- #1
SchwanMan
- 2
- 0
I would like some feedback as to whether or not it would be worthwhile to obtain a masters degree in Civil Engineering. My current situation may (or may not) be unique.
I graduated in 2005 with a bachelor degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, I obtained my E.I.T., and after about one year later, I landed a job as a CE doing highway design for a consulting firm. I worked there just a little over one year, and then switched into Environmental. My reasons for switching to Environmental were a) I wanted to broaden my experience to what I thought was the future, and b) I was dissatisfied with the direction my company was going.
So the last 6 years I worked for an environmental consulting company as well as an environmental engineer for the state. Last year (2013) I obtained my P.E. license in Civil/Transportation. The reason I chose to sit for the civil/transportation P.E. exam is that I realize it is truly my passion. Although I have learned a lot in the environmental realm, what truly makes me happy is doing civil/design work. I miss the creativity.
For the last year, I have been (unsucessfully) looking to get back into Civil. I know that the job market is not the greatest, but I can't help but wonder if despite my P.E. license, I am an undesirable candidate due to the fact that most of my experience lies within environmental. I intend on keeping at the job searches/applications, but I am wondering if I need a new approach - Graduate school maybe?
So it comes to my question: Is it worth going to grad school to obtain a masters degree in Civil Engineering? Would this "refresh" my resume and give me a 2nd chance to re-enter the CE realm? Does a masters degree even mean anything to most employers? Or would I be seen as simply overqualified?
I graduated in 2005 with a bachelor degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, I obtained my E.I.T., and after about one year later, I landed a job as a CE doing highway design for a consulting firm. I worked there just a little over one year, and then switched into Environmental. My reasons for switching to Environmental were a) I wanted to broaden my experience to what I thought was the future, and b) I was dissatisfied with the direction my company was going.
So the last 6 years I worked for an environmental consulting company as well as an environmental engineer for the state. Last year (2013) I obtained my P.E. license in Civil/Transportation. The reason I chose to sit for the civil/transportation P.E. exam is that I realize it is truly my passion. Although I have learned a lot in the environmental realm, what truly makes me happy is doing civil/design work. I miss the creativity.
For the last year, I have been (unsucessfully) looking to get back into Civil. I know that the job market is not the greatest, but I can't help but wonder if despite my P.E. license, I am an undesirable candidate due to the fact that most of my experience lies within environmental. I intend on keeping at the job searches/applications, but I am wondering if I need a new approach - Graduate school maybe?
So it comes to my question: Is it worth going to grad school to obtain a masters degree in Civil Engineering? Would this "refresh" my resume and give me a 2nd chance to re-enter the CE realm? Does a masters degree even mean anything to most employers? Or would I be seen as simply overqualified?