Engineering Would you take a job not in line with career goals?

[CivilSigma]

I have just started my masters in civil engineering and at the same time I have received a job interview from a construction company that I think really like me. I don't have any official offers.

My career goal is to be involved with the structural design/analysis industry. However, the company I interviewed for is known for using technology to assist with construction. They don't do analysis/design and to be honest I don't see my self doing the advertised work for more than 2 yrs max.

If I am offered the job, should I throw away all my graduate studies arrangements for a job that I may or may not like?

I mean, in your opinion is this opportunity worth the risk? To be honest, there are not a lot of entry level jobs and I feel like I got lucky landing this one.

 

[trurle]

In modern world, having a job right after graduation is good for CV record. Even if you ultimately leave that marginal job, you will be in better position to search for another one compared to today.

 

[PhanthomJay]

You had your mind set on a Masters and you would give it up for a 2 year non-engineering job that you may not like? Get your Masters and the door will be opened for thee.

 

[CrysPhys]

I have just started my masters in civil engineering and at the same time I have received a job interview from a construction company that I think really like me. I don't have any official offers.

My career goal is to be involved with the structural design/analysis industry. However, the company I interviewed for is known for using technology to assist with construction. They don't do analysis/design and to be honest I don't see my self doing the advertised work for more than 2 yrs max.

If I am offered the job, should I throw away all my graduate studies arrangements for a job that I may or may not like?

I mean, in your opinion is this opportunity worth the risk? To be honest, there are not a lot of entry level jobs and I feel like I got lucky landing this one.

(a) Did you go to grad school because you had mapped out a career plan that required a masters, or did you go to grad school because you couldn't find a job?

(b) How long will it take to complete the masters?

(c) If you drop out of school, how much money will you lose (I don't mean lost opportunity, but e.g. tuition and fees that would be forfeited)?

(d) If you take the job that you plan to quit in 2 yrs, what do you plan to do afterwards?

 

[CivilSigma]

Thank you for the replies!

(a) Did you go to grad school because you had mapped out a career plan that required a masters, or did you go to grad school because you couldn't find a job?

(b) How long will it take to complete the masters?

(c) If you drop out of school, how much money will you lose (I don't mean lost opportunity, but e.g. tuition and fees that would be forfeited)?

(d) If you take the job that you plan to quit in 2 yrs, what do you plan to do afterwards?

a) I decided to pursue grad school because I want to become a structural designer and a masters is an asset to help me achieve my career goal. I have started my masters right after my undergrad studies. So I have only had about 2 months of actively applying to jobs, and I could not land an interview for a job in line with my career choice.

b) I am doing course based masters. So it will take me 1 full year, hopefully.

c) I won't lose money, it will be refunded.

d) I actually plan on finishing my masters after I leave the job or best case scenario land a job related to structural design/analysis. I am hoping that , if I accept this job, it will allow me to network with the company's clients to get my "dream" job.

You had your mind set on a Masters and you would give it up for a 2 year non-engineering job that you may not like? Get your Masters and the door will be opened for thee.

I really think so too.

 

[CrysPhys]

a) I decided to pursue grad school because I want to become a structural designer and a masters is an asset to help me achieve my career goal. I have started my masters right after my undergrad studies. So I have only had about 2 months of actively applying to jobs, and I could not land an interview for a job in line with my career choice.

b) I am doing course based masters. So it will take me 1 full year, hopefully.

c) I won't lose money, it will be refunded.

d) I actually plan on finishing my masters after I leave the job or best case scenario land a job related to structural design/analysis. I am hoping that , if I accept this job, it will allow me to network with the company's clients to get my "dream" job.

Based on this response, you should stay the course.

 

[Choppy]

This is another one of those "there is no right answer" types of dilemmas.

