68‑Year‑Old Engineer Reveals His Biggest Regret After 50 Years at One Company — and it’s a lesson that young folks and seasoned professionals alike should hear loud and clear. Kip Turner, a veteran engineer at AT&T, spent a lifetime climbing through the ranks over five decades. His big regret? Not going back to finish his engineering degree—even though the company offered tuition help.
His story shows that experience is golden, but stacking it with formal education can open even bigger doors. Whether you’re 18 or 48, here’s why learning while you earn matters.
68-Year-Old Engineer Reveals His Biggest Regret
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kip Turner, AT&T engineer |
| Age & Tenure | 68 years old; 50 years at AT&T since 1973 (moneycontrol.com) |
| Education History | One year of animal science; dropped out due to finances |
| Company Roles | ~8 roles, from station installer to lead product development engineer |
| Training Taken | ~150 courses in troubleshooting, fiber optics, microwave engineering |
| Tuition Benefit | Up to $30,000; partnered with colleges like Notre Dame, North Carolina A&T; fully online (linkedin.com) |
| Biggest Regret | Not using AT&T’s tuition program to earn his engineering degree |
| His Advice | “Take advantage of all the training, education, and tuition reimbursement your employer offers.” |
| Employer Trend | 48 % of U.S. employers offer tuition help; 80 % for large firms |
Kip Turner’s story is a powerful reminder that experience builds character, but credentials unlock formal power. His 50‑year journey shows our ability to adapt, grow, and rise—yet also highlights how easily we can leave a door unopened.
His message for us?
Grab the opportunities—tuition help, training, degrees—while you still can.
Build on your experience. Acid test your skills with learning. That’s how you honor the community, earn respect, and walk the balanced path for seven generations.
Career pros: Kip’s journey shows how combining work experience with credentials builds both trust and job flexibility.
From Ag Classroom to Engineering Lab
Kip started in 1973 as an 18-year-old who had just dropped out of Arkansas State University after one year. He drove a lumber truck but realized tuition costs were killing his dreams. His dad—working at Southwestern Bell—suggested he try AT&T. Turner’s gamble paid off: he landed a job as a station installer and stayed.
Over the next five decades, he moved through roles including field technician, systems engineer, microwave specialist, and eventual lead engineer. He clocked in roughly 150 technical training courses across the U.S.—from microwave radio to fiber optics and system troubleshooting (yourstory.com, en.lagradaonline.com).
The One Big Regret
Despite all that on-the-job growth, Turner regrets not finishing his degree.
“I would have loved to have completed an engineering degree,” says Turner.
He missed opportunities: AT&T offered up to $30,000 in tuition reimbursement, full online degree partnerships with schools like Notre Dame and North Carolina A&T—but he kept postponing.He now urges others: Don’t wait.
A Guide to Maximize Your Career
- Start Even Without a Degree: Like Kip, apply for roles that spark interest—even if you’re short on credits. Learn on the job. Experience counts—for real.
- Take Training Seriously: Treat internal and external courses like stepping stones. Check if they count toward credits or certifications you can leverage.
- Use Tuition Perks ASAP: If your employer offers tuition help or partnerships, grab it early. School plus work can open career-level doors—especially mid-career.
- Balance Your Time: Working while studying is tough—but manageable. Choose flexible or online programs. Pace yourself and ask for support when needed.
- Build Cross-Department Networks: Kip moved across teams—don’t stay siloed. Meet mentors, ask for stretch projects, and explore areas like systems, optics, or management.
- Mentor Along the Way: Kip shared advice now to younger workers. Once experienced, pass down your wisdom: formal education and continuing skills are vital.
Why Pairing Degree + Experience Wins
| Advantage | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Industry Credibility | Degrees still matter in leadership and design-focused roles |
| Deep Technical Knowledge | Enhances hands-on experience with theoretical grounding |
| Career Flexibility | Opens doors to roles in R&D, engineering management, and tech innovation |
| Long-Term Security | Combo of credentials and skill keeps you relevant as industries shift |
| Pay & Promotions | Degrees often influence compensation, benefits, and advancement chances |
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Native American Wisdom: Walk Two Worlds
Our people teach that true growth comes when Earth’s lessons and Sky’s knowledge walk together. Kip lived and learned in Earth’s realm—hands-on, practical. But missing the academic root left his journey unbalanced.
Native tradition teaches: “Walk in two worlds.” Marry real-world skill and formal wisdom. Choose both paths—and your journey becomes whole.
Why This Matters to You
- Students & Young Workers: Won’t limit yourself—start your career journey now, but plan education early.
- Mid-Career Professionals: Consider upping your credentials. A degree may boost leadership and pay.
- Managers & HR Pros: Promote awareness of tuition benefits and learning culture.
- Mentors & Advisors: Share real stories. Encourage your mentees to blend work experience with ongoing education.
- Policy Makers: Support corporate incentives for lifelong learning—these strengthen the workforce and economy.
FAQs
Q: Is it bad to stay at one company for 50 years?
A: Nope. Longevity shows loyalty, skill depth, and stability. But augmenting years with learning can prevent plateauing.
Q: Can internal courses count for college credits?
A: Many do! Ask HR or education departments—AT&T’s partnerships let you convert training into credits.
Q: What if I don’t like classroom stuff?
A: Online, hybrid and certificate programs offer flexibility. Education now adapts to life, not the other way around.
Q: Should I leave if I hit a promotion ceiling?
A: First, use training and tuition programs. If career growth stalls, yes—evaluating a move may help.
Q: Is it too late to go back to school at 50 + years old?
A: Never too late, but earlier is better. Kip wishes he’d done it sooner—don’t wait like he did.
