I am currently a 40 y.o. female considering a career change. I was considering returning to school for Electrical Engineering. I am interested in your opinions on my age. Would you consider me too old to enter the field? Any guidance/opinion is welcome. I would appreciate any honest discussion on this topic. Regards.... MC
It also depends on why you want to go this way. If it is for better pay, you may look elsewhere, but if it is because you are very pasionate about electronics (as in my case) then nothing else even comes close to the excitement that comes from your research and bringing some thing new to life.
It also has to do with your attitude and aptitude. Basic engineering requires an eye for detail in general and calculus and vector algebra in particular. Electrical engineering requires differential equations. Both of these require good math skills and intimate familiarity with algebra. If you're not good at this (or patient enough to learn it) EE would be a bitter struggle. If you are pretty good at math then many of the classes, such as statics and dynamics, prerequisites for every type of engineering, are easy. If not they are a bitter struggle.
I transferred to engineering after two years of advanced math and it was difficult to even help most of the other students as they weren't strong in math so we almost spoke different languages.
I've always loved math, calculus in particular. I am currently in the healthcare and feel I missed my true passion. There is very little problem solving involved in my career. I miss actually being challenged. My only true concern is my age. I don't want to obtain a degree in something I enjoy and then be unable to get a job because of my age.
HI. M. C. ITS NICE MEETING U HERE WE HAVE AN ONGOING ELECTRO PROJECT EN WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE U AR @ DE MOMENT SO WE CAN DISCUSS IN DETAILS EN GUIDE U TO START IT ON UR OWN AS EARLY AS PRACTICAL STEVOM-HOLLAND
Your chances to land a job also depend on who you know and where you live. I have hired people in the past,. One drawback of hiring someone older is they're not as easily controlled. You cannot ask them to work harder and longer hours without pay as easily as younger people. They also tend to expect more money. Age discrimination is very real. Best of luck.
If you want to go and do this and you’re committed to being a success then no matter what those difficulties are you will
Your never to old to learn new skills I learn new skills daily I’m 50 years of age and I don’t let them stop me (Age discrimination or not ) I don’t allow that to come between myself and any other ambitions that I may have aspirations or what ever you want to do
If you want that you go and do it regardless No harm in failing either That’s a strong point you learn from failure and mistakes If we got everything right all the time life would be very boring We don’t so don’t let that worry you either
The majority of this is purely self interest If your interested enough then its easy of course if your not then why bother wasting your time to start with So its all within you as a person (Ignore the negatives and think positive instead ) The amount of people who told me Id never get into electronics , well If I had a list it would be another list longer than you could ever dream off I did and I did it from being a nothing , a no one , without qualifications I am still according to many people a Nothing but I’m dam site further ahead of those very people who referred to me as a nothing They still have to ask me how to do something cant be that much of a nothing then can I
You just get up and do it again
Listen to the negatives of this you will never get off the ground
You believe in yourself ( I will , I shall , so therefore I do ) resulting in one very successful person , clearly adaptable , willing to take on new challenges , not afraid of the unknown , or hard work
If you for one minute doubt that you cant, you wont, hence my motto, (I did, I saw , I overcame) regardless of math’s That’s something you can always take extra lessons in if need be Its challenging at times Its not easy but then nothing in life ever is
No one minds helping someone who wants too They do if they don’t want too to get on in life Big difference btw those who think about it , those who want too and those who actually do
Stuff them you go and do what you dreamed of doing
If it pleases you and it makes you happy why not You never ever take any notice of people that say you cant or its ill advised You do it to meet a challenge yourself ( that really makes them upset and i do like upsetting them with personall success ) On the other hand they cant stand it , jealousy
The ones that will say this are the ones that are not interested and are only interested in your demise as a person (they not worth listening too ) but then they never were
Well i wouldnt let that worry you iether to be honest you can always opt for starting your own company and do things all your own way thats a real success Nothing to stop you from achieving that goal
Hi MC, In my location Curtin University has a very simple 1st year structure which requires you to taste all methods of Engineering. I am 50 years old although with a 30 year electronic trade qualification. I have easily passed my first year and almost thought about changing my mind to Metallurgy for the fact that it is almost a 100% chance of getting a job at the end but decided to stick with my experience and still passion.
