I do software primarily, but have been thinking more and more that I would like to get a degree in an engineering field, as I am more than capable of the coursework and want to set myself up for success, regardless of whether the software industry stays hot. I also want to contribute something greater to society than code. Of the major engineering disciplines, structural seems the most interesting too me, but I worry the lack of exposure to this field will hold me back. How essential is it to have some prior experience in the industry? I’m just trying to feel things out and know where I stand. Thanks for any tips.
You can seek a second bachelors or apply to a masters program. Structural is a subdiscipline of civil engineering. If you apply to the masters program, just keep in mind that it may take longer than usual if you have to take undergrad courses to fill in the gaps.
At the schools I know of, you would need a BS in civil or architectural engineering before you could work on an MS. My dad is a civil engineering professor, and I asked him.
Civil Engineering departments tend to be more rigid in who they accept, Mechanical Engineering departments will more often take on students with a related degree fora graduate program.
You likely will have to take undergraduate physics and maybe chemistry … including some introduction to civil engineering unique classes like concrete, soils, other. By structural, do you mean construction engineer or designing buildings or designing bridges or what in particular.
I am assuming you have say a BS in computer science … many graduate engineering programs require engineering, math, physics, possibly CS backgrounds to be accepted … or you have to take undergrad classes say at your local community college until you can check all your boxes (and even that may not work, some schools just will not accept you … regardless of extra classes … unless you want to go get a full BS in engineering - which may be another approach, especially if you still live near you undergrad institution and they allow some credit for degree 1).
Acceptance to various schools would really depend on that particular school. Your goal is also a PE in civil, which might make this path harder, without a PE in civil engineering, many jobs in civil aren’t available, you need to sign drawings, approve plans, etc.
I think software will stay hot enough to provide a lot of employment, the only issue may be that there are not that many hot senior positions compared to number of junior software engineers coming in. You could also consider adding business or systems engineering to your portfolio …
It certainly would be worth a trip to your local educational institution to discuss your particular options and interests. If they say no, you can look for other possibilities … or just look for another path to career happiness.
Volunteer work can also substitute for career saving the world … as can giving money to charity, many ways to make a difference. You could write code-ish things Excel tracking of donations, email lists or web pages for many groups in your community.