Engineering graduates, but not engineers: Why and when to switch career

The long-cherished dream of almost every Bangladeshi parent is to see their children succeed in the medical or engineering fields. This aspiration is so ingrained in Bangladeshi culture that many young people see it as their destiny to work in these fields. They believe that a career in engineering or medicine will provide them with the means to achieve their ideal state of contentment and success.

But for many engineering students in Bangladesh, the reality is far different. While some students may genuinely enjoy their studies, others may have a more difficult time figuring out what it is about the subject that excites them. 

Some of these students may despise engineering and feel unsuited to a career in the field.

However, if a student finds it hard to enjoy studies in engineering, it may be worth exploring other career options. Keep reading to learn about the factors to consider when making a career change.

How an Engineering background can benefit any career

Pursuing an engineering degree can be challenging, but with a focus on time management and skill development, it can also provide valuable experience and knowledge. 

Many engineering students learn to think methodically and consistently and gain practical skills that can be applied in various careers.

Zarrin Tasnim, who graduated with a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) and currently works as a Cell Manager-FMD at BAT Bangladesh, shared her thoughts on the potential career options for engineers. 

"Engineers always have a problem-solving mindset that allows them to scrutinise any issue from the core. They not only solve it, but they are also quick. Even though I have not enjoyed it much, the process of being an engineer is actually having a positive impact on me. I cannot deny my patience grew much more while studying engineering," said Zarrin.

Exploring the motivations to switch

Engineers often become interested in switching careers because they feel that the practical application of their knowledge is lacking in their current roles. Many engineering courses heavily emphasise theoretical concepts, which can lead to demotivation for those who thrive on hands-on, experiential learning. 

By providing more opportunities for practical implementation and access to well-equipped labs, the engineering field can better retain and engage the talented individuals it needs to solve complex problems and drive innovation.

In a conversation, Farhan Faiyaz, who completed his undergraduate degree at the Islamic University of Technology and is now pursuing a master's degree in Business Analytics at UTS: University of Technology Sydney, discussed the limitations of traditional education systems. 

Faiyaz specifically mentioned that many top universities in Bangladesh require students to commit to a major early on, based on their admission exams, without providing a way for students to understand if they will enjoy that field of study fully. This can be a significant drawback, as it may be difficult for students to change their major later if they discover that they do not enjoy their chosen field. 

A career transition

Every student has different interests and aptitudes, and it's crucial to accept that. Students should consider what they are good at, what they want to accomplish in life, and what they are interested in before deciding on a major or career. It is also important for parents and society to support and encourage students to follow their passions rather than pressuring them to pursue certain careers based on societal expectations.

To help young people figure out what professional path is best for them, Farhan Faiyaz recommended they conduct extensive research and talk with experts from various majors and institutions. 

"What you might think is good might not be the best fit for you," he said. 

"And the pride of being part of a 'prestigious institution' over a major of your choice should never be the way; rather, it should be the opposite."

"Switching careers or majors is fine, but what is better is figuring out what genuinely is the best for you. The paradox lies here, and you would never know if you had never tried it. Whatever you do, make sure you're accountable, and it's your decision so that you don't have any regrets later on."

During the interview, Zarrin Tasnim stressed the importance of thoroughly investigating a company before committing to a career move and accepting a job offer since the work culture and benefits may not always be obvious from the job description. 

Companies today value trainability more than ever before since they have already prepared content for new hires' talent development. Therefore, newcomers must choose an employer who would support their development. Otherwise, by the middle of their careers, that talent will have been moulded inside a shell, making it extremely difficult for them to think creatively.

A former vice president of an international bank and an MBA graduate of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology also weighed in on the discussion. In the beginning, he studied civil engineering at BUET, but later, he switched to business and graduated from IBA, Dhaka University. Better financial perks, decision-making roles, lesser physical and mental stressors, and better professional advancement were all factors in his decision to transfer careers. He did note, though, that the job market has improved in recent years, and he advised engineers to think about switching fields later in their careers rather than at the outset.

" In any case, MBA always gives an additional skill set that enables an engineering professional to graduate to the next level of management. So, it should always be a part of their future plan."

Alternative career options for engineers

Many alternatives to traditional engineering careers may be a good fit for those with an engineering background. Some potential options are project management, consulting, teaching, sales and marketing, research and development, and entrepreneurship. 

No matter their interests and goals, there is likely a career path out there that is a good fit for engineers looking to make a change. 

These may particularly include the business side of engineering, logistics and supply chain management, sales and marketing, business and management, project management, and data analysis. These careers allow one to apply their engineering knowledge and skills in a different context while still being related to their undergraduate major. 

Concluding thoughts

Making a career shift can be intimidating, but pursuing your passions is important to lead a fulfilling life. 

It's never too late to discover what truly interests and excites you, and this journey can begin at any age. Some people may find their calling early on, while others may take longer to discover their true passions.

For those with an engineering background, versatility and problem-solving skills can be valuable in any career path. 

Engineering not only involves working with numbers but also requires making logical decisions and thinking critically. These skills can give engineering students an edge in their career search.

Ultimately, it's crucial for individuals to follow their interests and be bold in making a change if they're not enjoying their current career path. It's always possible to switch careers and find something that truly makes them happy.

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