Our industry is like many others, it is a case of being in the right place at the right time with the proper credentials.
Many years ago, when I was still putting food on the table by burning electrode, I took courses that made little sense to those I worked with. However, when the time came and the opportunity presented itself, I had the training and the credentials they were looking for.
You have to prepare for the future without knowing exactly what the future has to offer. That fact alone make's life complicated. Very few of us have a crystal ball to predict the future, but if one pays attention, we can see the direction life is taking us. We all have to start somewhere and it is usually at the bottom of the pecking order. There are dues to be paid and if one is interested in making a lateral move, we need to be ready and willing.
When I earned my first degree I would have had to take a 50% cut in pay, I stayed with the welding helmet and kept food on the table and a roof over the family's head. When the opportunity arose, I was ready. The nay-sayers had their fun saying I was wasting my time taking classes all the time, but I looked at the long term prospects and I think everything has turned out pretty much the way I planned it.
What courses did I take? NDT (PT, MT, UT, and RT), structural engineering, and every evening course I could squeeze in. I made it a point not to become too specialized so that I could move in the direction that offered the greatest opportunity. Even as a CWI, I have been careful not to become too specialized. I have endorsements in several welding standards, again, so I am prepared when the opportunity avails itself.
The CWI is a great credential, but it is only a starting point.
Best regards - Al
Really well stated advice Al
Thanks for the advice. I have even considered going back to school for mechanical engineering. I own a house near Ucf so it would be easy at this point of my life. I think i will try a few NDT certs see where it goes and make a decision from there. I think it is a good point not to over specialize as you mentioned.
Al,
Did you say you earned an engineering degree?
This is something i have the opportunity to do. When i was making good money i bought an investment house near a university. I am financially able to do it. I just don't know if certifications will be enough on their own. I have 2 associates degrees already.
No, I do not have a BS in engineering.
If you have the time, energy, and money to earn the BS in engineering, by all means do so. However, you need to have a long range plan. What do you intend to do with that degree? What field of engineering are you pursuing?
I made it a point to diversify my education and my work. Every industrial sector has business cycles, each has lean years as well as years of plenty. I make it a point to work with several industrial sectors to ensure my work doesn't suffer because of the cyclic nature of business. That tends to normalize my income and work load. Versatility is the secret to long term success if putting food on the table and a roof over your head is success.
Best regards - Al
Superflux,
I am basically willing to go anywhere for decent money and the experience i need to make a better career for myself. I climbed towers and did structural mods across the U.S. for 5 years 80hrs a week on per diem (no life).Then i took a year off to travel i didn't work for 8 months. I got to work in Australia and get some international work in telecommunications as well. I've been on the road and i can handle a few more years if i get the opportunity.