If you can find a University that offer this kind of first year it can well decide your want and needs for the future.
I though will express some concern, University is a very intense education and married with 2 teenage children it is very demanding and sometimes stressful so plenty of family planning is required.
Hi MC, If you a good at math, then you have a great advantage to start with. But can I ask, how are you with the practical hands-on "engineering" tasks of everyday life ? If you have a general aptitude for analysing down to the root cause of problems, finding answers and fixing things, that will be a great help.
You may possibly consider moving into a field of electrical or electronic engineering that is related to your previous work and experience.
However, it is a fact that some people, and some companies, may have a reluctance to employ someone they regard as a "late starter". But on the other hand, there are some who will greatly respect you (and gladly employ you) for being brave enough to take such a bold step. Age and general experience of life can certainly be considered as positive assets in any workplace.
Electrical and electronic engineering will never go out of fashion in this technological age, and some employers will be glad to take on an older person who is likely to be a much more stable and responsible employee than a kid in their teens or twenties.
Old (allegedly Chinese) proverb: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step.”
Perhaps you might check out some sites that teach the basics of electricity and electronics, and see if it looks like what you want to be involved in. Here are a few:
I cam tell you of my own experience. I never went tu university and I am poor at maths (as are many RF electronic engineers who get by). I do have a stong natural dflare for design and invention however. I also know one engineer who is the best I have ever met started out as a mathematician. He applied it to RF design and I was able to help hinm with my own considderable experience in RF design. I was able (and nervous) about accepting a position as THE RF design engineer at a well known HF radio factory. I worked there for ten years and was delighted when the new math/engineering graduate arrived to help. He eventually became my boss but I was his for a couple of years. Now I was in my fifties when I applied for and got that position. Incidentally, the latest transceivers designed by myself and others has been the most reliable the company has ever made. Thus if you apply yourself being a mathematical person will aid greatly. Tjhe rest (in my experiences above) is purely application. So I say to you GO FOR IT!
Let me start by saying that I am completely overwhelmed by the responses I have gotten from your forum and I thank you all! I really wanted to hear both the positive and the negative and feel that every one of you have expressed some very honest opinions. I will consider each response carefully as I make my decision. I am considering several different disciplines, electrical being just one of the possibilities. I really enjoy the problem solving aspect of engineering. Fortunately, the school I plan on attending has a first year curriculum designed to help you decide which field of engineering truly interests you, so that is a plus. I thank you all for your candid responses and will continue to follow this conversation as I find it very interesting and overall encouraging!
Colin...I am most interested in circuits and designing electronics...I happen to live in Austin, TX, so there is a wide range of jobs in the field here, so I appreciate you pushing me to consider where my true interest lies
Frank, I appreciate the websites and will take a look at them all!!
✨ A 40-year-old female is considering returning to school for a career in Electrical Engineering and seeks opinions on whether her age is a barrier. Responses emphasize that passion for electronics and strong mathematical skills, particularly in calculus, vector algebra, and differential equations, are critical for success. Practical engineering aptitude and problem-solving abilities are also important. Age discrimination in hiring is acknowledged as a real challenge, with older candidates potentially facing higher salary expectations and less willingness to work extended unpaid hours. However, many contributors stress that commitment, positive attitude, and continuous learning can overcome these obstacles. Some suggest starting with a broad first-year engineering curriculum to explore different disciplines before specializing. Experience in related fields and networking can improve job prospects. Examples include successful late starters in RF design and electronics who leveraged natural talent and practical experience despite limited formal math skills. The discussion also highlights the demanding nature of university studies, especially when balancing family responsibilities. Overall, the consensus is that age alone should not deter pursuing Electrical Engineering if motivated and prepared for the academic and professional challenges.
TL;DR: At 50, one poster "easily passed" first-year engineering and saw "almost a 100% chance of getting a job" in metallurgy—"University is a very intense education." [Elektroda, Malcolm Whinfield, post #21668716]
Why it matters:** This FAQ helps career-changers—especially around 40+—decide if electrical engineering fits their goals and constraints.
Is 40 too old to start a career in electrical engineering?
