Exploring Career Shifts with a Civil Engineering License: Coding or Business?

Having a Professional Engineer (PE) license in civil engineering while working as a fiber optic technician presents an interesting career scenario. Should you focus on coding or pursue business management? This article delves into the considerations and potential paths for both disciplines to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Your Current Position

As a fiber optic technician, you hold a valuable skill set that is crucial in the modern telecommunications industry. However, it's natural to question whether there's more you can do with your background and skills. Many find themselves in this position, engaging in a practical role that may not fully utilize their full expertise. This article aims to provide guidance on whether to venture into coding or business management, based on your current situation and future aspirations.

Fiberoptic Technician vs. Civil Engineering

The transition from a fiberoptic technician to higher-level areas like coding or business management presents unique challenges and opportunities. Fiberoptic splicing, for instance, is a detailed and precise skill that requires manual dexterity and constant practice in a potentially challenging environment. Plus, working outdoors in the heat and wind can be physically demanding. These factors may not align with a career in coding, which often requires a different set of skills and working conditions. However, business management could be a more suitable path, offering a blend of technical and managerial responsibilities that can leverage your existing knowledge and experience.

Considering a Shift to Coding

For those who are tech-savvy or academically inclined, coding can be a fun and viable career path. It offers the potential for high growth and can be very lucrative. Companies like Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google (FAANG) offer premium salaries and opportunities for fast advancement. However, it's important to note that many of these positions require significant experience and a strong background in computer science or a related field. If you're considering coding, you might need to start with entry-level positions to gain the necessary experience and then move on to more advanced roles.

Exploring Business Management

Another viable option is to pursue an MBA (Master of Business Administration), which can open doors to various managerial roles. MBA programs often emphasize practical experience, and mid-career individuals like yourself can bring valuable insights into the workplace. However, there are a few considerations. Pursuing an MBA might require you to step out of your current role as a technician and transition into a managerial role, which can be a significant shift. Moreover, your existing role might not align with management expectations, and you would likely need to transfer to a new employer.

Alternative Path: Civil Engineering

Another interesting route is to leverage your professional engineering license to return to civil engineering. With your unique background, you could consider roles such as civil engineering assistant or even sign construction plans, which would give you the experience required for higher-level certifications. This path could be a rewarding way to utilize your skills and knowledge, as it builds on your existing foundation in the industry.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Whether you pursue coding or business management, the key is to choose a path that aligns with your skills, interests, and long-term goals. Coding can be a fun and lucrative career, but it requires significant experience and a strong foundational knowledge. Business management can offer a more flexible and rewarding path, especially if you want to leverage your existing skills and experiences. Finally, leveraging your PE license in civil engineering could also be a rewarding choice, providing a way to stay in the engineering industry and build on your existing expertise.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what path will make work enjoyable and fulfilling, given your unique background and career aspirations. No matter which path you choose, ensuring it fits your professional goals will lead to a more fulfilling career journey.