WELCOME to the forum walkthecup.

Well, to put it very mildly, you have but just begun.  There are so many options.  There are also so many things yet to be done on your part.  Figuring out what areas you really want to concentrate on.  Most of the time you would want to inspect within areas you are already very familiar with.  Structural, piping, power plants, railroad, bridges, etc.

Also would be important to decide how you are going to continue it's usage after you get the BSME.  Primary or secondary.  Most of the time you will invest a lot of time to get leads, make repeat contacts, figure out what will be needed for paperwork such as daily report forms, completed member report forms, the inspection tools required specifically for your chosen area, additional code materials beyond AWS code books, gather all the PPE that you will need for yourself as you are your own employer, and the list can go on and on.

I would probably suggest finding an existing company that could use additional help to man a job.  Especially if this is to be coupled with finishing an education.  You need the money income mixed with adding some experience while having time to complete an education.  Hard to do on your own.  Then you can see what kind of other tools, code books, PPE, etc that will be required personal possessions to be on your own.

Have a Great Day,  Brent