No. Several contributors started or advanced later. One engineer secured an RF design role in his fifties and says, "GO FOR IT!" Employers may value maturity and stability when matched with skill. Focus on demonstrable projects and continuous learning to offset age concerns. [Elektroda, Rodney Green, post #21668718]
What math do I really need for EE?
Expect heavy use of algebra, calculus, vector algebra, and differential equations. Strong math makes core courses like statics and dynamics easier. Weak math skills turn every step into a struggle. Build fluency before or alongside your program to reduce friction. "Basic engineering requires an eye for detail." [Elektroda, stephen Van Buskirk, post #21668710]
Will age discrimination affect my job search?
It can. A hiring manager noted older candidates may push back on unpaid overtime and expect higher pay. That perception can bias decisions. Counter with clear value: targeted expertise, reliability, and results. Network strategically and highlight outcomes over years. [Elektroda, Rene Lemoyne, post #21668713]
How can I test whether EE fits me before committing?
Sample foundational material and hands-on basics. Explore beginner-friendly sites with component explanations, fault-finding guides, and calculators. Build small circuits, analyze problems to root cause, and see whether the process energizes you. Curated links help you start systematically. [Elektroda, Frank Bushnell, post #21668717]
Are there programs that let me explore disciplines in year one?
Yes. Some universities run a simple first-year structure where you "taste" multiple engineering methods. This helps confirm interest before specialization. Plan for intensity if you have family commitments, because the pace is demanding. [Elektroda, Malcolm Whinfield, post #21668716]
Can weaker math skills be overcome?
Possible, with focused application and complementary strengths. One RF engineer reported being poor at math, skipping university, yet leading reliable transceiver designs. He credits strong design instincts, persistence, and later collaboration with a math-trained colleague. [Elektroda, Rodney Green, post #21668718]
What if I come from healthcare—how do I leverage prior experience?
Bridge into adjacent areas. Apply your domain knowledge to medical devices, signal monitoring, or reliability workflows. Hiring managers like candidates who analyze to root cause and fix things methodically. Translate clinical problem-solving into engineering outcomes. [Elektroda, Frank Bushnell, post #21668717]
What is RF engineering?
RF engineering focuses on circuits and systems that use radio-frequency signals, such as transmitters and receivers. It values practical design sense, experimentation, and reliability. Career paths exist even for nontraditional entrants who build proven designs. [Elektroda, Rodney Green, post #21668718]
What are differential equations in EE (plain English)?
They’re math tools that describe how voltages and currents change over time. EE courses use them to model circuits, signals, and control systems. Comfort with algebra and calculus makes learning differential equations far smoother. [Elektroda, stephen Van Buskirk, post #21668710]
Any structured way to decide if EE is right for me?
Try this: 1) Read a beginner EE text and complete end-of-chapter problems. 2) Build a simple kit and debug it to root cause. 3) Reflect on whether the analysis–fix–iterate loop feels rewarding. [Elektroda, Frank Bushnell, post #21668717]
How do family and time commitments affect going back to school?
University-level engineering is intense. One poster balancing a family called it demanding and sometimes stressful. Plan schedules, set study blocks, and align expectations with partners. Support systems are as critical as textbooks. [Elektroda, Malcolm Whinfield, post #21668716]
Should I prioritize passion or pay when switching into EE?
Choose passion if you want lasting engagement. One engineer said better pay might be elsewhere, but the excitement of discovery and bringing new things to life makes electronics worthwhile. Align goals with your motivations. [Elektroda, Rodney Green, post #21668709]
Could entrepreneurship be a path if hiring proves tough?
Yes. Starting your own company lets you set the rules and showcase capability through products or services. It’s a valid route to impact and independence for late starters. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21668715]
Any encouraging data points for late starters?
A 50-year-old with decades of trade experience "easily passed" first-year engineering and noted metallurgy had "almost a 100%" job outlook locally. That underscores the value of focus and fit. [Elektroda, Malcolm Whinfield, post #21668716]
Edge case: What if I dislike math and detail work?
EE may feel like constant uphill effort. Courses that rely on calculus and differential equations can become a "bitter struggle." Consider adjacent roles like technician paths or embedded QA if that describes you. [Elektroda, stephen Van Buskirk, post #21668710]
