Graduated college, thinking of changing career

[justin4192]

Hi, I recently found this website and think it is excellent. I have read a lot of good information on this forum about the boat design industry.

I just graduated from college last December with a degree in Decision Management Information Systems and an Information Technology minor, to put it more simply, it's similar to Business Management with a more technical emphasis. I have a pretty good job right now; the only thing I don’t like is how I have too much free time. I want a job more challenging and interesting. I was thinking the other day (I have lots of free thinking time lol) what I want to do with my life, where I want to go from here, etc. Well, ever since I was about 8 years old I always wanted to be a boat designer. When I was a kid, I would draw boats and yachts, create my own brochures, and dream of the boats in magazines. I wish I kept those drawings, I might have a couple boxed up somewhere, but most are gone. In high school I took 3 years of CAD and even designed a boat (designed it in CAD). Once I got into college, I tried some engineering courses, but was turned off by all the required math. I ended up with my DMIS degree mentioned above. I was thinking how I have such a passion for boats and how maybe I should look into some kind of boating career after all.

I have a real good mechanical understanding. I started building models when I was a kid. I built over 15 radio control model airplanes, sometimes building them for other people, all when I was between 13-16 years old. I taught myself how to build them and modify them. Since I loved boats, I also bought myself a radio control sailboat and powerboat. I have always been really hands on, like to build and design things. I recently finished a wooden sailboat for displaying in my living room.

I was thinking how I am not too sure if I really want to pursue a career in the IT field as I currently am. I am going to check with a local university about getting another bachelor degree, but this time in Mechanical Engineering as I had originally planned. I’m going to find out how much of my previous degree would transfer towards it. I am thinking I may be able to put that degree more to use in the marine field. I am also looking into Westlawn and YDS for getting an education in boat/yacht design. With all the free time I have with my current job, I could put it to good use with expanding my education. Reading about designing a boat, the challenge of trying to meet client’s needs, and working with what you can really interests me. I think working for a large company such as SeaRay would be great. I just am not sure if with my current degree and if I got the education from say YDS, if I would be able to start a career in boat design. That’s also why I am thinking of getting a Mechanical Engineering degree; maybe combine it with the certification from YDS.

Does anyone have any recommendations? Have any ideas if there is something with my current degree I could do in the boating industry? I live in the northern VA area, outside DC. Anyone know of any boat design companies in the MD, DC, and VA areas? I would think maybe in Annapolis. Anyone have ideas on how I could try to get started in the boating industry?

Sorry for the long message and thanks for the help.

-Justin

[CDBarry]

Look around Crystal City. Go to www.sname.org and check out upcoming local section meetings.

[justin4192]

Thanks, I'll look into that. I used to work in Arlington, so it's not that far from me right now.