Ky-anh Tran

As you are aging (approaching you 60s), are you more valued as an engineer or are you less valued? Is there a prejudice for old engineers that they are incapable to be productive?
Also, is there a competition between engineers in the US and engineers from foreign countries like China (who would be willing more for a lower wage) for jobs?

I'm kind of clueless on this, so anything will be helpful. Thanks!

milki

By the time you're 60, you'll probably be promoted (given that you're decent) to something like Manager.

I wouldn't necessarily say cheap labour would replace US Engineers, I sense a strong feeling of nationalism amongst Americans and Europeans - nationalism that could probably lead to protectionism. In my short experience living and interacting in the US, I see a strong resentment towards "foreigners" and Globalization and a move towards Nationalised Fragmentation in relation to the World Stage.

Anyway, if you're in something like Bio/Nanotech and haven't kept up with you're field, you're pretty much obsolete. Maybe flipping through journals would help.

If I was the CEO or in charge of hiring, I'd probably choose a fresh graduate because I can pay him/her less than a 60 year old and because he/she carries the most relevant knowledge for entry level jobs and use the experience the 60 year old has at a higher level.

UriA702

Ky-anh Tran - Unfortunately, outsourcing is something every american needs to deal with, regardless of what field they may be in. Whether it be being replaced by foreigners willing to live in horrendous conditions and work for minimum wage or, computer programs that are replacing many jobs in finance and economics. I am just wondering are you approaching your 60's, or is the question simply out of curiosity?

I don't think there is a prejudice against older engineers. Most of the engineers approach retirement usually aren't in on any of the technical aspect of the business. For the most part someone in their 60's would have alot of knowledge about the business and would involved in (as stated by milki) some sort of managerial position and supervise the younger guys. Correcting errors and such.

redbeard

I'm 55. I find myself in high demand, more for my experience than for my skills. I reject recruiting offers and headhunters on a monthly basis. Downsizing is not an issue, nor is outsourcing. There's nobody in India with anything that would approach my three-page resume.

But, there are classmates of mine--a few of them engineers--who would complain of age discrimination, outsourcing, and poor job prospects.

So how do you find yourself in category A and not Category B?

I've pondered that question for the past hour or so. It requires me to reflect on the past 35 years. There's no guarantee that the next 35 will be the same, but here goes:

- In college, you build a 'learning machine' in your head. If you turn off the switch and let the thing rust and gather cobwebs once you get a diploma, then you're headed for Cat B. 90% of what I learned, I learned outside of a university.

- Your degree does not "make" you anything. You make yourself. You're responsible for your own career, your own risk-management. There is risk in doing nothing.

- Attitude is critical to success. Anybody can be a cynic. Cynicism is for rookies. Chase that cynicism monster back in the closet every day. Believe in yourself, your company, and your mission.

- Every individual in the company has something to contribute. Don't think that you're superior to anybody. Be nice to the people you meet on the way up, because you'll meet them again on the way down.

- Try to write in complete sentences. Edit your own work.

I think that's all for this beautiful Saturday morning. If I think of more later, I'll re-engage.

Shackleford

That was succinct and applicable for anyone. Thanks, red.