Options for late starter.

[E-Farmer]

I'm seeking some advice from both the youngsters and the seasoned "vets". I've spent the last dozen years in sales experiencing the ups and downs in the software industry. I never completed college and life simply took over. Four children and a lovely bride (brimming with landscaping ideas = human backhoe) keep me quite busy. Recently I began contemplating a change of career including a return to school or other educational opportunity. Having spent my entire life in the Pacific Northwest (reasonably close to Seattle) I have a fondness for anything resembling a vessel capable of sustained flotation. All that being said, would it be reasonable to consider pursuing Westlawn or YDS to test the proverbial waters? If this course of action proved achievable I would still consider going on to Webb or MIT or ??? if finances and circumstances allowed. Any thoughts? Silly to ask... of course, a boat load of you will happily respond with an equal number of varied opinions! :)

[CDBarry]

Westlawn and YDS will not be a "test". They will have relatively little to do with any further education and are unlikely to do much for you in the Pacific Northwest - there are too many well educated NAs there.

Try to get an interview at a couple of NA firms and builders in the area (Westport, Delta, Kvichak, Nichols) to see what it's about and if you can use what you have. You can also try to get in via CAD with community college education.

You are too old to go to Webb (the limit is 26, as I recall) - if you can, look into ME at UW, it's pretty close.

[mebbrow]

hi. My name is Mebbrow, i am keen to learn marine engineering from very biginning, but still i want to learn much more, however i am able to build drawing still is something i need to learn. Most eagerly i am looking for a perfect software to come up to my ambition, would you please help me to find it or would you recomend anyhow.

Thanks a lot
i am so happy to be a member of your site.

[bigbri272]

I to am a late starter. I ve just finished my second year of a NA Degree course and have a summer job with the MCA (UK Coastguard). I am 32 but this is not a disadvantage in the UK (new Law!!). If you have the Knowlage, and combine this with your skills from you last ten years, you have a lot to offer employers so let them know that! Not sure about US NA courses though CD Barry is your man for all that. Good Luck. Its never too late!

[CDBarry]

Also, go to a couple of local SNAME, ASNE and SBYD meetings.