[WSSix]

I wandered as well like Gray. I didn't graduate with my ME until I was 30. I started as usual at 18. Experience is an absolute must. He's competing against everyone else in his own class not to mention other schools. He must stand out some how. School and Co-Ops can also give him an idea of what he doesn't want as a career. Worst thing I can image happening to someone young is getting into a career you dreamed of only for it to not be what you thought and become disillusioned at it all.

Make sure whatever he does he thinks long term and stays on track even if he wanders a little. Don't let him think for a minute that everything will just be handed to him after graduating. You get a piece of paper and at attaboy not a six figure income and professional title with three weeks of vacation and quarterly bonuses. Those good jobs usually take a few career steps after college before you obtain them.

Oh, and one more thing. Once he does graduate and get out there in the real world, don't let him get arrogant. The people with years of experience that may be lower on the totem pole than his starting engineering position can teach him the world if he'll listen. I come across way too many engineers that think they're smarter or better than technical people that don't have ENGR degrees. You're shooting yourself in the foot with that type of attitude.

Good luck to your son, Scott.