I have a below average I intellect. I have always wanted to do engineering because its math/physics oriented. However have always been slow as a kid.
I figured drafting was the next best option.
Can you have a below average intellect and a passion for math and do well as a designer/drafter?
I was thinking of going for a program at the local cc. Two years. It transfers to a mech engineering tech degree at metro state
Anyone know if I would fail in the work place? I have high functioning aspergers
Bump
The average IQ for working draftsmen falls nearly directly on the median, meaning half have IQs above average and half have IQs below average. It’s nearly the same for engineering technicians.
So, the answer is yes.
Thanks.
Would aspergers be an issue for a drafter?
That covers a wide range of issues. You do have to be able to communicate with the customers and engineers in some precise ways, but while it is an important part of the job, it doesn’t happen every day, all day.
There are different levels to drafting/designing, too. Junior drafters aren’t expected to do much more than copy sketches given to them by engineers. Designers typically help lay out the project, at least when it comes to structures. I have known some bright ones and then some who are not so bright. I think drafting could be a good fit for someone with Asperger’s. Do you have vocational rehabilitation services in your state? I worked with a woman who got a drafting job at the company through voc rehab - the state paid part of her salary. That would be a good way to see if you like the work. Good luck!
Thanks for the responses. Two more questions.
what is the pay like for entry level? The gentleman at the cc said it depends on what you do.
I will be 28 when I start the program. Will that be an issue? I currently work full time too.
Oh, gosh, there is a huge range of pay. It depends on which field and which city you’re in.
My husband was 28 when he went back to engineering school. He didn’t finish his graduate degree until he was 32. It was no problem at all.
I can’t comment on going for engineering with aspergers since I don’t know much about it (though I believe you’d be fine as long as you work hard). As far as going at 28, that wouldn’t be a problem at all. I too used to think it’d be weird to go back to college sometime in the mid-late 20’s, but when you get there nobody really cares and you definitely wouldn’t be the only one. I’m 29 now in junior year ME and there are other guys in there late 20’s, some older too.
As far as working, I’d definitely suggest dropping your work down to part-time and starting your classes at part-time as well, especially if you’d like more time to learn the material.
What math do I need to know? Obviously not as much as an engineer…
Oh, I apologize, I misread you question (didn’t notice you said mech engineering “tech”), not that it changes my answer. But I’ll let someone else more knowledgeable answer specifically for engineering tech as I’m sure there are others that know more about it than me.
My 2 year program will be engineering graphics tech