[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Willem Fick

Hasn't held me back in life once - in fact I think it actually taught me how to think about the world in very practical terms, and in doing so advanced my career tremendously.

Totally agree. Many of the best engineers that I have worked with are either former or hobbyist mechanics. It provides a common sense and perspective that school cannot. Conversely, many of the worst engineers that I have worked with are the "walking computer" types that colleges like to turn out. As an aerospace engineering grad, it always amazed me that a student could graduate with that degree without ever actually seeing an airplane in person.