Career change, help

Hi all, new to the forums.

I was wondering if someone can help answer my questions.

I have a foundation degree in gaming technology (slot machines etc) but this never really satisfied me on the electronics side of things and the job in general is pretty boring and limited anyway, even working on the cruise liners in the casinos, which i did for 5 months and left feeling ive wasted 2 years getting this foundation degree.

Anyway i am thinking of starting a HND course in electronics/electrical engineering in september as this is what i enjoy and was wondering what maths i will need to brush up on before i start this course because its been a while since i used any.
My electronic knowledge is basic, i have read a few books and have done some basics with the other course i took but i am unsure as to what other areas i could do with learning before i start in september.

I have one last question, i am 35 now and will be 37 when i finish a HND in electronics/electrical engineering. Do you think this is too old to pursue a career in this field as im starting to think my time has past for a job in this field.

Sorry for all the questions but i am so on the fence with this.

 

RULES

#1) You are NEVER too old to change careers!
#2) Never make any decision based on fear. Always do what you are supposed to be doing. The money will folllow.
#3) Read this: http://www.paulgraham.com/love.html

All you need to know.


eric

 

Mellor,

I won't sugar coat this. When I reached 37 some years back, I stopped receiving offers from head hunters who would call where I worked and ask if I wanted to "jump" to another job at another company. I am not saying that you cannot get a different job somewhere, but you are starting to reach the up ramp with respect to what employers want. Even if they don't ask you for your birthdate or age, you can still hear the wheels turning in their head when they see the date of your high school graduation. Regardless of what the law says, youth still is king, and employers have a thousand ways to reject you because of age. So you have to have be even more qualified, proficient, and determined in order to be competitive with a younger person. You are really going to have to hump to make up for your inexperience in a new field, especially in this depressed economy. Sorry.

Ratch

 

Hi

I think ive just got off the fence after reading that lol, thanks.

Any ideas on what maths i need to be learning?
I am currently just starting my 3rd book on electronics but their is only the basic maths to do in these books, which i have already learned.
I know there will be plenty of more complex maths to do when i start this course and i basically want to hit the ground running as ive heard alot of students can struggle in this area.

Thanks

 

Ok im back on the fence now lol

The thing is although i still work in the gaming industry i have always wanted to go more into the electronic side of things, but as you mentioned there does not seem to be a very realistic chance of me ever getting a job is this field when i qualify.
This is whats putting me off really.

 

Hi Mellor:

If you want to get into a niche where you'll have almost NO competition, it's in R.F. design. It's one area where you'll be considered a whippersnapper amongst grizzled sages. I'm 54 and have more work than I know what to do with...besides my pet entrepreneurial projects. And I'm one of the YOUNGEST R.F. engineers I know. Most of them are retired or dead.
R.F. engineering is hard...you don't get the immediate gratification you get from digital technology...but the UNIVERSE is analog. If you know how to interact with the universe, you will always be in demand.

eric

 

Provided you are motivated to make the commitment to the academics, I say go for it. The experience will test your dedication and you will quickly learn if you are cut out for the new career path.

AAC will be here to help you along the way.

Good Luck,
hgmjr

 

Hi

Well i will continue learning about electronics for the time being anyway as this is what i enjoy and it certainly wont do me any harm in the job i am doing now.
I am still undecided if i will start a course in september but i have plenty of time to decide.
At least ive found the right place to continue learning .

Thanks for all the advice and opinions.