Considering a Career Change - Any Words of Wisdom?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Quick Cliff's Notes description of me - 33, BS in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Business Management, halfway through an MBA with a Leadership concentration and 3.8 GPA, 8 years working aerospace project engineering, management, flight test, operations management, and program management for the same employer.

Aerospace really tanked in 2008 and hasn't recovered, especially in Wichita. Despite the turmoil I've managed to do pretty well for myself, but have really stagnated in the last year. Current employment is steady but BORING, limited opportunity for advancement in the directions that I would want to go due to entrenched individuals. I've been looking around town for the last year and really haven't found anything that's a good fit for me within aerospace. Relocation would be a hard sell (but possible), I have kids 3/6/9 and my wife is close to her family that lives in the region. My experience is project and program management in a highly technical and team oriented environment, which lends itself well to a number of other industries. While I have technical knowledge I am by no means a technical engineering type, I frankly prefer working with and leading people to accomplish a common goal. I think I could pretty easily transition into a project or program management role in another industry and be successful, which is the root of my thread here.

I respect the folks here, and I'm sure many of you have been through similar transitions in your careers. I'd welcome any words of wisdom, caution, personal experiences, or a good strong kick in the ass. I've hesitated on making a move because I do generally enjoy aviation, and am concerned that I will eventually pass a "point of no return" where I will not be able to come back. Conversely, I may also find that the grass really is greener on the other side and have no interest in ever returning.

[edgemar]

Here is a great article. I read it and recently downloaded his book which i'm currently reading. This article is more for a total career restart which may be not be what you're after. It still has lots of great info:

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For Reinventing Yourself | TechCrunch

Good Luck!

[BRPORSCHE]

Matt,

Judging by your posts I think you would be a great fit in Houston. It's not for everyone, but I think you would really like it here.

Plus, an engineer can get a job in oil easy. Especially with your PM skills.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by BRPORSCHE

Matt,

Judging by your posts I think you would be a great fit in Houston. It's not for everyone, but I think you would really like it here.

Plus, an engineer can get a job in oil easy. Especially with your PM skills.

Tom, were I to relocate anywhere, TX would be at the top of the list. Though DFW would probably be an easier sell with the wife, as we have family there.

edgemar thanks for the link, there's a lot of truth there.

[Jim Richards]

Are you planning on finishing your MBA first? That would be one suggestion I'd make.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Jim, that wasn't my plan. I'm only about halfway through, and it will likely take another couple years for me to finish. I see your reasoning, but also can't commit to school at a full time rate.

[Seahawk]

Matt, if you are changing the relocation (can't) paradigm, what areas are you most interested in, any limits?

Government job or only private sector?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

Matt, if you are changing the relocation (can't) paradigm, what areas are you most interested in, any limits?

Government job or only private sector?

Paul, based on conversations with the better half it would have to be a regional move for a compelling opportunity. OK, CO, MO, TX, something like that. She doesn't like that prospect but is willing to consider it, going E or W coast simply won't happen. I would also consider something that is a combination of virtual and on-site. I don't have any preconceived notions on government vs private, right now I'm wide open.

[Cajundaddy]

Space-X Technologies- A very different tech company than your typical govt contractor/supplier.

Starving for qualified engineers with vision, tons of work already on the books, breakthrough technologies with very few boring days. They have facilities in SoCal, TX and FL, and VP Tom Mueller is a Porsche guy.

Give em a look. Mission Highlights: SpaceX's Dragon Makes History - YouTube

[Jim Richards]

Yeah, the commercial space flight companies might be more interesting than commercial aviation.

[Embraer]

lots of openings in the Mojave area. the biggest problem...it's the Mojave area.

[willtel]

Do you have a PMI certification? If not it should be feasible for you to get one and there are loads of IT project management jobs you would be suited for.

Isn't Koch in Wichita? I worked for them in Atlanta. Lots of jobs but IMO not a great place to work.

[M.D. Holloway]

Matt, see my recent post on committing 1-3 months. If you missed it, it reads...

I am looking for a select few…
I am developing a documentary on not just surviving but thriving. You will be provided with $20, your social security card and driver’s license along with 3 changes of clothes as well as a cell phone (for emergencies and pics/vids) and a notebook and pencil. You will be dropped off in a city where you have never been (in the US) and don’t know anyone. You have 1 to 3 months to find a place to call home, a secure job and save $500. You shall document your experiences. GO! Up for it? Lets talk…

Give me 3 months...after which the world opens and things shall happen which shall be amazing!

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

Space-X Technologies- A very different tech company than your typical govt contractor/supplier.

Starving for qualified engineers with vision, tons of work already on the books, breakthrough technologies with very few boring days. They have facilities in SoCal, TX and FL, and VP Tom Mueller is a Porsche guy.

Give em a look. Mission Highlights: SpaceX's Dragon Makes History - YouTube

Definitely interesting work. I know Virgin Galactic is struggling, regardless of what their press releases may say.

Originally Posted by willtel

Do you have a PMI certification? If not it should be feasible for you to get one and there are loads of IT project management jobs you would be suited for.

Isn't Koch in Wichita? I worked for them in Atlanta. Lots of jobs but IMO not a great place to work.

No PMI PMP, the aerospace industry doesn't seem to appreciate it as much as other industries so I never pursued it. Definitely something that I could handle though. Yes Koch is here, and one of the other options that I would consider to pursue.

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

Matt, see my recent post on committing 1-3 months. If you missed it, it reads...



Give me 3 months...after which the world opens and things shall happen which shall be amazing!

Mike, that's probably outside the realm of "family friendly". Definitely an adventure though.....

[M.D. Holloway]

Now wouldn't it truly be something to do it with the fam? Holy smokes!!! Dude! Thats worthy of not only a show, but a book and hitting the lecture circuit at $10,000 a pop!!!!

Seriously. You have a safety net. You get into a life threatening situation and I will bail you out. Otherwise take the challenge and show how not only to survive but to THRIVE!

Its gold Jerry, Gold I Tell You!!!

[herr_oberst]

Big doings in the drone field in Hood River, OR.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Mike, I think I'd rather be a street-corner drunk. $20 buys a big box of wine.....

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Current employment is steady but BORING, limited opportunity for advancement in the directions that I would want to go due to entrenched individuals.

Enough said here. If you were 55 I would say suck it up, but at 33 you need to change jobs.

[scottmandue]

Plastics!

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Big doings in the drone field in Hood River, OR.

I would kill... no, seriously, kill for a chance to move to Hood River (OK, maybe just hurt someone not very nice)

Hood River is one of the most beautiful places on the planet... I would freeze my sissy white middle age spoiled Kalifornia a$$ off in the winter... but if I could swing it I would consider the move.