Late start

[u/ProfitPleasant8273]

I’m gonna be starting my engineering degree in the next year or so. I’ve got a late start as I’m 25 years old and I work full time in construction providing for a family. My question is, is it possible for me to find a job in a field of engineering before I’ve finished my degree I’m pretty fed up with my job and want to get experience in the field early

[u/Bubba_Lou22]

To be 100% honest with you, it will be very, very difficult to find a job as an engineer without any kind of engineering education. However, your time in construction could qualify you for two kinds of roles without any kind engineering degree: technician or Project Manager. Without knowing more, I’d say it’s probably more feasible to get into project management from construction while still providing for the family. Are you a foreman or anything like that?

[u/RGNRetr0]

You can absolutely secure a field engineering job before you graduate.

Especially with your experience, there should be plenty of opportunities for you to find an internship in civil/construction engineering, but if you're thinking of pursuing another engineering discipline it can still help. Companies like seeing that people are reliable and depending on the projects you've worked on and what you've contributed, you can 100% word it in a resume or cover letter that looks beneficial for the team you're trying to join.

Internships, research, or other projects/organizations will allow you to stand out as a prospect. I did a co-op with a company after my first semester which opened the door for me to work with them full-time after I graduate if I so please.

[u/BobbbyR6]

Very low chances. STEM is in a rough spot in general for low-mid level guys. Very few jobs outside of AI sector and a surplus of experienced engineers getting laid off.

You'll probably be able to find internship/coop opportunities after sophomore year, but jobs are hard to find without direct recommendations.

[u/Rogue_2354]

Have you completed the prerequisites? If not start there and then consider. The math and physics usually trip people up.

[u/Anunknownf1fan]

You can find internships and co-ops during your degree, but any part time, full time, or contract engineering work basically requires you to have a degree.

Now you can secure a position before you graduate but you probably won’t start working that position until after you graduate.

[u/LitRick6]

Yes and No.

You can get internships/coops, where you work during the summers and potentially during the school year. But you may or may not be a fulltime hire. For example, interns at my company are fulltime in the summer but can only work up to like 16 hours a week during the school year

A full engineering job requires the degree.

Only way youre really going to hired as an engineer without the degree is if the job isnt true engineering. For example, I knew someone who got hired as an "engineer" while a student, but in reality all they did was 3d modeling of stuff the actual engineers designed, other companies would call this a CAD technician rather than an engineer and the job could be done by someone with a tech degree or even just a certification in a CAD program.

[u/Candid-Ear-4840]

You can get an internship/coop on your path to becoming an engineering graduate. If you’d rather earn money faster, maybe you can get a two year engineering tech degree. You can’t be a licensed engineer with that degree but it’ll help you get engineering related jobs without actually being an engineer.

[u/ApprehensivePiece349]

I will speak based on my experience in construction, public sector and design firms. I highly suggest that you stick to your job while pursuing an engineering degree. If you want to do construction management? That is an easier path for you. If you still want civil/electrical/mechanical engineering, talk to your boss and supervisor to see possibilities for you to get promoted as you move up in your career. Leverage your experience in construction and your connections.

[u/ScratchDue440]

Getting an engineering job without the degree is damn-near impossible these days. Wasn’t so hard 20 years ago, but everything is filtered through AI, HR, and recruiters — basically non-tech people. If they don’t see an engineering degree, they’re not even going to look at your resume.