Mandy AddedSunday, March 5, 2017 at 10:52 AM I will be finishing my degree at 35 years old. Will I be at a disadvantage? I am 32 years old and completing my first year back to school to earn a degree in civil/environmental engineering (although I am open to switching fields). My first degree was in history and after many years with difficulty finding a job (I worked as a technical support representative at a few call centers) that could provide enough income, a yearning to challenge myself intellectually, and wanting to contribute more to society I decided Engineering was the way to go. By the time I will finish my degree I will be about 35 years old. Will I be at a disadvantage? My dream is to contribute my engineering degree to help the environment, people in need, and/or animals in some way. Any feedback or inspiration is much appreciated! Related to Aeronautical/Aerospace , Bioengineering/Biomedical, Chemical, Choosing a Degree, Choosing a School, Civil, Communication Skills, Communications, Computer, Computers, Construction, Difficult Classes, Earth Resources, Education, Electrical, Energy, Engineering Branches, Engineering Skills, Environment, Environmental, Food & Agriculture, Graduate School, Industrial, International Travel, Internships & Jobs, Machines, Materials, Materials, Math & Science, Mechanical, Medicine, Merging Fields, Nuclear, Opportunities/Challenges for Women, Preparation for College, Self Doubt, Software, Space, Special fields and Interdisciplinary, Sports & Entertainment , Transportation & Travel, Unique Challenges, Work Environment, Working with People Areas of Impact Communications, Computers, Construction, Education, Energy, Environment, Food & Agriculture, Machines, Materials, Medicine, Space, Sports & Entertainment , Transportation & Travel Reset Sort By Default Sandra Begay , Sandia National Laboratories Answered Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 12:52 PM I am proud that you’ve decided to challenge yourself! A degree in engineering is not easy, but my experience is that it is a very rewarding degree. The job opportunities can enhance your contributions and also most engineering jobs pay very well. My best friend in my undergraduate program was also an older student; you remind me of her. She had a liberal arts degree and found she needed more opportunities to grow intellectually and financially. She was in her late 30’s when she graduated. She has since retired and had a wonderful career. By the way, she loves her retirement with the benefits from her engineering job. A happy ending! — Sandra