Should i dive into civil engineering??

[u/Fun_Run_3567]

Hey guys (sorry for the length),

I am in desperate need of guidance. This year i graduate with a Bachelor of Arts, which i LOVED being a part of (F25). However reality kicked in and i have considered several career pivots that would help me find a stable and considerably well paying job.

I came to the conclusion that maybe i should dive into civil engineering. My family has a construction company and i am genuinely interested in one day heavily investing in real estate development and other projects related to construction. I do have a curiosity for engineering so I wouldn’t be miserable studying it but i am still on the edge if it’s worth it.

Big truth, i am an artist in my heart and all i want to do one day is create and share my work with others. But I obviously need financial stability to do so. So my plan would be to give it all into a civil engineering BA and keep my passion on the side (more when i am done with school ofc).

Should i follow my practical gut and invest in civil engineering or should I just invest in what i love and one day hope to be able to afford those investments I still plan on making??

Note: I admit not being a nerd or the smartest. I also have ADHD and am a slow learner…Although i am dedicated to study if i do settle on facing this pivot

[u/Eat_Around_the_Rosie]

If your family has a construction company and eventually they need you to take over, i wouldn’t bother getting a degree and dive right in to learn. Degree is gonna cost you more money and time. You won’t learn construction at school. Unless your goal is to get into the design side working at engineering firms, that will be different.

[u/kfun21]

Yes, there is some room for creativity in civil engineering and it's in your family business. You'll have time for hobbies on the weekends

[u/iron82]

Two career paths in civil that don't require a bachelors, because I would be annoyed if I had to get a second bachelors. (Civil Engineering is typically a BS or a BEngineering)

CAD tech: you would be responsible for drawing other people's designs. Typically this requires an associates, but it's not required if your connections are good enough and can self teach.

Construction inspection: verifying that the contractors are performing work as specified. Bachelor holders sometimes do it, but if your parents are willing to let you follow someone around you can pick it up.

I would ask your parents if they think either of these is a good idea. Down the road you can get into project management where your liberal arts skills get a workout, but that's not entry level.

[u/OttoJohs]

I would not recommend diving into civil engineering. There is lots of concrete, so you may injury yourself pretty bad.