5 answers
Jennifer
Student
Salt Lake City, Utah
1
Question
Asked
2529 views
How do I get back into Engineering after being a small business owner for the last 15 years?
I have a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering but was a small business owner for the past 15 years+. How can I successfully get back into Engineering?
5 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Jennifer,
You've received some top-notch advice from Teklemuz, David, and Daniela — all offering golden nuggets to ease your way back into engineering. They've laid down the blueprint: refreshing skills, leveraging your business experience, networking, and considering certifications.
Here's something that hasn't been mentioned — reverse mentorship.
While you're brushing up on technical skills, seek out younger engineers or recent grads through LinkedIn or professional organizations. These rising talents are often up-to-date with the latest tools, software, and industry trends. In return, your business acumen and leadership experience can offer them invaluable wisdom. It's a win-win — you stay current, they gain knowledge.
Additionally, consider volunteering for engineering-related projects at nonprofits or STEM education programs. It’s a great way to rebuild confidence, expand your network, and show that you're serious about re-entering the field.
A few quick extra tips:
LinkedIn Learning & Coursera have fantastic engineering refreshers.
Follow industry trends — podcasts like "The Engineering Commons" or "Talking Machines" keep your mind sharp.
Be proud of your entrepreneurial journey — those skills set you apart in problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability.
Remember, You've already conquered one challenge by running a business — returning to engineering is just another exciting chapter waiting to unfold. Keep the momentum going, and never underestimate how valuable your unique blend of skills is to the industry.
Wishing you all the success in your comeback story! All the bests Jennifer!
You've received some top-notch advice from Teklemuz, David, and Daniela — all offering golden nuggets to ease your way back into engineering. They've laid down the blueprint: refreshing skills, leveraging your business experience, networking, and considering certifications.
Here's something that hasn't been mentioned — reverse mentorship.
While you're brushing up on technical skills, seek out younger engineers or recent grads through LinkedIn or professional organizations. These rising talents are often up-to-date with the latest tools, software, and industry trends. In return, your business acumen and leadership experience can offer them invaluable wisdom. It's a win-win — you stay current, they gain knowledge.
Additionally, consider volunteering for engineering-related projects at nonprofits or STEM education programs. It’s a great way to rebuild confidence, expand your network, and show that you're serious about re-entering the field.
A few quick extra tips:
LinkedIn Learning & Coursera have fantastic engineering refreshers.
Follow industry trends — podcasts like "The Engineering Commons" or "Talking Machines" keep your mind sharp.
Be proud of your entrepreneurial journey — those skills set you apart in problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability.
Remember, You've already conquered one challenge by running a business — returning to engineering is just another exciting chapter waiting to unfold. Keep the momentum going, and never underestimate how valuable your unique blend of skills is to the industry.
Wishing you all the success in your comeback story! All the bests Jennifer!
David Sulli
Manufacturing Engineer and business owner
25
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
David’s Answer
If it's been that many years that you have not been involved in design, I recommend taking a class using Solidworks, which is among the most popular MCAD programs used in industry.
Next, consider joining the Society of Manufacturing Engineers or Society of Women Engineers. SME has many certification programs.
If you are interested in managerial roles, consider looking into obtaining a CAPM or PMP certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI).
The advice content listed above by Teklemuz and Daniela is also chock-full of excellent tips. Stay focused and positive. Good luck!
Next, consider joining the Society of Manufacturing Engineers or Society of Women Engineers. SME has many certification programs.
If you are interested in managerial roles, consider looking into obtaining a CAPM or PMP certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI).
The advice content listed above by Teklemuz and Daniela is also chock-full of excellent tips. Stay focused and positive. Good luck!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
520
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
You can successfully return to mechanical engineering as long as you're willing to learn and stay updated. Here’s how:
Refresh & Update Your Skills: Identify skill gaps and take online courses (Coursera, Udemy, MIT OpenCourseWare).
Focus on industry-relevant tools: CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD), FEA (ANSYS), CFD (Fluent), Programming (Python, MATLAB).
Obtain certifications (Six Sigma, PMP, PE license if applicable).
Leverage Your Business Experience: Highlight technical problem-solving, project management, process optimization, and leadership in your resume. Frame your business experience to align with roles like Manufacturing Engineer, Operations Engineer, Project Manager, or Consultant.
Build Hands-On Experience & A Portfolio
Work on engineering projects (design, simulations, automation) and document them.
Contribute to open-source projects or freelance on Upwork, Toptal.
Post technical insights and projects on LinkedIn or a blog.
Gain Industry Exposure:
Attend engineering conferences, trade shows, and networking events.
Join professional groups like as ASME, IEEE, SME and actively engage
Seek mentorship or informational interviews with engineers in your target field.
Optimize Resume, LinkedIn & Job Applications
Update your resume to focus on engineering-relevant skills and experience.
Optimize LinkedIn with an engineering-focused headline and start networking.
Consider mid-sized companies, startups, government agencies, and engineering recruiters.
Explore Entry Points Back Into Engineering:
Consider roles where your business acumen + engineering background add value:
Manufacturing Engineer (if you dealt with production processes)
Operations/Process Engineer (if you optimized workflows)
Sales/Applications Engineer (if you worked with technical products)
Project Engineer/Manager (if you handled complex projects and budgeting)
Engineering Consultant (if you have niche expertise in an industry)
Remember to apply for full-time, contract, freelance, consulting, or apprenticeship opportunities.
Stay Current & Keep Learning: Follow engineering podcasts, blogs, and YouTube channels, read essential books like Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design, and Continue developing skills in modern engineering tools and trends.
