Career Change back into Eng. -but not to same area..am I dreaming?
Career Change back into Eng. -but not to same area..am I dreaming?
(OP)
Background: I have a mechanical engineering degree and a few years of experience doing plant engineering & automation. Then I earned an MBA, and switched careers into IT. I maintained my Ontario P.Eng designation, and I'm currently working as an IT project manager for a muncipality. I'm 40.
The contemplated move: an internal move to our Design and Construction group, specifically to the Water and Wastewater group, as a Project Manager.
I'm finding that the Civil engineering field is very conservative; if you don't have a Civil engineering degree, the gate does not open. I recognize there is a gap here, and I'm filling it through a variety of correspondence courses. I've completed courses on construction contracts, just started a course on Hydraulics, and plan on further courses on water/wastewater and contract administration. I am targeting a move to a junior position that would result in a pay loss, at least initially.
I'm trying to get a sense of whether I'm wasting my time or not; any comments would be appreciated. I also recognize that the question is very organization-dependant.
Any comments on obvious knowledge areas or gaps in education would also be appreciated.
The contemplated move: an internal move to our Design and Construction group, specifically to the Water and Wastewater group, as a Project Manager.
I'm finding that the Civil engineering field is very conservative; if you don't have a Civil engineering degree, the gate does not open. I recognize there is a gap here, and I'm filling it through a variety of correspondence courses. I've completed courses on construction contracts, just started a course on Hydraulics, and plan on further courses on water/wastewater and contract administration. I am targeting a move to a junior position that would result in a pay loss, at least initially.
I'm trying to get a sense of whether I'm wasting my time or not; any comments would be appreciated. I also recognize that the question is very organization-dependant.
Any comments on obvious knowledge areas or gaps in education would also be appreciated.





RE: Career Change back into Eng. -but not to same area..am I dreaming?
One of my buddies quit his teaching job to get an engineering degree and start at the bottom, at 44 years old almost just like you. Do you have a family? Is it worth taking time away from them for your career goals? Most single folks like to invest heavily in their career and most married folks do not. I love to go home and see my wife and kids. I have had many opportunities for better positions with better pay that I rejected because it would have required me to spend less time with my family.
I wish you success in making the best decision for you and your career.
RE: Career Change back into Eng. -but not to same area..am I dreaming?
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"Is it the only lesson of history that mankind is unteachable?"
--Winston S. Churchill
RE: Career Change back into Eng. -but not to same area..am I dreaming?