I am a structural engineer who went with a non-traditional career path too. Don't be afraid of going a new route (and kudos to you for having the courage to step out!). Many of the most successful and well-rounded engineers have unique backgrounds that give them a unique perspective that makes them invaluable.
There was a question about possible career paths for structural engineers on another thread which I believe is relevant to you. Here's the blog post I wrote on this topic (mostly because it was getting way too long for a response here):
Top 10 Career Options for Civil/Structural EngineersIn my opinion, you are better off to dive into a full-time position. Otherwise, you'll go to part-time and be perceived as less committed at your tech job (most employers aren't going to be thrilled that you are "biding time" while you look for something more suited to you), and also be struggling to have enough time to learn all you really need to at your internship. Better off to go "all-in" on your new field if you know it's the one for you.
One way to bridge the two that hasn't already been mentioned is to look for a job at a very large AEC company (examples: AECOM, Jacobs, I'm sure there are others). These firms have both engineers and tech people, and some cases do research combining the two. You could immediately apply to an EIT role, but you could also get a job in the tech department, learn from those around you (and see lots of areas of civil since those types of companies have many) and eventually request to get transferred to another division. An option like this would allow you to mitigate the pay cut you will take going from 10 years experience in tech to a starter position in civil, allow you to have access to many different areas of civil, gain valuable training (large companies usually offer more in training than small), and give you time to figure out where you want to go in this industry long-term.
I would also highly encourage you to become active in your local ASCE Younger Members group (anyone on this thread from Chicago who can reach out?). Particularly as you are re-entering the field, the more people in civil engineering you can network with and learn from, the better.
Welcome back to civil engineering!
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Stephanie Slocum P.E.
Founder & CEO
Engineers Rising LLC
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-19-2019 16:05
From: Jamie Marcus
Subject: Reentering the Civil Engineering Profession
Hi Elliot,
I'm most interested in Structural Engineering, but I am open to a variety of options. I don't want to limit myself by only focusing on one field. I'm not sure if this will make me come off as too vague or not, but basically I've just concluded that Civil Engineering is the industry I would prefer to be working in, so I am open to how I re-enter the industry. If I end up never working in Structural Engineering, but finding a different career path that works for me, I'm okay with that.
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Jamie Marcus Aff.M.ASCE
Buffalo Grove IL
(847) 644-7242
Original Message:
Sent: 03-17-2019 02:31
From: Elliot House
Subject: Reentering the Civil Engineering Profession
Hello, welcome back to the engineering family!
I'm a structural engineer out of SF and I'm curious what part of "civil engineering" you're interested in? I'd recommend applying for a full position, not interning, and apply your life skills to get in the door. Industry is booming here in SF and I'm assuming it's the same in the Chicago area? Get your foot in the door and get your PE. Options will open up after.
Cheers,
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Elliot House
W.B. Clausen Structural Engineers
Emeryville CA
(415)444-4144
Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2019 18:16
From: Jamie Marcus
Subject: Reentering the Civil Engineering Profession
I am considered to be an entry-level civil engineer (I have my EIT), but I am 31. I graduated during the economic crash and had difficulty finding a job, so I moved into the tech sector, but I don't love it. I am currently in a position right now in my life where if I am going to try to get back into the civil engineering industry, now would be the time to do it, however I am not quite sure where to start (ie: do I look for a full-time job vs intern?, how do I best present myself with a resume that has nothing to do with civil engineering for the last 7 years?, is this a good time industry-wise to do so?, etc.).
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Jamie Marcus Aff.M.ASCE
Buffalo Grove IL
(847) 644-7242
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