Something you might want to consider is negotiating a middle road. If this company really likes you, be up front with them and tell them that you're interested in completing your master's degree. You might be able to defer the job until that is completed if we're only talking about a year. In some cases it could also work the other way too - they might support you through the master's degree - although if it's not in an area they specialize in that's probably unlikely. But the point is, if you're in a position where you'd be perfectly happy without the job, you're in a good position to negotiate.

 

[CrysPhys]

OP: One further question. If you had already made up your mind to go to grad school, why did you apply for jobs at this time?

 

[CivilSigma]

OP: One further question. If you had already made up your mind to go to grad school, why did you apply for jobs at this time?

Before my graduate studies began, I was applying to design jobs in hopes of landing something in line with my career goals. If I get accepted, then I would have postponed my studies.

You could say I was feeling desperate since I was not hearing back from others, so I applied to this construction company to "see" what would happen.

 

[MarneMath]

it's nice to feel wanted. When I was younger, I applied for a job on a whim because I was a bit bored at work. I wasn't typically bored at work but it was a slow season for us. Anyway, I happen to get a reply and decided to interview just to see what it was like. Fast forward a few weeks, I enjoyed everyone I met and the salary and location were pretty good too. The only hiccup was that I wasn't really into the job. It was tangentially related to my field, but the problems they were solving didn't align with my interest. Nevertheless, it felt nice having someone want me as much as they did and it was exciting to get a promotion and a nice 20% increase in salary that I took it!

6 months later I found myself dreading work. I liked the people, job was ok and everything generally was fine with the company, but I just wasn't interested in my work. I quit soon after and it took me awhile to get back into my original career track.

I mention this because I think it's important to evaluate what your goals are and how a current prospect aligns with your goals. It's also important to balance those needs with job security. If you're in a situation where you feel that you'll be just as employable (if not more) by the time you finish your masters, then I would advise you to stay on track.

 

[Locrian]

Would you take a job not in line with career goals?

I’m a big fan of having career goals.

I'm also a big fan of deviating from them.

I’ve tossed my career goals in the trash twice in my life and opted instead to change careers. Both were the best career decisions I’ve made.

 

[mpresic3]

You currently do not have a decision to make except whether to go for the interview. I would go to interview and learn what you can from the interview and put in a favorable pitch to try to get employment.


Also, you want to do analysis/design bit are concerned the company does not do that. I understand, but as an entry-level employee at most companies, I am not sure you will have many chances to design during the first few years. I presume you would be an apprentice to a senior employee or team in the beginning. You may be expecting too much too fast. The interview may give you better indicators of where your career with the company will be a few years from now.

 

[CivilSigma]

It's been a week since the interview and I haven't heard back, should I just I shoot them an email or ignore them?

 

[mpresic3]

I have not looked for a job for over 5 years, but in my experience, one week is not a long time. Recruiting for employment is a small part of the overall mission of most companies. Speaking of where I work, I would be surprised if most (if any) interviews had a response within one week.

Unless they mentioned in the interview, that they would get back to you at the end of the week, I would wait. Maybe others in this forum have other ideas.

By the way, 5 years ago, when I was looking for employment, I never heard back from several schools and companies (almost all) that I had interviews with.

Even one that looked very promising. I was congratulated by faculty, and they told me they never got though two rounds of questioning in 90 minutes. I figured if 5-6 faculty members spent 90 minutes each questioning me, I was in. (I suppose it is possible I was supposed to get back to them, but I figure if they wanted me they would get back to me).

I did ask when I could hear from them again. However, they told me that I was their first interview (on December 2), and they needed someone for the January semester. Talk about organization. Did they really think I could arrange an interstate move over 1000 miles with no notice in 3-5 weeks? They were going to interview others for the job (in December) and still get someone by the new semester (in January)? The person they did get must have been local to the area.

Anyway I never got an offer. I am much better off with my current job.

 

[CivilSigma]

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and insights!

I just got an email back from HR and unfortunately they did not choose me to continue with the round of interviews.
Now to focus on studying!

Expect a bunch of posts from me on structural dynamics

Kind regards,
-CivilSigma