??? about welding engineering degree

Date 08-26-2003 13:31

Hello, I am 29 years old and have 11 years welding experience in all processes and have also received my associates degree in general studies from a local community college. My question, in your opinion should I quit my full time job, move away and go back to school to get my bachelors in welding engineering? I am in Lancaster Pennsylvania and am looking into going to Pennsylvania College of Technology which is 2 hours from me. Also have looked into OSU's Welding Engineering program. The only downfall of going to OSU is the tuition for a non resident is 11K a year more. Has anybody heard of Penn College of Tech? What pay could I expect when I graduate and is any company going to hire a 30'ish welding engineer with no engineering experience?

Thanks for your help.
Chris

By GRoberts (***)

Date 08-26-2003 16:20

When I went to school for welding engineering, of the people I graduated with, the 30 something ex-welder had his pick of the jobs as compared to the rest of us whose experience with welding up to that point consisted of thier college education & summer jobs. Companies highly appreciate a welding engineer who knows the ins and outs of welding in the shop and/or field.

By Michael Sherman (***)

Date 08-26-2003 18:42

I agree with GRoberts. I have a brother in law who welded for 15 yrs. before going to OSU. He is now the top field welding engineer for a world renowned company. I don't have his permission to tell you who he is, so I won't. But I can tell you the prior welding experience is invaluable. Also,if you can afford OSU, it is worth it.

Mike Sherman
Shermans Welding

By Chris Martin (*)

Date 08-27-2003 14:49

Thanks guys, I think I'm leaning more towards OSU. The price for non residents is alot more compared to residents of Ohio. Maybe I could live there a year and then get the resident rate. Still weighing the options. Thanks again for the input. Any idea of pay when I get out of school?

Thanks Chris

By scmait

Date 08-27-2003 20:06

See this site...http://www.ewi.org/alumni/gradsal.asp

It has some data although it may be old. If anything it has probably gone up.

I to have a BSWE from OSU and think the program they have is the best offered (that is now that I have been out in the real world).

SCMait