mechanic technician who can weld or bachelors in engineering? Or probably both right? I am a guy who is really into the hands on building of machinery, but I want to actually have a role in designing as well. I am really debating on going back to school for engineering or mechanics/welding. I am 34, work full time, and would only be able to go to school part time. I really want to get into a field where I am building, designing, and testing new machinery. HELP!!!
If you want anyone to take you seriously as designer, get the degree. Given your intended career direction, a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree mat be better suited. It deals with a little less theory and a lot more on the practical/application side. Talk to some counselors about it. Together with a formal education, experience in fabricating and the equipment used to do it, would make a great combination of skills and education.
You really should finish an Mechanical Engineers degree. If you don't do it now, you'll just wish you had in 5 years and by then you'd likely be done. All of the things you describe will require an engineering degree. Oh, BTW, ME's can make about 2-3X what a welder does. Astrobuf
