Can IStill Get Hired as a Civil Engineer at 40 with Prior Experience?

[MatureAgeStudent]

Hi guys and girls,

So I have a 4 year degree in surveying (Spatial Science) and I'm considering studying for a civil engineering degree.

The maths and physics units already studied result in all but one math unit to complete.

I also get recognition of prior learning for some of my other units.

I have worked alongside civil engineers in high-rise construction, road works, bridges, etc and already work with CAD (Auto CAD - Civil 3D) and use engineering drawings.

I see this degree as the next natural progression if you will.

My question is, what are my employment prospects as a civil engineer in my late 40's (studying a half load with some units offered in summer school)?

Thank you in advance

 

[Vanadium 50]

what are my employment prospects as a civil engineer in my late 40's

In the US, same as they are for any other newly minted civil engineer. Possibly better for jobs requiring a lot of interaction with surveyors.

 

[berkeman]

Welcome to the PF.

The maths and physics units already studied result in all but one math unit to complete.

Sorry, I can't unabiguously parse your sentence. Does this mean that you only have one math class to complete (which one?), or does it mean that you have all but one left to complete?

I agree with V50, I think you should do well in school and do very well in the job market, based on your experience.

 

[MatureAgeStudent]

Welcome to the PF.

Sorry, I can't unabiguously parse your sentence. Does this mean that you only have one math class to complete (which one?), or does it mean that you have all but one left to complete?

I agree with V50, I think you should do well in school and do very well in the job market, based on your experience.

I apologize for any ambiguity.

I have recognition of prior learning for the maths and physics units (credit from covering the same subjects in my surveying degree) for 3 of the 4 units (with advanced calculus remaining to be completed), and a credit for a surveying unit.

I have all other units requiring completion (starting in 2020).

Thank you both for your encouragement and feedback.

 

[Dr. Courtney]

All job markets are local. Most older students have geographical constraints - needing or wanting to find a job near where they already live rather than conducting a nation wide job search. The laws of supply and demand operate on every local job market. If you have geographical constraints and are in an area of high supply or lower demand, then you'll have a harder time. As a newly minted engineer, GPA will matter a lot in a tougher market, as will the reputation of the school that grants the degree. In high demand local markets, those details matter less.

Newly minted engineers who are older with work experience in other fields also tend to have higher salary requirements. This also narrows the field considerably. Finding an $80k job as a newly minted engineer is a lot harder than finding a $50k job.

 

[russ_watters]

Newly minted engineers who are older with work experience in other fields also tend to have higher salary requirements. This also narrows the field considerably. Finding an $80k job as a newly minted engineer is a lot harder than finding a $50k job.

In the US, same as they are for any other newly minted civil engineer. Possibly better for jobs requiring a lot of interaction with surveyors.

It will depend a lot on the specifics of the current and new job. There could be substantial overlap, providing substantial opportunity to start well above entry level or advance very rapidly.

 

[gmax137]

It is an interesting question, though. The OP asked

My question is, what are my employment prospects as a civil engineer in my late 40's

what if instead, it was "late 50's"? How about "late 60's"? Somewhere there is a line, where the encouraging responses would flip over to, "you're too late."

I am not suggesting 40's is too late. But I would advise the OP to get on with it.

 

[Dr. Courtney]

It is an interesting question, though. The OP asked

what if instead, it was "late 50's"? How about "late 60's"? Somewhere there is a line, where the encouraging responses would flip over to, "you're too late."

I am not suggesting 40's is too late. But I would advise the OP to get on with it.

I my mind, the issue is with diminishing returns on the money and effort to earn the degree due to the length of working life that remains. But those are trade-offs for the individual to weigh and make for themselves. But "you're too late" is not in my vocabulary. If my own mother (late 70s) wanted to return to school for an engineering degree, my advice would be "go for it" since she'd just be spending my inheritance, keeping herself busy, and being mentally engaged. Return on the investment would not be a concern in that case.

 

[gmax137]

I agree with @Dr. Courtney, but to be fair the OP asked about "employment prospects." I think getting hired as a "new engineer" at 70 (or 65, or 60...) would be tough.