<p>I am a undergrad at a polytechnic university in California and I have a few questions regarding the Construction Engineering Technology (CET) major. From what I understand the major is mix of engineering and construction management. Which FE exam would I have to take (civil, mechanical, structural) or do I pick which one I want to take? Last question, is it worth it to get a masters degree in construction management or should I get a second bachelors in engineering? Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>-xenex91</p>
<p>“Last question, is it worth it to get a masters degree in construction management or should I get a second bachelors in engineering? Thanks in advance.”</p>
<p>You should aim to do a degree in something that you could leverage to work on something actual and to give you the required basis to learn more as you go along. Studying is unproductive, because it’s not real work, plus most people would agree that a degree is just the grounding to be able to learn the stuff that’s out in the real world, but the real learning in the real world happens at work.</p>
<p>Thus I would not suggest planning to do multiple degrees, but one that you like and which is broad, and then go to work and develop your understanding while you work, because you’ll find different kinds of problems than the scenarios you saw in your coursework. While you study formally, you will not see these kinds of problems. Also, especially in engineering and science, learning is a somewhat life long activity.</p>
<p>So experience is more important than degrees in the engineering industry? I guess that makes sense. I have been trying to find internships to help me out but most of them require high gpa or previous experience. Its rough.</p>
<p>“So experience is more important than degrees in the engineering industry?”</p>
<p>Well in most cases the BS/BEng covers all that’s required to move onto the workplace and start gaining practical experience. Master’s and PhD’s are advisable only in specializations or fields where there’s some research to be done (e.g. currently nanotechnology or renewable energy systems are hot areas). And you can always go to grad school later, if you feel like it’s a good idea.</p>