enough to get me into pharmaceutical quality assurance -- specifically handling complaints. And I got into other things as well, but I'll save the long story for another time.

In my view ANY science degree is of value. Whether chem E, mech E, or whatever, it's all good in the job market. As BD notes, you'll do well when you're finished.

Good luck, and THANK YOU for your dedicated service!
Title: Re: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: A7X_foREVer on April 23, 2013, 12:55:26 PM
Good luck man
Title: Re: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: Crazy Horse on April 23, 2013, 04:56:01 PM
We have openings for mechanical engineering,however we have more for the smart mechanical engineering types called aerospace engineers.  Well once the hiring freeze is over.

 Is western Washington where you have to be?
Title: Re: Mechanical Engineering Degree
Post by: RayRaytheSBS on April 24, 2013, 07:46:40 AM
We have openings for mechanical engineering,however we have more for the smart mechanical engineering types called aerospace engineers.  Well once the hiring freeze is over.

 Is western Washington where you have to be?

No, I just wanted to attend school there. I don't plan on staying there upon graduation if jobs are available elsewhere. If all goes well I will be graduating 7 years from now, so I hope the hiring freeze is over by then! My brother got his degree in Aerospace Engineering. I remember his dept. T-shirt from college said "Why yes I AM a Rocket Scientist"! on it.  :rotf: