Completed Fanshawe Civil Engineering Technology Advanced Diploma (3yrs 4.17/4.20 GPA) and about to start up a job at Dufferin Construction as an Estimator (I’m 22). I’m not sure if I am going to be happy with only C.E.T. designation. I feel people look at CET’s differently than a Engineer (P. Eng) and I’m not particularly fond of that. I’ve done all the high school work before to be able to do University, but was told by a professor at McMaster University I probably should start at College Level since I didn’t have the 95%+ grade average. Now I feel I’ve completely lost my edge on Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics. With the increased workload/difficulty in University (50-60 hr weeks (in college I was putting in about the same)) - I don’t know if it is actually doable to keep up and re-learn on the go. There are no partial load programs anywhere…kind of sucks in Ontario, Canada. Any advice for me or maybe some pointers. Maybe even a slap in the face?
I’m sorry you were discouraged by a McMaster prof from pursuing engineering. It sounds like you have a solid job though. As someone who has a PhD, I can tell you that more education does not = better job or easier time getting a job. My friends and sibling who went to college are in a much better job situation than I am. I know Ontario engineering graduates who had a hard time getting jobs. At a large corporation such as Dufferin, you can advance within the company. In the construction industry, it’s not necessary to have a university degree. Many successful people within Dufferin likely don’t. Put your head down, do a great job and you will be successful.
If you went back to university, it’s likely that very few of your credits would transfer. You would end up spending another 3-4 years of your life doing more studying and not earning a salary. The opportunity cost would be high and it would take a long, long time to make up for those years, if you ever could. You are in a great position now. Be happy for that.