- #1
Amy G.
- 4
- 0
In a nutshell, my question is, would it be wiser for me to get an Associate's degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a Bachelor's degree?To tell you about my background: I have a BA from Purdue University in Psychology, and a MS from Indiana University in Counseling. I turned 28 years old in June and became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (in the state of Indiana) in March. As much as I have tried to make it work, that field is just not for me.
I currently work full time as a project assistant at a small industrial automation company. I am also enrolled in two community college classes (I don't have much money) and am part of the Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology (EMET) program. At this rate, I should graduate with an Associate's degree in EMET by Summer 2018.
I am debating between these two options and want everyone's opinions of which would be more beneficial/ make more sense (preferably of people who are electrical or mechanical engineers). I am asking because I feel you all would have more knowledge regarding the pros and cons that I anticipate.
1.) Stop at an Associate's degree.
Pros:
- I'll spend less money on college
- I can be done by the time I am 31 years old, which will give me more time to excel in the field. Doing well is important to me.
- I might still be able to become an engineer, because the company I work for hopes to promote me to that level when I get my degree
- I am unclear about how different the responsibilities of a technician and engineer are, but I generally prefer supportive roles. I don't usually like to be solely responsible for something; I'd rather work with a team or help someone else.
- It's a bit lower-level of a career than being an engineer, which may help if I decide I want to have a baby (unlikely)
Cons:
- If I can't become an engineer where I currently work, I will probably have to be a technician, because most companies won't hire you as an engineer without a BS
- The salary as a technician will probably be significantly less. And I really need decent income (ideally $60,000+), because although I have no debt currently, I don't have much in assets either. No house, no retirement savings, and my car is dying. I live very simply and rarely spend money, but therapists actually don't make much money, so I never got to save much
- Due to the lower salary, I'd have to rely on my fiancé more for retirement savings. But I like to make enough money to take care of myself. It makes me feel more confident and secure.
- I heard it might be hard to find jobs as an EMET?
2.) Go on to get a Bachelor's degree
Pros:
- Salary will be much more; I can probably build up a decent savings account and maybe even retire someday
- I won't have to rely on my fiancé to build our retirement savings. That gives me a sense of empowerment. And, if he decides to leave me someday, I won't be completely screwed.
- More job opportunities?
Cons:
- Will be more expensive because I'll need to take more college classes
- I might be solely responsible for some projects, and that could stress me out a lot. Not having too much stress is important to me, because high levels of stress make me depressed.
- Will take more time- I won't finish until I am 35 or 36 years old. That is getting up there!
I currently work full time as a project assistant at a small industrial automation company. I am also enrolled in two community college classes (I don't have much money) and am part of the Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology (EMET) program. At this rate, I should graduate with an Associate's degree in EMET by Summer 2018.
I am debating between these two options and want everyone's opinions of which would be more beneficial/ make more sense (preferably of people who are electrical or mechanical engineers). I am asking because I feel you all would have more knowledge regarding the pros and cons that I anticipate.
1.) Stop at an Associate's degree.
Pros:
- I'll spend less money on college
- I can be done by the time I am 31 years old, which will give me more time to excel in the field. Doing well is important to me.
- I might still be able to become an engineer, because the company I work for hopes to promote me to that level when I get my degree
- I am unclear about how different the responsibilities of a technician and engineer are, but I generally prefer supportive roles. I don't usually like to be solely responsible for something; I'd rather work with a team or help someone else.
- It's a bit lower-level of a career than being an engineer, which may help if I decide I want to have a baby (unlikely)
Cons:
- If I can't become an engineer where I currently work, I will probably have to be a technician, because most companies won't hire you as an engineer without a BS
- The salary as a technician will probably be significantly less. And I really need decent income (ideally $60,000+), because although I have no debt currently, I don't have much in assets either. No house, no retirement savings, and my car is dying. I live very simply and rarely spend money, but therapists actually don't make much money, so I never got to save much
- Due to the lower salary, I'd have to rely on my fiancé more for retirement savings. But I like to make enough money to take care of myself. It makes me feel more confident and secure.
- I heard it might be hard to find jobs as an EMET?
2.) Go on to get a Bachelor's degree
Pros:
- Salary will be much more; I can probably build up a decent savings account and maybe even retire someday
- I won't have to rely on my fiancé to build our retirement savings. That gives me a sense of empowerment. And, if he decides to leave me someday, I won't be completely screwed.
- More job opportunities?
Cons:
- Will be more expensive because I'll need to take more college classes
- I might be solely responsible for some projects, and that could stress me out a lot. Not having too much stress is important to me, because high levels of stress make me depressed.
- Will take more time- I won't finish until I am 35 or 36 years old. That is getting up there!