Set small, achievable goals (e.g., complete a CAD course in 1 month, reach out to 10 contacts in 2 weeks). Track your progress and adjust strategies based on feedback, and Stay consistent and persistent—engineering is about problem-solving. If you need further detail, you reach out to me.
If you need further guidance, feel free to reach out!
Refresh & Update Your Skills: Identify skill gaps and take online courses (Coursera, Udemy, MIT OpenCourseWare).
Focus on industry-relevant tools: CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD), FEA (ANSYS), CFD (Fluent), Programming (Python, MATLAB).
Obtain certifications (Six Sigma, PMP, PE license if applicable).
Leverage Your Business Experience: Highlight technical problem-solving, project management, process optimization, and leadership in your resume. Frame your business experience to align with roles like Manufacturing Engineer, Operations Engineer, Project Manager, or Consultant.
Build Hands-On Experience & A Portfolio
Work on engineering projects (design, simulations, automation) and document them.
Contribute to open-source projects or freelance on Upwork, Toptal.
Post technical insights and projects on LinkedIn or a blog.
Gain Industry Exposure:
Attend engineering conferences, trade shows, and networking events.
Join professional groups like as ASME, IEEE, SME and actively engage
Seek mentorship or informational interviews with engineers in your target field.
Optimize Resume, LinkedIn & Job Applications
Update your resume to focus on engineering-relevant skills and experience.
Optimize LinkedIn with an engineering-focused headline and start networking.
Consider mid-sized companies, startups, government agencies, and engineering recruiters.
Explore Entry Points Back Into Engineering:
Consider roles where your business acumen + engineering background add value:
Manufacturing Engineer (if you dealt with production processes)
Operations/Process Engineer (if you optimized workflows)
Sales/Applications Engineer (if you worked with technical products)
Project Engineer/Manager (if you handled complex projects and budgeting)
Engineering Consultant (if you have niche expertise in an industry)
Remember to apply for full-time, contract, freelance, consulting, or apprenticeship opportunities.
Stay Current & Keep Learning: Follow engineering podcasts, blogs, and YouTube channels, read essential books like Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design, and Continue developing skills in modern engineering tools and trends.
Set small, achievable goals (e.g., complete a CAD course in 1 month, reach out to 10 contacts in 2 weeks). Track your progress and adjust strategies based on feedback, and Stay consistent and persistent—engineering is about problem-solving. If you need further detail, you reach out to me.
If you need further guidance, feel free to reach out!
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Jennifer
Daniela Velasquez
Assistant Manager
9
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Jennifer,
After running a business for over 15 years, transitioning back into mechanical engineering requires a strategic approach. Start by refreshing your technical knowledge through online courses, certifications, and hands-on practice with industry-relevant software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Leverage your business experience by highlighting transferable skills such as leadership, project management, and problem-solving. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to showcase both your engineering background and business expertise. Networking is key—connect with former colleagues, attend industry events, and join professional organizations like ASME. Consider internships, contract work, or engineering returnship programs to gain recent experience. Applying for roles that align with both your engineering degree and managerial experience, such as engineering management or product development, can provide a smoother transition. With a proactive approach, you can successfully re-enter the field and make a strong impact.
Good Luck!!!
After running a business for over 15 years, transitioning back into mechanical engineering requires a strategic approach. Start by refreshing your technical knowledge through online courses, certifications, and hands-on practice with industry-relevant software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Leverage your business experience by highlighting transferable skills such as leadership, project management, and problem-solving. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to showcase both your engineering background and business expertise. Networking is key—connect with former colleagues, attend industry events, and join professional organizations like ASME. Consider internships, contract work, or engineering returnship programs to gain recent experience. Applying for roles that align with both your engineering degree and managerial experience, such as engineering management or product development, can provide a smoother transition. With a proactive approach, you can successfully re-enter the field and make a strong impact.
Good Luck!!!
Loved reading this, thanks!
Jennifer
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
110
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hi Jennifer! I think the responses before mine did a good job of looking as some ways to hone your skills.
The good news is that the laws of physics , etc. have not changed. You should not have to re-learn any of that. Perhaps some of the tools you used may have changed (or became 'blunt') in that amount of time.
Whatever industry/field you aspire to work in, you should subscribe to newsletters and eMags from organizations involved in that area. That will help you to understand where you can contribute as well as where to develop new skills or polish old ones.
As a retiree, I still follow technical topics within the industry where I worked. Artificial Intelligence is certainly a new tool in just about every discipline. Another area that just came into existence in the last 15-20 years ins "data mining." Knowing how to find and analyze useful data that relates to your projects is a vital skill to have.
Of course, you need the communication and team skills to work in today's environment. Having the right skills here is just as key as your engineering skills. I can't recommend how you should approach this aspect, since I've been retired that same length of time. Perhaps you can build on your experience in business here.
Wishing you the best outcome, Jennifer.
The good news is that the laws of physics , etc. have not changed. You should not have to re-learn any of that. Perhaps some of the tools you used may have changed (or became 'blunt') in that amount of time.
Whatever industry/field you aspire to work in, you should subscribe to newsletters and eMags from organizations involved in that area. That will help you to understand where you can contribute as well as where to develop new skills or polish old ones.
As a retiree, I still follow technical topics within the industry where I worked. Artificial Intelligence is certainly a new tool in just about every discipline. Another area that just came into existence in the last 15-20 years ins "data mining." Knowing how to find and analyze useful data that relates to your projects is a vital skill to have.
Of course, you need the communication and team skills to work in today's environment. Having the right skills here is just as key as your engineering skills. I can't recommend how you should approach this aspect, since I've been retired that same length of time. Perhaps you can build on your experience in business here.
Wishing you the best outcome, Jennifer.
Thanks so much. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Enjoy retirement!
Jennifer
Delete Comment
Flag Comment