I am at a bit of an impasse in my life. I seem to have all kinds of experience that helps me to be good at anything except, getting the right job. I have been told I am over qualified and under experienced.
So I am thinking about going to get a Masters in order to increase my ability to find meaningful work. The big question is what will be the most help? Engineering or Design? I love to create new things and use design to solve problems. So to me it seems like I am a hybrid of the two which one would think would help me fit in anywhere. But it seems like I have 2 stars instead of 1 or nun. So all the snitches with stars on thars and with nun are telling me I don't belong.
I have worked in product development and LOVED IT. Every day is a new challenge and-and from that I really grew. But then one day I found myself laid off along with 150 others.
Anyway sorry about the rant. I just wonder if anyone else has asked the question and can help me to see if one is better than the other for someone like me that can 3D model in just about any software like a beast as well as troubleshoot and build in my head see ideas of crazy cool products that all I need is money and time to get to the market.
Answers
Hi Kevin
Life is too short not to follow your passions! And just because one person says you don't fit doesn't make it true. Generally an engineer has the opportunity to design and lead whereas a designer is limited. Advanced degrees aren't a guarantee but it does get my attention when hiring. The answer depends on what you want to do but personally the MSME accelerated my career and pay.
Do you have a BSME? What work are you doing? Fluids? Hardware? HVAC?
Do you have any interest in electrical/controls?
Carol
Hi Kevin -
If you are over-qualified and under-experienced, how is adding an additional qualification of Masters going to address that equation ( your experience )?
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2016/03/25_highest_paying_jobs_america.html
3D modeling is big right now, because of the advent of 3D printers. Have you applied at Thingiverse , Pinshape, MyMiniFactory, or Makerbot (as these companies would need the skills of 3D modeler)?
Since your skill is aligned to a relatively narrow market opportunity (not many companies have need for 3D modelers), have you considered moving to where the jobs are for 3D modelers ?
Best of luck to you.
JG
Kevin,
Just joined AdvisorNet. I've been working in product development for 30+ years. I work as an Electrical Engineer alongside Mechanical Engineers and Designers. There is a blend of responsibilities but generally the engineer creates, models, and does the math. The designer takes this and details out into drawings and bills of material. This is important detail oriented work. Designers do some modeling as well. To me it looks like you are qualified for a designer job right now. Would you consider starting there and taking classes toward the ME? Just a thought...
I did a quick search near your location and this position appeared;
https://jobs.thermofisher.com/job/logan/engineering-technician-ii-mechanical-drafter/1143/1522085
Not sure if it out of range from your location for a commute. Possibly worth pursuing to see how this feels relative to your desired job.
Best of luck!
Ken
Angela,
That is a great point and one I am really working to find the answer to. It can be easy to look at a job description and feel like you are perfect for the position and be completely wrong. As well as be exactly what they want and unable to beat the computer with the resume you are presenting. I am working with others to better my resume. And here is hoping that the changes make a difference.
John,
Yes, the move is being considered but hoping to find a way to avoid it.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Thank you all for your help and advice.
Carol,
I am really excited about mechanical design. While I was working at Liberty safe I managed a department, as well as got the opportunity to design products for them. I love to create new things. To solve problems and or help people by making something new or improving upon an existing design. I have a mind and would go as far as to say a talent for creative design and LOVE IT.
I find myself really struggling to get back into it. I want to be able to take my ideas from my head to the market again.
So this is why I am asking the question because I seem to be stuck in jobs that are just jobs and even being underemployed. Wondering what will bake me out of this slump and get back to getting things happening.
I have both an AS and AAS in Engineering Graphics and Design Technology with a BS in Technology Managment. So Design and Business basically. Most of the jobs I am seeing want that Mechanical Engineering to do the design function. I am really good at mechanical 3D modeling, very detailed and almost obsessive about detail. I would have to take some classes like calc but could still get a master in mechanical engineering.
The long and short is am I messing up in my resume or do I need to get more skills to be able to get a job where I can design and invent. Or do I need to get more experience? And with that loop how do you get more experience if you can't get your foot in the door?
I hope that isn't too big of a rant. Thanks for your thoughts.
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